Juventus used all their experience to from from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 at Wembley last night and progress to the last eight of the Champions League.
Son Heung-min’s scuffed first half finish left the Old Lady needing two goals to progress but they picked them up in a devastating three-minute period between the 64th and 67th minute.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri made two quick-fire tactical substitutions just past the hour mark, switching to three at the back, and it unsettled Tottenham just long enough for Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala to strike.
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After that, the Italians, marshalled by Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, showed how adept they are at killing a game off and defended their goal manfully to eliminate Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
On the bench for all of this was former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who became a cult hero among Gunners fans during his time at the club – mainly for how much he hates Spurs.
The Polish goalkeeper couldn’t resist another pop at Arsenal’s North London rivals following Wednesday night’s game, taking aim on Instagram.
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Unsurprisingly, Arsenal fans were loving it and took to Twitter to react in their numbers. We’ve taken a closer look at some of the best of the reaction.
Reported Everton transfer target Steven N’Zonzi impressed in Sevilla’s 2-1 Champions League win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, and Toffees fans are keen for the club to sign him to replace unpopular Ronald Koeman buy Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Merseyside outfit were heavily linked with a move for the former Stoke City midfielder in January with Sam Allardyce likely to have wanted to partner him with Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park, but no deal materialised.
Schneiderlin has come under huge criticism from the Goodison Park faithful for his displays this season following a bright start to his Toffees career in the second-half of the 2016/17 campaign, and he has dropped out of the starting XI in recent weeks.
Everton supporters were quick to have their say on N’Zonzi’s latest display via social media, and while one said “for all those Blues doubting that N’Zonzi is the man to replace Schneiderlin, here’s a sample of his work”, another said “N’Zonzi’s a baller”.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
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As reported by Wales Online, Wales manager Ryan Giggs has revealed why he has brought Rangers defender Declan John back into the national team fold after a near four year absence.
What’s the story?
Before recent friendlies against China and Uruguay, John had not featured for Wales since 2014, but his move to Rangers appears to have been the driving force behind Giggs selecting the left-back for the friendly double-header, alongside the likes of Harry Wilson, who also came into Wales’ plans after an extended absence.
As quoted by Wales Online, the Manchester United legend said:
“They had power in their legs, the fitness, and that makes a big difference. When you’re in and out of the reserves or the first team or you’re training with the first team but not playing regular first team football, it has an effect. Harry and Declan are seeing the benefits of playing week in, week out because you can’t beat playing competitive first team games. You get in a rhythm and that’s part of the reason why I started a lot of the players because they were in that rhythm of playing regularly. A lot of our players aren’t playing regularly and it makes a difference.”
After making his loan move from Cardiff City to Rangers permanent in January, can John develop even further at Ibrox and become a mainstay for Giggs’ Wales side?
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How much potential does he have?
When he first arrived at Ibrox last summer, many thought John would simply be back-up for the likes of Lee Wallace in the Rangers set-up, but he’s quickly made the position his own and even the return of the club captain from a lengthy injury may not be enough to oust the Wales international.
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Showing he is as adept in attack as he is in defence, the 22-year-old has thrilled Rangers fans on a consistent basis this season, one of the few bright spots in another disappointing season.
If he can continue to play regularly then his game can improve even more and given he is clearly rated by both his club and international managers, he could go on to reach a higher level than the Scottish Premiership.
Full-back has become one of the most physically demanding positions on the pitch in recent years and no manager in the Premier League is more aware of that than Mauricio Pochettino, who moved to ensure he still had four at his disposal last summer after Kyle Walker’s big-money move to Manchester City.
On the most part, Kieran Trippier has done the better job of making Walker’s void in the starting XI his own, with summer right-back signing Serge Aurier making three less Premier League starts than the five-cap England international so far this season.
It was Trippier who started last time out too in the 3-1 win over Chelsea. But Pochettino purchased Aurier, who Transfermarkt value at £18million, so he could have the ability to rotate and keep his defensive ranks fresh.
So, Tottenham fans, with a tricky visit to the Bet365 Stadium on the horizon, followed by a huge clash with Manchester City, which player do you think should start at right-back against Stoke City? Let us know by voting below…
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Manchester United fans may have celebrated a win in the English Premier League this weekend but it was a former hero of the Red Devils that stole headlines across the world with a stunning double for new club LA Galaxy.
The above volley was the first of two goals that ensured a 4-3 victory for Galaxy, with the second coming in stoppage time at the end of the game.
It’s the kind of magic we’ve come to expect over the years from the Swedish legend, but somehow he still manages to surprise and wow supporters even though he is now 36 years of age.
Man United fans couldn’t help but admire the incredible debut, with some left wondering why he wasn’t utilised more by Jose Mourinho before eventually leaving the club last week.
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MLS may be a lower standard than the English Premier League, but it’s clear the striker still has that magic touch that puts him on a level beyond most players in the top-flight.
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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his impact at LA Galaxy…
Arsenal failed to win away from home in the English Premier League again on Sunday, slipping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at St James’ Park.The Gunners are the only side in England’s top four divisions not to pick up a point away from home in 2018, a dismal record that continues to pile pressure on under-fire manager Arsene Wenger.Arsenal actually took the lead against Newcastle thanks to a Alexandre Lacazette strike before Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie struck to send away supporters home unhappy once again.Fans were left frustrated with the performance, particularly from the side’s defence, with many believing big changes are needed this summer in Wenger’s defensive line.[ad_pod ]Supporters simply aren’t convinced with the likes of Rob Holding continuing to be selected, with the 22-year-old again criticised for his performance against the Magpies.They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his display…
With not much left to play for in the Premier League, Manchester United and Tottenham’s seasons boil down to Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final. Win, and both clubs will take a step closer to ending 2017/18 with silverware; lose, and the final few games of the campaign become dead rubbers.
For Manchester United, that will be an important silver lining at the close of a season that has seen Manchester City move so far ahead of them. For Tottenham too though, it feels as if this season’s FA Cup is their best chance of winning the trophy Mauricio Pochettino’s maturing side deserves after so many near misses in recent campaigns.
So, having become such a significant competition for both clubs this season, who will come out on top in Saturday’s semi-final showdown? This week’s experts, The Sun’s Spurs-loving Sean Cook and Football FanCast’s very own United-adoring Sam Preston, share their thoughts and predictions ahead of 5.15pm kickoff…
It’s strange that United’s campaign has been deemed something of a disappointment, considering how consistent they’ve been compared to recent seasons. This will be United’s strongest finish in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, but the gap between City has overshadowed that improvement.
Does winning the FA Cup and finishing second constitute a successful season for United?
Sam: “I think it does. In this era where six big teams are competing for four trophies and four Champions League spots (five if Arsenal win the Europa League), collecting a cup and being in the top four is a good season. It’s not been a brilliant campaign; we should be closer to City, the Bristol City and Sevilla debacles were embarrassing and we’re still not fluid, but another piece of silverware and another season in the Champions League is a success.”
Tottenham’s season, meanwhile, will be partly remembered for their temporary home – which will also be the venue of Saturday’s semi-final. At the start of the campaign, it was predicted to become a real burden for Pochettino’s team, but some have argued it’s now given the north Londoners an unfair advantage over United for the weekend.
How much will Tottenham’s familiarity with Wembley be an advantage against the Red Devils?
Sean: “It’s become almost laughable, the reaction to Wembley this year. At one point there was a ‘hoodoo’, now it’s seen as an advantage because of how well we’ve done there – we can’t win! It will never feel like home, but our form there has been remarkable. Given we’ll be in the away dressing room, plus half the stadium will be United fans, I don’t feel like it gives Spurs too much of an upper hand. They’ll feel more comfortable than in previous semi-finals, but that will be the extent of it.”
The last time Tottenham hosted United at Wembley, it ended in a 2-0 win for the home side – in a match that became memorable for Spurs’ explosive start and Jose Mourinho’s decision to hook off Paul Pogba after an hour of getting the runaround from Mousa Dembele.
What key aspects of that performance need to be replicated on Saturday?
Sean: “If we can match the energy and enthusiasm early like we did in that game, Spurs can win this. The key to tackling these big teams at home this year has been to come flying out the blocks and panic them – something United couldn’t handle after Christian Eriksen’s early goal back in January.”
And what do United need to learn from that game to avoid a similar outcome?
Sam: “Where do I start? Pogba in a midfield two doesn’t work against the top sides, letting in a goal after 11 seconds isn’t a good idea and United must show more energy in order to match Spurs. It should be a 4-3-3 on Saturday and with Eric Bailly and Ander Herrera likely to start, United will fancy themselves to make it a much more even game. But they will have to play much, much better than they did last time they were at Wembley.”
Ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, Mourinho warned that it was a chance for certain individuals to play their way into Saturday’s starting XI, after his most trusted players suffered a woeful defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion last weekend.
Which players grabbed their chance against the Cherries, and who could be left on the sidelines?
Sam: “None of the players who came in were outstanding. Jesse Lingard was benched against West Brom but I’d expect him to start at Wembley. Alexis Sanchez looks the player most at risk of missing out and if he does, I’d expect Marcus Rashford to get the nod. Sanchez has a sensational Wembley record though, and Mourinho clearly bought him to produce the goods when it matters most. Saturday is certainly one of those days.”
While the defeat to the Baggies was immensely disappointing, the win over Bournemouth was solid if not hugely inspiring, barring two well-worked goals from Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku. But amid all the debates over Mourinho’s cautious philosophy, too many egos being in the dressing room and some very unspectacular performances, it’s easy to forget the level of quality the Red Devils boast in attack.
Which United player brings the biggest threat into this game?
Sean: “The win over Bournemouth in the week showed that even when they’re having a quiet spell, the quality United have can carry them over the line. Whether they start or not, Pogba and Sanchez have the firepower to hurt Spurs. Sanchez’s pace in particular caused us problems in the first 20 minutes at Wembley earlier in the year. In the semi-final last season, Chelsea were able to bring Eden Hazard and Diego Costa off the bench, two players who won them the game. United have the same calibre of player and if Mourinho uses them correctly, that could prove the killer blow.”
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Where will this game be lost and won?
Sean: “I say it almost every week, but we need Christian Eriksen to be at his best. His passing, decision-making and overall game was poor against Brighton, so Pochettino needs to get him fired up for this one. If he can match the performance he showed against Swansea in the semi-final, I’m sure he can be decisive in helping Spurs win this game.”
Sam: “Psychologically. If Tottenham ignore their long wait for a trophy and their run of seven straight FA Cup semi-final defeats and play the game with the confidence they showed in that 2-0, they should win. If they let the occasion get to them and allow United’s greater big-game nous to intimidate them, then the Reds have got a fighting chance.”
And finally lads, let’s hear your score predictions…
It was announced earlier this week by club insider @ExWHUemployee on Twitter that Pedro Obiang has returned to West Ham United training following a knee injury that was expected to keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old picked up the injury during the FA Cup defeat to Wigan Athletic back in January, but he has made good progress in his recovery and is now available for their final three Premier League fixtures of the campaign – including the trip to Leicester City on Saturday.
With Cheikhou Kouyate and captain Mark Noble, who was rightly criticised by his own fans on Twitter following his controversial comments this week, both struggling for form in the middle of the park, David Moyes will be considering bringing the Spaniard straight back into the team in what is a crucial match for the east London outfit, who lie just three points above the relegation zone.
We asked West Ham fans to vote on our poll as to whether they want to see the midfielder in the starting XI at the King Power Stadium, and a huge 84% of a currently discontented fan-base said they would.
Following successive 4-1 defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City, Moyes will know that his team need to take something against Claude Puel’s men, especially with Manchester United visiting the London Stadium in their next match.
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Newcastle fans have been discussing the future of midfielder Mikel Merino, and they’re convinced the Spaniard will leave the club this summer.
When Newcastle signed Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund last summer, fans were hopeful that they had finally found the long-term partner for Jonjo Shelvey.
Shelvey has always been the midfield maestro for the Magpies, but he can’t do everything by himself.
Merino started the season fairly well, but the young Spaniard has been battling a back injury and has struggled for minutes since Christmas.
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During his injury absence, Mo Diame suddenly remembered he’s actually quite a good footballer, and has formed the partnership fans have been longing for with Shelvey.
With links to La Liga side Athletic Bilbao heating up and no signs of the youngster getting his place back from Diame, it’s looking more and more likely Merino will leave the club this summer.
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While some fans have been unimpressed by his commitment, or lack thereof, others are sympathising with his injury issues, and praying he gets another shot on Tyneside.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
According to reports in The Mirror, Tottenham are prepared to listen to transfer offers for as many as five of their first team players.
Who could be on their way out?
The list includes club veteran Mousa Dembélé, back-up striker Fernando Llorente and French international Moussa Sissoko. Even worse for Spurs fans, the report claims that the club are also ready to listen to offers for defensive duo Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose.
Why the shake up?
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has guided the North London club to three consecutive top four finishes -which begs the question – why rock the boat?
If Danny Rose’s explosive interview last summer is anything to go by then it would seem that some in the Spurs dressing room have grown frustrated with club’s wage policy – their wage bill being closer to Burnley’s than Arsenal’s, Spurs’ north London and top four rivals.
Rose said, “I am reaching my peak and have probably only got one big contract left in me.”
Of the five players rumoured to be on the way out, England full back Rose is the youngest at 27. But if he is already thinking about that last “one big contract” then it’s likely his older colleagues are as well.
Would Spurs miss them?
Dembélé has been a good servant since joining in 2012 and the powerhouse midfielder will have options in terms of his next club. The Belgian is a composed presence in the middle of the park but in Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier Spurs have a couple of like-for-like replacements.
However, compatriot Alderweireld would be a loss for the club. Spurs have reportedly been unwilling to match the centre-half’s wage demands, paving the way for the defender to leave the club with the likes of PSG, Chelsea and Man United all rumoured to be interested.
In Pochettino’s treatment of Rose this season – limiting the 2016/17 PFA left-back of the year to just ten Premier League appearances – Spurs have shown that no one player is bigger then the team.
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Wales full back Ben Davies was preferred instead of Rose and made 29 Premier League appearances as Spurs consolidated their Champions League status.
Two players that Spurs fans will be glad to see the back of are Llorente and Sissoko. Both players have struggled since making their moves to the club.