VAR Missed Clear Red Card In Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

Fans online have been left infuriated after Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar avoided a red card for a bad challenge on Gabriel Jesus.

What happened between Schar and Jesus?

Arsenal travelled away to St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, hoping to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with a big performance.

And Mikel Arteta can be delighted with his team because they delivered just what was needed to keep the pressure on Manchester City.

Indeed, despite a fast start from Eddie Howe and co, the Gunners took the lead when Martin Odegaard drilled in a fine shot from around 25 yards out.

Then later on in the second half, Arsenal doubled their lead when Gabriel Martinelli showed quick feet on the wing to deliver a low cross that hit Schar and deflected into the back of the Magpies’ net.

Ironically, there are plenty of supporters who actually think the Swiss defender shouldn’t have been on the pitch at this moment in time.

Indeed, shortly before his own goal, the £40k-per-week centre-back charged in to win the ball of Jesus but seemed to deliberately raise an elbow in the Brazilian striker’s jaw.

As you can see in the footage above, the evidence it’s pretty damning but referee Chris Cavanagh didn’t seem to spot it live and even with VAR in use on the day, Schar still somehow avoided a red card.

It’s safe to say a number of supporters were left in disbelief after seeing replays of the incident. Here are some of the best reactions…

The outrage continued…

Raval earns NZ call, Sodhi returns

The uncapped Auckland batsman Jeet Raval was named in New Zealand’s squad for their Test tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jun-20161:59

Hope to continue white-ball form in Tests – Sodhi

The uncapped Auckland batsman Jeet Raval was named in New Zealand’s squad for their Test tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. There was also a recall for legspinner Ish Sodhi, but allrounder Corey Anderson missed out because of a back injury he picked up at the World T20 in India.Raval, a 27-year-old left-hander, jumped ahead of Hamish Rutherford in the pecking order after he averaged 55.71 in last year’s Plunket Shield. He is the third opener in the squad, behind Tom Latham and Martin Guptill.The middle-order batting position created by the retirement of Brendon McCullum will be filled by Ross Taylor’s return after he missed the Australia series in February due to injury. Henry Nicholls, who replaced Taylor against Australia, retained his place in the squad.New Zealand Test squad

Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.

Sodhi, meanwhile, is one of three spinners alongside Mark Craig and Mitchell Santner. He played the most recent of his 11 Tests in November 2014 against Pakistan in Sharjah. This year he was part of New Zealand’s limited-overs squads and was especially impressive at the World T20 where he collected 10 wickets in five matches.”Jeet has been impressive in the Plunket Shield for a number of years now and in the last 12 months we’ve seen his maturity and decision-making continue to improve,” Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, said.”He’s learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he’s more than ready to make the step up to the international arena.”Ish was outstanding in all formats during the second half of last season, beginning with his performances in the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts. He was also exceptional for us with the white ball last summer and that’s seen him gain valuable confidence on the international stage.”Hesson added that the balance of the squad had been selected to cover the variety of conditions expected across the four Test matches in Harare, Durban and Centurion.”Having played in both Zimbabwe and South Africa last year, we have some insight into what the pitches could be like this time around and we’ve selected our squad accordingly.”Playing two Tests in Harare, we need to be prepared for dry turning surfaces, but we also know that Durban often has a good covering of grass.”The squad will depart on July 11 for an eight-day training camp in Johannesburg before heading to Harare where the first Test begins on July 29.

Man Utd’s "Immense" £150k-p/w Machine Is Shining For Ten Hag

Manchester United took their total time played in the last five days up to 210 minutes last night as they laboured to a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Whilst keeping the honours even does little in altering the race for top four, the manner of the result will frustrate Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils as they were so comfortable at half-time.

Their collapse was borne likely through fatigue, as well as moments of quality from the hosts that reignited a fanbase free from the shackles of Antonio Conte’s laboured football. They got right behind their side, and it paid off.

Despite that, having conceded twice in one half, Luke Shaw left north London with plenty of credit as he once again shone out of position. The natural left-back was deployed by his coach at centre-back, with the Dutchman opting to leave Harry Maguire out of the side.

It is a tactic that had earned success earlier in the campaign, but against a seasoned professional like Harry Kane, he was to endure his toughest test yet.

However, the former Southampton star passed with flying colours, mitigating a world-class asset all game.

How did Luke Shaw play vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The 7.0 match rating that the 27-year-old was handed perhaps underplays the influence he had on yesterday’s result.

Whilst defensive solidity is prioritised in the role he featured in, his technical brilliance makes him an outlier compared to other centre-backs.

Enjoying 111 touches throughout the match, the relentless machine maintained a 93% pass accuracy and recorded one key pass.

To pair this with one clearance, one block, three interceptions and one tackle only emphasises the all-around excellence of Shaw, who would also win 71% of the 7 duels he competed in (via Sofascore).

Renowned United fan and pundit Mark Goldbridge even took to Twitter to laud this position change, suggesting the success it has garnered perhaps merits a permanent move, saying: “Luke Shaw immense tonight! Got to be LCB till the end of the season now. He's too good at it.”

Ten Hag has not struggled to endear himself to United fans, but English football as a whole is now taking note after many Dutch exports before him had struggled to translate their success when moving across Europe.

harry-kane-luke-shaw-manchester-united

However, the former Ajax boss only continues to bolster his pedigree with shrewd tactical decisions like this one.

Shaw has always been a solid if unspectacular left-back, but the £150k-per-week star could now be set to enjoy his twilight years in a starring role as a ball-playing centre-back should the Dutchman heed Goldbridge's words.

Spurs Must Unleash £14.5m Gem vs Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur are currently gearing up for what could potentially be a crucial encounter in their bid for Champions League qualification, with the Lilywhites set to take on top-four rivals Newcastle United later today.

That mouthwatering meeting at St James' Park comes with just three points separating the north London outfit from the Magpies in the third, albeit with the hosts also having the advantage of a game in hand.

While a defeat would not end Tottenham's hopes of finishing in those coveted and lucrative positions, it would certainly be a real setback for Cristian Stellini and co if they were to walk away from Tyneside empty-handed.

Ahead of this afternoon's crunch clash, the interim Italian may have a handful of selection decisions to make following the defeat at home to relegation strugglers Bournemouth last time out, with Spurs unable to afford a repeat showing this time around.

One man who could make way following that last-gasp loss to the Cherries is academy graduate, Oliver Skipp, with the 22-year-old having been 'outmuscled' in the midfield battle last weekend, as per 90min's Sean Walsh.

The young Englishman was rather ineffective in his 77-minute outing as he made just 36 touches and won just two of his seven total duels, with it perhaps time that Stellini hands a rare opportunity to Pape Matar Sarr in his place.

Will Sarr start against Newcastle?

The Senegalese international has endured a frustrating time of it at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to date, having been restricted to just 11 first-team appearances across all fronts so far this season.

Having been signed from Ligue 1 side Metz on a £14.5m deal in 2021 – before returning to France on loan for the following campaign – the 20-year-old has largely been on the periphery since coming back to his parent club in the summer.

When the youngster has featured, however, he has clearly caught the eye having been hailed as a player who "can do everything" by Stellini earlier in the campaign, while also being praised as a "top player" by former boss, Antonio Conte.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr

The 6 foot 1 gem was particularly impressive during the Champions League defeat to AC Milan back in February, having produced a 'standout display' in that 1-0, first-leg loss, as per the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick, due to his 'composure and crisp passes'.

Even despite the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur to a season-ending injury, however, Sarr has still been unable to dislodge the starting pair of Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with both Stellini and Conte showing a real reluctance to rotate in the centre of the park.

While it would be a bold move to thrust the 14-cap starlet back into the fold for such a high-profile fixture, the midfield maestro's previous display at San Siro should showcase that he would not be overawed by the big occasion.

£211k-p/w Midfielder Pushing For Man United Transfer

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer is pushing to complete a permanent Old Trafford move this summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news on Sabitzer?

Sabitzer arrived on loan until the end of the season back in January from Bayern Munich, with the deal not including an option to make a transfer permanent over the coming months.

The Austrian has gone on to make 13 appearances under Erik ten Hag but missed Sunday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League after pulling out through injury in the warm up.

The Red Devils were reportedly told that they would need to pay around £25m to make Sabitzer’s loan permanent, a fee that would need to be lowered for any chance of a transfer to materialise, but a further update has now emerged.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update on Sabitzer in the last 24 hours, revealing that the player is pushing for a full-time move to Manchester.

He adds that Ten Hag has been pleased with the 29-year-old, with a well-placed source telling the site that a permanent move now “has a good chance of happening”. There is a willingness from all parties involved to agree on a permanent transfer, as the player doesn’t feature in new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans.

Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.

Does a permanent transfer to Man United make sense?

Sabitzer starred in his last United appearance against Sevilla in the Europa League, netting twice in the 2-2 draw. The £211,000-a-week midfielder has made a positive impact at Old Trafford, with Diogo Dalot describing him as a "machine".

The Red Devils are after new midfield reinforcements this summer, so Sabitzer could come in on a permanent basis to bolster Ten Hag's options for the foreseeable future.

Scott McTominay has reportedly told the Old Trafford board that he wants to leave this summer, so Sabitzer may well be viewed as a permanent replacement for the Scot, with the loanee capable of turning out in a variety of midfield roles.

As per WhoScored, Sabitzer has actually outperformed Christian Eriksen, Fred and McTominay this season, showing how he could be a solid squad option going forward, with United on course to once again be playing in four separate competitions. The player is keen, Ten Hag has been impressed and all parties think a transfer can be completed, so it looks as if this could be one to follow closely.

£50k-p/w Star Set For Man United Transfer Talks

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United will "speak" to Alexis Mac Allister over a possible summer transfer.

What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister and Man United?

The Red Devils still have plenty to play for in what's left of the season as they hope to go far in the Europa League and also finish inside the top for in the Premier League.

Depending on how their campaign ends, they will then assess how much money they can spend, and who exactly they need to spend it on, in the summer market.

It seems as though Mac Allister is one player already on their radar though. Indeed, if the latest rumours are to be believed then Man United will soon talk to the Brighton player regarding a possible move.

Indeed, when speaking on his YouTube Channel, Romano outlined his latest understanding of the situation, with Liverpool also in the mix.

He said “Keep an eye also on Alexis Mac Allister because Man United and Liverpool will speak to the player's side to discuss the potential project.

"But for sure Man United are exploring options in that position, midfield, because they could do something there in the summer."

Will Alexis Mac Allister leave Brighton this summer?

Mac Allister currently is paid just £50k-p/w so he might be more affordable than some players, but with his contract running until 20025 and Liverpool also in the mix, Brighton will have no reason to sell on the cheap.

Romano's update certainly backs up what the father has been saying in the press lately too. Indeed, Carlos Mac Allister told Puro Boca (via bolavip): "Normally the next [transfer window] will find him playing in another institution, we don't know which one. The talks are just beginning in general, but it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July."

Premier League, Liverpool, Liverpool news, Liverpool latest news, Liverpool update, Liverpool transfers, Liverpool transfer news, LFC news, LFC latest news, LFC update, LFC transfers, LFC transfer news, Jurgen Klopp, Anfield, FSG, Alexis Mac Allister

To be fair, seeing as he's been a vital player for Brighton as they've surpassed all expectations to put themselves in with an outside shot of finishing in the top four, it's not hard to see why Mac Alister has caught the eye.

Indeed, with eight goals and one assist in the Premier League this term, only two players – Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma – have bettered the Argentines' average WhoScored rating of 7.07.

Certainly, one player to keep an eye out for this summer.

Newcastle Could Find Wilson Upgrade in Superb £30m Gem

Newcastle United are reportedly once again keen on signing Watford sensation, Joao Pedro, having previously been linked with the Brazilian last summer.

What's the latest on Joao Pedro to Newcastle?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are believed to have 'concrete' interest in the 21-year-old ahead of the summer window, having seemingly been 'closely monitoring' his progress throughout the current campaign.

As the piece also outlines, the northeast side reportedly had a £30m offer rejected for the young forward back in August, with the player subsequently going on to sign a new six-year deal at Vicarage Road.

With it looking unlikely that the Championship side will earn promotion this term, however – with Chris Wilder's men currently six points off the play-offs – Newcastle may have an improved chance of striking a deal this time around.

Would Joao Pedro be a good signing for Newcastle?

The former Fluminense ace has enjoyed another standout campaign in the second tier for the Hornets, having scored ten goals and provided four assists in 32 league outings, emerging as arguably "one of the Championship's best players", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As Kulig also noted, the 6-foot starlet is "capable of playing anywhere along the front line", ensuring that he would prove a wise investment for the St James' Park outfit and a truly useful attacking weapon in a variety of forward positions.

That versatility is just one reason why Pedro could potentially prove something of a long-term upgrade on current Newcastle man, Callum Wilson, with the 31-year-old – who solely operates as a centre-forward – having proved somewhat unreliable in recent years due to his frustrating injury woes.

Watford striker Joao Pedro

While the Englishman has been in red-hot form of late with three goals and an assist in his last three Premier League games, it remains to be seen if he can be a long-term partner to club-record signing, Alexander Isak, with Eddie Howe suggesting following the recent win over Brentford that the duo "probably" can't feature together every week.

Pedro, by contrast, could prove a better partner for Isak due to his ability to comfortably play in a number ten berth or on the flanks, with the emerging gem possessing the creativity to thrive in that free role after creating seven big chances this season and registering 1.3 key passes per game – a far better record than that of Wilson who has created just three big chances and averages only 0.8 key passes per game.

Equally, the Watford man is a potentially more dynamic option as he is a "superb dribbler", according to Kulig, showcased by the fact that he averages 3.9 successful take-ons per 90 – as per FBref – while Wilson has averaged just 0.29 for the same metric.

With young Pedro also providing the benefit of his possible longevity on Tyneside – in contrast to Wilson – and it is easy to see why the signing of the exciting talent could prove a real masterstroke for Howe and co.

"Brilliant" Manager Rejects Chance To Join Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are on the lookout for a new manager to replace Antonio Conte, and they have been rejected by former boss Mauricio Pochettino, according to a report from TyC Sports.

Do Tottenham Hotspur want Mauricio Pochettino?

There have been conflicting reports regarding whether Spurs are keen to bring Pochettino back, with it recently being reported that he is among the frontrunners for the job, alongside former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Journalist Paul Brown has claimed people in the dressing room would "really love" to have the Argentine back, while reporter Ben Jacobs has previously stated chairman Daniel Levy would be "extremely open" to his return.

However, the Daily Star report that Tottenham are no longer interested in the 51-year-old taking over as manager, and a new update indicates that he is eyeing a move elsewhere, and has no intention of returning to his former club.

According to a report from TyC Sports, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss recently rejected the chance to return to Tottenham, while he is also uninterested in taking over at Chelsea, Ajax, and the Brazilian national team. This stance is due to the fact he expects to take over at Real Madrid at the end of the season, at which point Carlo Ancelotti may leave to take up the role of Brazil manager.

Everything is said to be on track for Pochettino to join Real Madrid, as he is said to be the Spanish club's first-choice candidate, ruling out a return to N17.

MauricioPochettino.

Who will Tottenham appoint as manager?

It will be disappointing for many Spurs fans that the Argentine is out of the running, given the "brilliant" manager's previous history with the club, however, there are still a plethora of candidates for the role.

It has now been reported that Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner is interested in the idea of taking over at Tottenham, and he could be a savvy appointment, given that he led the German club to Europa League success last season.

Nagelsmann is another option for the Lilywhites, however they may have missed the opportunity to bring him to north London, as Fabrizio Romano reports Chelsea are considering him to replace Graham Potter.

The quality of manager Spurs can attract is likely to come down to whether they are able to achieve a top-four finish under the stewardship of interim boss Cristian Stellini, currently sitting in fifth place, one point behind Manchester United and Newcastle.

Chelsea Must Unleash "Exciting" £29m Talent

Graham Potter will have kept a close eye on his Chelsea players during the international break to see who is worthy of some more minutes when the Premier League resumes this weekend.

The former Brighton boss has a huge roster of players to choose from at Stamford Bridge, following the influx of new signings under Todd Boehly and it means he always has the option of switching things up with the aim of surging up the table in the final stages of the season.

Chelsea fans will have been pleased to see winger Christian Pulisic star for the USA, in the hope that the former Borussia Dortmund can recover some of his confidence at Stamford Bridge, but it was arguably Noni Madueke who was the star of the international break.

Who was Chelsea's best player during the international break?

Pulisic may well have grabbed a goal and two assists in the USA's 7-1 thrashing of Grenada but considering the standard of the opposition, this is perhaps a less-impressive feat than Madueke's.

The former PSV Eindhoven man came off the bench for England U21s in their crunch match against France U21s and would also contribute a goal and two assists in less than 30 minutes on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, the 21-year-old would earn a phenomenal 9.0/10 rating for his performance in the 4-0 win, registering his goal with his only shot on target, and providing two assists despite playing just six passes in his impressive 24-minute cameo.

Manager Lee Carsley was full of praise for the silky winger following the game, and seemingly urged Potter to use him more often rather than letting his talent go to waste.

He said: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.

“He is going to need time, match minutes, the time to work on his game, but he has high potential. Like a lot of the younger players, he just needs an opportunity.

“They need opportunities to show that talent and given a run of games he will be fine.”

Soccer Football – Premier League – Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – October 29, 2022 Chelsea manager Graham Potter before the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact

Since his move to Chelsea in January, Madueke has been limited to just two starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, which is perhaps unsurprisingly when you consider the sheer number of wide players that Potter has at his disposal.

However, the former Brighton boss must recognise Madueke's talent and give the £29m signing minutes over the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic, who don't look to have long-term futures at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, his performance against France shows that he can be a huge difference-maker when given the opportunity.

Goldbridge Slams £190k-p/w Man United Ace Star After Comments

Presenter Mark Goldbridge has slammed Manchester United captain Harry Maguire for his attitude, following recent comments made by the Englishman.

What's going on with Harry Maguire?

The 30-year-old has lost his starting place for Man United, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane the first choice picks under Erik ten Hag, but has retained his starting spot for England under Gareth Southgate.

He recently gave an interview where he claimed that he has nothing left to prove at the top level, and this has sparked outrage amongst United fans, who feel that this mentality, given his performance levels, is not up to scratch.

Speaking on The United Stand (5.30), Goldbridge directed criticism towards Maguire, that he actually has plenty to prove at United, and that the defender's importance to his club is overstated.

"If you're sat there with the mentality that you shouldn't have to prove yourself, what are you on mate? You do have to prove yourself, and maybe this is the reason you're having a problem at Man United," he stated of Maguire.

"You keep coming out with this 'I don't need to prove myself, I'm really influential, I'm really important,' but you're not. You're really not. Varane and Martinez play and you sit on the bench, that's how important you are.

"Whoever you've got around you mate, or whatever is going around in your head, is bad advice. You are not as good as you think you are. I would say it's appalling that you've been at this club for three years, and you're coming out with statements that 'I don't need to prove myself.' Every day at Manchester United you have to prove yourself."

Should Maguire leave Man United?

Erik ten Hag's preferred pairing of Varane and Martinez has meant that Maguire has had to settle for a backup role, but the Dutchman has even picked left-back Luke Shaw ahead of Maguire at times, and this has given a big indication of the pecking order at the club.

Maguire still has two years left to run on his contract, but without regular playing time, his value is only going to decrease. The £190k-per-week defender may be seen as expendable, and if he could attract a big fee, United could reinvest the money into other areas of the pitch.

Despite being captain, Maguire has faced heavy criticism during his time at Old Trafford, and a fresh start elsewhere could be a good move for all parties.

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