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      Angry Man Utd fans say ‘this is unbelievable, he must be sacked for this’ as new angle of Spurs goal shows ace ‘give up’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have called for Diogo Dalot to be SACKED after spotting a new angle of Tottenham’s opening goal.The Red Devils were thrashed 3-0 by Spurs in front of a glum Old Trafford crowd, leaving Ten Hag’s job on the brink.Micky van de Ven dribbled past four Manchester United players with incredible pace and powerWith Diogo Dalot failing to track Spurs’ goalscorerBrennan Johnson was on hand to tap home into an empty net inside three minutesAnge Postecoglou’s side took just three minutes to open the scoring after defender Micky van de Ven produced a stunning 70-yard run to set up Brennan Johnson.The Dutch star pounced on a loose ball in his own half and surged through United’s midfield with ease, after beating Marcus Rashford’s meek press.Van de Ven burst past four United players to reach the byline before squaring a perfect low cross to the back post, where Johnson was on hand to tap into the empty net.But Johnson was able to stride into the box unchallenged with replays showing Dalot failing do the basics by not following his man.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA new angle has shown Dalot seemingly giving up on the edge of his own box, before sticking his hand up to apologise to his team-mates.And furious United fans have blasted the Portugal star, with one writing on X: “I can’t believe what I’ve just seen from Dalot.”A second said: “This is unbelievable, he must be sacked for this.”While another wrote: “Dalot’s lack of defending here is inexcusable. It’s a disgrace.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fourth added: “How can you love a player who won’t do his primary job in the third minute of the game?”Before another wrote: “He shouldn’t be wearing that jersey.”One more said: “For someone as fast as Dalot is, this is unbelievable. He can see his man. I can’t get my head around what he’s doing here.”Johnson immediately went to Van de Ven to thank him for producing one of the greatest assists from a centre-half in Prem history.Former United full-back Gary Neville said: “Absolutely brilliant. One of the best runs I’ve ever seen from a centre-back.”De Ligt starts off running too late and misreads the pace of the centre-back. It’s amazing and devastating.”But ex-United right-back Danny Simpson was equally dumbfounded by Dalot’s lack of desire to get back.He told MUTV: “I see the cross coming, and for Johnson to have that much space at the back post, I think it’s criminal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s Dalot’s position, I’m not sure whether he was inverted from midfield or at full back, and he needs to recover.”Dalot has started every game from left-back this season, slotting in with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still recovering from injury.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Bruno Fernandes reveals what James Maddison told him after Man Utd star was sent off against Tottenham

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed he was consoled by James Maddison following his sending off against Tottenham. The Manchester United captain was shown red just before the break for a knee high challenge on Maddison. Bruno Fernandes was shown red for this challenge on James MaddisonCredit: GettyThe two had an exchange after the tackleCredit: RexUnited were 1-0 down at the time and later sunk to a 3-0 loss after being reduced to ten men. Fernandes spoke out after his controversial red and claimed even Maddison disagreed with the decision. He said: “I don’t go in with the studs, it’s a clear foul but never a red card. Maddison said it is a foul but it’s not a red card. “If this is a red card we have to look at other incidents. I think it’s never a red card. READ MORE IN football “It’s a foul if he wants to give a yellow. I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen.”We find a lot of spaces but we could never connect. It wasn’t always like one touch more. We gave the ball away too many times for them to counter.”SunSport’s expert refereeing pundit Mark Hasley agreed with Fernandes that replays proved it should not have been a red. Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp, Ashley Young and Darren Bent all also took the stance that Chris Kavanagh’s decision was incorrect. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.And Fernandes added: “It was never a red card, that is my view. The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs. “No. I didn’t touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham mauling”If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case.”Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke condemned United to a disastrous defeat at home.And pressure continues to mount on manager Erik ten Hag with United 12th with three losses from their opening six games. Pressure continues to mount on manager Erik ten HagCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League releases 25-word statement on controversial Bruno Fernandes red card during Man Utd thumping by Tottenham

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a 25-word statement following the controversial decision to send off Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes during the club’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.Fernandes, 30, was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for the first time in his Man Utd career after appearing to lash out at Tottenham star James Maddison with the score 1-0.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the first time in his Man Utd careerCredit: GettyIt came after he appeared to lash out at Tottenham’s James MaddisonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils captain can be seen to lift his boot towards the knee of Maddison after slipping with his standing leg as he went to pressure the ball.An explanation for the decision came from the Premier League’s Match Centre on social media.The statement read: “The referee issued a red card to Fernandes for a challenge on Maddison. The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of serious foul play.”Fernandes faced the music and raged against the decision in an interview with Sky Sports following the game, admitting it was a foul but “never a red card”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portuguese also claimed that Maddison admitted it was also not a red card – with the pair seen conversing as Fernandes walked off the pitch.He said: “I just wanted to come and talk and be myself because my team-mates deserve that for what they have done in the game playing with one man less – particularly as I was the man sent off, the one that let them down.  “I think we struggled a bit and then the red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game, but it wasn’t possible. “The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, a lot of fight. They tried. It wasn’t easy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”No one likes to be sent off. It’s not a good feeling. We end up conceding another two goals.”I don’t go in with the studs, it’s a clear foul but never a red card. Maddison said it is a foul but it’s not a red card. Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham mauling”If this is a red card we have to look at other incidents. I think it’s never a red card. It’s a foul if he wants to give a yellow. “I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen.’Rules on ‘serious foul play’According to the FA’s rulebook, serious foul play is defined as being: “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”United had gone down inside three minutes through Brennan Johnson before the 42nd-minute sending-off.Things went from bad to worse in the second half, with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scoring to pile on the misery for Erik ten Hag’s side, who have now lost back-to-back home league games 3-0.On the incident, Ten Hag added: “The red card changes the game. I don’t think it was a red card.”The decision to send him off proved controversial, with Jamie Redknapp, Ashley Young and Darren Bent saying it was harsh.MARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.Asked if he deserved to go for an early bath, Redknapp replied: “No, he slips, his feet go under him. I think it is a yellow card.”Young added: “I don’t think it’s serious foul play or it’s reckless. Yes, he is out of control, but he slips, I don’t think he goes to take out Maddison.”And Bent reacted: “First time I saw it I thought that it was naughty. But he slips and it is more petulant than anything. It is a poor decision, a bad one, a poor one.”Under-fire Ten Hag said he would continue to back his captain ahead of the game: “Every season it’s the same and at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Bruno created the most chances in the PL and scored a lot of goals. I’m not worried.”Fernandes will now miss games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Tottenham slam their own fans for ‘hugely offensive’ homophobic chanting during Man Utd game

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur have slammed their owns fans for “hugely offensive” homophobic chanting during their game against Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes saw red as Spurs cruised past the misfiring Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford and increased the heat on manager Erik ten Hag.Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half against SpursCredit: ReutersThe homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyBut homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.It is understood to have read: “Dom Solanke is f*** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again.”A club statement said: “The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today.”This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.Read more Sports News”The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy.”Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.”We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.”We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away.Most read in Football”However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter was a chance for these top-four hopefuls to kickstart campaigns that had begun in similarly topsy-turvy fashion.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs TottenhamBut a month that started for United with a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool ended in another Old Trafford loss by the same scoreline as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke struck for Spurs.Skipper Fernandes’ sending off for a challenge on James Maddison at the end of a one-sided first half compounded matters, ruling him out of next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa and two further matches.Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount also went off injured on a nightmare afternoon for Ten Hag, who is under the spotlight as United head to Porto and Villa Park before the international break.As for Ange Postecoglou, they impressed without injured star Son Heung-min and won consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since March. More

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      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

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      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. 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      Tottenham 3 Qarabag 0: Dominic Solanke spares Radu Dragusin’s blushes after bonkers red card in Europa League clash

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      RADU DRAGUSIN’S early red card was so sloppy fans may have suspected he wanted to beat the traffic.But it proved a minor bump in the road as ten-man Tottenham motored to victory on their return to Europe in this heavily-delayed Europa League opener.Dominic Solanke was on fire as he ensured Spurs hit a bullseye on their Europa League openerCredit: RexRadu Dragusin was sent off just seven minutes into the gameCredit: ReutersBrennan Johnson opened the scoring after Solanke set up himCredit: ReutersPape Matar Sarr, bottom, netted from a cornerCredit: AFPTravel chaos involving the trains and major roads meant Qarabag did not arrive from their Stratford hotel until 7.45pm.It pushed the tie’s kick-off off back until 8.35pm – 35 minutes later than planned.The hold-up seemed to affect Dragusin’s concentration as he was caught in possession by Juninho and then hauled down the Brazilian, earning a seventh-minute sending-off.Spurs shrugged off the setback though as Brennan Johnson scored for the third match running just five minutes later.Pape Matar Sarr doubled the lead soon after the break, shortly before Tural Bayramov’s woeful spot-kick hit the bar from the visitors, and then Dominic Solane made it three.Qarabag were staying just six-and-a-half miles away in Stratford yet the issues on the road and train lines meant they were late and had to have a police escort for their final mile.Uefa regulations stipulate that both teams need to be at the ground 75 minutes before kick-off so a warning is set to come the Azerbaijani champions’ way.The wait affected their hosts more though as Dragusin allowed a routine Micky van de Ven pass run across his body, allowing Juninho to steal it off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSQarabag’s jet-heeled forward then raced away and Dragusin could have taken his chances given how early it was in the game.But instead the Romanian brought Juninho down and was rightly shown his marching orders – earning Spurs’ earliest Euro dismissal.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showYet Spurs had the lead on 12 minutes after their electric press won the ball back, allowing Solanke to slip in Johnson.The Welshman’s finish was as convincing as the two others he produced against Coventry and Brentford in the last eight days.Qarabag’s man advantage started to tell as the half wore on and Spurs had a fortunate escape when Juninho somehow fired a sitter wide from eight yards.Half-time came at the right time and eight minutes after it, Sarr volleyed home a second after Qarabag failed to clear an inswinging corner from interval sub Dejan Kulusevski. The visitors had a golden chance to get back into the game when Yves Bissouma was adjudged to have felled Elvin Jafarguliyev in the box, but Bayramov ballooned the spot-kick.Qarabag squandered a number of other good chances, with Juninho hitting the post and Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario making a number of top stops.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they paid for it as Solanke was right on time in this delayed encounter to turn home a rebound after Son Heung-min’s shot was spilled.One concern for Spurs was captain Son Heung-min coming off with some discomfort after unleashing the shot that was parried into Solanke’s path for the third goal.Solanke proved he had not bit off more than he could chewCredit: GettyBut there was one late concern as Heung-Min Son left the pitch in some discomfortCredit: Rex More

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      Watch as Tottenham star Radu Dragusin sent off for moment of madness just SEVEN MINUTES into Europa League tie

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      RADU DRAGUSIN was sent off after just SEVEN minutes in Tottenham’s Europa League opener against Qarabag.The Romanian was brought into central defence to play alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of defence.Radu Dragusin was sent off after just seven minutes against QarabagCredit: RexDragusin was caught sleeping on the ball by Juninho before he took down the Qarabag attackerIt left referee Willy Delajod with no choice but to send him off for a last-man foulIt made Dragusin the first ever player for Spurs to be sent off on their Europa League debutHowever, just seven minutes into Spurs’ Europa League, Dragusin was sent for an early shower.It came as he was caught sleeping on the ball by live-wire forward Juninho.After poking the ball away from Dragusin, Juninho managed to get his body across Dragusin before tumbling to the floor after a trip and the pulling of his shirt.The foul left French official Willy Delajod with no choice but to send him off for a last-man foul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt made Dragusin the first player ever to be sent off on their Europa League debut for Tottenham.Youngster Lucas Bergvall was sacrificed in favour of Destiny Udogie by manager Ange Postecoglou as part of a tactical switch in putting Ben Davies to centre-back to ensure Spurs kept a steady defence.But a moment later, the North London side showed their fangs by pouncing on some sloppy play by Qarabag.Dominic Solanke stole the ball high up the pitch before slipping in Brennan Johnson to his right, who then side-footed a shot into the far left bottom corner to make it 1-0 to the home side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt represented Johnson’s third goal in as many games. The match had been delayed by 35 minutes after Qarabag were caught in traffic on their way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss, X Sky Sports PLBut it made no difference to Tottenham, who played out a 3-0 win with Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke getting on the scoresheet.New Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years. More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Qarabag DELAYED as fans face frantic rush to get to stadium amid travel chaos

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League opener against Qarabag was severely delayed due to travel chaos.The Azerbaijani side were staying in Stratford but did not turn up to Spurs’ stadium until 7.45pm due to serious traffic.Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag FK has been delayedCredit: PAThat was only 15 minutes before the planned kick-off – which was then pushed back to 8.35pm.Qarabag’s coach ended up having a police escort for the last mile of their 12-mile journey.While their late arrival could land them in hot water with Uefa, whose regulations state that both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off, as per article 54.01.But because this is their first offence this season, the club and their coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely only get a warning from European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN football Travel to Spurs was a nightmare due to a multitude of reasons.Part of the A10, the major road in the area, was closed, while for supporters coming from the south there were major delays on the M25.A person hit by train at Tottenham Hale train station meant many Greater Anglia trains were cancelled between there and Broxbourne.And there were severely limited trains coming in from the Hertfordshire direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGurbanov’s reigning Azerbaijani champions were not the only ones to get caught out by the issues.TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle abandoned their car and legged it down the street to make it in time for the start of their coverage.Ex-Spurs striker Crouch, 43, said: “Hopefully (the Qarabag team) ran down the High Road like me and Glenn! We gave up wit the car.”Tottenham legend Hoddle, 66, added: “Peter and I limped.”Qarabag are not the first to be caught out by the congested roads in N17.Spurs’ last European fixture – the last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan in March 2022 – kicked off ten minutes later than planned due to both sides being held up in traffic.It made Spurs’ fans wait an extra 35 minutes for their first European game in 18 months, who named a strong line-up.Captain Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all started up top, the latter two having netted in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.There were still six changes though, which saw 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall make their first European starts of their respective careers.Boss Ange Postecoglou, managing his first Spurs game in Europe, said: “It is going to be a great experience for our young players. It is different to domestic competition and they will learn a lot.”Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown great energy. They want to make a career for themselves and my responsibility is to give them opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For a club like us, all these competitions are important. We have not had success for a very long time.“For a club our size, not winning becomes a millstone around your neck and you have to win something to release that.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face Mourinho More