The Guardian

Europa League win for Tottenham would be ‘massive’, says Ange Postecoglou

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 00:11

Ange Postecoglou said it would be “massive” for Tottenham to win the Europa League after they set up an all-English final thanks to a resilient 2-0 win over Bodø/Glimt.

Spurs, who have gone 17 years without silverware, made it through to their first European final since 2019 after producing a streetwise display on a plastic pitch in northern Norway. Goals from Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke sealed a 5-1 aggregate win, meaning the north London club will qualify for the Champions League if they beat Manchester United in Bilbao on 21 May.

It would be a stunning way for Spurs to end a troubled campaign. They have struggled in the Premier League but Postecoglou, who remains in danger of losing his job, did not downplay how significant it would be for his side to end the wait for a major trophy.

“It’s massive,” the Spurs manager said. “Of course it is, because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through. A final is a unique standalone game, it’s a bit different to everything you do in the buildup to it. But if you’re talking about resilience and adversity, this group of players have had it in bucket-loads this year and we’ve still found a way to deal with it.

“We’ve been losing players, key players, and yet they’ve still found a way to stick together and believe in what we’re doing. That gives me the belief that the challenge we have of trying to overcome a tough opponent in a massive game – I know the lads have it in them to rise to that.”

Postecoglou has previously spoken about watching European finals with his father when he was a child in Australia. “I’ve got friends who I grew up with who are probably booking tickets to Bilbao,” he said. “For all intents and purposes I’ll be on the touchline but almost with the imposter syndrome that I should be in the stands with them because that’s where it comes from. It’s my fourth year in European football and I’ve got the chance to lead a team into a European final.

“That’s something I will look back on but I’d rather look back fondly with a positive memory on the day. But yeah, [it’s] not just my dad but my family, my wife who was here today cheering on with the away end.

“Credit to her and two boys on a school night who I’ve promised a trip to Bilbao. There’s so many people you know who take the knocks and feel it more than I do. I’m sure they’re proud of me tonight but more importantly I’m just pleased I can give it back to them for all their sacrifices.”

Postecoglou, who can still make good on his promise about always winning a trophy in his second season, has adopted a more pragmatic approach in Europe.

“I love winning,” he said. “That’s what I’ve done my whole career. People will dismiss it, that’s fine. But I love winning, and I love the way the boys understood what we needed to do tonight. It’s a credit to the boys that they understood the task and still had the quality to score the goals.”

The Guardian

Dominic Solanke silences Bodø and books Tottenham’s ticket to Bilbao

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 08/05/2025 - 23:24

Who are you and what have you done with Ange Postecoglou? There was a messy goal from a set piece, a plan with pragmatism at its core and a team able to find beauty in the kind of robust performance that has so often seemed alien to Postecoglou’s entire footballing vision.

All the cool came from Tottenham Hotspur in the Arctic Circle. Their touch was sure on the infamous plastic pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion and they did not mind turning this Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt into a grind. Serious rather than spectacular, they were never under threat of failing to seal their place in the final against Manchester United.

Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were enough for Spurs to win 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. Through to their first European final since 2019, silverware is within reach for the first time in 17 years. This has been such a challenging season for Postecoglou but vindication could yet arrive for the Spurs manager.

The sprinklers were on long before kick-off, drenching a surface already designed to play quickly. Warming up in incessant rain, Spurs knew they had to have their wits about them. This is a place designed to trip up unsuspecting visitors and the vibe among the locals was remarkably optimistic.

They had already seen Porto, Besiktas, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Twente, Olympiakos and Lazio leave this quirky little ground empty-handed this season and the argument that Spurs had not built up enough of a first-leg lead began to feel more compelling as the atmosphere in the stands grew ever more hostile. So much so it seemed that Bodø/Glimt’s 8,200 fans hardly needed the jolt of a pre-match fireworks show to get them on their feet.

This remote, windswept Arctic outpost had never experienced anything quite this momentous before. Buoyed up by the return of the influential duo of Patrick Berg and Håkon Evjen from suspension in midfield, Bodø/Glimt believed a 3-1 deficit would be wiped out. They were sure that reality was not going to intrude on the fairytale.

If anything, though, the hosts were too eager during the early stages. Spurs were quicker to settle, with Richarlison causing problems for Fredrik Sjøvold on the left, and were closing to pulling clear when Pedro Porro lined up a free-kick in the ninth minute. It took a fine save from Nikita Haikin to prevent the right-back’s effort from finding the top corner.

Postecoglou must have been delighted with his side’s start. It was a year to the day since Spurs pulled off their miraculous comeback against Ajax in the semi-finals of the Champions League but this seemed more sedate. Richarlison continued to threaten, Dominic Solanke’s hold-up play was impressive and there was an escape for the hosts when Destiny Udogie failed to find anyone after sneaking through on the left.

Calm and professional, Spurs were using the ball well, even with injuries stripping their midfield of the poise offered by James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall. Dejan Kulusevski, Maddison’s replacement, was proving effective in disrupting Bodø/Glimt’s attempts to play out from the back. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur mopped up in front of the back four. The only misstep from Spurs came when Brennan Johnson picked up a booking for a clumsy challenge.

Bodø/Glimt struggled to build up a head of steam. Ole Didrik Blomberg fired into the side netting and Berg forced Guglielmo Vicario to tip a free-kick over but in truth there was not much to worry Spurs before half-time.

The curious thing is that Postecoglou has not hesitated to dispense with his idealistic approach in Europe. Spurs have not been afraid to sit deep and be more direct against continental opposition, particularly on their travels. Ruggedness was a prominent feature of their quarter-final win against Eintracht Frankfurt and they were set up to do a similar job on Bodø/Glimt. It was not long before Maurizio Mariani, the Italian referee, was warning Vicario about timewasting before a goal-kick.

Bodø/Glimt tried to play with more urgency at the start of the second half. There was encouragement when Jens Petter Hauge flashed a low delivery across the face of goal. Udogie then had to be strong when Fredrik André Bjørkan tried to find Kasper Høgh with a cross towards the far post in the 59th minute.

Spurs were unperturbed. They focused on compressing the space and they were heading for Bilbao when they went ahead with a scrappy goal in the 64th minute. Mathys Tel, who had just replaced Richarlison, delivered a corner from the left, Cristian Romero won the first header and Solanke was free to bundle the ball in from close range.

Reality intruded on Bodø/Glimt’s fairytale, their challenge fading when Porro’s mis-hit cross drifted over and inside his far post. Postecoglou can still make good on his promise about always winning a trophy in his second season.

The Guardian

Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Club (7-1 agg): Europa League semi-final, second leg – as it happened

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 08/05/2025 - 18:30

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Aha, Jamie Jackson’s report of another wild Old Trafford European night – it feels very odd to say that unironically – is here.

That being the case, that is us. Thanks for your company and comments, sorry I couldn’t use them all. Peace out.

“It’s hard to describe what it is to be a manager at this kind of club,” he says to finish, “because you want to give something to them,” meaning the fans. “We were so disappointing during the season, so it’s more important to give something to them than to put it on my sheet as a winner. I thin I talk for every player in that dressing room. We want to give something to our fans.”

Having a full squad makes a difference, Amorim continues. You can go back, go forward, change the game. Then, back to Mount, he says he does everything, working hard, eating well, resting, ice bath “and you just want to help him”.

And there’s more! “He is perfect for that position because he can be like a midfielder, he can run like a winger, he can play with hos back to the goal.”

Ruben Amorim is with TNT, telling them he’s “Stressed already, because of the final. If you don’t win it in the end, is nothing.”

Asked about the adulation he’s getting off the fans who’ve stayed behind, he says he feels uncomfortable because he should be a better manager, but United have done “quite well” in Europe, but not the league.

Asked about the subs, he says they gave energy – Mazraoui is tired. Amad, though, gave the spark you need to change the game – in his absence, they’ve had to leave Garnacho on sometimes because he’s the only one with pace in behind.

Amorim is really happy for Mount, who you can tell he really likes – “such a player”, who works really hard and has quality. And he also really likes Mainoo, who only played 10 minutes but kept doing the right thing.

“Can’t say I profess much love for Utd,” confesses Colum Fordham, “but pleased for Mason Mount that he has had a decent match and scored a sumptuous goal to remind everyone what a talented player he is. I’ll be supporting Spurs in the final but have an ominous feeling that Amorim will get his trophy after a disastrous league season. Two less worthy finalists would be hard to find.”

Mount was a mad buy given United’s limited finances – £60m when he was free a year later and a midfield of him, Bruno and Casemiro could never work. But I agree he’s a good – and clever – player, even if I’m not sure he’s a future at United as a first-choice. Also, though United and Spurs are no good, they’ve come through a load of games over the course of a full season to get to the final – and, as I said, United have done it without losing a game. To me that makes them worthy. Still rubbish, but worthy.

“The problem for Man Utd now is that while the Europa League campaign has worked well, the final is a Premier League match,” chuckles Michael Meagher. “That, and the fact it’s the law that Ange wins a trophy in his second season…”

I can’t imagine how much he’ll enjoy reminding the press of that if Spurs win in Bilbao. As he should.

In the Conference League, Chelsea are through the final having beaten Djurgarden 1-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate; in the other semi, Fiorentina have beaten Betis 2-1 on the night to make it 2-2 on aggregate, thus extra time is currently being played.

Meanwhile…

Mount tells TNT it’s been difficult with all the injuries and setbacks, but he knew something good would come. They knew it’d be difficult as the start as Athletic went as them and the goal settled everything.

Back to his injuries, he says he kept working hard in training every day, staying positive and looking to make an impact when getting a chance. It was tight when he and the other subs came on and they tried to calm things down, while seeking to affect the game.

Asked abot his second goal, he saw the keeper come out, said to himself if it comes to him, first tuoch and shoot. He saw the defender was quite far from the goal so thought he could score, and says the first goal was instinct, looking to pinch a yard.

These were his first goals at Old Trafford and it’s a special night, one he’s been waiting for for a long time. Now they want to go back to Bilbao and finish the job.

Spurs have beaten Bodo 2-0 on the night, 5-1 on aggregate. The great Scott Murray has all the reaction.

There are final places to play for now, and the way tonight went, I wonder if Amorim will think about a change in personnel. United were so much better once they started to play – in this team, Bruno is better deeper because no one else can pass through midfield as he can, while Amad gives them a proactive mischief that’s missed in his absence, and Mount knowhow, composure and a goalscoring instinct.

We started the night talking about Wilderness Years classics, and this was indubitably that – incompetence and excellence in outrageous, unexpected quantities.

FULL TIME: Manchester United (7) 4-1 (1) Athletic Bilbao

United will play Spurs in the Europa League final! Wednesday 21 May, Bilbao, Spain!

WHAT A GOAL! Manchester United (7) 4-1 (1) Athletic Bilbao (Mount 90+1)

AND WHAT A CAMEO! A ball into the channel for Hojlund, but again, Agirrezabala is out sharply. This time, though, his clearance picks out Mount, 10 yards inside the Athletic half, he takes down with his right foot then lashes a left-footer into the unguarded net. My days, he’s earned this elation.

Updated at 00.38 CEST

Updated at 22.49 CEST

And yet winning this trophy is massively important to both these clubs. Spurs will take anything, while it’d supercharge the pace of United’s rebuild. I hope the Bilbao dressing rooms have lots of toilets, because these players will be bricking it.

GOAL! Manchester United (6) 3-1 (1) Athletic Bilbao (Hojlund 85)

Yoro’s been superb in the second half of the second half and he again lanks froward, this time finding Dorgu who moves on to Amad. He jinks down the outside of his man, conjuring space where there appeared to be none and somehow catching up with the ball to cut back; Hojlund taps home from inside the six-yard box. What was all the fuss about?

Updated at 22.50 CEST

GOAL! Manchester United (5) 2-1 (1) Athletic Bilbao (Casemiro 80)

Bruno puts it into an area, swinging to the near post, Casemiro dashes from the middle into the space, and a perfect shoulder-glance sends the ball into the far side-netting and United into the Europa League final! He aged about 30 years during the final suspension of his first season in England, but he’s been at the biohacking and has been superb in this competition.

Updated at 22.44 CEST

GOAL! Manchester United (4) 1-1 (1) Athletic Bilbao

This is a lovely goal! First, Amad – always up to something – nips outside his man, crosses, and the ball is too high for Mount, skidding off his head. But United sustain the attack, Yoro injecting pace with a dart into the box before squaring for Mount who turns with a lovely little Cruyff, then curls low into the far corner – think Machedaaaaaaaaa – and what a moment that is for him. He was almost in tears when he was taken off with his most recent injury, the last three years of his career amounting to almost nothing. But he’s enjoying himself now!

Updated at 22.36 CEST

Updated at 22.21 CEST

The Guardian

Bodø/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (1-5 agg): Europa League semi-final, second leg – as it happened

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 08/05/2025 - 18:30

(1) Bodø/Glimt v Tottenham Hotspur: Europa League semi-final, second leg – live - The Guardian

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Jacob Steinberg was our friend in the north. Here’s his report. Congratulations to Spurs, commiserations to Bodø/Glimt. Thanks for reading this MBM.

Ange Postecoglou talks to TNT Sports. “Couldn’t be prouder of the lads … we knew it was a difficult place to come … their record … the pitch … the lads handled it really well … fully deserved to get through … we’re excited, were in a final … we’ve grown in maturity through this competition … the lads understand what’s required … focused … clear minds … we’ve used every player in the squad … we’re used to dealing with adversity … they’ve handled all three knockout ties well … you understand the context of what this club has been trying to achieve for a while … managers and players come and go but one constant is the supporters … it was just great to see the smiles on their faces … we’ve given them some hope, something to dream about … hopefully we can do something special … we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.”

Dominic Solanke, all mellow smiles, speaks to TNT. “Aw it’s so good, man! … it’s been a long season … we’re down to the business end … one more game to go … hopefully we can do it … we knew it was going to be a difficult game … we had to play disciplined … it took a while but when we got the first goal, it was good to see it out from there … hopefully the same fans can make it to Bilbao … it will be a special day.”

A thrilled Pedro Porro adds: “I’m very happy for the team and these fans … it’s been too long … this team deserves this … I’ll be honest [he laughs infectiously] … I crossed … but it’s goal … the clean sheet is the most important … a clean sheet and we were in the final.”

The goalscoring heroes embrace gleefully, then Porro races off to punch the sky in front of the travelling support. Lovely scenes.

Tottenham reel around in celebration. They’re one win away from their first trophy in 17 years (the 2008 League Cup) and their first European pot in 41 (the 1984 Uefa Cup)! But that’s a consideration for another day. For now, it’s time to celebrate. Big Ange raises two fists in triumph. His players wheel off towards their support. It’s party time! Who cares if the rain’s coming down in stair-rods?! A good portion of the Bodø fans stay to watch the celebrations, too, which is a nice touch. It’s been an appalling season for Spurs on the whole, but suddenly things look so much brighter. Their place in the final thoroughly deserved after a pair of staunch, calm and professional away performances (worth reading that again) in Frankfurt and now the Arctic Circle!

FULL TIME: Bodø/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (agg 1-5)

Spurs will play Manchester United in Bilbao in two weeks’ time! Ange Postecoglou says he always wins a trophy in his second season. Well, he’s one match away from keeping his promise!

VAR: Penalty overturned

Penalty for Bodø/Glimt!

Updated at 22.50 CEST

GOAL! Bodø/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Porro 69); agg 1-5

Tel and Udogie combine at pace down the left. The ball’s switched towards Porro on the right flank. Porro crosses deep … and the ball loops over Haikin, off the top of the left-hand post, and in! It’s an outrageous fluke – of course it was a cross, not a shot – but nobody cares! Not a jot! Not least Porro, who is delighted. Spurs on the way to Bilbao!

Updated at 22.32 CEST

GOAL! Bodø/Glimt 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Solakne 63); agg 1-4

Porro hits the corner long from the left. Romero wins a towering header at the far stick. The ball drops to Solanke, who stabs home from six yards! Solanke celebrates wildly, and Spurs edge ever closer to the final!

Updated at 22.31 CEST

Updated at 22.18 CEST

… but it’s a false start. Spurs kick off again.

Spurs get the second half started. No changes.

Half-time postbag. “If I managed a club, especially a rich one like Arsenal,” begins Zach Neeley, having read the half-time entertainment, “I’d have them make me a fake press room in between the real one and the locker room so I could go rant about the injustice! How good my guys played! Other emotion processing nonsense! So I’d be at peace by the time I said the things written down forever and heard by millions.”

You want to get yourself down to the patent office quicksmart, Zach, for this is a doozy. Nearly as good as my idea for soundproofed primal-scream-therapy pods to be placed around golf courses. I’ve not managed to get the paperwork sorted for that yet either.

In the other semi-final, Athletic Bilbao have taken a 1-0 lead into half-time at Old Trafford. They’re still two goals shy of embarrassing their hosts, though, and as things stand, it’s going to be Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United at San Mamés in two weeks’ time.

Half-time entertainment. Aka: North London Schadenfreude Corner.

HALF TIME: Bodø/Glimt 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (agg 1-3)

Bodø keeper Haikin has had one save to make; his opposite number Vicario the same. Spurs will take this. Same again, and they’ll be heading to Bilbao!

Updated at 21.46 CEST

Updated at 21.38 CEST

The Guardian

Spurs and Postecoglou face moment of truth on Bodø/Glimt’s plastic pitch

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 07/05/2025 - 21:02

European football has provided Tottenham with a sanctuary during this most confusing of seasons. Their Premier League campaign has been a disaster but they have turned into a different team against continental opposition. They have veered away from the wilder excesses of Angeball during their run to the Europa League semi-finals – their quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt was achieved with a crafty, gritty performance in the second leg – and silverware will be within reach for the first time since 2008 if they can hold their nerve at the Aspmyra Stadium.

Freeze in the Arctic Circle, though, and the ice that Ange Postecoglou has been skating on since January will finally crack. This is the moment to move away from the modern Tottenham’s history to sort of dare, not quite do and fall short when the pressure rises. Postecoglou has railed against the club’s reputation as loveable losers but defeat against Bodø/Glimt could see him out of a job by Friday morning. He must ensure his players are equipped for the unorthodox test posed by Kjetil Knutsen’s team. Injuries have been the theme of Spurs’ season but they have to overcome the blow of two more befalling their two most in-form midfielders, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, just when they were needed most.

It will not be easy without Bergvall and Maddison, who has been ruled out for three months after limping off with a knee injury at the end of last week’s first leg. This tie remains alive thanks to Ulrik Saltnes pulling back a late goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bodø back themselves to fight back from 3-1 down. They have key players back from suspension and are potent at their tiny stadium, with its artificial pitch and biting conditions. Lazio and Olympiakos have lost here this season and Postecoglou witnessed the Norwegian side’s ability to punch above their weight when they beat his Celtic side three years ago.

Bodø/Glimt know Spurs struggled on a plastic pitch when they beat Tamworth in the FA Cup this season. The north Londoners got a feel for the Aspmyra’s surface when they trained on it on Wednesday night. Knutsen, meanwhile, has criticised Fredrik Sjøvold, the Bodø right-back, for saying that it is easy to play through the Spurs press. “That’s OK,” Postecoglou said. “There’s a game tomorrow and all those things will be answered.”

Time for action, then. Spurs coped after losing Bergvall to an ankle injury before the first leg. The recalled Yves Bissouma formed an effective shield with Rodrigo Bentancur in defensive midfield. Maddison directed play and a physical front three of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson combined well.

But Spurs got worse after being forced to take off Maddison and Solanke, who has since recovered from a minor thigh complaint. Underwhelming at the start of the season, Maddison has knuckled down in recent weeks and excelled in Europe. His line-breaking runs from deep have disrupted defences and his creative spark has returned. Bergvall, meanwhile, has caught the eye with his dynamism and ability to carry the ball.

The question is whether Spurs will be able to keep possession well enough without such a key duo. If not, the pressure from Bodø/Glimt could become too much. Postecoglou, who is also without his captain Son Heung-min in attack, needs Dejan Kulusevski to step up. The Swede was Spurs’ best player before Christmas, so much so that he often took Maddison’s central role, but he has struggled for sharpness since returning from a foot injury and looked off the pace in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham.

This is no time for excuses. Spurs have heard all the jibes about their mental fragility. Postecoglou’s response is to build a siege mentality. He laughed about the former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, suggesting that the winner of the Europa League should not qualify for the Champions League.

“Spurs does crazy things to people,” Postecoglou said, leaning into his argument that his side are held to harsher standards than their rivals. “You put that club into any sentence and invariably they all try and diminish us as much as they can.” There is no better place to silence the critics than in unforgiving surroundings in northern Norway.

The Guardian

Norwegian fan trades five kilos of fish for ticket to Bodø/Glimt v Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 07/05/2025 - 10:28

A Norwegian bartered five kilos of semi-dried fish for a ticket to Thursday’s semi-final clash between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham in the Arctic Circle, as the hosts aim to become the first Norwegian club to reach a European final.

Some 50,000 fans were vying for just 480 remaining tickets to the second leg of Bodø/Glimt’s Europa League semi-final.

After missing out, Torbjorn Eide, a production manager at a fish farm in Senja, offered five kilos of boknafisk, a Norwegian delicacy worth nearly 2,500 Norwegian crowns (£182), in exchange for a ticket.

“We produce Norway’s best boknafisk, and you probably can’t get it in Bodø city. So I thought maybe someone would want it,” Eide told Norway’s state-run broadcaster NRK on Tuesday.

Oystein Aanes, who had a spare ticket because his brother couldn’t make the game, took the bait. “It was just a fun thing,” Aanes told NRK.

Inspired by the deal, Nils Erik Oskal decided to try his luck with five kilos of reindeer meat. “Someone took the bait. It didn’t take long,” he said. Oskal’s trade could be worth about 1,000 Norwegian crowns. “But that doesn’t matter, I get to experience something huge,” Oskal said.

The Guardian

Spurs’ trip to Villa moved to help them prepare for possible Europa League final

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 06/05/2025 - 12:07

Tottenham’s Premier League visit to Aston Villa has been brought forward by 48 hours in order to help them prepare for a Europa League final they have not reached yet. Spurs were originally scheduled to visit Villa on 18 May but the encounter will now take place on 16 May after the Premier League accepted a rescheduling request from the club.

The Europa League final takes place in Bilbao on 21 May. Spurs lead Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt 3-1 after the first leg of their semi-final last Thursday and so are perhaps right to feel confident about progressing to what would be their first major European final in six years. However, Bodø/Glimt go into the return encounter on Thursday buoyed up by the late goal they scored through Ulrik Saltnes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will no doubt be roared on by a raucous crowd at their own home, the Aspmyra Stadion, located in the Arctic Circle.

It is believed Villa were prepared to challenge the Premier League if it agreed to Spurs’ request for what will be their final home game of the season to be moved, but there was no mention of one in a statement released on Tuesday confirming the new date. There has been no precedent for the Premier League moving games to benefit clubs playing in Europe and Villa had a rearranged Premier League fixture against Liverpool shoehorned into a midweek that they thought would be free after avoiding a playoff round in the Champions League.

The Guardian

David Squires on … Arsenal and Spurs acclimatising for season-defining trips

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 06/05/2025 - 11:10

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The Guardian

Bowen pounces for West Ham to deny Spurs but boos ring out for Hammers

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 04/05/2025 - 16:10

West Ham United have played leading roles in plenty of awful games down the years but surely none have been quite this pointless or downright insulting to the paying public. At least there was an excuse for Tottenham, whose season rests on them holding their nerve in the Arctic Circle this week. There is no equivalent silver lining for West Ham. They are limping towards the finish line and the only takeaway from this performance is that only a major overhaul of a stale, demotivated squad will help them avoid further turmoil next season.

There has been no uplift since Graham Potter, whose side look likely to finish 17th after they missed a chance to overtake Spurs and extended their winless run to eight games, replaced Julen Lopetegui in January. West Ham have taken 14 points from 15 games under Potter and they approached this meeting with Ange Postecoglou’s B Team with a staggering lack of enthusiasm. Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were the only players to emerge with any real credit. A passionless 1-1 draw, secured when Wan-Bissaka sent Bowen through to cancel out Wilson Odobert’s early goal for Spurs, was met with deserved boos at a bored London Stadium.

West Ham’s visionless board should be alarmed by the apathy in the stands. Some fans were still strolling in at kick-off, plenty had stayed away and there was silence when the teams emerged. Spurs, who made eight changes before they look to protect a 3-1 lead in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday, could not have asked for a gentler welcome. West Ham were agreeably hospitable, even going out of their way to help the visitors into the lead after 15 minutes of soporific football.

The sight of Max Kilman, who has struggled since his £40m move from Wolves last summer, failing to clear his lines before Odobert made it 1-0 summed up the damage Potter has to repair during pre-season. The centre-back had time to deal with a harmless ball down the left flank but played himself into trouble by twice wafting clearances against Mathys Tel. A nothing situation became one fraught with danger, leaving Odobert to stroke home his first league goal of the season after Richarlison dummied Tel’s pass into the winger’s path.

Postecoglou was pleased with his side’s effort. Avoiding a 20th defeat of a sorry league campaign was a boost, although the Spurs manager was more worried about whether James Maddison will shake off a knee injury in time for the trip to Bodø. “It doesn’t look great,” said Postecoglou, who was more optimistic about Dominic Solanke’s chances off recovering from a thigh complaint. “We’re waiting for further information.”

Spurs lacked creativity without Maddison. Postecoglou acknowledged that his changes disrupted their rhythm, which allowed West Ham to feel their way back into the contest. “They scored against the run of play,” Potter said. “Because of the moment we’re having it’s tough. But credit to the players, credit to the supporters, we stuck together and carried on.”

It is a surprise that Bowen wants to stay and fight. West Ham’s captain would not be short of suitors were he to press for a move but his motivation remains undimmed. If only others in claret and blue were as driven as Bowen. The winger never stops going and West Ham were again indebted to him when he equalised in the 28th minute.

The goal came from Mohammed Kudus switching play to Wan-Bissaka on the right. The wing-back had time to slide a pass down the line to Bowen, who encountered no resistance as he darted away from Ben Davies, dribbled inside and threaded a low finish through Guglielmo Vicario’s legs.

Yet if that was a reminder of how easy it is to make chances against Spurs, West Ham looked determined to match them for defensive ineptitude. They could have trailed again when Lucas Paquetá lost possession in midfield; Richarlison shot wide.

West Ham remained disjointed at the start of the second half. Jean-Clair Todibo sent a simple pass out for a throw. Kudus, displaying all the motivation of a man who knows he will be sold this summer, gave Archie Gray an easy time at right-back. Niclas Füllkrug, who had the gall to criticise his teammates after West Ham’s draw with Southampton last month, used 80 minutes in the company of Postecoglou’s reserve centre-backs to confirm that he is unsuited to the pace of the Premier League. Spurs threatened through Tel and Pape Matar Sarr.

Potter urged West Ham to push up. Vicario denied Bowen and James Ward-Prowse whipped a free-kick over after coming off the bench, but the final 30 minutes were dreadful. Paquetá appeared to be crying when he picked up a late yellow card. He was not alone in feeling miserable.

The Guardian

Champions Liverpool travel to Chelsea, West Ham v Spurs, and more – live

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 04/05/2025 - 11:18

Champions Liverpool travel to Chelsea, West Ham v Spurs and WSL Manchester derby – live - The Guardian

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It’s half-time in Empoli, where Lazio lead 1-0 and the home side are down to ten men after Lorenzo Colombo (whatanamethatisbytheway) was sent off.

No goals yet at Ibrox, who will break the deadlock? Michael Butler with all the updates here:

Big goal in the WSL, Everton have taken the lead at Anfield with a Katja Snoeijs strike.

Latest scores:

Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City

Liverpool 0-1 Everton

Follow all the updates here:

The Liverpool debate rages on…

Half an hour in at the Stadio Carlo Castellani and it’s Empoli 0-0 Lazio. Live scores here.

The Old Firm game has also kicked off. Michael Butler has that one:

We are undwerway in the WSL, follow along with Emillia Hawkins here:

La Liga team news: Real Madrid v Celta Vigo

Real Madrid: Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Tschouameni, Asencio, Fran Garcia, Valverde, Ceballos, Arda Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe

Subs: Lunin, Vallejo, Sergio Mestre, Diaz, Modric, Youssef, Endrick, Jacabo.

Celta Vigo: Guaita, Javi Rodriguez, Lago, Alonso, Carreira, Fran Beltran, Sotelto, Mingueza, Fer Lopez, Iglesias, Alfon

Subs: Aspa, Cervi, Dominguez, Duran, Moriba, Losada, Jailson, Ristic, D Rodriguez, Swedberg, Villar, Alvarez.

This is a nice conversation starter from below the line…

Who would make your Uefa v Conmebol teams?

Updated at 12.57 CEST

This seems to be a hot topic of debate in the comments today and now we’ve had an email from Ian Copestake:

It’s a bit sad that any underappreciating of Liverpool’s achievement is, given the time of day. What Slot achieved was not meant to be possible, but he did it and every game was a battle. Not a single stroll in the park until Spurs turned up then gave up. That is at the very least what should be praised.

Our first match of the day has kicked off in Italy. Lazio have made the trip north to Tuscany to take on Empoli. The Roman side are chasing the European places while the Azzurri Empolesi need three points to boost their survival chances. Live scores available here.

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg has checked in from the London Stadium, where he’ll be covering West Ham v Spurs:

It’s rare for there to be such a lack of excitement around a game between West Ham and Tottenham. Both have endured underwhelming league campaigns, leaving supporters totally underwhelmed. That said, progress in the Europa League still offers Spurs a chance to end the season on a high - they head to the Arctic Circle for the second leg of their semi final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and have a 3-1 lead to protect, so don’t expect Ange Postecoglou to play his strongest team this afternoon. That makes it a much bigger game for West Ham. Winless in seven games, they’ve made a habit of conceding costly late goals, leaving Graham Potter very miffed. It’s not really worked for Potter yet. A big summer awaits. This is a squad that needs a massive overhaul. But Potter really could do with a win in this one. Handing Spurs their 20th league defeat of the campaign would provide a bit of cheer. More importantly, Potter is yet to oversee a memorable performance at home.

WSL team news: Manchester United v Manchester City

Man Utd: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, George, Miyazawa, Toone, Ildhusoy, Clinton, Galton, Terland.

Subs: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Janssen, Naalsund, Griffiths, Malard.

Man City: Keating, Casparij, Prior, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Aleixandri, Park, Coombs, Hemp, Kerolin.

Subs: Layzell, Yamashita, Roord, Wienroither, Blindkilde, Fujino, Knaak, Oyama, Murphy.

Updated at 12.23 CEST

WSL team news: Liverpool v Everton

Liverpool: Laws, Fisk, Clark, Bonner, Hinds (C), Kerr, Nagano, Höbinger, Holland, Román Haug, Smith.

Subs: Micah, Kirby, Evans, Fahey, Matthews, Kapocs, Enderby, Bartel, Daniels

Everton: Brosnan, Karen Holmgaard, Fernández, Stenevik, Sara Holmgaard; Vanhaevermaet, Olesen, Wheeler (C), Hayashi, Gago, Snoeijs.

Subs: Ramsey, Hobson, Payne, Watson, Sarri, Galli, Weir, Madsen, Thomas.

Ewan Murray

Final question is from me (Tom Bassam) and it’s a simple one: what is your prediction for today’s Old Firm game?

I don’t think Celtic will lose here and Rangers tend to raise their level for big games. A 2-2 draw.

Ewan Murray

Final email question is from Peter Franzen: is there a case that Scottish teams would benefit more from playing in the Europa Conference League, how can those outside the big two hope to qualify?

Absolutely. Exposure to European football is extremely useful for these clubs, both in financial terms and because it can help to raise standards. Scotland’s co-efficient had been at an all time high, allowing that participation, but is now dropping again. Celtic will require a Champions League playoff this summer, for example. But the Conference League has been an undoubted benefit to Scottish teams; they need more involvement there.

In a day packed full of action, Emillia Hawkins is covering the early action in the WSL. Updates here:

Our Old Firm derby live blog is now up and running, follow along with Michael Butler here:

Ewan Murray

This question, as later clarified by Fearandloathingpart2, is about George Hirst

It’s very hard on the basis of Scotland appearances to judge Hirst, as you rightly acknowledge. What is clear is that a dearth of attacking options means he is likely to get extended opportunity, most likely in June’s friendly games. He makes intelligent runs, he has power. Steve Clarke pursued him for long enough for us to believe he rates him very highly but June will tell us a lot more.

Team news: Rangers v Celtic

Rangers: Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Diomande, Raskin; Cerny, Dessers, Bajrami.

Subs: Butland, Cortes, Nsiala, Kasanwirjo, Igamane, Hagi, McCausland, Rice, Danilo.

Celtic: Sinisalo; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Forrest, Idah, Maeda.

Subs: Bain, Trusty, Yang, McCowan, Schlupp, Nawrocki, Kenny, Bernardo, McArdle.

Ewan Murray

Another via email, this time from Keith Oh: outside of the Old Firm, what are the stories we should be taking notice of in Scottish football?

The fact no club outside the Old Firm teams have won the league for now 40 years! The Scottish Cup final offers typical intrigue but it is very difficult to see Aberdeen upsetting Celtic. Hearts need a new manager. Hibs have enjoyed a terrific turnaround under David Gray. Falkirk’s back-to-back promotions under John McGlynn is worthy of huge praise. Yet the basic reality is that with a one or two - at best - horse title race time and again, competitively Scottish football feels stale.

Updated at 11.50 CEST

Ewan Murray

First question is via email from John W, who asks: how do Rangers close the gap on Celtic next season and is it bringing back Steven Gerrard?

The Gerrard suggestion will not go away and feels mutually useful. Where else does he get a prominent job? And this is a manager with recent experience of succeeding domestically at Rangers. Supporters would accept him. The gap to Celtic remains a huge one; Celtic’s on and off field position is streets ahead of Rangers. The gap is closed by Rangers spending their money in a smarter manner. An imminent takeover by American investors offers hope but Rangers need to dramatically improve their decision making.

Ewan Murray will be with us very shortly to answer your Scottish football questions. Fire those over via matchday.live@theguardian.com or comment below the line.

Ed Aarons was at the Emirates to see an afternoon of frustratation for Mikel Arteta

As his side chased an equaliser in the dying moments, Mikel Arteta stood with his arms folded on the touchline and shook his head in utter disbelief. Only the embrace of Andoni Iraola, his old friend from their days growing up at the local club Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea in San Sebastián, as the final whistle sounded broke the Arsenal manager’s stare as he contemplated another frustrating afternoon that summed up their disappointing Premier League campaign.

Mikel Arteta is a funny man, but not deliberately. I woke up with a bad feeling in the tummy but that’s completely unrelated to conceding two goals at home against Bournemouth.

“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said post-match. “What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”

Two entertaining teams with something to play for? I’d have to agree.

On the point about Chiesa, see 9.20am, there still seems to be some hope he will work out at Anfield…

Lost in the chat about Harry Kane’s inevitable Bundesliga title was some appreciation for another Premier League legend. Pascal Gross is sorely missed by Brighton fans, largely because he’s no longer creating goals like he did for Serhou Guirassy’s second yesterday. One turn, two defenders out of the game…

But what would the kit look like?

Imagine the scene: the television is on, the screen showing images of a packed stadium. Rodri collects the ball in midfield and launches it down the wing to Lamine Yamal, who switches play to Kylian Mbappé; the Frenchman swivels past two defenders before crossing for Robert Lewandowski, who surges forward and finishes with precision past Ederson in goal. Europe are leading the Rest of the World 1-0.

In about an hour’s time Ewan Murray will be doing a Scottish football Q&A, so please fire over your questions via matchday.live@theguardian.com.

Quoting from Andy Hunter’s piece on Slot’s rotation plans for the rest of the season, this might be an answer…

Perhaps Chiesa could get his long-awaited opportunity in a central striking role? He made a goalscoring impact in that position when introduced against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool will target a new centre-forward this summer and there is uncertainty over the futures of both Núñez and Jota. Chiesa could also decide to leave after only one season unless he is able to provide effective cover in a second forward position.

This seems like a good jumping off point for a discussion around what happens next for Liverpool after securing the Premier League title. It seems as if Arne Slot wants to rotate his players in the final few games, but should they keep pushing to silence a few detractors? Email in matchday.live@theguardian.com or drop a comment below the line.

The wait goes on for Harry Kane, who watched from the stands as Bayern conceded very late to draw with RB Leipzig, surely it’s only one more week until the England captain gets his hands on a first major honour

It has been a frustrating season for City in the WSL, is a remarkable salvage job possible? Let us know your thoughts below the line or via matchday.live@theguardian.com.

Chelsea wrapped up the WSL title, their sixth in a row, with a 1-0 win at Manchester United on Wednesday. Now United must bounce back to hold off local rivals Manchester City and secure European football next season. Tom Garry previews Sunday’s big WSL clash…

Skinner’s side also have a chance to do something United’s women have never done: complete a league double over City, having won 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in January, and beat them at Old Trafford for the first time. A victory would mark the women’s team’s greatest Old Trafford moment. United’s record against City, though, leaves a lot to be desired. City have lost only two of 10 WSL Manchester derbies and they have been buoyed by the return in last Sunday’s 1-0 win at Leicester of England’s Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood for their first appearances of 2025.

Updated at 09.50 CEST

Ahead of a Premier League clash which both Newcastle and Brighton need to win in order to further their European ambitions for next season, Eddie Howe has said that developing Sandro Tonali as a playmaker has been his ‘most important decision’

Joelinton, Guimarães and Tonali have always bonded well off the pitch but, until they swapped stations, it looked as if the latter pair might not be able to play together. Now their on-field chemistry is almost palpable. “The balance of the team is hugely important,” said Newcastle’s manager, whose side have won 20 of their past 26 matches in all competitions. “That helped us find a better balance.”

Jonathan Wilson’s latest ‘Inside Football’ column is about how Real Madrid’s campaign against officials is tarnishing the club’s image

At the heart of it all, the ageing general in his labyrinth, sits Florentino Pérez, who has been Madrid president for all but three years of this century. He has been wildly successful, with seven Champions League titles and a revenue 25% higher than that of the next wealthiest club in the world and yet he is at war with everybody, a 78-year-old watching the world changing around him, insisting it is all fixed against him.

Liverpool’s last four games can give Bradley, Endo, Elliott, Quansah and Chiesa the chance to shine in the Reds’ ‘certain rotation’, writes Andy Hunter

The celebrations have not finished yet and will crank back up when Liverpool are presented with and parade the Premier League trophy at the end of the month. However, Arne Slot’s thoughts are already turning towards next season’s title defence. “It’s the end of the season,” he said on Friday, “but we also have to look at this as the start of next season.”

This morning's headlines

Evanilson crowns Bournemouth’s comeback win at Arsenal

Tielemans keeps Villa racing for Europe as Fulham falter

Hirst and Ipswich spoil Everton’s farewell party

Vardy lifts Leicester and keeps Saints on 11 points

Farke proud of Leeds but more pain for Luton after relegation

Updated at 09.18 CEST

Preamble

Hello and welcome to live coverage of a Sunday packed with Big Timetm football, follow along for the latest news and previews ahead of today’s action. We get underway with the live action at midday, as Emillia Hawkins brings you a WSL clockwatch for the Manchster derby, which has serious implications for European qualification, with a side serving of Merseyside derby, which is more about civic pride, and runs through until the conclusion of Premier League champions Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea.

On the day of the latest Old Firm meeting in the Scottish Premiership, we also have a Scottish football Q&A with Ewan Murray, a doyen of all things north of the border, at 10.30am. So please come armed with questions for that via matchday.live@theguardian.com or dropping a comment below the line.

Before we get started, these are some of the key matches we’ll be following today.

WSL

Liverpool v Everton (midday)

Manchester United v Manchester City (midday)

Crystal Palace v Leicester City (2pm)

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (2.15)

West Ham v Aston Villa (3pm)

Premier League

Brentford v Manchester United (2pm)

Brighton v Newcastle (2pm)

West Ham v Tottenham (2pm)

Chelsea v Liverpool (4.30pm)

Scottish Premiership

Rangers v Celtic (midday)

La Liga

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (1pm)

Serie A

Empoli v Lazio (11.30)

Monza v Atalanta (2pm)

Roma v Fiorentina (5pm)

Bologna v Juventus (7.45pm)

You can peruse a fuller fixture list here.

The Guardian

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