talkSPORT

Why Aston Villa vs Tottenham is being held on Friday as vital Premier League game is controversially moved

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Why Aston Villa vs Tottenham is being held on Friday as vital Premier League game is controversially moved - talkSPORT
Description

Aston Villa's final home Premier League game of the season will take place against Tottenham this Friday night, live on talkSPORT 2.

The Villans are well in the race for the Champions League after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth moved them level on points with Chelsea.

They know that finishing in the top five isn't in their hands, and they all can do is win their last two matches.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are currently 17th in the Premier League and have lost 20 games.

Of course, their season all comes down to the Europa League final against Manchester United.

If they win, it salvages what has been a shambolic campaign for Spurs and Ange Postecoglou.

Why is Aston Villa vs Tottenham on Friday?

This match was initially scheduled for Sunday, May 18, but it has been moved at Spurs' request.

Tottenham submitted an appeal to the Premier League after their 3-1 semi-final first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

This is because the Europa League final is on Wednesday, May 21 in Bilbao.

So despite not being through, a request was submitted for the match to be moved to this Friday.

The Premier League granted the request, which annoyed Villa.

Of course, Tottenham have made it to the final, but the whole situation has turned messy, especially because Villa were denied their own request to move a match earlier in the season when they were facing Paris Saint-Germain.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Team news

The hosts will be without Jacob Ramsey after he was sent off at the weekend for two bookable offences.

Youri Tielemans has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Marcus Rashford is unlikely to play again either.

For Spurs, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are out.

Dejan Kulusevski suffered a knock to his knee and will be assessed.

They will hope to give Heung-min Son some minutes ahead of the Europa League final, but elsewhere, there could be huge rotation, with Postecoglou likely to rest all of his main players.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: What has been said?

It would be fair to say that Gabby Agbonlahor wasn't happy about this match being moved.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I'm hearing that Aston Villa's home game against Spurs has been moved to Friday 16 May.

"So that they play on the same night as Manchester United do, so it gives them the same amount of rest as Manchester United for the final of the Europa League.

"But, I don't like that because Aston Villa fans, I've seen it all over social media, it's only ten days away. They're paying for tickets, they're paying for flights, they're paying for hotels.

"The Premier League now have done Spurs a favour, when they didn't do it for Aston Villa when they had PSG [in the Champions League]. Is that a 'Top Six' bias that they're using? I don't get it."

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow

This Premier League game will take place on Friday, May 16.

Kick-off at Villa Park is scheduled for 7:30pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from the Midlands, with Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray providing commentary.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will also be across the action via our dedicated live blog.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: talkSPORT BET Odds

Aston Villa - 1/3

Draw - 17/4

Tottenham - 13/2

Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest Premier League betting odds and bet boosts

*odds subject to change. 18+ gambleaware.org

Source

Why Manchester United won't hold a bus parade if they win Europa League as barbecue plan revealed

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Why Manchester United won't hold a bus parade if they win Europa League as barbecue plan revealed - talkSPORT
Description

Manchester United will not enjoy an open-top bus parade even if they win the Europa League - with a barbecue on the menu instead.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the Red Devils ahead of their clash with Tottenham, after their worst domestic season in recent history.

Ruben Amorim faced a grilling after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham saw the club slip to a lowly 16th in the Premier League table.

However, United fans can still meet in celebration should the players serve up a sizzling finale in Bilbao against fellow strugglers Spurs.

Europa League glory would be the first continental triumph at Old Trafford since winning the same tournament in 2017.

It would also catapult Amorim's side back into the Champions League, with all the riches that come with being among UEFA's elite.

Despite this, there are no plans at present for a parade if United bring home the bacon, partly due to the club's tight schedule.

Man United have a top-flight fixture against Aston Villa days after the Europa League final, with a post-season tour straight afterwards.

The Red Devils play in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just three days after their Premier League season comes to a close on May 28.

Their Asian tour continues with another game in Hong Kong on May 30, with several key stars then reporting for international duty.

Therefore, United intend to stage a more low-key celebration at their Carrington training ground, which is also undergoing building works.

Players, staff and their families will all meet for a BBQ, according to The Times, but Tottenham are expected to have a parade if they win.

Spurs are bidding to lift their first piece of silverware since the League Cup victory in 2008 and a first European trophy since 1984.

It would mark the third Premier League club to stage an open-top bus parade this year, with Championship promotion-winning duo Leeds United and Burnley also enjoying their own this month.

Newcastle held one following their Carabao Cup success in March, with Liverpool set to follow suit for their Premier League title victory.

United, meanwhile, haven't held an open-top bus parade since Sir Alex Ferguson delivered a 20th top-flight crown before retiring.

That year, an estimated 100,000 people lined the streets to celebrate, but Ally McCoist has one way to make a BBQ just as special.

The talkSPORT host told Breakfast: "I tell you what I'll do, I think there's a niche for me in here. See if Ruben Armiron wants to contact me, I think I can provide the food, the meat for the barbecue."

"I can see wee [Alejandro] Garnacho right now, battering into one of my spare ribs. I can see him. You know that with the barbecue sauce over it. He's got it caught on the side and all that," McCoist added.

"Oh, wee Garnacho would love my ribs. Where is he from? He's Argentinian, he's got to love my ribs, man.

"Do you know what I do for Bruno [Fernandes]? I've got it sorted. Piri piri chicken, he's Portuguese. Nando's. I'll get my chicken, marinade it.

"He's going to be happy. Harry Maguire - I'm just throwing Harry a t-bone. Marcus [Rashford] can come, oh aye."

[Even though he wasn't part of the side to win?] "Marcus, he's coming alone and I've got him a burger," McCoist finished.

Tottenham vs Man United: talkSPORT coverage

The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.

Kick-off is currently scheduled for 8pm, with talkSPORT's live coverage of the final presented by Adrian Durham.

Commentary will be provided by Jim Proudfoot and former England striker Dean Ashton.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Source

Tottenham Hotspur's season is dying a lingering death, Crystal Palace fans chant sums up how poor Ange Postecoglou's men are

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
What Palace fans did during match sums up how poor Spurs have been this season - talkSPORT
Description

Crystal Palace fans started chanting 'ole' at one point during the second half of their 2-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was to mark a neat passing move which came to nothing but had sparkled with brief promise.

It was worth an 'ole' or three. Except it was a rare Spurs passing move.

Palace fans were chanting mockingly. Spurs were that poor.

This was a tale of two finalists, and two differing approaches by their managers.

Oliver Glasner, whose Palace side play in Saturday’s FA Cup final, went strong and was rewarded with a powerful performance by his players, especially Eberechi Eze, Will Hughes, Daniel Munoz and Marc Guehi.

Ange Postecoglou made eight changes from his regulars, the argument being that Spurs had just returned from Bodo and were saving legs for the Europa League final in ten days.

Everyone knows Postecoglou hasn’t got a Plan B and this showed he

hasn’t got a B team. It was hard to advance a case for any of his reserves.

What has happened to Djed Spence? Palace took one look at Spurs left-back and attacked again and again. Munoz and Ismaila Sarr both gave him an uncomfortable time.

Even those supposed A-listers who came on for Spurs, notably Heung-min Son, were markedly off the pace. Son’s decline from former heights has been one of the sadder sights of the past 18 months.

A magnificent player in his prime, flowing quickly over the ground and threatening constantly, the 32-year-old has lost much of

his mobility and menace.

There was some logic to Postecoglou starting Dejan Kulusevski. He still needs minutes after only three starts and four sub appearances following being out six weeks injured.

Kulusevski sustained a knock to his right knee following a forceful, but

fair challenge from Guehi after 19 minutes.

Postecoglou said afterwards that he expected the Swede to be 'okay' for the final. With James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall out, Postecoglou cannot afford any more injuries.

Just as Kulusevski hobbled off, Spurs limp towards the finishing line of the Premier League. Their league campaign has turned into a long, lingering death, urgently needing putting out of its misery.

They aren’t going down but to be one position above the drop (albeit 16 points clear of 17 th ) is inexcusable for such a proud club.

Suffering 20 league defeats is similarly unacceptable. Tottenham fans were remarkably restrained when the merciful release of the final whistle signalled only two wins in their last 13 home games. Many had left by then.

Bilbao or bust it is then.

Postecoglou has a point when arguing that teams wrestling

for a top-five finish would love to have a European final to look forward to.

Trophies matter. But a tidal wave of anger will flood towards his dug-out if they lose to Manchester United.

And, even if they win, could Spurs keep a manager who has failed so badly domestically? The prospect of Champions League football, through winning the Europa League, would make the job even more appealing to any potential successor.

The only chance of Glasner leaving Palace if one of the heavyweight clubs comes in for him.

He’s so impressing with tactics, man-management, performances and results including the run to the final.

Palace supporters are loving it, singing of Wembley, and mocking Spurs here.

If this 3,000 make this much noise, heaven knows what 33,000 are going to make at Wembley on Saturday.

They dominated here. Hughes ran midfield, too quick to press and win the ball, and too effective in his passing. Eze’s movement and touch were too much for Spurs.

Palace had the ball in the net after only eight minutes, following a flowing move from Jean-Philippe Mateta to Eze to Munoz to Ismaila Sarr, who scored at the far-post.

The goal was ruled out for an offside decision against Mateta whose feet were in his own half but shoulder in Spurs’.

Some clarification arrived from Stockley Park: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Mateta was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

We could see that from the referee’s signal. Greater explanation was required and the ensuing photo didn’t clear up too

much.

Fans deserve better clarification. It has been 142 years since the offside law was brought in to prevent goal-hanging and we now have a player ruled offside 58 yards from goal by technology.

Semi-automated offside was meant to end debate. But the issue here is obviously the law, and gives more credibility to Arsene Wenger’s proposed 'daylights' rule.

A player would be deemed onside as long as any part of their body was in line with the last defender.

Palace didn’t worry too long. Munoz kept raiding down the right and fed in a perfect cross for Eze to make it 1-0 at the start of four minutes’ first-half added time.

Lightning struck twice. Three minutes after the break, Sarr went down the right and played the ball back for Eze to double Palace’s lead and deepen Tottenham’s pain.

Eddie Nketiah wasted a great chance to make it 3-0 but the game was long over.

The mocking chants of 'ole' confirmed that.

Source

'Absolutely ludicrous' - Crystal Palace goal controversially ruled out by VAR against Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
'Absolutely ludicrous' - Crystal Palace goal controversially ruled out by VAR against Tottenham - talkSPORT
Description

Premier League officials are under fire again after a controversial disallowed goal in Crystal Palace's trip to Tottenham.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead during the first half in North London.

However, a VAR review ultimately disallowed Ismaila Sarr's strike for an offside in the build-up.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was adjudged to have been beyond the last man when the ball was played to him at the start of the move.

The Palace striker went on to pass to Eberechi Eze, who found full-back Daniel Munoz on the right-hand side.

Munoz's low cross was then converted by Sarr at the back post just eight minutes into the match.

Mateta was deemed to have been offside, though, despite appearing to be inside his own half.

Replays of the semi-automated offside system showed that only his right arm was inside the Spurs half.

However, his shoulder was beyond that of the last defender, Djed Spence, prompting the goal to be ruled out.

Fans and pundits were stunned by the decision, though, including talkSPORT's Adrian Durham.

Reacting to the disallowed goal, he said: "It's absolutely ludicrous that that goal was ruled offside. Something has to change."

Meanwhile, the Premier League Match Centre provided an explanation for the decision on social media.

A post on X following the disallowed strike read: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Mateta was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Palace did eventually go 1-0 up with Eberechi Eze putting the ball in the back of the net late in the first half.

The strike was his sixth in the Premier League this season in 32 appearances for Palace.

Eze has also provided eight assists for his team-mates across those matches.

His side remain in 12th place in the table with just two matches remaining.

Despite an outside chance of reaching the European places, their best hopes of a maiden continental campaign is the FA Cup.

Oliver Glasner's side face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A victory would also secure the club's first piece of major silverware in their 119-year history.

Source

Harry Kane sends trophy message to Tottenham moments after lifting Bundesliga title

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Harry Kane sends trophy message to Tottenham moments after lifting Bundesliga title - talkSPORT
Description

Having finally broken his trophy hoodoo, Harry Kane is desperate for Tottenham to do the same.

The Bayern Munich striker lifted his first piece of silverware with the Bundesliga ‘Meisterschale’, ending a 15-year wait, but his old side have spent even longer in the doldrums.

Spurs have been without a trophy since the League Cup in 2008, but have the chance to finally correct that on May 21 when they face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Kane will clearly be tuning in, and spoke to the media about his hopes during Bayern’s title celebrations.

“They've obviously had a tough season, there's no hiding from that,” he said. “But to reach the Europa League final is a great achievement.

"It's not an easy feat to beat the teams that they've beaten so full credit to them, I'll be watching and hoping they can win.”

Kane left what had been his lifelong club in 2023, moving to Bayern in an £88million move.

In north London he’d faced heartbreak with two League Cup runners-up medals, a second place in the Premier League, and silver in the Champions League final.

So he knows how much it means to the fans, and is also aware how important he still is to them.

He continued: "It could be a good month for a lot of Spurs fans, because I know a lot of them have reached out to me and they're happy to see me lift this title.

"And of course, I think we'd all be happy to see Spurs win that.”

Bayern clinched the title a week earlier with runners-up Bayer Leverkusen dropping points against Freiburg.

Kane got to celebrate with his teammates at a restaurant in Munich, but then the real party started at the Allianz Arena next time out in front of the home fans.

Bayern beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 with Kane scoring, and with it being their final home match, they then got to lift the trophy.

Explaining what that emotion was finally like, Kane said: “It's been a long time coming.

“My first championship is obviously a big feeling, a big thing for the club as well, so I'm just waiting to enjoy it as much as possible.

"I wanted to win, I wanted to make sure we had a good result and then we could really enjoy it and that was the case.

“Just having my hands on that trophy feels special and I'm going to enjoy the next couple of weeks, for sure.

“It just feels amazing. It was a weight on the shoulders, so it's nice to have that lifted and now we can enjoy it.

“This is better than an individual award. I think it's no secret that this is one thing that's kind of been missing from my CV.

"I've had plenty of individual accolades and been close on many occasions to team trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn't quite worked. So this is a better feeling for sure.

“I've had plenty of ups in my career as well without winning the biggest trophies.

"But of course I've had some sad moments and some tough moments, but resilience is something that I've had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn't change me as a player.

"I'm still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can be.”

Source

'He will be trying' - Ange Postecoglou offers Tottenham Europa League final update after 'unfortunate' injuries

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
'He will be trying' - Ange Postecoglou offers Tottenham Europa League final update after 'unfortunate' injuries - talkSPORT
Description

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted the Europa League final will come too soon for injured Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old has become an integral member of the Spurs squad this campaign with his energetic and marauding displays in central midfield.

When Tottenham's injury problems struck, the Swede came to the fore with mature displays in an inexperienced team.

But sadly his season is over after he picked up an ankle issue, and he is set to miss out along with James Maddison who picked up a knee problem.

Bergvall was seen wearing a medical boot ahead as he sat on the sideline during the Lilywhites' Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt.

Now Tottenham have reached the final, where they will face Premier League rivals Manchester United.

And ahead of the Bilbao showpiece, Postecoglou was asked about the potential of Bergvall being available.

"Yeah, that is unlikely," he said. "If we had another two weeks, potentially he could.

"I am sure he will be trying, I am sure [James Maddison] will be trying mate, just to get the strip on.

"Unfortunate for both of those guys, but that has been our season. Nothing has run smooth.

"I am sure there will be parts of themselves really disappointed they are not part of this most important part, but they have been so integral to us getting here.

"As I mentioned after the game, I don’t think there is a single player in the dressing room who hasn’t contributed to help us get to where we have got to today and should we have success, we’ll make sure they get acknowledged in the right way."

Elsewhere, though, Tottenham are set to be buoyed by the return of Heung-Min Son.

The South Korean forward was forced off in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt.

He was subsequently absent with a foot injury but now could get some game time against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Postecoglou added: "Yeah there's no [fresh injuries], everyone got through OK the other night.

"Half hopeful that we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow so he'll be the only one that sort of can come back in."

The Australian will have to balance his squad, which was ravaged by injury earlier in the campaign, ahead of the final.

And he admits he'll have to manage the minutes of players, especially after similar exertions against Tamworth on an artificial pitch resulted in injuries back in January.

He added: "It's a challenging one, but we've tried to navigate that for the last sort of couple of months.

"I think particularly Micky [van de Ven], [Cristian] Romero and Destiny [Udogie] to a certain extent because they've missed a huge chunk of the season and you always know when guys come back you've got to really manage them because Romero's and Micky's season, they had a couple of setbacks after coming back and we just didn't want to go down that path.

"We've changed our structures and our processes so that when they come back, we keep them back.

"We've done that really well, I think the last two or three months, but part of that has just been managing their minutes so it will be a balancing act.

"I think they need to get some game time between now and then, which where that happens, look, unlikely tomorrow because I think what we do know about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players, it's fair to say they were sore.

"I remember when we played Tamworth, we actually got a couple of injuries in the game straight after that, I think, because of the surface.

"So we've got to be really careful about tomorrow's game, but next Friday it's a bit different. I think we've just got to make decisions we think [are right], ultimately we want to be in a great condition come the final of Europa, so we'll use that."

Source

Ange Postecoglou sent Tottenham players into raptures with emotional dressing room speech

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Ange Postecoglou sent Tottenham players into raptures with emotional dressing room speech - talkSPORT
Description

Ange Postecoglou delivered a passionate dressing room speech to his players after Tottenham reached the Europa League final.

Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt with a 2-0 away win in their semi-final second leg to give them a 5-1 aggregate victory, setting up a mouth-watering all-English showdown with Manchester United.

Postecoglou's side headed to Norway with the tie all-but sealed after beating their opponents 3-1 in the first leg.

But they made sure to avoid any upset at the Aspmyra Stadion, with goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro booking their trip to Bilbao on May 21.

After a miserable season domestically, the Europa League final now presents itself as a huge opportunity Spurs to end on a high.

The north Londoners sit 16th in the Premier League table, having suffered injuries to a number of key players, while their head coach has faced plenty of criticism for his side's woes this term.

And after Tottenham earned their shot at landing their first major trophy since 2008, Postecoglou hailed his group's resilience in a rousing speech in the away dressing room.

Footage shows the Australian addressing his team, who had to wait for the celebrations to die down as goalscorers Solanke and Porro shouted with joy

He told his players: "I've been in this game a long time, I've experienced it all. But I'm so proud how all of you have stuck together.

"Not one time have I felt people aren't believing or have lost what we have in here. It's just outstanding.

"People will never realise what it's taken for you guys to be in this position and you deserve all the credit for that.

"It's unbelievable what you've done. To come to this place, a difficult place, and win comfortably. All the things we've had to deal with."

Spurs were without captain Son Heung-min for both legs of their European semi-final, while playmaker James Maddison suffered a season-ending injury in the first leg.

And with a number of other notable absentees on Thursday night, Postecoglou made sure to hail their role in the season's success.

He continued: "There are people who aren't with us today and are back home.

"Fraser [Forster] has played a big part, Sonny [Son Heung-min], Madders [Maddison], Lucas [Bergvall], Radu [Dragusin].

“They've all played a big part and everyone has contributed. That's the main thing that's got us to this point - we've had problems for sure, but we've stuck together. You deserve it."

With three Premier League games remaining before their final face-off with United, Postecoglou delivered a rousing final message to his message, as he backed his group to deliver a long-awaited trophy.

The 59-year-old went on: "Now we have just under two weeks to prepare. Every day is important. Every day, every training session, every game we have between now and then is about getting ready for that big game.

"You can change things. 400 supporters here today, they will never forget it. And there's thousands back home.

“You can make something really special. I keep saying to you: 'This is the group of players that are going to do it.'

"Focus on that for now, you deserve all the credit. You've been outstanding.

Urging his players to savour the moment, Postecoglou finished: “Tomorrow we focus, but tonight we [celebrate]."

And his players duly followed up on his instructions, bursting into celebration in the dressing rooms at the end of the emotional rallying cry.

Source

Premier League LIVE: Man United, Spurs, and Chelsea all reach European finals, Liverpool boss Slot reacts to Alexander-Arnold exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Man Utd, Spurs, and Chelsea all reach Euro finals, Liverpool vs Arsenal build-up - talkSPORT
Description

If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up - Bissouma

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was overjoyed to reach the Europa League final.

The former Brighton man's importance to Spurs has ramped up following serious injuries to James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall.

Speaking to Spurs' X account, he said: "I'm happy, especially for the club because it deserves more than where we are now [in the league].

"To go to a final, for me, is something special. As a kid, I never would have believed I would come and play for Spurs one day and now that I'm here, I'm in a final. That's something I can't explain, I don't have the words to say it.

"I feel like I'm dreaming. If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up. But the reality is we did it, we're in the final.

"I'm really happy for the club, for my team-mates, for the staff, for the fans, for everyone. Now we just have to be one, a Spurs family, to go to Bilbao and bring the trophy back home. Spurs fans, this is for you. I'm so happy. One more game and we go."

Howe about it?

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe sat firmly on the fence when discussing whether he fancies two derbies next season.

The Magpies' arch-rivals, Sunderland, are in the Championship playoffs and three potential matches away from Premier League promotion.

The Black Cats are in semifinal first leg action against Coventry this evening, live and exclusive on talkSPORT.

When asked if he wants Sunderland to win to facilitate the top-flight return of the Tyne–Wear derby, Howe said: "I think I was asked this yesterday and I very much sat on the fence.

"If the games come, we'll embrace the games.

"But it's interesting to see the playoffs, obviously I saw a bit of the game last night, and I think the playoffs always had a lot of drama, so let's wait and see."

Roll out the red carpet

More from Liverpool boss Arne Slot on comparisons between Trent Alexander-Arnold and his fellow right-back Conor Bradley.

He said: "Let's not compare with Trent already, they are different types in my opinion, we all see Conor's potential.

"Last week I walked on pitch with him and for me, it was a surprise to hear from him, he had a comment about the stadium, and it was the first he was there as well. For me, he is already there ahead of development than being at Chelsea for the first time.

"Unfortunately, he hasn't been fit all season, but to become a good player you have to be fit all season, but we have a lot of confidence in him as a very good full-back for Liverpool."

On rotation, Slot added: "Conor will start [against Arsenal], he needs playing time, games under his belt to be prepared for next season."

On Liverpool fans' reaction to Alexander-Arnold's announcement, Slot continued:

People have an opinion, Trent, me or anyone, nothing new. Maybe a bit more negative than he is used to. I am not here to tell the fans how to react. The boys had a few days off, so I will wait and see how he feels. I have spoken to him on Whatsapp, but let's wait and see. I am not here to tell the fans how to react. Trent said that us, as a team and club, not to be too distracted by this announcement, so I hope all the energy goes to the players, the fans and as little as possible to Trent, unless it is positive.

"Light at right-back? Is that true? We have Conor and Curtis Jones, so four players [alongside Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah].

"I agree one of them is the ideal position, and Gomez can play there well, but favourite is centre-back, Jarell, it's the same.

"I think it is a surprise to you if I say we are looking at this or that, we don't talk about the positions we want to improve the team. We have just won the league, we were so competitive v PSG, it is not easy to find better players to improve us, they need to be available and we need to be able to afford them."

T-Rent is due

Arne Slot has given his first reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold's official announcement that he will be leaving Liverpool.

The Dutchman said: "I think like everyone who likes LFC and is a fan of us, we're disappointed because a good human is leaving, but also a very good full-back as well.

"I also worked at clubs like AZ and Feyenoord when good players left, so I am a bit more used to it. The experience I have and this club as well, if a good player leaves, the next good player steps up, and that is what will happen again."

Do you know where Trent is going?

"He hasn't said anything, just that he will leave, so it is impossible to comment if he will play in the Club World Cup.

"You see by my smile, we both know where he is going to, but it hasn't been said yet, so that's impossible for me to comment on."

"Team selection will be the same as last week, same thought process goes through my mind for Sunday's game.

"If Conor [Bradley] was available for Chelsea, he would have started against Chelsea already, but he wasn't, so there's a fair chance he will start, Conor."

Opponent confirmed

Chelsea now know who they will face in the Europa Conference League final after beating Djurgarden.

The Blues will come up against Real Betis.

Betis have reached their first-ever major European final after beating Fiorentina in extra time of their clash.

Antony has been in superb form and another goal this evening has helped his side book a spot in the showpiece.

The Spaniards will take on Enzo Maresca's side in a couple of weeks and Maresca has been speaking post-match.

He said: "Very happy, the job is done and now we have almost 20 days to prepare for this final. Hopefully, we can win this trophy.

"It's good overall, good performance with many young players.

"It is almost a second team. Very happy for the young boys and very happy to reach the final."

Snapping back

The Spurs boss' pleasantries didn't last too long...

He's bitten back at a reporter in his post-match press conference after being asked a question to do with Man United.

A reporter asked: "Man United have constantly said that this competition won't save their season...would it save Tottenham's season? Is it different for Tottenham?"

Ange Postecoglou replied: "I don't care. What do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me?

"Ask the Manchester United manager why he says that. Me? I've said all along that this is important."

He continued: "You know better than me, you follow this club more than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?

"The question answers itself. What's happening right now is people are fearing that it might actually happen.

"They're trying to tear it down and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and try to compare us to Man United."

Proud

Ange Postecoglou is delighted that his Spurs side have made it through to a major European final.

They've had a dismal year, and Postecoglou remains under a lot of pressure, but for tonight, that will all be forgotten.

"Couldn't be prouder of the lads," he told TNT Sports. "We knew it was a difficult place to come.

"We're aware of the record they have here, the pitch. I think the lads handled it well. Excited, we're in a final.

"We've grown in maturity and we understand exactly what's required. I think that's where we won the game.

"We kept them to a minimum in the first half and did what we needed to do."

On seeing the fans celebrating, Postecoglou continued: "It's why you do what we do. You understand the context of what this football club has been trying to achieve for quite a while.

"Managers and players come and go but the supporters are a constant. There were 400 here tonight and maybe a few more snuck in and many more at home.

"I hope we gave them something to smile about."

'I'm stressed already'

Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Mason Mount and given his thoughts on reaching the Europa League final.

"It's the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season," the Man United boss said.

"I'm stressed already because of the final. If we don't do it, it means nothing, but we're happy to be there, so let's see.

"I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment, but we're trying.

"We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League."

On Mount, Amorim added: "I'm so happy for him. He is such a player. He works really hard, he has quality.

"When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player, you just want to help him.

"He is perfect for this position as he can be a midfielder, but also runs like a winger, so I'm really happy for him."

Stepping up

Mason Mount just put in his best performance in a Man United shirt, coming off the bench to score twice.

And what a time to do it, securing a place in a European final.

He has become the first substitute to score a brace in a European knockout match for United since David Beckham in April 2003.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, he said: "It was too long [waiting for a night like that]. I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

"Today it paid off, and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."

On his second goal from a long way out, Mount continued: "When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out, I had it in my head if it comes to me, 'first touch and shoot'.

"I didn't want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net."

"The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us," he added. "For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I've been waiting a long time for.

"To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly."

Source

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United set up Battle of Britain blockbuster Europa League final

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United set up Battle of Britain blockbuster Europa League final - talkSPORT
Description

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will fight for European silverware in this season's all-England Europa League final.

Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate whilst United overcame their first half scare at Old Trafford to win 7-1 against Athletic Bilbao.

The Premier League sides will now meet on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain to battle for Europa League glory.

It will be the first all-English final in the competition since 2019, when Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 for their second title.

Spurs somewhat coasted in their second leg clash against Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.

A 3-1 victory in the first leg last week had all-but sealed the aggregate result, but Ange Postecoglou's side still had to cross the line.

They did just that as Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro scored in a 2-0 win at the Aspmyra Stadion to ensure an upset was avoided.

Spurs last won the competition in 1984 when it was branded as the UEFA Cup and now await their first European final in six years following their Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.

Opponents United stormed to a 3-0 aggregate lead against Bilbao in the first leg, but were pegged back during the first half in the second.

Mikel Jauregizar scored with a stunning long-range strike to pull the Spanish side back into the tie with 31 minutes on the clock.

But a double from Mason Mount and goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund restored United's comfortable aggregate lead to set up a clash with Spurs.

The Europa League final now presents itself as a huge opportunity for both teams to salvage their dreadful seasons.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and a point behind 15th-placed United with three fixtures remaining.

Their standings make it impossible for them to qualify for European football next season via league position.

So, the stakes at the San Mames Stadium will be even higher for the showpiece match in less than two weeks' time.

But for the loser, it will represent their worst season in the Premier League.

United will finish the season with their lowest points tally and in their lowest Premier League finish.

As for Spurs, who have lost 19 top flight matches, they are set to finish in their lowest position and pick up their fewest points.

Whoever wins in the Europa League will have another opportunity to lift a European trophy at the start of the 2025/26 season in the Super Cup final.

Meeting them there will be the Champions League victors, with Paris Saint-Germain taking on Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, Germany.

As well as this, Europa League triumph will guarantee a spot in the Champions League next season.

Source

When is the Europa League final? UK kick-off time, stadium and how to follow as Manchester United and Tottenham meet for all-English showpiece

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
All the info about the Europa League final as Man United meet Spurs in showpiece - talkSPORT
Description

The Europa League final is set and we will see an all-English showpiece between Manchester United and Tottenham.

Both of the Premier League sides' seasons fully depend on success, and now they meet to compete for a European trophy.

The Red Devils thrashed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Spain, and then backed that up with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford to go through.

Meanwhile, Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg and then 2-0 in the second to book a place in Bilbao.

Here’s all you need to know about this year’s Europa League final…

Europa League final: Date and kick-off time

The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.

It is being held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain - home of Man United's semi-final opponents, Athletic Bilbao.

Kick-off is currently scheduled for 8pm.

Broadcast details for the final are yet to be confirmed, but it is set to be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be on hand for all the latest news and build-up.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Man United's route to the final

Quarter-final: Lyon

April 10 - 2-2 (a)

April 17 - 5-4 a.e.t (h)

Semi-final: Athletic Bilbao

May 1 - 0-3 (a)

May 8 - 4-1 (h)

Final: Tottenham, Wednesday, May 21

Tottenham's route to the final

Quarter-final: Eintracht Frankfurt

April 10 - 1-1 (h)

April 17 - 0-1 (a)

Semi-final: Bodo/Glimt

May 1 - 3-1 (h)

May 8 - 0-2 (a)

Final: Man United, Wednesday, May 21

Europa League final: Tickets

Ticket sales for this year’s Europa League final opened on Monday, April 7.

Fans can apply for tickets to the game up until April 11. More details are here.

The majority of seats will go to fans of the participating teams once they are decided, but those who have applied will then go into a ballot for the remaining seats.

Tickets are not being sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the ballot awarding tickets to successful applicants who will be notified via email.

The two teams that reach the final will have 15,000 tickets each to sell to fans.

Prices for fans of the participating clubs are set at £34 as part of UEFA’s Fans First initiative, while other prices vary from £56 to £206.

Europa League final: What has been said?

Arsenal legend Martin Keown thinks that by winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou will save his job as Tottenham boss.

When asked whether Postecoglou’s job as Spurs manager depends on his side going all the way in Europe, Keown said: “Without doubt.

“He’s saying that in his second season, he always wins a trophy. He’s been quite defiant.

“Let’s see if they can go and do it now. Remarkably, if they win the Europa League, they can make it into the Champions League which is just incredible.

“Postecoglou has that in the locker, it can certainly happen for him.

“Would he still stay in the job? Man United won the FA Cup last year, and people said that papered over the cracks [with Erik ten Hag].

“But I think if he wins the Europa League, it gives him time, it gives him another season. Then, if he can keep his players fit, they can impact the Premier League.”

Source