Sports Buzz

Tag: title twist

  • ‘One title in 33 years’: PL great slams ‘arrogant’ Liverpool star after stinging Utd sledge

    ‘One title in 33 years’: PL great slams ‘arrogant’ Liverpool star after stinging Utd sledge

    Manchester United legend Roy Keane has blasted Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk after the latter claimed there was “only one team trying to win” as the two clubs played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

    The Red Devils made the trip to Merseyside on the back of a humiliating Champions League exit in which they came last in their group, heaping even more pressure on embattled United boss Erik ten Hag.

    Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

    However, United showed plenty of fight and spirit against Liverpool to keep a clean sheet and take a valuable point but Diogo Dalot got himself sent off for dissent in second half stoppage time.

    Although it was a much-needed result for United against a fancied opponent, Liverpool’s Van Dijk took aim at the club for its negative approach to the contest.

    “There was only one team trying to win the game,” Van Dijk said.

    “Unfortunately it didn’t happen. We want to win every game, especially a team like them.

    “It’s frustrating as we were superior in all aspects and they were just hoping on the counter attack to hurt us. In the end they are buzzing with a point and we are disappointed with a point.

    Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wasn’t happy with United’s approach to the clash. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MORE COVERAGE

    PL Wrap: New table leaders again as title race takes another twist after shock defiance

    Just too much? Expanded Club World Cup plans revealed as fears for player safety emerge

    How ‘toxic’ Man Utd hit record low … and why $2.5bn shake-up could change everything

    “They aren’t in the best phase so coming here you have to worry about the threat we have. But we should have won today. There are big games coming up and we won’t dwell on it.”

    Van Dijk’s comments riled up Keane, who did punditry work on the fixture for Sky Sports.

    And the United legend wasted little time in giving Van Dijk a history lesson while also claiming the Dutchman’s “arrogance” wasn’t a great look on him.

    “There’s a lot of arrogance coming out of him, dissing Manchester United like that,” Keane said.

    “He needs reminding that he is playing for a club that has won one title in 30-odd years.

    “Manchester United are in a difficult place, just like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many years. So maybe that arrogance backfired on him today.

    “He needs to remember where he is coming from. One title in 33 years?

    “He said Man United were buzzing and one team came to play. Yeah, I’ve come to Anfield many times with Manchester United where Liverpool were in a tough place and were happy with a draw.

    Manchester United secured a much-needed result away to Liverpool. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP

    “The bottom line is that the most important stat is the scoreline. Liverpool had chances and didn’t take them. That’s their own fault.”

    The draw meant Liverpool lost their hold on top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal after the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

    In a further title twist, the two sides will collide on Sunday at Anfield.

    Should Liverpool and Arsenal play out a draw, it could also allow Aston Villa to sneak through into top spot.

    Unai Emery’s side came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 and face last-placed Sheffield United at Villa Park, a venue where Villa have won 15 consecutive league games.

    As for Manchester United, the draw kept them within touching distance of the Champions League spots as they sit in seventh on 28 points, six behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

    Source link

  • NBA ‘scapegoat’ sends message to Lakers as contender ‘exposed’; title twist as superstars go down: Wrap

    NBA ‘scapegoat’ sends message to Lakers as contender ‘exposed’; title twist as superstars go down: Wrap

    Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis star guard Ja Morant suffered serious injuries that threatened to disrupt two title contenders on Sunday in NBA playoff series-opening defeats.

    The Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Morant’s absence late in the fourth quarter for a late surge that produced a 128-112 victory at Memphis while the top-seeded host Bucks, who lost their Greek star in the first quarter, fell 130-117 to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat.

    Who will win it all? Watch the NBA Playoffs and every game of the NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

    Morant screams in agony after nasty fall | 00:41

    Mon, 17 Apr

    Monday April 17th

    But injury fears for Antetokounmpo and Morant, two of the NBA’s most electrifying stars, were amplified by upset home losses for their clubs in best-of-seven first round openers.

    Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds a game this season for an NBA-best 58-24 Bucks squad while Morant averaged 26.2 points for a Grizzlies team that was 51-31.

    Morant hurt his already-sore right hand midway into the fourth quarter trying to brace a hard landing to a high fall after contact while driving to the basket.

    Morant’s taped right hand took the impact. Morant rose and ran off to the locker room, grabbing his sore hand and screaming as he exited after scoring 18 points.

    “I’m in a good bit of pain,” Morant said after the game, declaring his status was “in jeopardy” for game two on Wednesday. “Feels like it’s one thing after another.”

    Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game that x-rays on Morant’s right hand were negative but he would likely be kept out of workouts, his status “one game at a time.” At Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo went onto the floor in the first quarter after defensive contact on a move to the hoop and suffered a lower back bruise that ended his night with game two in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo injured during Game One. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

    “We’ll monitor him,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, who added an x-ray came back “clear” on Antetokounmpo.

    “We have to wait and see what the doctors say… you’ve got to take it day by day and see how he’s doing and how he feels.”

    The Heat, among the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting teams this season, made 15-of-25 from beyond the arc at Milwaukee.

    Jimmy Butler led Miami with 35 points and 11 assists while Bam Adebayo added 22 points and Kevin Love had 18 off the bench. Gabe Vincent was 4-of-5 from 3-point range and Love was 4-of-7 on 3-pointers.

    With Antetokounmpo scoring only eight points, Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 33 points and Bobby Portis added 21 off the bench.

    While the Bucks had gone 11-8 in games without Antetokounmpo this season, the Heat led by as many as 15 points with the big man gone.

    Miami suffered its own injury setback when guard Tyler Herro suffered a broken right hand diving for a loose ball in the final seconds of the second quarter and did not return for the second half.

    Herro is reportedly set to be sidelined for between four and six weeks.

    Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds a game this season, ranking in the NBA’s top five in both categories for a Bucks squad that had an NBA-best 58-24 record.

    Memphis ranked second in the Western Conference at 51-31 and Morant averaged 26.2 points a game.

    Herro averaged 20.1 points a game for the Heat this season.

    – Clippers defeat Suns –

    Kawhi Leonard scored 13 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter to spark the Los Angeles Clippers to a 115-110 victory at Phoenix in their series opener.

    Russell Westbrook, who the Lakers traded to their city rivals in February, had nine points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three blocked shots, the biggest on Devin Booker in the final seconds to help seal victory.

    Kevin Durant had 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds but suffered his first loss since joining the Suns from Brooklyn.

    Aussie Jock Landale impressed in his eight minutes off the bench. He scored four points to go with a block and two rebounds.

    Clippers forward Paul George was out with a sprained right knee and is questionable for the playoffs.

    – Lakers stun Grizzlies to send statement –

    Japan’s Rui Hachimura came off the Lakers bench to match an NBA record for reserve playoff scoring with 29 points while a closing 30-11 LA run.

    “That’s probably the best game he has had in his career,” Memphis’ Desmond Bane said of Hachimura.

    “Let’s see if he can do it again on Wednesday.”

    Austin Reaves, making his playoff debut, scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers after Memphis opened the period with an 11-2 run for a 101-98 lead.

    Anthony Davis had 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots for the Lakers while LeBron James contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists and D’Angelo Russell added 19 points and a game-high seven assists.

    It was the first time since 1988 the Lakers had four players with 20 or more points in a playoff game.

    Jaren Jackson led Memphis with 31 points.

    – Nuggets smash Wolves in opener –

    The top-seeded Denver Nuggets saw all five starters score 13 points or more, with Jamal Murray top-scoring with 24, in a 109-80 demolition of Minnesota.

    The Timberwolves, who had to win a do-or-die play-in game against the Thunder just days ago, were clearly outmatched with a 32-14 third quarter the Nuggets’ way proving the difference.

    Nikola Jokic played just 28 minutes and had 13 points, 14 rebounds and six assists.

    Source link

  • Why Reds star is ‘undroppable’; City come back down to earth: PL Talking Pts

    Why Reds star is ‘undroppable’; City come back down to earth: PL Talking Pts

    Two moments of stoppage-time madness helped Arsenal return to the Premier League summit, although they were certainly aided by a misfiring Manchester City.

    An England star’s absurd goalscoring return since the World Cup continues to help Manchester United’s top four surge while two wins in two for Liverpool has their fans believing once again.

    Catch up on the weekend that was in the latest edition of Premier League Talking Points!

    Son on scoresheet as Spurs do Hammers | 00:55

    MORE COVERAGE

    PL Wrap: Red-hot star rescues ‘rubbish’ Man Utd; under-pressure coach’s woes deepen

    PL Wrap: City star blasts ‘unacceptable’ result as late Arsenal drama provides major title twist

    ‘Don’t think they’re right’: Chelsea boss fires back at fans calling for his head after shock defeat

    GUNNERS SHOW CHAMPION MENTALITY IN FIVE-MINUTE MADNESS

    As if losing to Manchester City just 63 hours earlier wasn’t bad enough, Arsenal found themselves on the ropes again at Aston Villa on Saturday.

    Mikel Arteta’s side trailed to Ollie Watkins’ opener, equalised through Bukayo Saka, then fell behind again to Philippe Coutinho’s strike.

    With their title dreams starting to fade, Arsenal proved they have the character needed to cope with the strain of slugging it out with serial winners City.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko, lured from City in the close-season, blasted Arsenal level before an incredible denouement.

    Deep into stoppage-time, Jorginho’s shot hit the bar and cannoned back into play before striking Villa’s former Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez on the head and rebounding into the net for an own goal.

    Arteta and his players celebrated with abandon and Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up a crucial victory with virtually the last kick.

    Arsenal’s first win in five games in all competitions gave them renewed belief that a first title since 2004 is still on the cards.

    “I think the last five minutes tell me how much we want it and that we have the quality, the unity and the belief that we can do it,” Arteta said.

    “When we have clarity and intentions and we raise the level we can beat anybody and they’ve done it.”

    Arsenal back on top after downing Villa | 00:58

    LIVERPOOL STAR BECOMING ‘UNDROPPABLE’ AMID TOP FOUR CHARGE

    After failing to register a win in 2023, it was all doom and gloom at Anfield.

    But now, the mood has certainly lifted at Liverpool after two wins in two games.

    Critics may have pointed out that a Merseyside Derby triumph over Everton came against a side mired in a fight for survival, but there was nothing to dispute about the win over Newcastle.

    Two goals in seven minutes was all it took for Jurgen Klopp’s side to take the advantage over Newcastle at St. James Park, although the hosts did themselves no favours when Nick Pope was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.

    With the 2-0 win, Liverpool handed Newcastle their first loss at home and just their second league defeat all season long.

    Ironically, it was the Reds who gave the Magpies their only two league defeats although they had a late, late winner from Fabio Carvalho to thank for the first win.

    This time around, it was the Darwin Nunez show.

    Has Darwin Nunez finally turned a corner for Liverpool? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The Uruguayan has struggled at various times this season, whether that be the various missed chances or a red card in one of his very first games since moving in a $A112m deal from Benfica in the summer.

    His goal return in the Premier League also hasn’t quite been what Liverpool had hoped for given the large fee, with just six goals to his name so far.

    But his strike against Newcastle, according to The Athletic’s Caoimhe O’Neill, “might well be his most important” and indicate Nunez may finally be turning a corner.

    “It was a composed finish from Nunez, who looks like he is coming into his best form so far this season, and his timing could not be better with a top four race now alive and Real Madrid to come in the Champions League,” O’Neill wrote.

    O’Neill also described the Uruguayan sharpshooter as “becoming an undroppable figure in Liverpool’s attack.”

    With Liverpool now back in the hunt for a top four spot and Nunez firing, we can’t discount Klopp’s side just yet.

    Jurgen Klopp’s side are finding form at just the right time. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    CITY BROUGHT BACK TO EARTH AS WAYWARD ATTACK EXPOSED

    Manchester City’s brief spell at the top came to a frustrating end as Chris Wood’s 84th minute equaliser punished the champions for a series of missed chances in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

    Pep Guardiola’s side had knocked Arsenal off top spot with a 3-1 win in north London on Wednesday and, although the Gunners had reclaimed pole position with their win at Aston Villa, City would have finished the weekend in first place if they had beaten Forest.

    They were on course to do just that when Bernardo Silva fired them ahead in the 40th minute.

    But Erling Haaland hit the bar and blazed the rebound over before missing another golden opportunity as City stumbled.

    Although they are now two points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand, City defender Kyle Walker warned the Gunners that his team will not give up on a fifth title in six seasons.

    “We’re not down and we’re not out, we’ll keep going and keep fighting until the very end and put this down as a blip,” he said.

    “It’s not ideal trailing Arsenal. We just need to make sure that these performances don’t happen again, we finish our chances and defend well as a team, and we stick together.”

    Forrest stun City with late equaliser | 01:05

    ENGLAND STAR’S ABSURD FORM SPARKS RED DEVILS FORM

    Marcus Rashford is spearheading Manchester United’s bid to win a first piece of silverware since 2017.

    United forward Rashford scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win against Leicester at Old Trafford, lifting his third placed side to within five points of Arsenal.

    Rashford has scored 24 times in all competitions for United this season, the highest goal tally he has ever managed in a single campaign.

    Remarkably, 16 of those goals have come in 17 appearances since he returned from the World Cup in December.

    “It’s a nice feeling to be scoring goals and ultimately winning games,” Rashford said.

    “There’s always something to push for and look forward to. I don’t feel like slowing down, I’m just trying to improve.”

    Rashford will be the key for United in a pivotal week featuring the League Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday and the second leg of the Europa League knockout play-off against Barcelona on Thursday, with the tie balanced at 2-2.

    Source link

  • Rashford rescues ‘rubbish’ Utd as absurd scoring run continues; Hammers’ woes deepen: PL Wrap

    Rashford rescues ‘rubbish’ Utd as absurd scoring run continues; Hammers’ woes deepen: PL Wrap

    Erik ten Hag said Marcus Rashford helped Manchester United recover from a “rubbish” start as the England forward’s double inspired a 3-0 win against Leicester.

    Rashford has been the key to United’s impressive form in Ten Hag’s first season and the England forward proved too hot for Leicester to handle at Old Trafford.

    Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

    “Leicester played brilliant in the first half but second we were rubbish. We were really inconsequential, undisciplined. It was only by David de Gea that we kept our clean-sheet,” Ten Hag said.

    “We repaired some stuff and the second half was brilliant. It was the way I wanted to see our team playing.”

    Rashford has scored 24 times in all competitions for United this season, the highest goal tally he has ever managed in a single campaign.

    Remarkably, 16 of those goals have come in 17 appearances since he returned from the World Cup in December.

    “He’s getting in the right position, but don’t forget our team because they are team goals,” Ten Hag said.

    Rashford scored yet again for United. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MORE COVERAGE
    PL Wrap: City star blasts ‘unacceptable’ result as late Arsenal drama provides major title twist

    ‘Don’t think they’re right’: Chelsea boss fires back at fans calling for his head after shock defeat

    Matildas send massive World Cup statement in stunning win over giants Spain

    After drawing 2-2 at Barcelona on Thursday, Ten Hag made five changes to freshen up his team ahead of their pivotal week.

    David De Gea made a superb save to deny Harvey Barnes in the early stages after the Leicester winger surged onto Kelechi Iheanacho’s pass.

    Only De Gea was keeping United afloat and the Spaniard plunged to his right to make a brilliant stop from Iheanacho’s stooping header.

    Fittingly, De Gea finished with his 180th United clean-sheet, moving him level with Peter Schmeichel’s all time record for the club.

    After Leicester’s barrage, they were hit with a Rashford sucker punch in the 25th minute.

    Bruno Fernandes’s deft pass with the outside of his boot exposed Leicester’s creaky offside trap, and Rashford sprinted clear to fire a clinical finish into the far corner from 12 yards.

    Rashford’s speed and movement made him unplayable at times and he doubled United’s lead in the 56th minute.

    Accelerating onto Fred’s pass, Rashford guided a composed finish past Ward, with his celebrations briefly halted by an offside flag that was overturned by VAR.

    Leicester were in disarray and Jadon Sancho put the result beyond doubt in the 61st minute when the substitute slotted home from Fernandes’s pass.

    Forrest stun City with late equaliser | 01:05

    SON FIRES SPURS TO CRUCIAL THREE POINTS

    Son Heung-min produced the perfect response after being dropped as the South Korea forward came off the bench to seal Tottenham’s 2-0 win against West Ham on Sunday.

    Son has struggled badly this season and his poor form convinced Tottenham’s absentee boss Antonio Conte to axe him for the Premier League clash.

    Prior to this weekend, the 30-year-old had scored in only four matches this season.

    But Son made his point to Conte as he came off the bench to net Tottenham’s second goal after Emerson Royal put the hosts ahead in the second half.

    Tottenham’s win over their struggling London rivals lifted them one point above Newcastle into fourth place, although the Magpies have a game in hand.

    Conte was watching on television back home in Italy after deciding he had returned too soon following his gallbladder surgery, with assistant coach Cristian Stellini taking instructions from his recuperating manager.

    It was a much-needed victory for Tottenham, who were thrashed at Leicester last weekend, then lost 1-0 at AC Milan in the Champions league last 16 first leg.

    Just 46 seconds had gone when West Ham went close through Jarrod Bowen, who hit a half-volley just wide.

    Heung-Min Son scored just his fifth goal of the season for Spurs. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Tottenham were angered when a VAR check ruled that Richarlison’s shot, which clearly struck Thilo Kehrer’s out-stretched hand, was not worthy of a penalty.

    Tottenham struggled to find any rhythm as the half wore on and their first shot on target from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg drew sarcastic cheers from frustrated fans.

    Richarlison has struggled to make an impact since his £60 million ($72 million) move to Tottenham from Everton last year, scoring just two goals.

    The Brazilian’s lack of form was evident again when he took a poor angle from Harry Kane’s pass, losing his position and allowing Lukasz Fabianski to save.

    Richarlison shot straight at Fabianski again early in the second half, but Tottenham finally made their territorial dominance count in the 56th minute.

    Ben Davies’s pass split the West Ham defence and Emerson showed unexpected composure for a player with just one goal this season as the right-back drilled a confident finish past Fabianski from just inside the area.

    Fraser Forster preserved Tottenham’s lead moments later with a fine save from Bowen’s powerful drive.

    Son’s exile ended when he came on for Richarlison in the 67th minute and he was on the scoresheet within five minutes.

    Kane’s superb pass took two West Ham defenders out of the game and Son’s touch was perfect as he controlled deftly before slotting past Fabianski from 12 yards.

    Source link

  • ‘Don’t think they’re right’: Chelsea boss fires back at fans calling for his head after shock defeat

    ‘Don’t think they’re right’: Chelsea boss fires back at fans calling for his head after shock defeat

    Graham Potter insisted he is not at fault for Chelsea’s woes as the struggling Blues hit a new low in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Southampton.

    Potter’s side were beaten by the Premier League’s bottom club, who took the points home from Stamford Bridge thanks to a trademark free-kick from James Ward-Prowse late in the first half.

    Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

    Southampton won for just the second time in the league since October, leaving hapless Chelsea’s winless run in the league at four matches.

    Chelsea struggled to create clear chances and were booed off by frustrated fans at the end of an eighth goalless effort in their last 13 games.

    With the pressure mounting on Potter, who was only hired to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel in September, the former Brighton boss launched a stout defence of his credentials.

    “After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable,” Potter said.

    “We’ve had a tough period, we’ve had lots of challenges, integrating young players into the Premier League. Whilst results don’t go your way, it can be tough.

    “I’m sure there will be people out there who will think I’m the problem. I don’t think they’re right.

    Potter cut a frustrated figure during Chelsea’s shock loss to Southampton. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MORE COVERAGE
    PL Wrap: City star blasts ‘unacceptable’ result as late Arsenal drama provides major title twist

    $8.75b bidding war stuns PL as Britain’s richest man vows to make Man Utd ‘No. 1 in the world again’

    ‘Deeply saddened’: Football world in mourning as body of ex-PL star found after earthquake

    “I’m not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn’t worth articulating. My job is to help the team keeping working through a tough period.”

    Chelsea spent more than $AUD525 million on new signings in the January transfer window, but Potter is yet to turn that huge investment into an improvement in results.

    Aware of the talk that he could be facing the sack, Potter conceded Chelsea’s latest loss, coming days after a 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last 16 first leg, was another blow.

    “The truth is we took a step back in our performance in the first half. The response in the second half was good, but not good enough,” he said.

    Potter’s Chelsea has won just two games from their last 15. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP

    “When we’ve lost 1-0 at home to Southampton, with the greatest respect to them, it isn’t good enough. The first half was as much my responsibility as anybody’s. I thought the performance wasn’t good.”

    Potter’s problems were compounded by a serious injury to captain Cesar Azpilicueta in the second half, with the defender leaving the pitch on a stretcher with an oxygen mask after being kicked in the head by Sekou Mara.

    “He’s in hospital. He’s conscious, he was speaking to his wife. We are obviously really concerned. He’s in the best place and we’ll keep monitoring him,” Potter said.

    “I think he was unconscious. We have to take all the precautions we need to take now. It was worrying. It was a horrible incident.”

    Source link

  • City star blasts ‘unacceptable’ result as late Arsenal drama provides major title twist: PL Wrap

    City star blasts ‘unacceptable’ result as late Arsenal drama provides major title twist: PL Wrap

    Arsenal regained pole position in the Premier League title race on Saturday as the Gunners fought back for a thrilling 4-2 victory at Aston Villa, while Manchester City were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

    Just three days after surrendering first place with a 3-1 defeat against City, Arsenal bounced back in impressive style to move two points clear of the champions.

    Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

    With just minutes left at Villa Park, Mikel Arteta’s side were in danger of slipping up again in their bid to win the title for the first time since 2004.

    Arsenal twice trailed to goals from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho, only for Bukayo Saka and then Oleksandr Zinchenko to haul them level.

    Deep into second half stoppage-time, Arsenal received a helping hand from their former keeper as Emiliano Martinez inadvertently deflected Jorginho’s shot into his own net after it hit the bar.

    Gabriel Martinelli capped Arsenal’s remarkable escape when he tapped into the empty net in the final seconds after Martinez was caught upfield at a Villa corner.

    “We are back with more belief than before because you have to turn performances into results,” Arteta said.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta celebrates with the travelling Gunners support after a crucial win against Aston Villa. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MORE COVERAGE

    Britain’s richest man and Qatar make rival offers for Man Utd in $8.75 billion bidding war

    ‘Deeply saddened’: Football world in mourning as body of ex-PL star found after earthquake

    Veteran ref quits Premier League after howler turned title race and left Arsenal raging

    “Win in any context. We’ve always talked about that. Today we had a really difficult context, especially with what happened after five minutes.

    “The team showed a lot of emotional qualities that are needed. I’m really happy.”

    Arsenal’s first victory in five games in all competitions will give them renewed belief they can pip City to the title.

    The Gunners, who have a game in hand on the champions, were given a massive boost by their title rivals’ stumble just hours later.

    CITY LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES AS PLUCKY FOREST FRUSTRATE

    Bernardo Silva put Pep Guardiola’s men ahead four minutes before half-time, taking Jack Grealish’s pass in his stride and drilling a clinical finish past Keylor Navas from 20 yards.

    But the tension mounted as City searched for a second goal and Guardiola was booked for manhandling the fourth official after Erling Haaland’s penalty appeal was rejected following Joe Worrall’s challenge.

    City were undone by their profligacy as Haaland’s drive hit the bar before the Norway star blazed the rebound over.

    Haaland missed another chance moments later and Forest made the champions pay with their first shot on target in the 84th minute.

    Morgan Gibbs-White fired a low ball across the area and New Zealand striker Chris Wood tapped into an empty net to leave Guardiola stunned.

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was booked for his protests to the referee in his side’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP

    Guardiola conceded City were the victims of their own downfall after such sloppy finishing.

    “It was a brilliant performance, we played really good but we didn’t score. At this level you have to score and that is why we dropped points,” he said.

    “The first half should already be 2-0 or 3-0, we conceded one shot on target and we dropped points. We are sad and disappointed but the way we played was really good.

    “We missed goals that were one metre to the goalkeeper, not just one, a few. That is why we didn’t win. What can I say?”

    City defender Kyle Walker was equally frustrated at the result.

    “I’m not blaming anyone,” Walker told Match of the Day.

    “If the strikers aren’t getting the luck or hitting the target, us as a defensive unit need to hang onto the 1-0 victory and secure the three points.

    “We know that’s not acceptable. That’s not me being downbeat but we’ve set such high standards over the last few years that it should be four or five nil, game done and we move onto the next game.”

    CHELSEA STUNNED BY LAST-PLACED SAINTS IN MAJOR UPSET

    Under-fire Chelsea boss Graham Potter suffered another blow as bottom of the table Southampton won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

    James Ward-Prowse scored his 17th Premier League free-kick — one behind David Beckham’s record in the competition — to give Southampton the lead in first half stoppage-time.

    Stuart Armstrong was fouled on the edge of the area and with Saints fans chanting Ward-Prowse’s name, the midfielder curled a superb set-piece past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

    Chelsea were booed off at full-time after a result that left them languishing in 10th place, with just two wins in their last 14 games in all competitions and none in their last five.

    Chelsea boss Graham Potter is under pressure after the Blues slipped to a shock defeat to lowly Southampton. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    DYCHE DELIGHT AS TOFFEES BEAT RELEGATION RIVALS LEEDS

    Everton moved out of the relegation zone with a valuable 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Leeds at Goodison Park.

    Seamus Coleman netted in the 64th minute when Everton’s veteran defender hooked over a cross that caught out Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, who left a gap at his near post for the ball to squeeze into the net.

    Sean Dyche’s side have won two of their three matches since he replaced the sacked Frank Lampard and now sit one point above the bottom three, while managerless Leeds are in 19th place.

    FULL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

    Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal

    Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace

    Wolves 0-1 Bournemouth

    Brighton 0-1 Fulham

    Everton 1-0 Leeds United

    Chelsea 0-1 Southampton

    Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester City

    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool

    Source link

  • EPL LIVE: Gunners face Man City in table-topping clash but Haaland in doubt

    EPL LIVE: Gunners face Man City in table-topping clash but Haaland in doubt

    Manchester City travel to league leaders Arsenal for a massive top-of-the-table clash on Thursday morning (6.30am AEDT).

    City may have the threat of being stripped of league titles hanging over them, but Pep Guardiola’s men are back in the race to win a fifth Premier League crown in seven years on the pitch.

    Victory will lift them to the top of the table on goal difference, overtaking a high-flying Gunners side that started the season in brilliant fashion before their lead was slowly clawed back.

    “Of course, an important one, everyone knows it, we know it and we have to try to perform well,” said Guardiola on the massive clash.

    “It will be a big, big battle in every department. You have to be ready.”

    Follow all the action in our live blog below.

    Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

    Bayern keep Messi at bay | 00:47

    Erling Haaland is an injury doubt after coming off at halftime of Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa with a knock to his thigh.

    “We train this afternoon and we will see,” said Guardiola when asked for an update on the Premier League’s top scorer. “Right now I don’t know.”

    MORE NEWS

    ‘I’m ashamed’: Pep issues grovelling apology over ‘stupid’ legend swipe

    Major title twist in ‘horrendous’ error; 13-second blitz proves Reds’ ‘swagger’ is back: PL Talking Pts

    PL boss’ rave review of ‘class’ Souttar; Aussie’s all-time goal celebration: Roo Radar

    Arsenal, meanwhile, will be motivated by the injustice suffered at the hands of the referees in a controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford on the weekend.

    Arsenal received an apology from the body in charge of referees after Brentford’s goal was wrongly awarded because of a failure to properly check for off-side by the VAR official.

    “That certainly has made our players, staff and fans even stronger and with more desire to pass this hurdle that they put on us,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta at his pre-match press conference.

    “We ended the game after analysing all the images that we had with a huge anger and disappointment because that wasn’t a human error. That was a big not conceiving and understanding your job and that’s not acceptable. It cost Arsenal two points and that’s not going to be restored. So we are going to have to find those two points somewhere else in the league.””

    The VAR for that match, Lee Mason, has since been stood down from VAR duty this weekend.

    Commentators ROAST Neymar for flopping | 00:44

    Arsenal have a game in hand on their title rivals, but have not won a league title in 19 years.

    “What they have done in the last six years, they absolutely merit it,” added Arteta of Man City, where he was previously one of Guardiola’s assistants during their 2017/18 and 2018/19 title-winning years.

    “The way they play, the way they have competed, the way they have gone through difficulties. For us the challenge is to get to that level.”

    MATCH CENTRE: Line-ups, live stats and more

    LIVE BLOG

    Follow all the action in our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog, click here!

    Source link