Mikel Arteta Denies Contacting Real Madrid Over Permanent Dani Ceballos Deal

​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has denied reports that the club have contacted Real Madrid to try and strike a permanent deal for midfielder Dani Ceballos.

The 23-year-old is on loan at the Emirates Stadium this season, but there is no option in the deal for Arsenal to sign him, so the Gunners will have to negotiate a traditional transfer if they want to bring him in.

Dani Ceballos

Rumours have emerged suggesting that ​Arsenal have already tried to get the ball rolling on such a deal, but Arteta insisted (via ​The Mirror) that those stories are completely fictitious.

“We haven’t had any discussions about it [a permanent deal],” Arteta insisted. “I’m really happy with Dani and what he’s bringing to the team right now. It took him a while after his injury to get to the level that he has and that I’ve seen in the past. He’s performing much better now and that’s why he’s playing much more games.”

Ceballos has managed 23 appearances in all competitions this season, with a hamstring injury forcing him to miss nearly two months of action. 

By the time he returned, former boss Unai Emery had been replaced by Arteta, but Ceballos struggled to find a way back into the lineup. There were even reports that the midfielder was close to terminating his loan in January, but it all looks to have worked out in the end. How nice.

It doesn’t seem outlandish to suggest that Arsenal would want to sign him permanently, but whether they would be able to that is a different question entirely. He’s still under contract with ​Real until 2023, so he’s definitely not going to come cheap.

Dani Ceballos

Unfortunately, that’s a real problem for Arsenal. The Gunners aren’t blessed with a lot of money these days, and missing out on European football will really hit them hard if they cannot improve on their current tenth-placed standing.

If they want the money to sign Ceballos, they’re surely going to have to sell first. If only they had a 30-year-old Gabonese striker inching closer and closer to the exit door with each passing day. Oh, right, they do.

Derby 0-3 Man Utd: Report, Player Ratings and Reaction as United Breeze Into FA Cup 6th Round

A brace from Odion Ighalo helped Manchester United cruise past Wayne Rooney’s Derby County and book a FA Cup sixth round meeting with Norwich.

The Rams fired a warning shot at their visitors in the 10th minute with 18-year-old Louie Sibley rifling a shot from distance just past the post. ​

Derby continued to enjoy the best of the first half but a rare mistake allowed Odion Ighalo a sight at goal – but he could only fire his effort into Kelle Roos’ midriff. Minutes later, United would open the scoring in the strangest of circumstances.

Odion Ighalo

Latching onto a deflection, ​Luke Shaw fired a volley straight into the floor which – via a ​Jesse Lingard deflection – ended up looping into the Derby net. Ighalo doubled their lead soon after with a smart finish from inside the box.

After the break the game suffered from a drop off in intensity, but that did not stop Ighalo grabbing his second goal of the game in the 70th minute.

Here’s breakdown of this feisty contest…


DERBY

Derby Player Ratings

Starting XI: Roos (6); Bogle (5), Evans (6), Forsyth (6), Lowe (5); Sibley (7), Rooney (6), Bird (5); Knight (5), Waghorn (7), Lawrence (5)

Substitutes: Marriott (6), Whittaker (5), Shinnie (6)


MANCHESTER UNITED

Key Talking Point

In the opening exchanges, a beautiful narrative about Rooney returning to face his former club was starting to form.

The 34-year-old reacquainted himself with the United faithful by steaming through Scott McTominay early on. The challenge attracted a rabid response from the the home fans and when Derby won a free kick in the 20th minute, football writers everywhere were hoping Rooney would curl it into the top corner.

Wayne Rooney

For a few moments it look like they would get their wish, only for Romero to get a hand to it in the nick of time.

After this enthralling start, Rooney’s night soon turned into a nightmare. United grabbed two quick-fire goals before half time, killing off the game in the process. In the second period, the former England man looked leggy in midfield and didn’t even feel the need to treat us to that many mesmerising cross-field balls.

Then, there was the chance for the fairytale ending. Standing over another free kick with his side trailing 3-0, Rooney whipped the ball wickedly over the wall and towards the top bin… only for Romero to deny him again.

So much was written about Rooney’s return coming into the game but – like so many things in life – his return to face United ended up lacking a Hollywood ending. Serves us all right for hyping it up, I suppose.


Manchester United Player Ratings

Starting XI: Romero (6); Dalot (6), Lindelof (7), Bailly (7), Shaw (8); McTominay (7), Fernandes (7), Fred (7); Mata (7), Ighalo (8), Lingard (6)

Substitutes: Pereira (6), Martial (6), Williams (6)


Odion Ighalo

Odion Ighalo,Tom Lawrence

​If Odion Ighalo keeps putting in performances like these, then quite a few people who questioned his signing are going to have to eat their words.

The Nigerian impressed again this evening, bagging a brace, pressing well and linking up nicely with his teammates. ​Marcus Rashford must be worried about forcing his way back into the team when he’s fit. Ok… maybe not.​


Looking Ahead

Next up, ​Derby look to continue their fine Championship form when they take host Blackburn Rovers at Pride Park on Sunday.

​United on the other hand have the small matter of the Manchester derby to contend with. That game also takes place this Sunday.

Tottenham 1-1 Norwich: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Spurs Crash Out of FA Cup on Penalties

A sluggish Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Norwich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening, after the game had ended 1-1.

While Spurs began slowly, they took the lead after just 13 minutes as Jan Vertonghen powered in Lo Celso’s free-kick. Lukas Rupp was presented with a glorious opportunity to equalise for the Canaries, but he dwelled on the ball and wasn’t able to get his shot off.

Emiliano Buendia was the next player to come close, with the player seeing two powerful strikes kept out by Michel Vorm – the goalkeeper did get away with the second one, however, as he spilled the ball.

The Canaries continued to probe, with Vorm called into action on a number of occasions. However, Josip Drmic equalised for the away side with 12 minutes remaining, tapping home after another Vorm mistake. The game went to extra time, but neither side could find a winner. However, Tim Krul was the hero as he saved Gedson Fernandes’ penalty to send his side through to the quarter-finals.

Here’s 90min‘s breakdown of the game…


TOTTENHAM

Key Talking Point

Oh, Spurs.

Jose Mourinho opted to field a strong starting lineup for the clash, while he also gave a start to youngster Oliver Skipp.

Despite the fact that Norwich are one of the season’s favourites to be relegated, and despite the fact that ​Tottenham were playing at home, the north Londoners sat deep and allowed their opponents to dictate the pace of the game in the early stages.

Dele Alli,Grant Hanley

However, they began to grow into the contest and it took just one moment of quality to give them an early lead. As the game progressed, it was the same old issues, however. With Dele Alli occupying the central striking role, they lacked a focal point and, as a result, they really struggled to test the Norwich defence from open play and never controlled the game.

Alli cut a frustrated figure all evening as he failed to really impact the game, and they were eventually punished as Norwich pegged them back. Mourinho finally responded by bringing on Troy Parrott in extra time. However, they were still forced to go to penalties and after three missed attempts, they crashed out of the competition.

A massively disappointing display.


Tottenham Player Ratings

Starting XI: Vorm (4); Aurier (5), Dier (6), Sanchez (6), Vertonghen (6); Winks (5), Skipp (6), Lo Celso (7*); Lucas (6), Dele (4), Bergwijn (5).

Substitutes: Gedson (7), Lamela (6), Ndombele (6), Parrott (6).


Giovani Lo Celso

Lo Celso faced plenty of criticism for a slow start to life at Tottenham, but he has since become a fan favourite as a result of his outstanding displays.

Giovani Lo Celso

Spurs began the game sluggishly and they weren’t able to pose a threat going forward, but it just took one world class Lo Celso free-kick for them to move into the lead. The Argentinian whipped in a fierce cross in between the defence and the goalkeeper, allowing Vertonghen to head home.

Overall, the midfielder ran the show, dictating play and looking to make things happen. Another hugely disappointing Spurs display, but another top class display from Lo Celso. He was also one of the players to score in the shootout. 


NORWICH

Key Talking Point

It appeared as though Norwich would be heading straight back down to the Championship, but they have given themselves hope after winning last time out against Leicester. As a result, they will have come into their contest with Spurs in good spirits, and while they dominated possession in the early stages, they soon found themselves 1-0 down.

Despite this, they continued to grow in confidence and looked a threat each time they went forward. The midfielders and attackers were constantly interchanging, and the Spurs players were unsure how to deal with them.

Lucas Moura,Jamal Lewis

Daniel Farke’s men were probing all evening and although they got into a number of dangerous positions, they lacked the end product to bring them back level. However, they were eventually rewarded for their efforts – and it was no less than they deserved.

A number of players were down with cramp at the end of extra time, underling how much they put into the contest. But it will have been worth it as they are now in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.


Norwich Player Ratings

Starting XI: Krul (6), Aarons (6), Godfrey (6), Hanley (6), Lewis (6), Vrancic (6), Trybull (5), Buendia (8*), Rupp (6), Cantwell (7), Drmic (5).

Substitutes: McLean (6), Idah (6), Tettey (6), Stiepermann (6).


Emiliano Buendia

Emiliano Buendia’s performances often go unnoticed due to Norwich’s current league position, but the creative midfielder continues to impress week after week.

Emiliano Buendia,Jan Vertonghen

And he was at it once again on Wednesday, constantly looking dangerous in possession. Not only did he work impressively off the ball for his side, he showed real quality when on the ball – picking up pockets of space before playing a penetrating pass or testing the goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old was a constant threat, and whether Norwich survive the drop or not, Buendia should be playing Premier League football.


Looking Ahead

Tottenham return to action on Saturday, travelling to take on Burnley. They then travel to take on RB Leipzig in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

As for Norwich, they face a trip to take on Sheffield United on Saturday, before hosting Southampton.

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool: Report, Ratings as Reaction as Adrian Blunder Sees Reds Suffer Cup Exit

​Liverpool won’t have the chance to win a domestic double this season after losing their second game in a matter of days, crashing out of the FA Cup to Frank Lampard’s Chelsea thanks to goals from Willian and Ross Barkley.

It was a fast start at Stamford Bridge with both goalkeepers being forced into early saves, but it was Liverpool’s defences which crumbled first when Adrian fumbled Willian’s powerful shot into the back of his own net.

Kepa Arrizabalaga repaid Frank Lampard’s faith with a brilliant triple save to keep out a potential Liverpool equaliser and Chelsea were able to hold out to take their one-goal lead into half time.

Ross Barkley

Mason Mount almost doubled Chelsea’s lead with a vicious free-kick that clipped the top of Adrian’s crossbar, but the hosts eventually did get their second when Barkley rounded off a brilliant solo run with a shot that was too hot to handle for Liverpool’s goalkeeper.

Pedro and Olivier Giroud both had chances to kill off the game but were denied by impressive saves by Adrian, although it didn’t matter in the bigger picture as Chelsea held on to book their place in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.


Chelsea

Key Talking Point

It’s easy to chalk up the frantic start to the match as both sides approaching the game like headless chickens, but Frank Lampard drilled his side to attack what proved to be a major defensive weak point for Liverpool – Neco Williams.

The 18-year-old full-back was being caught horribly out of position time after time, which Chelsea looked to exploit every time they were able to attack – either through quick, short passing or long balls in behind Liverpool’s back four.

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Chelsea’s use of width changed somewhat after Mateo Kovačić and Willian were forced off through injury, but Ross Barkley was able to wrap things up with a stunning solo effort after running through the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.


Player Ratings

Kepa (9); Azpilicueta (7), Rudiger (6), Zouma (7), Alonso (7); Kovacic (6), Gilmour (10*), Barkley (7); Willian (7), Giroud (8), Pedro (6).

Substitutes: Mount (8), Jorginho (6), James (N/A).


Billy Gilmour

It was a big night for Billy Gilmour as he made just the sixth senior appearance of his career, but the 18-year-old put in a performance which should make him a shoo-in for Frank Lampard’s Premier League squad sooner rather than later.

The Scotland Under-21 international was able to use the ball and space around him like a seasoned defensive midfielder, but Gilmour also showed incredible ability when bringing the ball out from the back, skipping pass household names like Sadio Mané and Fabinho.

His tackling was also excellent despite his diminutive stature, never shying away from a hefty challenge.


Liverpool

Key Talking Point

It felt like Sadio Mané or nothing at times in attack as Liverpool endured a frustrating first half, and although the full-backs got more involved after the break, it was their naivety in defence where Jürgen Klopp’s side ultimately lost out.

Fabinho

It was a rare individual mistake from Fabinho which presented Willian with a shot at goal for Liverpool’s opener, although it was Adrian spilling the effort which ultimately proved to be vital as Chelsea took the lead.

For the game-deciding second, Liverpool gave Ross Barkley the freedom of the pitch to take a shot at goal, while an unnecessarily high line almost saw Pedro and Olivier Giroud add a third later on in the match.


Player Ratings

Adrian (4); Williams (5), Gomez (6), van Dijk (7), Robertson (6); Lallana (6), Fabinho (6), Jones (8*); Minamino (7), Mane (8), Origi (6).

Substitutes: Firmino (6), Milner (6), Salah (N/A).


Curtis Jones

He’s been the star of Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign this season, and Curtis Jones once again showed that he’s got what it takes to feature more regularly as the Reds edge ever closer to their first-ever Premier League title.

Jones wasn’t able to carry Liverpool into the next round of the competition, but his positioning and link-up play as one of their two box-to-box midfielders will give fans hope that another homegrown talent will become a first-team regular.


Looking Ahead

Chelsea will welcome Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton to Stamford Bridge this weekend, although it won’t quite be a homecoming for the ex-Blues boss as he’s set to serve a touchline ban.

For Liverpool, they’ll look to rediscover their form when Bournemouth make the trip to Anfield, although one eye will already be on the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Atlético Madrid.

Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gunners Cruise to FA Cup Last Eight

Arsenal made the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fifth time in seven years on Monday, as they beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park on Monday night.

The first half saw Portsmouth at their liveliest and Arsenal at their most lethargic, the Premier League side being outplayed by the side 37 places below them in the English football pyramid.

However, right on the stroke of half-time, Arsenal went in front through Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Reiss Nelson picked up the ball and sent it back into the box, where Papastathopoulos was there to catch it sweetly and volley it home four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

The Gunners doubled their lead six minutes into the second half, taking control of the tie at Fratton Park. Nelson whipped the ball into the box again, and as it dropped nicely Eddie Nketiah was there to smash it home from point-blank range.

PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth FC v Arsenal FC - FA Cup Fifth Round

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Bass (6); McCrodie (6), Bolton (6), Burgess (5), Seddon (6); Close (6), McGeehan (6); Williams (6*), Evans (5), Harness (6); Harrison (5).

Substitutes: Marquis (6), Curtis (6), Cannon (5).


STAR MAN – Any creativity or hope of a goal for Portsmouth came from Ryan Williams on the wing. He created the best chances for Pompey and was involved in every attack, having a meaningful impact on the game despite not helping the hosts get on the scoresheet.

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ARSENAL

Key Talking Point

Just four days after their embarrassing Europa League exit to Olympiacos, Arsenal had a point to prove on the south coast.

An early injury to Lucas Torreira hampered the Gunners’ flow, but that was no excuse for a lacklustre and ineffective first half. Arsenal barely lay a hand on their hosts and were playing with no real urgency, yet they won the battle of focus to take the lead moments before half-time.

FBL-ENG-FACUP-PORTSMOUTH-ARSENAL

That goal gave them breathing space, and Nketiah doubled their lead after the break to put the Gunners in cruise control. They were far better in the second half, neutralising Portsmouth with an organised defensive display and full of life going forward with their young vibrant attackers.

Monday’s win in the FA Cup was vital for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have had a nightmare few days. Arsenal deservedly march on to the quarter-finals with a convincing display, and given their league position and European exit, it remains their only opportunity for success.


Starting XI: Martinez (6); Sokratis (7), Mari (6), Luiz (6), Saka (6); Torreira (N/A), Guendouzi (6); Nelson (7*), Willock (6), Martinelli (7); Nketiah (7).

Substitutes: Ceballos (6), Xhaka (N/A), Maitland-Niles (N/A).


STAR MAN – Reiss Nelson was explosive all night long, and had a key helping hand in both goals. He delivered excellent crosses for both goals and was a threat throughout the entire game, as he helped set up both of Arsenal’s goals and caused Pompey problems with his pace and flair.


Looking Ahead

Portsmouth are back in League One action, as they continue their promotion pursuit with a trip to Peterborough on Saturday. Pompey return to Fratton Park on 10 March, when they host promotion chasing Fleetwood Town.

Arsenal have a London derby back at the Emirates, welcoming ​West Ham to north London on Saturday. The Gunners are then back on the south coast the following week, as they travel to ​Brighton on 14 March.

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Los Blancos Regain Top Spot in La Liga

Strikes from Mariano and Vinicius Jr. were enough for Real Madrid to beat Barcelona in El Clasico and reclaim first place in La Liga on a rainy Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Vinicius became the youngest ever scorer in El Clasico as his deflected strike handed the initiative back to Madrid, who sealed victory with Mariano’s only touch of the game in stoppage time, to leapfrog Barça back into top spot.

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After a cagey opening, Antoine Griezmann found Arthur to put him one on one with the keeper, but was unable to lift it over the onrushing Thibaut Courtois.

Lionel Messi, having been picked out by a defence-splitting pass from Sergio Busquets, was then denied by the Belgian who again made himself big.

Early in the second half, Isco’s whipped effort was clawed away by Marc-Andre ter Stegen before the diminutive Spaniard did beat the German, only to see his header cleared off the line by Gerard Piqué.

​Barça substitute Martin Braithwaite then drew another save from Courtois before Vinicius’s strike was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Piqué.

A brilliant goal-saving tackle from Marcelo then denied Lionel Messi before Mariano came off the bench to seal the points for ​Real Madrid and consign their rivals to defeat.


REAL MADRID​

Key Talking Point

A cutting edge and a worrying lack of it. The victory will cover up the failures in front of goal but it was only thanks to two huge slices of luck that Madrid claimed all three points here.

For large parts of the game, promising moves were let down by poor finishing in the final third.

Vinicius Jr.

Time and time again during the first half, well-constructed build-up play was not matched by the finishing, ​Karim Benzema and ​Toni Kroos both guilty of blazing high and wide.

Vinicius has only scored three times in 36 games and his lack of potency was again evident here. Too many times his final product fell way short of the mark.

It wasn’t only the teenager guilty of wasting chances, as Benzema snatched at the limited opportunities that came his way as his wait for a goal continued.

In truth, Vinicius was fortunate to be on the receiving end of a wicked deflection to edge ahead.

And lady luck really was with Zinedine Zidane’s side as Mariano’s mishit found its ways past ​ter Stegen for Madrid’s second.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Courtois (7); Carvajal (6), Sergio Ramos (7), Varane (7), Marcelo (6); Casemiro (6), Valverde (7*), Kroos (7); Isco (7), Vincius (6), Benzema (6)

Subs: Modric (6), Vazquez (6), Mariano (7)


Star Man – Fede Valverde

The Uruguayan continues to impress for Los Blancos and gave another man of the match display against Barcelona.

Playing on the right of a midfield three, he was effective both defensively and offensively.

Breaking up the play, he was quick to crowd out Frenkie de Jong and won his own personal duel in that respect.

As for going forward, he found space on the right and was able to exploit Jordi Alba, who was making his way back from injury.

Valverde was assured on the ball, showing strength and guile to put Madrid on the front foot.

At times it was frenetic in the middle of the park but Valverde never looked rushed nor panicked such was the composure he showed in possession.

Not only that but his injection of pace down the right often galvanised his side and gave real impetus to Madrid’s attacking play.


BARCELONA

Key Talking Point

From Setién’s early days as Barça coach, it’s clear that domination of the ball is his mantra but there have been questions over his side’s ability to turn possession into an end product.

And the jury was out here as Barcelona failed to find the back of the net and all their intricate passing play came to nothing on a frustrating night in Madrid.

In Luis Suarez’s absence, Barça have often been described as toothless and yet again they struggled to find a cutting edge.

Several times, Griezmann’s decision making was off-kilter, times when he should have passed, he opted to shoot and vice versa.

It has been a criticism of Setien’s Barca side that they lack a penetrative edge and for large spells in this game, the critics were proven right.

Too often there was no one in the penalty area, playing off the shoulder, looking to pounce or showing predatory instinct.

It wasn’t until the introduction of Braithwaite that the visitors had a focal point in attack and the Dane was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: ter Stegen (6); Semedo (7), Piqué (7), Umtiti (7), Alba (6); Busquets (7)*, Arthur (6), de Jong (5); Messi (6), Vidal (5), Griezmann (6)

Subs: Braithwaite (7), Fati (6), Rakitic (6)


STAR MAN – Sergio Busquets

Where some Barca players may appear a little dumbfounded by Setien’s system, Busquets fits in seamlessly and is thriving under the new manager.

He was imperious again against Madrid, dictating the tempo from the middle of the park, everything seemed to channel through the midfielder.

Busquets almost crafted the opening goal as his lofted ball split the Madrid defence, however ​Messi was unable to provide the finish that the pass deserved.

Rarely does the towering Spaniard lose the ball and he is the calming influence in front of the back four.


Looking Ahead​

Up next for Zidane’s men is a trip to Real Betis in ​La Liga on Sunday while Barcelona return to Camp Nou to host Real Sociedad in the league on Saturday evening.

Watford 3-0 Liverpool: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Sarr Ends Reds’ Unbeaten Record in Style

Watford ripped up Liverpool’s unbeaten record on Saturday evening, hammering the Reds 3-0 at Vicarage Road on a dramatic night in the Premier League.

The first half was a cagey affair which was marred by Gerard Deulofeu’s horror injury just after the half-hour mark. Liverpool prodded and probed the Hornets, but it was Troy Deeney who had the best chance of the half, when Alisson spilled the ball at the striker’s feet, but he was unable to find the net with his lobbed effort.

Ismaila Sarr

Watford took a shock lead on 53 minutes, Ismaila Sarr arriving in the six-yard box to stab home Abdoulaye Doucouré’s low cross. The Hornets were in dreamland on the hour mark, when Sarr doubled his tally, racing onto a superb Troy Deeney pass to confidently chip Alisson.

Liverpool’s first defeat of the season was confirmed on 72 minutes, as Deeney punished an uncharacteristic mistake at the back to stroke into an empty net.

The Reds were unable to find a way through the Watford defence, and Jürgen Klopp’s men left empty-handed and red-faced.


Watford

Key Talking Point

When you’re in the thick of a relegation battle, the last thing you need is your star player picking up an injury. But that’s exactly what happened to ​Watford on Saturday evening, after Gerard Deulofeu suffering a sickening knee injury, and looks set to miss the rest of the season.

Gerard Deulofeu

Deulofeu challenged for the ball, but the Spaniard fell awkwardly, and his knee twisted and buckled beneath him. The 25-year-old hit the deck and immediately signalled to the bench in agony, and he had to receive oxygen while leaving the pitch on a stretcher. Deulofeu’s injury will come as a huge blow to Nigel Pearson, whose side relies on the counter-attacking skills of their tricky winger.

Watford supporters will be buoyed by the reaction of their players following the injury however, as they shocked the league leaders with a brilliant performance of character and style.


Player Ratings

​Starting XI: Foster (7), Femenia (8), Kabasele (8), Cathcart (7), Masina (8), Hughes (8), Capoue (7), Deulofeu (7), Doucoure (8), Sarr (9*), Deeney (8)

Substitutes: Pereyra (8), Pussetto (7), Chalobah (N/A)

Ismaila

This man could be the difference between survival and relegation for Watford. Sarr missed three of the Hornet’s last four games, but his return to the side inspired the hosts to a dramatic victory. The 22-year-old was a constant threat for Watford, stretching Andy Robertson with his pace in behind the Reds’ defence. Sarr was given little chance to shine in the first half, but he came into his own in the second period.

FBL-ENG-PR-WATFORD-LIVERPOOL

His first goal seemed to reinvigorate the Senegalese star, whose new lease of life meant that Liverpool were always left open to a lethal counter attack whenever the full-backs flew down the touchline. Sarr capitalised on the space offered to him superbly, tucking away a sensational second, leaving the Liverpool backline in his dust and dinking a fine finish over Alisson.

His goals were accompanied by tricky footwork, a cheeky assist for the third goal, and the dirty work needed off the ball. A potentially season-saving display.


Liverpool

Key Talking Point

Well, it’s over. It seemed inevitable that ​Liverpool would play out the entire season without suffering a single defeat, and it wasn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they would never drop a point again. But alas, all good things must come to an end. And how.

Andy Robertson,Mohamed Salah

Liverpool were lethargic throughout the 90 minutes, and they never really tested the Watford backline. The Hornets dictated the tempo of the game, and were happy to try to hit the Reds on the counter attack. Unbelievably, the Liverpool backline was breached three times, and they were unrecognisable from the team which had won the last 18 matches. Misplaced passes were flying around the pitch, and the defence made more individual errors in 90 minutes than we’ve seen all season. Squabbles and arms in the air all over the park.

A shock, and the end of their ‘invincible’ hopes – but only a bump in the road to success, in the long run.


​Player Ratings

Starting XI: Alisson (4), Alexander-Arnold (5), Lovren (4), Van Dijk (5), Robertson (5), Fabinho (5), Wijnaldum (5), Oxlade-Chamberlain (5), Mane (5), Salah (5), Firmino (5)

Substitutes: Lallana (5), Origi (5), Minamino (6*)


Takumi Minamino

Erm… this one shouldn’t take too long. Not a single Liverpool player covered themselves in glory on Saturday. Alisson produced one of his worst ever performances for the club and the defenders in front of him looked like they’d never met each other before.

Takumi Minamino

The midfield was so slow in possession and rarely dictated the pace of the game, while the strikers played like three individuals trying to take on the world by themselves.

Given the evidence, the ‘star man’ is probably the player who affected the game the least. So step forward, 79th minute substitute, Takumi Minamino! You were not as bad as your teammates.


Looking Ahead

Watford follow up their sensational evening against Liverpool with a trip to Roy Hodgson’s ​Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Liverpool must drag themselves away from Premier League duty on Tuesday evening, as the Reds travel to ​Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.


Norwich 1-0 Leicester: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Canaries Win on 15th Anniversary of Delia Rant

Norwich City bagged their first goal from open play in well over 11 hours as they picked up a shock 1-0 win over Leicester City

​The two sides began very evenly, creating several half-chances and appearing to match each other almost perfectly. It was Leicester who had the first clear look in the 24th minute, but Dennis Praet could only steer Ricardo Pereira’s cross on to the outside of the post. The Foxes ended the half on top, but apart from a scuffed effort from Kelechi Iheanacho which would have been ruled out for handball anyway, they didn’t create much of note.

FBL-ENG-PR-NORWICH-LEICESTER

Iheanacho thought he had atoned for his error when he had the ball in the back of the net early in the second, but VAR stepped in to rule it out for handball. Leicester paid for their profligacy in the 70th minute as Jamal Lewis did manage to open the scoring with a fantastic strike from the edge of the penalty area.

As you’d expect, Norwich shut up shop after that and defended for their lives, and it worked. Leicester could not find a way through, and Carrow Road erupted as the referee blew the final whistle.


NORWICH CITY

Key Talking Point​

Max Aarons

Is the great escape on?​

​Norwich desperately needed points to give them some form of hope heading into the final stretch of the season, and that’s what they got here. A truly inspirational moment from Lewis could be the catalyst for their survival.

They managed to limit Leicester to half-chances throughout, and Norwich finally managed to score from open play! It was everything the Canaries needed.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Krul (7); Aarons (6), Hanley (6), Godfrey (5), Lewis (6); Tettey (5), McLean (7); Buendía (6), Duda (6), Cantwell (7*); Pukki (5).

Substitutes: Rupp (6), Drmić (N/A), Stiepermann (N/A).


Todd Cantwell

Caglar Soyuncu,Todd Cantwell

This is a tricky one. As a creative midfielder, Todd Cantwell’s final product was certainly disappointing, but he was easily Norwich’s most likely source of goals before his withdrawal.

He always wanted possession and was willing to drive forward with the ball at his feet. He skipped past defenders and asked questions of ​Leicester, but would then make the wrong pass or run into a cul-de-sac.

It’s clear to see why people are so excited about Cantwell’s potential, but it’s also obvious that he has a long way to go.


LEICESTER CITY

Key Talking Point

Kelechi Iheanacho,Ricardo Pereira,Jamie Vardy

Leicester were made to line up without striker ​Jamie Vardy, who pulled up with a calf injury during training, and that really took a toll on their forward line.

Vardy is phenomenal at creating chances out of nothing, whereas Iheanacho looked to be struggling. He ballooned his best effort over the bar and failed to offer his side the outlet which the Englishman so often has in the past.

For all their excitement going forward, Leicester rarely asked any questions of Tim Krul, and that’s simply not good enough. They need Vardy back as soon as possible.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Schmeichel (6); Pereira (7), Evans (8*), Söyüncü (6), Chilwell (6); Pérez (7), Praet (7), Choudhury (5), Maddison (6), Barnes (7); Iheanacho (5).

Substitutes: Ndidi (6), Tielemans (5), Albrighton (N/A).


Jonny Evans

Jonny Evans

Leicester didn’t have much real defending to do here, but that’s partly because Jonny Evans was stopping everything with ease.

He stood up to Norwich’s forward line and emerged with the ball time and time again, using his physicality to dominate the Canaries. Whether on the ground or in the air, Leicester knew they could rely on Evans.

His hard work came undone with Lewis’ goal, but that was by no means down to Evans. This was the performance of a man who did not deserve to be on the losing end.


Looking Ahead

Both sides will now turn their attention to the FA Cup. For Norwich, they are set for a trip to London to face ​Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

As for Leicester, they will host ​Birmingham City at the King Power Stadium on the same day.

UEFA Europa League Last 16 Draw: When Is It? Where to Watch, How It Works & Key Dates

After a rip roaring round of 32, attentions now turn to the next stage of the Europa League.

There’s almost a full contingent of English sides in the last 16 of the competitions with Manchester United and Wolves both qualifying at a canter while Arsenal were left heartbroken by a late Olympiacos goal.

Scottish champions Celtic and last season’s Champions League semi-finalists Ajax also both suffered surprising defeats at the hands of Copenhagen and Getafe respectively.

Here’s everything you need to know about the draw for the 2019/2020 Europa League round of 16.


When Is the Europa League Draw?

The draw will take place on Friday 28 February, with proceedings kicking off at around 12pm GMT.


Is the Europa League Draw on TV?

It sure is. The draw can be watched on BT Sport and UEFA are also streaming the event on their official website.

90min will keep up you up to date with the draw as it happens on Twitter.​


How Does the Europa League Draw Work?

Unlike the Round of 32 draw which was seeded, anyone can face anyone in the last 16.

This throws up the possibility of some mouthwatering ties. Manchester United vs Inter anyone? Wolves vs Rangers? How about Sevilla vs Roma?

​Teams in the Draw 
​Basel
​Bayer Leverkusen
​FC Copenhagen
​Getafe
​Inter
​İstanbul Başakşehir
​LASK
​Manchester United
​Olympiacos
​Rangers
​Roma
​Salzburg/Frankfurt
​Sevilla
​Shakhtar Donetsk
​Wolfsburg
​​Wolves

* Salzburg vs Frankfurt to take place on Friday 28 February 


Europa League Last 16 Dates

Adama Traore,Naldo

As usual the Europa League Round of 16 games will take place on a Thursday.

The first legs are scheduled for 12 March and the second legs will take place seven days later on 19 March.​

Dates Fixtures
​Thursday, March 12 ​First Leg
​Thursday, March 19 ​Second Leg

Lyon 1-0 Juventus: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Lucas Tousart Strike Stuns Bianconeri

Lyon defeated Serie A leaders Juventus 1-0 in the first-leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie, thanks to a crucial first-half goal from Lucas Tousart.

​Both sides started the game slowly before Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi saw his near-post header rattle the bar. The French side were the better team throughout the first-half and it paid off when Tousart tapped in a cut-back from Houssem Aouar.

Ekambi wasted a good chance to double the lead just before half-time, capitalising on Miralem Pjanić’s mistake only to blaze over from close-range.

In the second half, Sarri brought on Aaron Ramsey, Gonzalo Higuaín and Federico Bernardeschi in a bid to provide much needed energy and creativity to I Bianconeri. It certainly added intensity to Juve’s play as they started to take on more possession of the ball; the hosts defending for their lives for the rest of the game.

Higuaín had the best chance of the night for the away side when he glanced a header wide of Anthony Lopes’ post, but the damning statistic of Juventus failing to have a shot on target until the final five minutes of the game that sums up their performance.

In the end, the hosts deserved to win the game against a surprisingly lacklustre Juve, and they will have renewed confidence of springing a surprise heading to Turin.


LYON

Key Talking Point

FBL-EUR-C1-LYON-JUVENTUS

Every chance Lyon created stemmed from good work down the flanks, so it’s credit to their planning for exposing what they felt to be a deficiency in Juventus’ side. Danilo and Alex Sandro were too often exposed for being too far forward, with the likes of Aouar, Toko Ekambi and Dembélé impressive in feeding the ball forward quickly in transition.

Leo Dubois and Maxwel Cornet also provided impressive support down the wings, with Sandro in particular exposed down the left side – in part because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s reluctance to track back and help.

They were able to control the midfield battle, too, with Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur struggling to get a grip of proceedings in central areas.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Lopes (7); Marcelo (6), Denayer (7), Marçal (6); Dubois (6), Guimaraes (7), Tousart (7), Cornet (7); Toko Ekambi (7), Aouar (8); Dembélé (7)


Substitutes:
Terrier (6), Tete (6), Andersen (N/A)


Houssem Aouar

FBL-EUR-C1-LYON-JUVENTUS

Lyon were impressive on the night, but the quality of their importance was typified by the showing of Houssem Aouar. The young rising star was at the heart of everything for the hosts, demonstrating impressive dribbling skills and fantastic close control.

He capped his performance with a slick assist, setting up Tousart’s first half winner.


JUVENTUS​

​Key Talking Point

FBL-EUR-C1-LYON-JUVENTUS

Despite impressing at the weekend against SPAL, it was bench duties for Aaron Ramsey once more – as Maurizio Sarri opted to pair Miralem Pjanić up with Rabiot and Bentancur. 

Unfortunately, the Italian’s selection backfired, as the trio were outclassed throughout the 90 minutes, with Rabiot particularly poor in retaining possession. He wasn’t alone, though, with Bentancur’s laboured performance failing to provide the spark required to move the ball forward with pace.

Pjanić also looked a little off the pace, but the Bosnian was perhaps subdued as he’s only just returned to the side from injury. Ramsey’s introduction late in the second half came too little, too late – and Juventus now have it all to do in the second leg.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Szczęsny (6); Danilo (6), de Ligt (7), Bonucci (6), Sandro (6); Bentancur (5), Pjanić (6), Rabiot (5); Cuadrado (6), Dybala (7), Ronaldo (6)

Substitutes: Ramsey (7), Higuaín (7), Bernardeschi (N/A)


Paulo Dybala

Karl Toko Ekambi,Paulo Dybala

When the away side did start to create chances in the second half, it was Paulo Dybala who looked most likely to play a part.

The Argentine peeled off into space and kept the Lyon defence honest, looking a menacing threat every time he gets on the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo may still be the one that everybody’s watching, but Dybala is the player in this side who oozes the most class.


Looking Ahead

​Lyon host rivals St-Etienne on Sunday night in the Rhône-Alpes derby, while Juventus host ​Inter in a huge top-of-the-table ​Serie A clash.