Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur | Women's Super League highlights
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Listening to Ange Postecoglou describe the noise around Tottenham Hotspur’s season can feel like living in a world of extremes.
The highs of Frankfurt and the lows of any number of recent Premier League games are just the part on the football pitch. The Spurs head coach used the word "hysteria" at one point, when describing the external voices passing comment on his side.
"Within the football department we've tried to maintain a discipline about how we behave and keep the noise on the outside away from us," he reveals.
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"We came back from Frankfurt on a high and everyone was buzzing, then it was another disappointing game in the week [a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest] and that flips 180 degrees. From our perspective it's really important we cocoon ourselves from it."
Easier said than done, surely? "It's not easy because as much as I can say to the players 'block out the noise', we all live in the outside world. If I could keep them locked up in here for the next month I'd be OK. What you look at is the behaviour of the players; the way they are training, the way they are talking. For the most part they are handling it pretty well."
What does irk Postecoglou is the idea that Spurs have reached this point where they could achieve European success, without meticulously building and preparing over the course of many weeks and months. He talks to the players about 'The Stonecutter's Credo'. It is an allegory from the Danish writer and photographer Jacob Riis:
When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
"Sometimes people look at success and look at the tail end of it and don't realise what's gone into it," Postecoglou explains.
"A lot of it is work that is unseen or seems like you are not really progressing. For us, as difficult as the season has been, a lot of it has been good for us in terms of building resilience and staying united.
"I know that for us to break through and bring a trophy we are going to need bundles of that. We just need to keep banging away at the rock and hopefully on the 101st blow we will crack it."
That final blow represents a possible Europa League Final triumph. It could either be a hugely exciting or frustrating outcome depending on whether or not the stone cracks.
"It just depends on how it pans out," Postecoglou continues. "That's the reality of football. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve. I always found that's short-term. Over the long course you will succeed. It's about getting back at the rock and doing the right things all the time, I really believe in that.
"All the success I've had in my career, none of it has been instant, none of it has been because of one thing or one answer to everything. It's about consistently - over and over again - trying to do the right things. Eventually success comes and sometimes it comes at unexpected times, it doesn't come when you think it should."
Postecoglou is in his 60th year and retains a sense of perspective that comes with the wisdom he has gained over time. He was just half that age when starting out in management at South Melbourne and admits that his younger self would not have coped with the pressures he is under today.
"No probably not, that's the reality of it. Invariably when you are younger you take things a lot more personally, you think things are very definite in terms of the outcomes. Over the course of time you realise none of that is true, everything is just a moment in time and the moments all pass.
"It's not that I never had pressure when I was younger, you always do. For all young managers the first job is really important because if you don't succeed you might not get another opportunity. The pressure is always there, it's just the noise now and the way the world has changed as well. There are so many more platforms.
"When I first started, the media used to be journalists and that was it. Now every platform you can think of has an opinion and they all have the ability to voice that opinion and it can feel really overwhelming, and the younger me would have struggled to cope with that."
If Spurs can prevail in Europe then Postecoglou's mission will arguably have been completed. He was tasked with reducing the age profile of the squad, changing the direction on the pitch and bringing success. It has been a hugely challenging campaign but one that can end with each of those boxes being ticked.
"Yes, that was the brief, that was why I came," he adds. "To change the way the club played its football, to regenerate a squad because it was coming to the end of a cycle, and to win trophies.
"I still feel like that's the motivation and they were the objectives for me coming here and that's what I'm determined to see out. I haven't tried to change the initial mission which was to play football that excites the fans, to bring some exciting young talent to the club, and hopefully succeed."
And as the noise builds ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool and that Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, Postecoglou will not let any of it affect his preparations for the biggest test of his Spurs career.
"Provided you stay true to yourself, your head hits the pillow at night and you're fine. In those moments if you change what you believe in, or your values, or who you are as a person, that's where you do have those sleepless nights.
"That's happened at times in my career but as you get older you realise that it's like every other storm, they all pass."
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Chris Eubank Jr is "doing well" in hospital after his hard-fought points victory over Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Eubank Jr was taken to The Royal London as a precautionary measure and initial tests have come back clear, but he is likely to remain in hospital until Monday. His father, Chris Eubank Snr, has been at his bedside, along with other members of his family.
Promoter Ben Shalom confirmed Eubank Jr is "doing well" as he continues to be monitored by medical staff and ruled out reports that the fighter suffered a broken jaw.
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"I'm pleased to confirm that Chris is doing well and currently resting," said Shalom. "There is no truth to the rumours regarding a broken jaw.
"As part of his standard post-fight protocol, Chris is at the hospital for precautionary checks to monitor his vitals and ensure everything is in order.
"They take these measures very seriously, given everything they have experienced in the past. This process is something they now prioritise after every fight.
"Chris and Conor gave absolutely everything in what was the biggest legacy fight of all time. With their fathers standing proudly behind them, it was a moment that will forever be stamped in sporting history."
Speaking after his unanimous decision victory, Eubank Jr admitted he was surprised by Benn's spirited performance following a gruelling 12-round battle.
"I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring it out of me," said Eubank Jr, who suffered a cut over his right eye following a clash of heads in the ninth round.
"I didn't expect Conor to be the guy to do that. I didn't know he had that in him, I thought I would break him early.
"I underestimated him, I didn't prepare for a fight like that.
"The fact our fathers fought years ago brought out a different spirit and I am happy to have my father with me."
Eubank Snr made a dramatic arrival earlier in the evening and also reflected on a physically demanding fight for his son.
"He couldn't move around the ring, he had to stand toe to toe and that is legendary behaviour in the ring. I am so proud of him.
"Conor is an extraordinary fighter and you saw that.
"I am so proud of my son."
Liverpool host Tottenham on Sunday April 27, live on Sky Sports, needing just a point to win the Premier League title. Here's how Sky and non-Sky customers can watch the game...
Arne Slot's side sit 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and can clinch their 20th title this weekend to equal Manchester United's haul.
Tottenham are 16th in the Premier League table on 37 points after suffering an 18th league defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest last time out.
The previous league meeting between Liverpool and Tottenham was a goalfest as the Reds triumphed 6-3 on December 22.
The two sides also met in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with Spurs winning the first leg 1-0 before Liverpool won 4-0 at Anfield in the second leg to progress.
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When is Liverpool vs Tottenham
Liverpool vs Tottenham in the Premier League takes place on Sunday April 27 at Anfield. Kick-off is 4.30pm UK time.
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Liverpool vs Tottenham team news
Liverpool have no new injury concerns heading into this Super Sunday showdown.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in contention to start after returning from injury off the bench to score the winning goal against Leicester City last Sunday.
Heung-Min Son continues to recover from a foot injury and remains unavailable for Tottenham, but Ange Postecoglou also has no new injury concerns and has the same squad to pick from that lost to Nottingham Forest on Monday.
Premier League title permutations
Liverpool are so close to the Premier League title, they can start to feel it.
Arsenal's 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night leaves them 12 points behind Liverpool, with just four games left for the Gunners.
Liverpool have five games left and now need just a point when they host Tottenham on Sunday - live on Sky Sports - to win the Premier League title.
If Liverpool clinch the Premier League title against Spurs, they could then get a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge when they play Chelsea on May 4, live on Sky Sports.
Liverpool last won the championship back in the delayed 2019/20 Covid season when Jurgen Klopp's side amassed 99 points en route to the title, ending a 30-year wait for a top-flight title in the process.
Liverpool vs Tottenham odds and score prediction
Sky Sports' Lewis Jones...
Arne Slot has Liverpool on the brink of greatness - what a job he has done.
He's resisted trying to reinvent the wheel but has just tweaked key components here and there - all that was great about Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp still remains, but they are a more sensible football team now. Liverpool have also suffered just 37 injuries this season which is in stark contrast to rivals Arsenal, who have had almost double that. That is also a credit to the manager, who has managed his squad meticulously through the choppy waters of a Premier League season.
I think that might be the biggest difference between Arsenal and Liverpool this season. The injury toll may have even been the decisive factor. But that takes nothing away from what Liverpool have done - I think it's fine to say they've been deserving champions and also that Arsenal are probably the better side when everyone is fit. Both statements can be true.
For this one, it's going to be party time and Slot may go all irresponsible, tie a tie around his head, do a couple of shots and unleash a bit of Klopp-ball on Tottenham, who aren't exactly going to sit in a low block. Both teams to score and over 4.5 goals in the match is a runner at 9/4 with Sky Bet.
Chris Eubank Jr said his gruelling 12-round victory over Conor Benn was inspired by his father, who made a stunning surprise appearance just hours before the fight.
The Eubanks have have been estranged, and have scarcely spoken to each other in recent years, but 35 years after Eubank Sr famously battled Nigel Benn, he arrived with his son at the Tottenahm Hotspur Stadium and they made an emotional ringwalk together.
The appearance, which came without warning, was loudly cheered by the 65,000 fans in London who were treated to a new chapter in the Eubank vs Benn family rivalry, with Eubank Jr ultimately emerging as the victor via unanimous decision.
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Eubank Jr won the fight 116-112 on all of the judges' scorecards and said his success drew on his dad's legacy.
"The fact our fathers did it all those years ago brings out a different spirit into you and that's what we showed here tonight," he said.
"I'm happy to have this man [Eubank Sr] back with me. He needed to be here. All this is because of what he did.
"We upheld the family name. Onwards and upwards."
Eubank Jr, who is seven years older than his opponent, was taken to hospital for precautionary checks following the fight and was badly cut in the ninth round.
His father celebrated with him in the ring after the fight and described his performance as "legendary".
"He couldn't move around the ring and so he had to stand toe-to-toe. That is legendary behaviour in the ring. Legendary.
"Conor Benn is an extraordinary fighter. He's gone pear-shaped somewhere, but an extraordinary fighter.
"I thought he would blow out in four of five rounds he was going strong right the way through the fight.
"I am so proud. That's my son. I was always going to be here."
Benn hopes for reconciliation of Eubanks
Conor Benn embraced Eubank Sr in the ring following the final bell and insisted the surprise appearance was a positive for the event.
An emotional Benn, who was consoled by his own father in the ring after the decision was announced, now hopes the duo can reconcile.
"I looked at Chris Senior, grabbed him by the neck and said 'mate, I'm so happy that you're here, I'm so happy you turned up', he said.
"Outside of everything else, all the noise and the promotion and the fight, the relationship with your dad never goes.
"That's always there. That's longstanding. I'd pick the relationship with my dad over boxing any day of the week.
"If this has brought them two together, that's worth its weight in gold."
Chris Eubank Jr delivered a grandstand finish to beat Conor Benn by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Eubank took a unanimous decision, all three judges scoring 116-112 in his favour, after a tremendous 12-round, back-and-forth clash.
The sons were picking up the rivalry of their famous fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn.
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That saga took a new turn when earlier in the evening when, totally unexpectedly, Eubank Senior, without warning, arrived at the stadium alongside his son.
The estrangement between the pair had been in the public eye after Conor Benn's jibes in the build up to the fight and Eubank's own unguarded speech about that fractured relationship had stunned their final press conference.
The roar in the stadium reached a fever pitch of extraordinary intensity when Eubanks senior and junior ringwalked together.
In another echo of his father, Junior of course had to vault the top rope to land on the ring canvas, throwing a blur of punches through the air as the electric noise howled all around him.
His father followed him into the ring and embraced both Conor and Nigel Benn.
The roar of the crowd rose up yet again as the first bell tolled. Eubank came out behind his jab, his advantage in size apparent as he kept Benn at bay with his left.
But there was a moment within the opening round when Benn backed up a double jab with a flush cross, a full bodied right that Eubank had to take flush.
Benn managed to connect in the second round too. His left landed stiffly, twice jolting Eubank with a weight that he appeared to feel.
Benn was dangerous early on. He let his right burst over and it crashed into Eubank's temple and jaw.
He was taking those attacks in the third and fourth rounds. But Benn, with bustling dynamism, was getting through.
Eubank was willing to trade with him. He tagged Benn with his right uppercut and swept it through once again, bouncing Benn's head upward.
In the sixth round Eubank met him with a jab, but Benn managed to get inside and let spiteful left hooks sink in.
Eubank popped another solid jab in but his right cross just glanced off Benn.
He stepped off breathing heavy for a moment and the pace of the fight slackened for a moment.
In the seventh round Benn charged on to a huge right uppercut, a blow that drew a gasp from the crowd.
A long left propelled Benn back. Benn was leaking punches and Eubank helped himself to a three-shot combination.
As Benn cantered forward once more, Eubank greeted him with a curving right.
Grimly determined, Benn just fought his way forward, only for the Eubank cross to snag him high on the head.
In the eighth round though Benn kept himself in touch with a storm of wild punches. Benn though paused to regroup and Eubank jabbed low, before clocking him with a left hook.
But drawn into an exchange, Eubank looked to hold. His legs seemed to weaken and the crowd bellowed as the fighters leaned on to each other hurling punches with just their arms.
Eubank was cut by his right eye in the ninth round. It was a battle for him to contain Benn. Both men, at times had to pause, just to suck in air. But they still found the reserves to go again. Eubank slung wide hooks that caught Benn's jaw in the 10th round.
Defence was abandoned for a moment as they just heaved their punches into each other.
Eubank finished that round with Benn backed up on the ropes, just pouring in punches. The power in them drained away as he tired, but Benn didn't find a reply.
They stood in the centre of the ring. Their feet no longer moving, as they tried to extricate their arms from clinches and let their barrages of punches carrying on flowing.
It was sapping, draining effort and neither man, at that late stage, looked likely to shift the other. They were however taking the pain.
But Eubank hammered through that. He was unrelenting. He kept throwing and his left hook sank in with full force to buckle Benn's legs.
The uppercut hit home too and Benn's eyes were glassy as Eubank carried on his attack. Benn's instinct was to fight back and he did, a left hook striking Eubank's body hard. But Eubank delivered a grandstand finish in that last round and secured the unanimous decision win.
Fractious build up
Eubank Jr and Benn's rivalry had grown more bitter in the build up to this fight. They had originally been due to box in 2022, at a catchweight, but that bout was eventually called off when the results of Benn's failed drug tests emerged.
Only in November, when Benn's provisional suspension was lifted without appeal from the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD, was he permitted to box in his home country.
The build up to this fight was fractious. Benn and Eubank were separated in altercations before and after the latter's previous bout. At their own announcement press conference, Eubank had cracked an egg across Benn's head, a reference to a claim form the WBC which Benn later distanced himself from that excessive consumption of eggs had led to the anti-doping violation.
Benn was moving up from welterweight for this fight at middleweight, but the deal did involve a rehydration clause preventing Eubank from being more than 10lbs over the limit on the morning of the fight.
Eubank met that stipulation, but had been half an ounce over 160lbs at the official weigh in, a miscalculation that saw him suffer a financial penalty, reportedly in excess of £300,000.
But this victory for Eubank will be the ultimate gratification, his biggest win on the most important night of his career.
'We upheld the family name'
"I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring it out of me," Eubank said. "I didn't expect Conor to be the guy to do that. I didn't know he had that in him, I thought I would break him early.
"I underestimated him, I didn't prepare for a fight like that," Eubank continued. "The fact our fathers fought years ago brought out a different spirit and I am happy to have my father with me.
"He needed to be here. All this is because of him. We upheld the family name - onwards and upwards."