List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Nottingham Forest took a huge step towards Premier League safety with a dramatic 4-3 win over Southampton, whose impending relegation to the Championship could be confirmed at the weekend. Forest climbed out of the bottom three thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s brace, Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty and Danilo’s brilliant team goal to give realistic hope that they can avoid the drop on their first season back in the top tier for 23 years. They took full advantage of defeats for Leeds and Leicester to move up to 16th, three points above the drop zone with three games to play. Southampton’s situation is far bleaker and, despite goals from Carlos Alcaraz, Lyanco and James Ward-Prowse to keep them in the game, their 10-year stay in the top flight will end if they fail to beat Fulham on Saturday, while results elsewhere could also send them down even if they do win. It was a thrilling end-to-end encounter at the City Ground that completed a bumper Bank Holiday goals bonanza as the 21 goals scored on Monday are a Premier League record for a three-game matchday. This clash was always going to have a massive say on who goes down and the Forest fans received the memo, delivering a spine-tingling atmosphere before kick-off. And after an edgy start in the driving rain, where Southampton were the better team, two goals in three minutes from Awoniyi lifted the roof off the City Ground. The first came in the 18th minute after a devastating attack at speed, where after a quick free-kick, Danilo’s long ball set Brennan Johnson free on the right and his first-time cross was perfect for Awoniyi to fire home from 10 yards out. The Nigeria international soon doubled his tally, and in some style too, as he hit an instinctive volley on the turn after Danilo’s improvised pass in the area. Southampton had folded and were in danger of being blown away but gave themselves a lifeline in the 25th minute as Gibbs-White’s loose ball allowed a quick break that saw Stuart Armstrong play in Alcaraz and the Argentinian converted from close range. There were a few dicey moments as Saints pushed for a leveller, but Forest crucially restored their two-goal lead just before the break. Johnson nipped in to take the ball away from Ainsley Maitland-Niles and was on the end of a kick, with referee Michael Oliver taking his time to deliberate before pointing to the spot. Gibbs-White made no mistake from the penalty, sending his effort down the middle to give Forest a big half-time advantage. Southampton knew they were in the last-chance saloon and came out firing, reducing the arrears in the 51st minute. Lyanco climbed highest from Ward-Prowse’s corner to power a header that was too hot for Keylor Navas to handle. That totally changed the complexion of the game and Forest were suddenly hanging on as Saints chased an unlikely equaliser. Another Lyanco header from a corner caused chaos in the Forest six-yard box as Navas came under a barrage of dangerous set-pieces. But the hosts eased their nerves in the 73rd minute with a brilliant team goal converted by Danilo. Johnson surged down the right, centred for Gibbs-White, whose delightful deft flick teed the Brazilian up and he made no mistake for his third goal in three games. Felipe had another goal chalked off in stoppage time and then Saints were given a lifeline as Sam Surridge fouled Romeo Lavia, with Ward-Prowse sending the late penalty straight down the middle. But Forest held on to leave Southampton staring into the abyss of the second tier. Read More Dean Smith dismayed by Leicester’s heavy loss at Fulham Everton have never doubted themselves in battle against relegation says Sean Dyche Dwight McNeil’s brace boosts chances of Premier League survival as Everton hammer Brighton Everton stun Brighton to boost survival hopes as Southampton on the brink Frank Lampard insists Chelsea need to develop a ruthless streak in attack Ryan Mason more concerned with Tottenham than other clubs

Everton boss Sean Dyche insisted his side never doubted themselves after a thumping 5-1 Premier League victory over Brighton lifted the Toffees two points clear of the relegation zone. It was Everton’s first away league win in 14 attempts and could not have come at a more opportune time, with just three matches now remaining to secure their top-flight safety. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s strike after 33 seconds laid down what retrospectively ultimately felt like an emphatic opening statement as both he and Dwight McNeil went on to scores braces on either side of the half. Dyche said: “People will be out there thinking right, OK, there’s life in that team but we’ve never lost sight of that. “It just reminds the players that their work ethic, their commitment to the cause, their commitment to the group is really important because I know there’s quality. “I’ve always believed there’s quality. I’ve said it many times, but talking about it doesn’t win you a game. It’s the collective mentality to go and deliver everything you’ve got. “We were very frustrated not to come away with all three points (against Leicester) but we got a reward for carrying on that mentality in their performances tonight.” Doucoure netted his second when he volleyed the ball home after 29 minutes before McNeil’s cross further buried Brighton, with it deflecting off Jordan Steele, who had stooped to save but instead felt the ball bounce off the back of his leg and in. Alexis Mac Allister clawed one back before McNeil’s first but the Brighton burial was not complete until McNeil fired home the visitors’ fifth in the embers of second-half stoppage-time. Victory meant Dyche’s side are safe for the time being, with league leaders Manchester City up next followed by encounters with Wolves and Bournemouth. “They’re very high feeling the feel-good factor,” he added. “But it’s only another step. I said that after Arsenal, and sometimes people forget that. There’s three more big steps we’ve got to take.” Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, suggested his side’s performance revealed they were not yet ready to go toe-to-toe with the best in the business, though he was unspecific about whether he was looking at England’s top four or more broadly to the other side of the Channel. It could still be possible for Brighton to secure European football with a seventh-place finish, but De Zerbi’s men would feel more satisfied with a higher position. He said: “Of course we can lose the game. We can lose against Everton, but I’m disappointed for the first half because it was tough. “We showed we are not ready yet to compete and to achieve the big target but I am speaking about mentality, not other things, not other parts of football. “It’s not easy because playing in the last period, three games in a week is difficult if you are not used to playing so many games but if we want to improve, if we want to fix our target higher, we have to improve very fast.” Read More Dwight McNeil’s brace boosts Everton’s chances of Premier League survival Dwight McNeil bags brace as Everton ease past Brighton in battle against PL drop James Tarkowski: I don’t regret joining Everton Everton showed character needed to avoid drop in Leicester draw – Idrissa Gueye Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi believes Moises Caicedo can play anywhere Alexis Mac Allister: Brighton’s aim should be to fight for a European place

Bob Huggins dropped a homophobic slur during an interview on Bill Cunningham's show.

It's early and I'm bored, so here are five way-too-early predictions for the upcoming SEC football season, aight.I've been to the future and seen what's up. And now, I'm not going to help you navigate the stock market, bro...About four months from now, the only colle...

Fabio Capello reckons Manchester City are “the best team in the world” as Pep Guardiola’s side prepare for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. The tie is a rematch of last year’s last-four clash, where City were knocked out in dramatic circumstances at the Bernabeu as Real mounted a stunning comeback to win after extra time. A Champions League trophy is the one piece of silverware that has so far evaded Guardiola during his nearly seven years with City. Speaking at the Laureus Awards on Monday, former England boss Capello highlighted the difference prolific striker Erling Haaland has made to City and his belief they are now the finest team on the planet. He said: “I think City is the best team in the world. This year makes the difference. “Last year, (they) missed the forward and this year you have a really important forward. Not only this – you have 24 players. “When you make the substitution, always a fantastic player is entering. Real Madrid, I think (have) 14, 15 players. “They probably will be a little bit tired (after winning the Copa del Rey on Saturday evening), but they have the best coach in the world, Carlo Ancelotti.” Two-time former Real Madrid boss Capello added: “Carlo knows everything about the openings, and we prepare the games really, really well. I hope, Carlo, we will win.” Ex-Inter Milan and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo echoed Capello’s sentiments about City’s improvement, but warned that they had their work cut out against the 14-time European Cup winners. “I think (Manchester City) are one of the best teams in the world now,” the former Portugal star said. “They are playing very good football, and in the last years, they are always in the competition, they have the experience already, they know already what to do so they don’t lose like last year. “But they play against the best club in the history of the Champions League. “Sometimes I think the history of the competition, that helps you in different kinds of moments and important moments in this competition, and everyone, I think they think that Manchester City is now a favourite for the games against Real Madrid. “But you have to count the history and count that Real Madrid is always alive until the last second of the game. “It will be nice to see, but I think for sure they are more than ready to win this beautiful competition.” Figo is hoping another of his former clubs, Inter Milan, can get the better of rivals AC Milan in the other semi-final. He said: “I expect that Inter can win, and probably that will happen, I hope! “I think Italy have to be proud this year that they have two teams in the semi-final. Fantastic performance in the Champions League. “You know anything can happen, but it’s beautiful in the same time that you have the chance to see two big games of the best club competition in the world in the same city.” :: Fabio Capello and Luis Figo were speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Find out more at www.laureus.com

These early college football bowl game projections have Texas football so incredibly back!One day, Texas will be back and we will have to talk about it when, and if, that day ever comes.It's not the rapture, but it sure as hell feels like it sometimes. The good news for the Longhorns is...

The 2023 NFL Draft has concluded, but how will college football teams like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and more replace the first-round picks?The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone with all 259 selections being made. Now, the majority of the discourse is revolving around how former Alaba...

Ohio State's message boards revealed just how much some people hate LeBron James -- his son, Bronny James, is unfortunately caught in the crossfire.One would think that after all NBA legend LeBron James has achieved, his home state of Ohio would be on its knees thanking him. The town of Akr...

Dwight McNeil scored a second-half brace as Everton climbed into 16th and two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone to dampen Brighton’s European dreams with a thumping 5-1 victory at the Amex. It was a shocking first half for the seventh-placed hosts, who fell behind after just 33 seconds through Abdoulaye Doucoure, who later bagged a first-half brace. Albion’s woes were exacerbated when goalkeeper Jason Steele turned the ball into his own net and McNeil added another for Everton in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister was able to claw one back for the home side, but the rout was firmly recorded when McNeil scored his second late in stoppage time. Like their Merseyside rivals on Saturday, the away end largely spurned the call to commemorate the King’s coronation with the singing of the national anthem and attempted to drown it out with a rendition of Spirit of the Blues. Those chants quickly turned to elated cheers when Dominic Calvert-Lewin collected the ball with his back to Brighton’s goal and – with a neat pivot – crossed to Doucoure at the far post, who obligingly tapped home. Brighton worked a free-kick to Facundo Buonanotte on the right, but Jordan Pickford was alert to his nodded effort from a tight angle, picking it out of the air with little need for effort. It was the visitors piling on the pressure at the 25-minute mark thanks to some fine work from Alex Iwobi, who collected the ball inside his own half and cooly controlled it in the final third, where Albion were eventually able to shut down the initial wave of attack. Kaoru Mitoma tried to set up Danny Welbeck who could not make contact as he slid toward the Everton goal, while control once again began to feel like an elusive pursuit for the hosts, who found themselves at the mercy of Doucoure. This time he latched onto McNeil’s cross from the left before volleying the ball past Steele to double Everton’s advantage on 29 minutes. Brighton hoped that would be the end to their disastrous first half but McNeil had other ideas as he sent in a cross which Steele stooped forward to save, but instead further buried his side when the ball deflected in off the back of his leg. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi made four changes to start the second half including the introduction of Evan Ferguson, who was available for the first time after missing four matches with an ankle injury. It was fellow substitute Solly March who first tested Pickford and lent the Seagulls a spark they had been sorely missing, getting stuck in and winning a corner. Ferguson came close on the subsequent set-piece as he forced a good save from the Toffees shot-stopper with a nodded effort at the far post. Albion finally started to resemble a superior-looking side and remained camped in Everton’s half as Ferguson came inches away from pulling one back with a left-footed effort tipped away by Pickford before Mac Allister hit the crossbar. It was the visitors, however, who extended their advantage against the run of play after Iwobi broke down the left and flicked the ball to McNeil, who evaded Lewis Dunk’s late sliding challenge and patiently tucked in the Toffees’ fourth. Three minutes later, Mitoma’s rebound took a fortunate bounce off Mac Allister and in, but McNeil was not done for the night as he netted Everton’s fifth in added time. Read More Dean Smith dismayed by Leicester’s heavy loss at Fulham Leicester’s survival hopes look slim on the evidence of woeful Fulham display James Tarkowski: I don’t regret joining Everton Scoring fewer, conceding more - Everton are heading for the Championship under Dyche Man City not motivated by revenge against Real Madrid says Guardiola Dean Smith dismayed by Leicester’s heavy loss at Fulham

Sampdoria have been relegated from Serie A for the first time in over a decade following a 2-0 defeat at Udinese. First-half goals from Roberto Pereyra and Adam Masina proved enough to confirm the visitors’ fate with four games of the season still to go. Relegation may prove to be the least of their worries as the club continues to battle a financial crisis which has led to fears of bankruptcy. Sampdoria won the Scudetto in 1991 and reached the European Cup final at Wembley the following year, when a team featuring the likes of Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli lost 1-0 to Barcelona. They have been uninterrupted members of the Italian top-flight since the 2012-13 season, but have increasingly struggled in recent years amid financial concerns. Meanwhile, Empoli effectively guaranteed their survival as goals from Nicolo Cambiagni and Francesco Caputo secured a 2-1 win over Salernitana, for whom Krzysztof Piatek replied late on. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Pep Guardiola insisted revenge was not his motivation as he prepares Manchester City for their Champions League semi-final rematch with Real Madrid. City were beaten in heartbreaking fashion by the Spanish giants in the last four a year ago and have a chance to make amends this term. The first leg of their latest encounter takes place at the Bernabeu on Tuesday and Guardiola is focusing on the game in hand rather than looking back 12 months. The City manager said: “It was tough but we made an exceptional first game in Manchester and played a really good game here. “In general it was a good performance but it was not enough. You congratulate them and accept it and now one year later we are here. “We are not here for revenge. It is another opportunity. One day we will get it. We will get to the final and win it. It didn’t happen last season as we played Real Madrid and in this competition they know exactly what they have to do.” Guardiola admitted, however, last season’s loss was hard to stomach at the time. City controlled the tie in the second leg and looked on course for the final, leading 1-0 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate heading into injury time. Yet they dramatically capitulated, conceding twice in quick succession and going on to lose in extra time. It added to the catalogue of near misses experienced by the club since Guardiola took charge in 2016, which includes defeat in the 2021 final. Guardiola said: “Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was (like) the end of the world but here we are again. “Being stable is the most important thing. The important thing is we are trying to get better every year. We were prepared last year too. We are the same manager, mainly the same players but completely different games. “The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.” Unlike Guardiola, midfielder Rodri admitted revenge was on his mind. The Spanish midfielder said: “Football gives you the option to have revenge. “We have the philosophy you can always learn from past experiences. We did a great two games but football is like this and we didn’t go through. “We will fight again. We will try to learn from what we did bad in that moment.” City are without defender Nathan Ake after the Netherlands international suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Leeds.

Dwight McNeil scored a second-half brace as Everton climbed into 16th and two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone to dampen Brighton’s European dreams with a thumping 5-1 victory at the Amex. It was a shocking first half for the seventh-placed hosts, who fell behind after just 33 seconds through Abdoulaye Doucoure, who later bagged a first-half brace. Albion’s woes were exacerbated when goalkeeper Jason Steele turned the ball into his own net and McNeil added another for Everton in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister was able to claw one back for the home side, but the rout was firmly recorded when McNeil scored his second late in stoppage time. Like their Merseyside rivals on Saturday, the away end largely spurned the call to commemorate the King’s coronation with the singing of the national anthem and attempted to drown it out with a rendition of Spirit of the Blues. Those chants quickly turned to elated cheers when Dominic Calvert-Lewin collected the ball with his back to Brighton’s goal and – with a neat pivot – crossed to Doucoure at the far post, who obligingly tapped home. Brighton worked a free-kick to Facundo Buonanotte on the right, but Jordan Pickford was alert to his nodded effort from a tight angle, picking it out of the air with little need for effort. It was the visitors piling on the pressure at the 25-minute mark thanks to some fine work from Alex Iwobi, who collected the ball inside his own half and cooly controlled it in the final third, where Albion were eventually able to shut down the initial wave of attack. Kaoru Mitoma tried to set up Danny Welbeck who could not make contact as he slid toward the Everton goal, while control once again began to feel like an elusive pursuit for the hosts, who found themselves at the mercy of Doucoure. This time he latched onto McNeil’s cross from the left before volleying the ball past Steele to double Everton’s advantage on 29 minutes. Brighton hoped that would be the end to their disastrous first half but McNeil had other ideas as he sent in a cross which Steele stooped forward to save, but instead further buried his side when the ball deflected in off the back of his leg. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi made four changes to start the second half including the introduction of Evan Ferguson, who was available for the first time after missing four matches with an ankle injury. It was fellow substitute Solly March who first tested Pickford and lent the Seagulls a spark they had been sorely missing, getting stuck in and winning a corner. Ferguson came close on the subsequent set-piece as he forced a good save from the Toffees shot-stopper with a nodded effort at the far post. Albion finally started to resemble a superior-looking side and remained camped in Everton’s half as Ferguson came inches away from pulling one back with a left-footed effort tipped away by Pickford before Mac Allister hit the crossbar. It was the visitors, however, who extended their advantage against the run of play after Iwobi broke down the left and flicked the ball to McNeil, who evaded Lewis Dunk’s late sliding challenge and patiently tucked in the Toffees’ fourth. Three minutes later, Mitoma’s rebound took a fortunate bounce off Mac Allister and in, but McNeil was not done for the night as he netted Everton’s fifth in added time. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Alex Sanderson confirms interest in bringing Luke Cowan-Dickie to Sale Sharks Lionel Messi cherishes ‘special honour’ after winning Laureus award in Paris Sunderland snatch play-off spot on dramatic Championship final day