List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Leeds boss Sam Allardyce said it is “do or die” for his relegation battlers in Sunday’s Premier League game at West Ham. The Yorkshire club, third from bottom and one point from safety, have just two fixtures left in their bid to retain their top-flight status. Allardyce, halfway through his salvage mission after replacing former boss Javi Gracia with four games remaining, agreed Sunday’s trip to the capital was effectively a ‘cup final’. The former England manager said: “That’s it. Do or die lads. Fight. Fight to the end. “But fight with the right temperament and have the right amount of control and don’t lose control. And certainly don’t lose the game-plan.” Victories for relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Everton on Saturday, against Arsenal and at Wolves respectively, would leave Leeds under severe pressure to collect all three points at the London Stadium. Allardyce said only time will tell if his players will cope with the pressure. “I think that it is a difficult situation if you find that the teams down there on the Saturday have picked up three points and it’s almost a near certainty that you have to get three points to stay in the race,” he said. “So when it comes around and whatever the situation is when we get to Sunday afternoon, we have to deal with it, we have to accept it and we have to make it spur us on to the best performance we can give. “No matter what happens on Saturday we have to deliver a three-point scenario at West Ham to try and save our Premier League status and handling the pressure that comes with that is a big question of ‘can you?'” Leeds sacked Gracia, who had only replaced Jesse Marsch in February, after a series of damaging, heavy defeats. Performances have improved sufficiently in the two games under Allardyce – a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City and last week’s 2-2 home draw against Newcastle – to leave fans with some sense of hope. Allardyce, who refused to be drawn on whether he will stay at Elland Road beyond the end of the season, said he could not fault his players for effort and has challenged them now to show more quality on the ball. “I think confidence has grown, I think application has been applied. I think that possession could get better,” he added. “I think we’ve been so up for it and so frantic to try and do well, and close the opposition down and make life difficult, that when we’ve actually won the ball back we’ve still been so hyper that we haven’t been able to calm down and control ourselves to play the right ball and the right pass more often. “So the difference between those two is something we’ve talked about, about being calmer when we’re on the ball.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Roberto De Zerbi says Brighton deserve to be playing in Europe next season On this day in 2019: Vincent Kompany says goodbye to Manchester City Former Australia Test captain Brian Booth dies aged 89

By Rory Carroll LOS ANGELES Brittney Griner returned to the WNBA hardwood on Friday night in Los Angeles

Vincent Kompany bade an emotional farewell to Manchester City in front of 100,000 fans on this day in 2019. The long-serving captain, now manager of Burnley, announced he was leaving City after 11 successful years to take up the role of player-manager at Anderlecht. Consequently the defender was the star of the show as City celebrated the 2018/19 season’s historic domestic treble with an open-top bus parade through Manchester city centre. Speaking as the parade culminated with a stage show outside Manchester Cathedral, the Belgian said: “I’ve given everything I could for this club. I can’t tell you how proud of that I am. I have nothing left. I have given everything.” Kompany’s future had been the subject of speculation for some time but he realised the time was right to leave when he scored a spectacular winner against Leicester earlier that month. His long-range strike, in their penultimate game of the season, took City within one game of retaining their Premier League title. He said: “The moment that ball against Leicester went ‘top bins’ I knew I was done! I couldn’t do anything better. It felt right.” Kompany, who ended his speech with a mic drop, said: “Eleven years at this club, what a journey we’ve been on. We were always a great club without silverware but now we’ve got silverware and I’m really proud. “This group of players – we’ve given you something you deserved for a long time. Now this team is ready to achieve so much more.” Kompany won 10 major trophies during his time with City, culminating with the 2019 FA Cup final victory over Watford. After three years in charge at Anderlecht, Kompany returned to England in 2022 to manage the Clarets and delivered promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Former Australia Test captain Brian Booth dies aged 89 Rory McIlroy vows aggressive approach as he looks to rein in leaders at Oak Hill Rory McIlroy in contention after tricky second round at US PGA Championship

Ella Toone has stressed England are set to head into this summer’s World Cup still well-equipped to prosper despite the injury setbacks that have been “really difficult to take”. Skipper Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby have been ruled out of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand by injuries, while Beth Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot and player of the tournament award when the team won the Euros last year, may also be missing. Toone, scorer of the opener in the 2-1 victory over Germany after extra-time that clinched the trophy at Wembley, told the PA news agency: “The injuries are really difficult to take. “No-one ever wants to see team-mates and other players have bad injuries like that. So it’s been difficult, and players that are a massive part of our squad. “But we have to focus on what we have, and that is so much talent within the squad. We have young girls coming up now into the squad who have unbelievable talent. “So I think for us it’s about going there, being confident in ourselves and each other, and hopefully we can do the nation proud again. “We know what it takes to win a trophy and how it feels once you win it, and we want that feeling so many more times for our country. So it’s about going there with that belief, belief in the squad, in ourselves, and just playing the football we love playing. “We know we have a target on our backs now but I think as players we thrive off that.” England’s lengthy unbeaten run under boss Sarina Wiegman came to an end in their most recent outing, last month’s 2-0 loss to Australia in Brentford. Toone regards the defeat as “a useful thing”, adding: “We lost, and that’s part and parcel of football. I think you learn so much from games like that, and it probably came at a perfect time for us. It’s definitely not a worry, and we’ll learn from it.” The 23-year-old Manchester United star was speaking at the unveiling of the ‘Ella Toone Pitch’ at the new William Fosters Hub in Ince, Wigan, a short distance from her home town of Tyldesley. It is one of 23 Football Foundation-funded pitches that will be named after each of the Lionesses from last summer’s Euros triumph, with Jill Scott’s having been the first unveiled in February. The pitches are part of the Football Foundation’s ‘HERe to Play’ campaign that celebrates the charity’s commitment to delivering facilities providing equal access to women and girls playing football. Toone said: “It’s amazing. Growing up and starting out my football journey, I never once thought there would be a pitch named after me – it’s an honour.” Developments since the Euros have also included the Football Association reporting increased female participation figures, and the announcement of a Government package to boost school sport and equal access to it, as well as record attendances at women’s games. On the overall picture of the impact the Euros win has had, Toone said: “It’s been amazing. I think for us, that’s what it was all about – obviously we wanted to win the tournament, but how can we really help women’s football grow? “After the win it’s blown up massively, but for us, it’s about keeping our foot on the gas and using our platforms as best we can to really help grow the game. I think for us it’s always about equal access for girls and boys and hopefully we can get many starting out on their football journeys.” The unveiling of the 3G pitch came as the Government announced funding of £64million, working alongside its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and the FA, to build and upgrade 1,600 grassroots sports sites across England this year. Facilities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from £3.8m being invested by the Government in partnership with the FAs in each home nation. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said at least 50 per cent of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer told PA: “It’s really levelling up across the country. It’s really important because some young people will want to be the next Ella Toone, Harry Kane or Jill Scott, and these facilities will enable them to do that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Kyle Steyn admits Challenge Cup final loss a bitter pill to swallow for Glasgow We will find each other – Erik ten Hag sure Marcus Rashford will agree new deal Steve Cooper says Forest must take care of their own business

Lyon boosted their chances of securing a place in Europe next season by coming from behind to claim a 3-1 Ligue 1 win over Monaco, whose slim hopes of finishing in the Champions League spots have been dashed. Within seconds of kick-off, Wissam Ben Yedder was upended in the area by Anthony Lopes, who was sent the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick by the Monaco forward at the Groupama Stadium. But Lyon regrouped and had several chances to draw level before they did through Alexandre Lacazette seven minutes before half-time, with the former Arsenal striker finishing from Bradley Barcola’s cutback. A diving header from Lacazette after the break was saved by Alexander Nubel but the Monaco goalkeeper could then only parry Rayan Cherki’s strike, with Maxence Caqueret converting the 57th-minute rebound. Cherki then got on the scoresheet himself 12 minutes from time after cutting in from the right and firing beyond Nubel to down Monaco, who are now unable to catch third-placed Marseille. Lyon remain seventh but are just a point behind Lille in fifth, albeit having played a game more. Lille take on Marseille on Saturday. Freiburg moved level on points with fourth-placed Union Berlin in the Bundesliga courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg in their final home game of the season. Substitute Christian Gunter opened the scoring within moments of being brought on as a substitute in the 70th minute alongside Nils Petersen, who wrapped up victory with a quarter of an hour to go. Nicolas Hofler was given his marching orders in the final few seconds but it did not affect a result which boosted Freiburg’s hopes of claiming a Champions League spot next term. Theo Bongonda’s second-half brace lifted Cadiz four points clear of the LaLiga drop zone after a 2-0 win over Real Valladolid, who had Martin Hongla sent off and stay just a point above the bottom three. Monza moved up to eighth in Serie A after hitting back from a goal down to win 2-1 at 10-man Sassuolo, with Matteo Pessina handing the visitors all three points in added-on time.

Tottenham acting head coach Ryan Mason has challenged Richarlison to finish the campaign strongly and give supporters a glimpse of what could be in store next season. The Brazil international has endured a difficult first year at Spurs, scoring only three goals in 33 appearances following a £60million move from Everton last July. Richarlison himself described his season as ‘s***’ in March and even when he got off the mark for Tottenham in the Premier League at Anfield last month his celebrations were cut short after Diogo Jota netted a stoppage-time winner. It saw West Ham forward Michail Antonio and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson make fun of Richarlison on The Footballer’s Football podcast after previous occasions where he took his top off only to be denied by the offside flag. Interim boss Mason made his feelings known on the behaviour of Antonio and Wilson while backing his player to shine ahead of Saturday’s last home game of the season against Brentford “As a coach, I wouldn’t do it and as a player, I’ve never done it as well,” former Tottenham and Hull midfielder Mason insisted. “I don’t really like that type of thing. We’re all trying to do our best, we’re all professionals, we’re working hard. “We dedicate our lives to get to this level and to compete at this level, so I don’t really like that type of thing personally. “Richy, I don’t think he’s thinking about other players. I think it is his own pride and his own determination that will probably drive that most of all. “Maybe he’s heard it, maybe seen it? Maybe. Maybe it might give him a little bit more (motivation). I’m not sure. “He’s a fighter, who works hard, trains hard and I’ve never seen someone that’s shirked responsibility. “Yes, of course, we would have wanted more goals and he would have wanted more goals from himself, but that’s not happened. “Hopefully now he can influence the last two games and score goals to help us. “And then I’m sure come pre-season, he’ll come back full of energy to really show us what he’s really all about.” Goals for Richarlison will help ensure Spurs bid farewell to their campaign at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a positive note. It has been a difficult campaign on and off the pitch, with the club searching for a new head coach and managing director of football while chairman Daniel Levy continues to feel the ire of the fanbase at home and away fixtures. Mason wants to give the supporters on Saturday plenty to shout about, he added: “It’s part of our job, it’s our duty to go there and show the energy. “You naturally understand the frustration because it’s been an up-and-down season and we’ve been quite inconsistent. “So, it’s normal that fans feel that, but ultimately the fans are coming to the stadium, they work hard, they pay their money and they’re coming to support us. “That’s the first thought in their mind and as a group of players representing the club, we want to show our appreciation and show the energy to try and get a positive result.” While Richarlison is the future of Tottenham, Lucas Moura will soon be the past, with Saturday set to be his final home outing ahead of his summer departure. Another forward that Spurs have big hopes for is teenager Dane Scarlett, who is out in Argentina with England for the Under-20 World Cup. Scarlett recently returned to Hotspur Way after a challenging loan spell at Portsmouth where he scored six goals in 40 appearances. But Mason said: “I have seen Dane in the last week or so since he came back and he looks different from a physical point of view. “You can feel that he has played men’s football so from that point of view I am sure he is in a better place than he was 12 months ago. “But at the same time going into an Under-20 World Cup, it is a great opportunity for him and probably a different style and different type of football he will come up against. “I am sure he will go into that challenge full of confidence.”

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says his side cannot let the outcome of Everton’s game with Wolves affect preparations for their clash with Arsenal. Forest welcome the Gunners to the City Ground on Saturday night knowing that if Everton lose at Molineux earlier in the day then a victory for them would ensure their survival. Even if they lose against Arsenal they could virtually be safe if West Ham beat Leeds and Leicester lose at Newcastle. But Cooper is wary of the attention being anywhere other than a hugely difficult fixture against Mikel Arteta’s side. “I understand, but the opposite could happen as well,” the Welshman said in reference to Everton losing. “In the end it’s about us trying to get whatever we can out of our game. If stuff outside of us helps us then great but the other teams will be thinking that about our game as well. “We’ve got one of the toughest games you can have, there’s no doubt about that. “There’s a lot of thinking you can do outside of your own game and the impact it might have but you’ve still got to go and play the game and whatever happens before and after the biggest determination of the weekend has to be on what we do. We’ve got one of the toughest games you can have, there’s no doubt about that Steve Cooper “Anything can happen this weekend and that’s why I think that we’ve got to be careful that you don’t let your mind wander too much into good or negative outcomes. That’s dangerous, we’ve got to just focus on the game. “We’re in control of our game and performance, decision-making and what we do. All of the other stuff and what we want to achieve and happen is motivation but you have to focus on what achieves your motivation and outcome. “You’ve got to understand context, of course, and we do but I don’t want the context of ‘what if’s’, good bad or in between that. At the forefront of our mind is what does it take to be at our best because we need to be against Arsenal.”

Erik ten Hag is confident Manchester United and Marcus Rashford will “find each other” regarding the forward’s contract situation. Rashford has only one year left on his deal at the club he has played for since the age of seven. The 25-year-old rubbished reports earlier this year that he was demanding £500,000 per week but the situation continues to drag on. Ten Hag is publicly calm, saying: “I know (it is taking time), but I don’t talk about the process. “This is not important at the moment for me or Rashy. For him, it is to get more goals this season and he is playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season. “We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that. Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other.” The uncertainty over United’s takeover process will inevitably lead to concern about their prospects for the summer transfer window. Ten Hag said: “We do our job in the background and we are working hard but, for now, it is about games, getting into the Champions League and the FA Cup. “For me, it is about finance and that there is the money available to do the right things.” United have a big fortnight ahead, with their final three Premier League matches determining whether they will qualify for the Champions League before a first FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City. Up first is a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, where United, who could be without the unwell Rashford, will look to put their away struggles behind them. Eight of the Red Devils’ nine league defeats this season have come on the road, with their last three trips away from Old Trafford yielding just one point between them. Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other Erik ten Hag Ten Hag said: “I think there are some reasons. For instance, one thing is clear and that is from the back we have to be better on the ball. “But we have one opportunity tomorrow to show that we can improve and we definitely have to improve for next season.” Manchester City are moving ever close to matching United’s achievement of winning the treble, adding an extra edge to the FA Cup final on June 3. Asked if he is relishing the opportunity to stop City, Ten Hag said: “When we have three games and (the Premier League) is gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all. “I think we have to keep doing what we have all season, improve every day and improve every game and not look too far ahead. Focusing on the next game is the most important.”

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AZ Alkmaar have apologised for the violence which marred West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final win and labelled it a “pitch-black evening”. Pablo Fornals’ stoppage-time strike, which earned a 3-1 aggregate victory and sent them to next month’s final in Prague, prompted a gang of black-shirted, hooded AZ ultras to attempt to storm into the area reserved for friends and family behind the dugout. Players including Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell and Flynn Downes climbed over the advertising hoardings in a bid to stop the trouble. An AZ statement read: “While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee’s final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame. “Not because of the football game played, but because of the behaviour of some attending. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word ‘supporters’ for these people. “What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct. “In the coming period AZ will – together with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar’s municipality – evaluate exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on. It is clear that things need to be improved. “Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behaviour. “AZ is a civilised club where sportsmanship and norms and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these persons and to take appropriate measures.” UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into the trouble. The governing body’s disciplinary panel will wait for the relevant reports before deciding on any action, but the PA news agency understands that given the severity of the disorder, it could follow previous cases and an inspector may be appointed to investigate more thoroughly. Given the extensive video footage of the ugly scenes the Dutch club could face heavy sanctions. Hammers boss David Moyes, whose 87-year-old father David Snr was at the match, said: “I can’t explain what happened and why it happened. “I can only say the players were involved because it was the family section and most of their family and friends were in there. That was probably the reason for the reaction. “Was I worried? Yeah, my family were there and I had friends in that section. You’re hoping they would try and get themselves away from it. “I didn’t recognise it because I’d gone onto the pitch. Security wanted to take me inside, but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katie Taylor gears up for ‘biggest night’ of career against Chantelle Cameron Farewells for Phil and Alun Wyn as Joneses bow out – Friday’s sporting social Frank Lampard reveals how close Chelsea came to signing Erling Haaland

VIDEO: Goose on the loose at minor league baseball game.