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GREALISH RETURNS AS EVERTON HELD TO A GOALESS DRAW AT ASTON VILLA

Everton’s European hopes suffered a blow after a limp 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.

The Toffees failed to find the win which would have kept the pressure on the Premier League’s top six.

They climbed to eighth, above Arsenal, to move two points behind fifth-placed West Ham, but Everton’s inconsistencies look like costing them a European spot.

Ben Godfrey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were denied by Emi Martinez, while Tyrone Mings wasted a rare opening for Villa.

The game at least represented a return for Villa skipper Jack Grealish, who ended his three-month injury lay-off as a second-half substitute.

The skipper was unable to conjure a winner, though, as the hosts remain 11th with three games to go.

The game never inspired and only Bertrand Traore’s tame effort and Calvert-Lewin’s header punctured a sluggish start.

The game was played at pre-season pace as both sides laboured and struggled to find anything resembling momentum.

Mings, though, should have at least hit the target when he wasted Villa’s best opening after 17 minutes.

Ross Barkley’s corner was only cleared as far as Douglas Luiz, who crossed for an unmarked Mings to head wastefully wide from seven yards.

Everton, with two wins in their last previous league games, needed victory to move into the top six yet they appeared aimless, with Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison relegated to bit-part roles.

Without the banned Ollie Watkins Villa were just as toothless and would have already been looking to Grealish on the bench for imagination.

The second half at least offered more promise when Everton created an early chance.

Gylfi Sigurdsson’s deep free-kick found the stretching Godfrey and Martinez had to be alert at his near post to turn the ball behind.

The Toffees saw more of the ball but again failed to really stretch Villa in open play, with the hosts also relying on set-pieces to threaten.

Jordan Pickford beat away Anwar El Ghazi’s free-kick after an hour just as Grealish prepared to clamber off the bench.

Andre Gomes fired over after working space on the edge of the box and the game was given a desperately needed lift when Grealish replaced Traore with 18 minutes left.

But the England international failed to find some magic and it was left to Martinez to ensure Villa claimed a point with three minutes left.

Lucas Digne’s deep cross picked out Calvert-Lewin and the goalkeeper was equal to his header, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Richarlison unable to convert the rebound.

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Arsenal beat Chelsea after pouncing on Jorginho howler

Italy midfielder Jorginho’s attempted back pass left out-of-position goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga scrambling to prevent an own goal, diving to palm the ball away just before it crossed the line.

Emile Smith Rowe took advantage of a defensive howler to score the winner as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to stop the hosts from moving third in the Premier League.

Italy midfielder Jorginho’s attempted back pass left out-of-position goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga scrambling to prevent an own goal, diving to palm the ball away just before it crossed the line.

But Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on hand to collect the ball and square it for Smith Rowe, who slotted home just inside the post. It was Arsenal’s third straight Premier League victory and a much-needed morale booster after its loss in the Europa League semifinals left the Gunners without a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Chelsea’s loss means Thomas Tuchel’s side remained fourth and gave renewed hope to chasing teams West Ham and Liverpool, who are hoping to overtake the final Champions League spot.

Chelsea dominated possession on the second half and Christian Pulisic saw a second-half equalizer chalked off for offside after a video assistant referee review. Kurt Zouma and Olivier Giroud then struck the crossbar within mere seconds of each other in the 90th minute as Chelsea wasted a host of chances in a dominant but disjointed performance.

Tuchel made seven changes to keep his players fresh, with Saturday’s FA Cup final against Leicester clearly in mind.

Kai Havertz missed a great chance to put Chelsea ahead when he dispossessed Pablo Mari just inside his own half, raced in on goal and came one-on-one with Bernd Leno — only to blaze his effort over the bar.

Shortly afterward, Arsenal were ahead after Jorginho didn’t realize that Kepa had moved off to the side and gifted the visitors their only real scoring chance of the game.

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OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER PLEADS FANS TO LET LIVERPOOL CLASH HOLD

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Manchester United supporters to let Thursday’s Premier League fixture with Liverpool go ahead by keeping any planned protests peaceful.

The original game on May 2 was postponed after fans demonstrating against the owners, the Glazer family, entered Old Trafford and surrounded the team hotel.

According to reports, protests have been planned when Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Thursday but Solskjaer said his players want the chance to beat Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“Security measures are being looked at and I hope we can keep the protests, if there are protests, keep them down to loud voices and nothing violent,” Solskjaer said.

“We want to listen, the players want to play the game, we’re playing Liverpool and of course we want to beat Liverpool and we want to beat Leicester so we’re going to do everything we can for our fans to celebrate what we’re doing on the pitch.”

Greater Manchester Police said at least 12 officers were injured during the protests on May 2.

Security has been increased around Old Trafford ahead of games against Leicester City and Liverpool this week with barricades erected across the forecourt in front of the East Stand. Police presence at the stadium is also set to be significantly increased.

Sources say the club have also reviewed travel arrangements for the players ahead of the games, including using decoy buses to make sure they can be transported to the stadium safely and on time.

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WEMBLEY PRIMED TO REPLACE ISTANBUL FOR ALL ENGLISH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

UEFA is coming under growing pressure to strip Istanbul of hosting rights for the Champions League final for the second season running – and hand its showpiece fixture to Wembley to accommodate the two English finalists.

The British government is reported to be engaged in “delicate negotiations” with UEFA to move the game, given that Turkey on the UK’s red list for traveling to countries worst hit by Covid-19, making it all but impossible for British fans to attend.

While switching the Chelsea-Manchester City showdown would be the logical decision with Turkey in the throes of a national lockdown scheduled to last until May 17, it’s a hugely tough ask for UEFA who were forced last year to move the latter stages of the competition to Lisbon because of the pandemic and would be reluctant to let Istanbul down again.

Among the other factors involved is that compensation would almost certainly have to be paid to the Turkish organisers while Wembley has already been handed eight games of the European Championship across June and July.

Then there is the fact that another date would have to be found for the May 29 Championship playoff final to determine promotion to the Premier League, one of the biggest games in the English calendar and viewed as the single most important fixture from a financial standpoint.

Conversely, if UEFA sticks with Istanbul, all the players involved would be required to enter quarantine on their return from Turkey, unless exemptions were granted, which would impact their preparations for the Euros.

According to the latest UK government regulations red-list countries should only be visited “in the most extreme of circumstances”.

“We are very open to hosting the final but it is ultimately a decision for UEFA,” British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said. “The UK has already got a successful track record of football matches with spectators, so we are well placed to do it.

“Given there are two English clubs in that final, we look forward to what they have to say.”

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WOLVES DO COME BACK WIN AGAINST BRIGHTON AFTER LEWIS DUNK’S RED CARD

Morgan Gibbs-White denied 10-man Brighton the chance to secure Premier League safety after Wolves’ late show.

The midfielder’s last-minute strike earned a 2-1 comeback win at Molineux following Lewis Dunk’s game-changing red card.

The Seagulls skipper was sent off after the break for pulling back Fabio Silva, having given the visitors a first-half lead.

Adama Traore levelled with 14 minutes left and Graham Potter’s side had been in complete command until Dunk walked.
Victory would have sealed Premier League survival for the Seagulls, although it will be confirmed on Monday if Burnley beat Fulham, and Neal Maupay underlined their frustrations after he was sent off at the final whistle when he confronted referee Jon Moss.

Mid-table Wolves looked to set the early tone and Robert Sanchez tipped Vitinha’s low effort wide after four minutes.

Yet they quickly faded and Brighton took the lead with their first attack after 13 minutes.

Patient play from the Seagulls ended when Ki-Jana Hoever cleared behind but, from Pascal Gross’ corner, Dunk outjumped a limp defence to power a downward header in from six yards.

Wolves were ragged and, much like their last awful 4-0 home defeat to Burnley, looked porous at the back and out of ideas up front.

Against the Clarets, they were 3-0 down at the break and Brighton could have easily repeated the trick this time.

Dunk’s towering, looping, header was creeping in until Rui Patricio clawed it away after 25 minutes and, from the corner, Adam Webster headed at the goalkeeper.

Brighton’s swift attacks left the hosts floundering, with Danny Welbeck’s movement giving Max Kilman and Conor Coady countless problems, and it was from his knockdown which saw Maupay flash a drive over.

Wolves’ season had been in limbo for some time, being robbed of the injured Raul Jimenez and Jonny halted Nuno Espirito Santo’s desire to establish a different style and the side remains in transition.

Late victory will give them renewed confidence but with three wins from their last 10 outings and games against Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United to finish, further improvement is needed.

Brighton have fared little better, they have won just three in 14, but there are clear signs of progress under Potter, despite a frustrating defeat and their flirtation with the drop.

Potter’s side had more desire, were slicker and had the confidence of a side who knew survival was in their grasp – before it slipped away in the second half.

The break gave Wolves a breather and they emerged with much-needed impetus, with Sanchez turning Gibbs-White’s sharp low effort wide.

They were then handed a lifeline when Dunk was dismissed eight minutes into the second half.

Fabio Silva had previously been anonymous but smart movement allowed him to dart onto Vitinha’s pass and ahead of Dunk, who pulled the striker down as he went clean through.

Referee Moss was left with little option but to send the Seagulls skipper off and the momentum shifted to Wolves.

Traore was introduced but it took 15 minutes with their numerical advantage for the hosts to force Sanchez into a save, when he denied Joao Moutinho’s volley from the edge of the box.

Wolves had forced Brighton back though and finally made their pressure count when Traore levelled 14 minutes from time.

Neat build-up involving Vitinha and Silva saw the striker quickly swap passes with Traore and the winger beat Sanchez from 16 yards.

Gibbs-White then missed a glorious chance with five minutes left when Traore charged down Sanchez’s clearance and squared for the midfielder who could only blast over.

But he atoned in the final minute when he found the top corner after Alexis Mac Allister blocked his initial shot. Maupay was then dismissed after the final whistle when he confronted referee Moss.

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SAM ALLARDYCE’S WESTRBOM RELEGATED AFTER DEFEAT TO ARSENAL

West Brom’s Premier League relegation was confirmed as Arsenal returned to winning ways to sink Sam Allardyce’s side.

The Baggies are the eighth club Allardyce has managed in the Premier League but a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium means the former England boss has been relegated from the division for the first time.

The writing had been on the wall for some time and, despite a good start here, goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe had them on the ropes. Matheus Pereira reduced the arrears with a memorable strike but Willian’s first Arsenal goal from a late free-kick sealed the Baggies’ fate.

For the hosts, this was a positive response to their Europa League semi-final exit at the hands of Villarreal on Thursday night and just about kept alive their hopes of securing European football in some guise next season.

It is an indictment of Arsenal’s own league campaign that, if West Brom had won in north London, they would have moved closer in the table to the Gunners than Mikel Arteta’s men are to second-placed Manchester United.

But it was not to be as West Brom returned to the Sky Bet Championship after one season back in the top flight.

Pereira went agonisingly close top putting the visitors ahead with their first opening of the game, bending a strike inches wide of Bernd Leno’s goal with the Germany international beaten.

Callum Robinson was recalled to the Baggies side and hit the crossbar soon after, only to see the offside flag raised.

Allardyce’s team were certainly on top and Pereira whistled another effort wide as they looked to give themselves an early lead.

Bukayo Saka, operating at left-back for the hosts, was once again the bright spark in their side and saw penalty appeals waved away after he broke into the box and was well challenged by Darnell Furlong.

West Brom may have created the best of the early openings but it was Arsenal who would break the deadlock, Smith Rowe slotting home from a Saka cross just before the half-hour mark for his first Premier League goal.

The home team’s lead was doubled six minutes later, Pepe cutting in from the right flank and curling home a fine effort.

Albion responded after the break and refused to go down with a whimper, Pereira running the full length of the Arsenal half before scoring past Leno to half the deficit.

But, while Allardyce had never previously tasted Premier League relegation, he failed to record a first-ever away win against Arsenal as a manager as a superb Willian free-kick in the last minute secured the points for the hosts.

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LIGUE 1: PSG PLAY DRAW WITH RENNES AS LILLE GETS CLOSER TO TITLE VICTORY

Neymar was on target the day after signing his contract extension but Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were held to a 1-1 draw at Rennes on Sunday that leaves Lille a step closer to a remarkable league title triumph.

PSG led at half-time after Neymar converted a controversial penalty award, but they were pegged back in the second half as Serhou Guirassy headed in the equalizer.

PSG are now three points adrift of Ligue 1 leaders Lille, who know they will be champions for the first time since 2011 by taking four points from their remaining two matches of the season.

The Parisians have won the French title in seven of the last eight years but they have regularly wobbled this season and the decision to replace coach Thomas Tuchel with Mauricio Pochettino during the winter break looks like it will not have the desired impact.

“We will keep believing until the end, we won’t lose faith, but at PSG we need to do much better,” captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal Plus.

“Lille are a really good side and are winning every match. We have two games left and we need to believe, focus on ourselves and perform better.”

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SERIE A: AC MILAN KNOCK JUVE OUT OF TOP FOUR

AC Milan pushed Juventus out of the Serie A top four with a 3-0 win in Turin on Sunday, increasing their hopes of Champions League football for the first time since 2014.

Brahim Diaz put Milan ahead just before the break with Anton RebicF and Fikayo Tomori adding two more in the second half after Franck Kessie had missed a penalty.

Milan move up to third, equal on 72 points with second-placed Atalanta, with Napoli a further two points behind in fourth and the final Champions League berth.

Juventus are now fifth, one point behind the top four with three games left to play, including next weekend’s clash with newly-crowned champions Inter Milan.

“We had a great game, a victory over a direct rival at this moment in the championship is very important,” said AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli whose side lost 3-1 to Juve in the San Siro in January.

“We still have to fight. But I have a very young team. That is maturing as this evening proved.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED HIT BACK TO CLAIM VICTORY AT VILLA

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comeback kings did it again as Manchester United overcame Aston Villa to delay Manchester City’s coronation.

Fresh from sealing their place in the Europa League final against Villarreal, the Red Devils turned their focus to Villa Park as they kicked off an unenviable run of three Premier League matches in five days.

Bertrand Traore’s stunner had Villa dreaming of a first home league victory against United since 1995, but Solskjaer’s side dug deep and secured a 3-1 triumph – a competition record 10th comeback win of the season.

Pep Guardiola’s men had been on course to wrap up a third league title in four years as Villa went into the break leading through Traore’s exceptional effort.

But United levelled shortly after the restart through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, before Mason Greenwood struck to become United’s top-scoring Premier League teenager.

The 19-year-old usurped Wayne Rooney with that 16th goal and veteran Edinson Cavani came off the bench to add gloss on an afternoon that ended with Ollie Watkins being sent off.

The Villa striker picked up a second booking having been adjudged to have dived as United all but sealed a top-four finish.

It was a tougher workout for the visitors than the scoreline suggests as they continued a run of four matches in eight days.

United started brightly enough as Greenwood mishit an attempt across the face of goal before Luke Shaw manoeuvred into the box and stung Emi Martinez’s palms.

Fred saw an effort comfortably saved and Fernandes fired wide, with Marcus Rashford unable to direct home from close range under pressure from Matt Targett.

But while United had the lion’s share of the early opportunities, Dean Smith’s side were causing a headache with their determination, organisation and pressing.

That intensity forced the visitors into errors punished in style in the 24th minute.

After Greenwood ran into traffic, the ball looped up and Fred played a poor pass to Scott McTominay. John McGinn took the ball and Douglas Luiz played it to Traore, who turned exquisitely, held off Victor Lindelof and hit a superb left-footed strike across Dean Henderson and into the top right-hand corner.

United responded well to the setback but were not causing Villa enough problems, with Traore getting back to prevent Paul Pogba getting away an effort from the edge of the box.

Martinez stopped Rashford and just about got a strong enough hand to a fizzing Greenwood attempt as half-time approached, with Ezri Konsa hacking the rebound clear.

Watkins had a shot saved at the other end just before the break, with United drawing level within seven minutes of the restart.

Luiz’s close attention on Pogba turned into a clumsy challenge, with referee Chris Kavanagh awarding a penalty that Fernandes stepped up to take and coolly send Martinez the wrong way.

United had flipped the script by the 56th minute. Greenwood turned Tyrone Mings when collecting an Aaron Wan-Bissaka pass on the edge of the box and struck a low effort beyond Martinez at his near post.

Konsa and Rashford were involved in a shoving match shortly afterwards, with Harry Maguire heading wide from the corner that followed before Henderson saved his skipper’s blushes.

Solskjaer turned to Cavani for the closing stages and the substitute’s first contribution was a timely headed clearance, before Maguire went off in discomfort in the 78th minute.

The defender had been on the cusp of becoming the first outfield player in United’s history to complete 72 consecutive Premier League matches.

United added gloss to the scoreline in the 87th minute as Rashford swung in a cross from the right, with substitute Cavani expertly peeling off to steer home a close-range header.

There was more late drama as striker Watkins was sent off in the 89th minute, having collected a second booking for an apparent dive as goalkeeper Henderson came out.

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ROONEY’S DERBY COUNTY ESCAPE RELEGATION FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN DRAMATIC FASHION

Wayne Rooney celebrated on Saturday as his Derby County side escaped relegation from the Championship in dramatic fashion.

Rooney’s Derby went into Saturday’s decisive clash against relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday having lost their past six matches, but a 3-3 draw was enough for his side to stay up at the expense of Darren Moore’s men.

Derby were heading for the drop to League One — the third tier of English football — when Sheffield Wednesday took a 3-2 lead at Pride Park, but Martyn Waghorn’s penalty secured a point that ensured Derby’s survival.

Rooney’s men fell behind when Sam Hutchinson bundled the ball over the line for Wednesday in time added on at the end of the first half. Derby oared back in the second, however, with goals from Waghorn and Patrick Roberts, but Wednesday equalised through Callum Paterson in the 62nd minute before Julian Borner gave them the lead in the 69th.

Waghorn drew Derby level from the penalty spot 10 minutes later, but their chances of survival still looked bleak, with Rotherham leading in Cardiff thanks to Lewis Wing’s eighth- minute strike.

Marlon Pack’s clinical finish in the 88th minute levelled that match, however, and Derby survived a frantic final seven minutes, plus six minutes of added time, to cling on for the draw and stay in the second tier.

Former Manchester United and DC United striker Rooney took over temporarily in November 2020 after the Derby sacked then manager Phillip Cocu. After an impressive start, the 35-year-old officially ended his playing career in January, and penned a two-and-a-half year contract to become Derby’s new manager.

Rooney’s time in charge has been overshadowed by one failed takeover of the club, by Dubai-based Bin Zayed International, and another, led by Spanish agent Erik Alonso, which has been the subject of the EFL’s owners and directors test since early April.

Alonso has dismissed reports that he is planning to fund his bid by borrowing against the stadium, Pride Park, but sources told newsmen that there is scepticism among Derby’s owners that Alonso can complete a deal.