Liverpool boss Arne Slot slammed the controversial decision not to send off Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall before the teenager sealed a 1-0 win in the English Football League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday. Slot was furious that Bergvall avoided a second booking after tripping Kostas Tsimikas with a sliding tackle. Tsimikas was forced off the pitch following the challenge but referee Stuart Attwell opted to give Liverpool the chance to counter-attack. When Liverpool lost possession just seconds later, Tottenham took advantage by breaking into the space vacated by Tsimikas to score the 86th minute winner. Dominic Solanke’s pass was converted by Bergvall for the 18-year-old’s first Tottenham goal. Also Read: Bentancur ‘all good’ after head injury Liverpool’s Arne Slot is livid But a fuming Slot said: “The decision made had a lot of impact on the result tonight. “The fourth official told me why he thought it wasn’t a second yellow and he heard that probably from the referee. “What we can say about it is that he said he didn’t stop the counter-attack, every manager would say they prefer the second yellow than a free-kick. “Spurs weren’t happy with a few decisions that happened (against Newcastle) on Sunday. Maybe today a decision went in favour of them, which is of course very unlucky for us.” Inevitably, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou saw the incident differently. Asked if Bergvall was lucky to avoid a red card, Postecoglou said: “Great question, no he wasn’t. It’s happened to us consistently, you look at our games, and we’ve asked the officials and they’ve said if you play advantage, as long as it’s not a cynical tackle, then yellow card doesn’t get shown. Now to me, that was pretty clear.” It was a cathartic victory for Postecoglou, who has been under fire from frustrated fans throughout a turbulent season. Injury-hit Tottenham are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League. Postecoglou, who saw his injury problems mount when Rodrigo Bentancur was taken to hospital with a head injury suffered in the first half, admitted it was a relief to see his side win. “Very proud. We had to deal with some adversity again. We had to compose ourselves,” said Postecoglou. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2025 08:28 AM IST | London | AFPTottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur declared himself ‘all good’ after being carried off on a stretcher during the League Cup semi-final against Liverpool.Bentancur fell to the ground as a corner was being taken and was treated by medical staff as he lay face down on the turf on Wednesday. After Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final, manager Ange Postecoglou said the Uruguay international was conscious and taken to hospital. Also Read: West Ham hire ex-Chelsea boss Potter Bentancur, 27, later posted a picture on Instagram with his thumb up and a note that read, “All good, guys! Thank you for the messages!!!”Why he was taken to hospital was not disclosed. Bentancur tried to head a ball in the sixth minute and remained face down on the ground, with players looking concerned when the midfielder failed to get up. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2025 08:23 AM IST | London | AP | PTIWest Ham hired Graham Potter as their new head coach on Thursday, a day after Julen Lopetegui was fired. Potter has been out of management since he was sacked by Chelsea in 2023 after just seven months in the job at Stamford Bridge. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Also Read: Baby Bazooka wins Madras Race Club Trophy “It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining,” he said. Potter takes over a team that has won only three of its last 11 games and is 14th in the standings. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2025 08:20 AM IST | London | AP | PTIA young Newcastle United fan, affectionately dubbed 'Sammy' on social media, has found himself at the centre of a somewhat hilarious situation after skipping school for a football match that is now etched into the school register. Sammy, who reportedly 'missed school' to witness Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg triumph over Arsenal, was caught on live TV celebrating with infectious enthusiasm as his team secured their first away victory at the Emirates Stadium since 2010. The win, made possible by a clinical performance from Alexander Isak (who bagged his 10th goal in 9 games), was a textbook defensive display from the Magpies, as they held Arsenal at arm’s length despite being peppered with 23 shots. Sammy, however, was far more interested in celebrating the result than worrying about his attendance record. Memories to last a lifetime. Be like Sammy. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/eA4s5kTUWP — Newcastle United Supporters’ Club (@Nusc2023) January 8, 2025 Following the match, the Away Day Tours Facebook page shared a snapshot of Sammy caught mid-celebration on television, with a cheeky caption that quickly grabbed the attention of fans online. It read: "This young lad was caught out on live TV last night celebrating Newcastle's win over Arsenal. He had missed school that day, leading the family to receive the below email. A memory like last night will last a lifetime. I don’t think he’ll be too upset. It was a geography trip!" The post also included a screenshot of the email from Sammy's school, which stated: "Dear Parents, just to let you know that Sammy's absence from Tuesday, 7th January 2025, will now be marked as unauthorised. This is due to media footage showing him away in London at a football match. Please contact us at school if you wish to discuss this further." While Sammy absence may have been "unauthorised" in the eyes of the school, fans online were quick to rally behind him, with one commenter quipping: "Memories like these are worth far more than a perfect attendance record." The game itself was a masterclass in both defence and efficiency, with Isak's goal and a resolute Newcastle backline leaving Arsenal’s attack looking toothless despite their relentless barrage. While the Gunners had 23 shots, they couldn’t manage to break Newcastle’s defence. The result has put the Magpies in an enviable position as they head into the second leg of the semi-final with a 2-0 advantage—an outcome that will surely be remembered for years, even if Sammy’s school is less than thrilled. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, clearly disappointed with the result, made some rather bizarre remarks about the match ball, which did little to ease his frustration and only served to add an odd post-match twist. Looking ahead, Newcastle will now take their two-goal advantage into the second leg at St James' Park on February 5. The Magpies are on a seven-match winning streak and are dreaming of ending their 55-year trophy drought.
09 January,2025 01:26 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentElon Musk’s father says his billionaire son has expressed interest in buying English football club Liverpool. The Premier League club is privately owned by Fenway Sports Group, which has not indicated it wants to sell but has accepted external investment in the past. Errol Musk, in an interview with Times Radio, acknowledged that the Tesla CEO has shown an interest in the six-time European Cup champions. “Oh yes, but that doesn’t mean he’s buying it,” Errol Musk said. “He would like to, yes, obviously, anybody would want to. So would I.” He also said: “I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price.” When contacted by The Associated Press, a spokesperson for FSG said there was “No truth to these rumors.” In September 2023, FSG sold a minority stake to US investment firm Dynasty Equity. At that time, FSG president Mike Gordon said: “Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever. We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club’s long-term financial resiliency.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 January,2025 06:48 AM IST | Los Angeles | AP | PTINewcastle took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semi-final, first leg lead at Arsenal on Tuesday. The Magpies have never previously won the competition and have had to wait since 1969 to celebrate any major trophy. But in Isak they have the form striker in England right now and he rifled home the opener then helped tee up the second for Gordon. Arsenal have a mountain to climb when the sides meet for the second leg on February 5 if they are to progress to meet either Tottenham or Liverpool in the final. Massive win “It’s massive. It’s a great result but it’s only the first half,” said Isak after Newcastle’s seventh consecutive win and first at the Emirates since 2010. “If we don’t go through then this has no meaning,” he added. The importance of silverware to both clubs was reflected in the line-ups as Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe named their strongest available teams. Mikel Arteta Arteta has brought Arsenal back into contention for Premier League titles in recent seasons, but his only trophy in charge of the Gunners came five years ago by lifting the FA Cup in the early months of his reign. The home side were able to welcome back Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli from the side that started Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. But Arsenal’s lack of a lethal striker like Isak proved the difference between the sides. Gunners hold possession Arsenal had the majority of the ball and the chances but failed to make them count. “That was the biggest difference in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team,” said Arteta on his side’s wasted chances. “I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them. I believe we can do it!” Martinelli came closest when he raced onto Leandro Trossard’s pass and smashed against the post. Moments later came the sucker punch. Arsenal, so renowned for their own set-piece threat, allowed a long free-kick into their box to fall at the feet of Isak who fired in off the underside of the bar. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 January,2025 06:47 AM IST | London | AFPNottingham Forest’s stunning season continued with a 3-0 victory at Wolves on Monday to give boss Nuno Espirito Santo a winning return to Molineux. Morgan Gibbs-White and the in-form Chris Wood struck before half-time to take Forest to within six points of leaders Liverpool, who they host in their next league game. Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. Also Read: Aubameyang suffered sleepless nights after burglary Forest remain third in the table but move level on points with Arsenal. A top-four finish would guarantee a return to the continent’s elite competition for the first time in 45 years for the two-time European champions. Forest’s unexpected rise from battling relegation until the final day of last season into Champions League contenders has been build on a solid defence and Wood’s purple patch. Wolves pressed and probed for a way back into the game after the break but were toothless in the absence of talisman Matheus Cunha through suspension. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Wolverhampton | AFPPierre Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on the traumatic experience he and his family went through when a few men broke into his house in August 2022. At the time, the Gabonese striker was playing for FC Barcelona and his house in the town of Castelldefels was broken into while his entire family was at home. The robbers held his kids at gunpoint and stole jewellery, watches and a car. Also Read: Treesa-Gayatri qualify for pre-quarters; Prannoy’s tie suspended over roof leak “My eldest son came running and said to me, ‘Dad, some guys are in the house. I said, ‘Just hide’. They came in from outside, where my wife was smoking with my cousin and her boyfriend. They took him [the cousin’s boyfriend] and came into the house. They had a gun. “There were four or five. One had the gun and said to me, ‘Just go down’. I said, ‘Tell me what you want’ and he said, ‘Sit down’. I said, ‘No’. This is when he started to punch me,” said Aubameyang to The Athletic. Auba revealed the robber broke his jaw and the incident left him and his family scarred. It was shortly after that he left the club and went back to England to play for Chelsea. “I was always thinking about this. I did so many nights like this: not sleeping at all, just thinking about that. You have some nightmares,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 January,2025 07:47 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSRuben Amorim said life at Manchester United has become “too comfortable” as he challenged his players to show the mentality that earned a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday on a more regular basis. Few gave Amorim’s men much hope heading to face the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield after a four-game losing streak. First goal at Anfield since ’18 However, the visitors were a side transformed from meek defeats to Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle as they scored their first goals away at Liverpool since 2018 and merited a share of the spoils. “I want to see my team play so much better, but the key today is the mentality,” said Amorim. “I feel that we are, not just the players but everyone at Manchester United, too comfortable. We need sometimes a shock and you can see today we were a different team.” Also Read: Focus on Satwik-Chirag as Indians look for strong start Ruben Amorim United captain Bruno Fernandes said he was “upset” by the fact his side showed what they are capable of against the Premier League’s best but have consistently underperformed this season. “Today we were a different team not because of the system or tactical part of the game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, we need to play every day like that,” added Amorim. “Today is all about the focus. The focus on set pieces, the focus on passing the ball where we cannot lose the ball because in the other part of the pitch is [Mohamed] Salah and [Luis] Diaz. If you have that mentality every day we are a different team,” he remarked. Liverpool hold six-point lead Liverpool have a six-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal, who were also held to a draw by Brighton on Saturday. Lisandro Martinez smashed United in front early in the second half. But Liverpool rallied to lead through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s penalty before Amad Diallo levelled. Harry Maguire should have secured United’s first win at Anfield since 2016 when he skied over with virtually the last kick of the game in a frantic finale. “Of course it feels for us like two points dropped,” said Slot. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:01 AM IST | Liverpool | AFPMumbai City FC’s Nikos Karelis (right) scored a brace as they held off a late scare from East Bengal FC to secure a thrilling 3-2 win in the Indian Super League here on Monday. Lallianzuala Changte (39th minute) gave Mumbai the lead after which Karelis (43rd) doubled the margin. Also Read: Late Dembele strike helps PSG win title East Bengal fought back gamely and got their opener through a Sahil Panwar (66th) own-goal and then restored parity through David Lalhlansanga (83rd). Mumbai and Karelis though had the last laugh as the latter netted the match-winner in the 87th minute. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 07:51 AM IST | Kolkata | AgenciesOusmane Dembele’s stoppage-time goal settled the French Champions Trophy on Sunday, giving Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 win over Monaco in a fixture played in Doha. Also Read: SA wrap up Test series against Pak PSG’s troubles in front of goal this season have often cost them in the Champions League, and they were thwarted here by a combination of poor finishing and fine saves by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Koehn. However, it was ultimately a deserved victory for Luis Enrique’s team in Qatar, as PSG won the trophy — the French equivalent of a Super Cup or England’s Community Shield — for the 11th time in 12 seasons. “The result is well deserved and reflects our domination,” said Enrique. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Doha | AFPADVERTISEMENT
