NEWCASTLE UNITED completely blew it and threw away the lead to lose to Fulham.
Eddie Howe revealed his “desperation” to take the club back to the Champions League pre-match but those hopes suffered a crushing blow with this 2-1 loss.
And a second-straight home defeat was the worst possible preparation for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.
However, Fulham’s second half fightback has them dreaming of Europe once again after Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to win it.
Newcastle looked to be cruising to an eighth league win out of nine after Jacob Murphy had given them a half time lead.
Instead, a sloppy display after the break cost them as Raul Jimenez levelled before the Brazilian’s late dagger through the heart.
It had all started so well for the Magpies and things could have been much different if top scorer Alexander Isak had his shooting boots on.
Murphy’s early cross would usually have been bread and butter for Isak, but the in-form Swede’s air-kicked attempted volley let the visitors off the hook.
Fulham, though, still failed to clear properly and within seconds another ball was whipped in that Bruno Guimaraes headed over.
Isak’s next meaningful involvement was being the victim of a clothesline after cutting past Joachim Andersen, earning the Danish centre-half the game’s first booking.
Antonee Robinson soon joined him for tugging back Guimaraes to stop a breakaway and when Anthony Gordon blazed after a one-two with Joelinton frustration was starting to grow.
Finally, in the 28th minute, we had the game’s first shot on target when Bernd Leno saved Fabian Schar’s effort.
Adama Traore headed wide as Marco Silva’s men provided a warning of their own but the deadlock was almost broken in spectacular fashion when Sandro Tonali’s thunderous 30-yeard half-volley smashed back off the bar.
And the woodwork was still shaking when the goal eventually came moments later as Anthony Gordon charged forward down the left and his low cross deflected straight into the path of the onrushing Murphy to slam home.
Now the whole place was rocking as the Toon smelt blood, and full-back Tino Livramento found himself through for a second but was denied by a great save courtesy of Leno’s leg.
It remained just Murphy’s goal in it at the break with the away side still yet to test Martin Dubravka.
However, within moments of the restart, Emile Smith Rowe twice forced the Slovakian ‘keeper into action.
Calvin Bassey headed over as their fast start continued and almost the whole of St James’ held its breath before letting out a sigh of relief when Raul Jimenez’s low shot towards the bottom corner was deflected just the wrong side of the post.
A goal was coming, the whole of Tyneside could feel it, and it deservedly went the way of Fulham following a brilliant counter just after the hour.
The West Londoners charged forward in numbers after stealing possession deep in their own half as the Toon defence desperately tried to backpeddle.
Traore found Robinson from the left at the back post as the skipper put it first time back into the box for Jimenez to pull the trigger and find the net, albeit with the help of a deflection of Murphy, to wrongfoot Dubravka and make it all-even.
Suddenly, the usually bouncing black and white cauldron had turned into an arena of nerves, and the game remained on a knife edge.
Isak, who had been off it all day, almost produced a spark of magic when he curled one off the angle of the post and bar from the edge of the area.
But, the late twist was to come up the other end courtesy of a former Middlesbrough man.
Andreas Pereira swung a free-kick into the near post that fellow sub Muniz flicked past Dubvravka to win it.
Fulham are now back looking up the table after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Manchester United.
While Howe must lift his troops to defend their 2-0 advantage against the Gunners and seal a date with destiny at Wembley.
TEMPLEGATE takes on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival confident of landing some winners.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
SIGN UP NOW
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
LEOPARDSTOWN
12.40
JEANIEMACARONEY clocked a personal best when winning in a big field at Thurles 43 days ago.
She travelled strongly and wasn’t stopping at the end of two miles so should get him.
She gets on well with today’s 7lb claimer and should improve again.
Queens Gamble comes over from England with every chance.
Harry Derham has scored here before and this mare went close in a hot handicap at Newbury last time.
It’s still early days for her over timber so there’s more to come.
Considering he won this last year, Brucio is a big price to make the frame.
She hasn’t done a lot lately but we know this trip is up his street and she’s off a similar mark when you take off her rider’s claim.
Qualimita ran a solid race at Fairyhouse latest and makes her handicap debut for Gordon Elliott off a feather weight.
1.10
IMPAIRE ET PASSE can cause a minor upset by seeing off stablemate Ballyburn on ground that should suit him better.
With no rain forecast, the ground could be good by the time this goes off and that’s more in the tip’s favour.
He landed Grade 1 honours at Limerick last time after an impressive saunter around Fairyhouse on chase debut.
He can take another big step forward here.
Ballyburn was no match for Sir Gino at Kempton but he looked a hot prospect when scoring on his first crack over fences at Punchestown in November.
He was high-class over hurdles but this could well be the quickest ground he’s raced on which is a worry at such short odds.
Croke Park could be best of the rest as he looks for a Grade 1 hat-trick.
He has landed narrow wins at Fairyhouse and here but his stamina is proven and he can stay on into third.
1.40
KOPEK DES BORDES can book his place at Cheltenham by keeping up his 100 per cent win record.
He was impressive when scoring at the Christmas meeting here last time despite looking very novicey over some of his jumps.
You can bet Willie Mullins has been working on that in the meantime and there’s a big engine there that can take him a long way.
Kaid D’Authie only had half a length to spare when winning here last time but he gives the impression of a lot more to come.
He is a fair way behind the tip so far but it’s still very early days.
Bleu De Vassy was beaten by a good one here at Christmas but was far from disgraced and it’s too early to write him off at this level.
He likes decent ground and has plenty of pace.
Good And Clever ran a nice third in the Formby at Aintree last time and is another in the each-way picture.
2.10
It’s easy to forget just how good EL FABIOLO was before his costly blunder in the Champion Chase last year.
The fact he was 2-9 favourite for that tells the story and he has four Grade 1s on his CV, including this race last year without breaking sweat.
He was a still fair second behind Jonbon at Sandown when last seen in April and he just looks too big a price if he’s anywhere near his best.
Gaelic Warrior is the obvious one despite his surprise defeat here to Solness at Christmas.
Maybe the waiting tactics were overdone by Patrick Mullins that day and Paul Townend is unlikely to make the same mistake and turn that form around.
The ground will suit Solness again and he is right in the picture for a place although the Joseph O’Brien horses are in quite the same form as around the Festive period.
Marine Nationale would like the ground softer to show his very best.
2.45
PINKERTON is in fine form and ran a cracker to finish third in a red-hot race here last time.
He has plenty of staying power and enjoys decent ground. A 2lb rise for that excellent effort gives Noel Meade’s hope every chance again.
Sequestered won eased down here latest and is another who thrives on good conditions.
He’s gone up 12lb for that but still looks progressive and can figure at fair odds.
Backtonormal has not done a lot in novice company so starts handicapping with a low weight for Gavin Cromwell even before his excellent rider takes off another 5lb.
He has been well backed all week which tells the story.
James Du Berlais needs to show more than his comeback at Ascot last time but he was a good third in this last year and has every chance of making the frame again.
Search For Glory drops down from Grade 1 level but softer ground would be ideal.
3.20
If he’s anywhere near his best, STATE MAN will take plenty of beating especially with Paul Townend in the saddle.
Willie Mullins’ No1 has chosen to stick with the Champion Hurdler over Lossiemouth who gets a valuable 7lb mares’ allowance.
You could argue that she would be better over further but she gave Constitution Hill a race and was closing on the superstar in Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle.
State Man wasn’t himself behing Brighterdaysahead here last time and Mullins will have him much closer to full fitness here.
We know he likes trip and track as he’s won the past two runnings of this and can land the hat-trick.
Winter Fog should be good enough to win the battle for third place as he actually finished a length in front of State Man here last time – but that was surely a blip.
3.50
BRAVE TROOP seemed to have plenty left in the tank when winning at Navan last time out.
He pulled right away from his rivals after the last and the official margin could have been a lot more than four lengths.
He’s up the weights but is still improving.
McLaurey hasn’t been clobbered for this handicap debut despite a convincing victory at Limerick.
He showed plenty of pace for this trip and should take a big step forward in this company.
Strutter got the job done nicely last time and is another who could be a step or two ahead of the assessor.
This is hotter company but has scope for more.
Storm Heart has been holding his own at Grade 1 level so should show his class despite a fair weight.
He would ideally have it a bit softer but has enough quality to figure.
4.25
FUTURE PROSPECT certainly lived up to her name when cantering to victory on debut at Fairyhouse in December.
Patrick Mullins didn’t have to move a muscle in landing a nine-length success as she quickened smartly clear.
The ground was decent that day so conditions should be fine and she’s exciting.
Amen Kate created a good impression with an easy Listowel success first up.
That was back in September and plenty of the beaten horses that day have come out and won since.
She may be a little rusty after 127 days off but is a danger.
Churchfield Sunset landed Listed honours at Navan last time and is another to have shown her best in good conditions.
She has some pace and looks capable of making the frame.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
ENGLAND and the Egyptian king saw off battling Bournemouth to give Liverpool a win they barely deserved.
Referee Darren England took charge of his first Reds’ game since his VAR howler had cost them a goal in a defeat at Tottenham in September 2023.
And it was his decision to award a soft penalty for Lewis Cook’s challenge on Cody Gakpo that allowed Salah to open the scoring from the spot in the first half.
Bournemouth were the better side for most of the game and almost equalised when substitute Marcus Tavernier hit the post and Justin Kluivert fluffed his follow-up.
But when another Cherries attack faltered in the Reds’ box Arne Slot’s team broke brilliantly and Salah curled home a superb second.
The word from inside the Vitality before kick off was that no-one had ever seen a Bournemouth team looking so confident ahead of a meeting with a top-of-the-table team.
And why not? Iraola’s side had already recorded home wins over the other members of the top four going into this weekend – Arsenal, Manchester City and, seven days earlier, Nottingham Forest in a 5-0 feast.
Bournemouth backed up that sentiment immediately, with Antoine Semenyo robbing Trent Alexander-Arnold and getting a shot off inside 12 seconds.
Another Alexander-Arnold error let in Justin Kluivert in the 13th minute but Alisson beat the shot from a narrow angle behind for a corner.
Liverpool looked uncomfortablr on the flanks and unconvincing in attack. They produced only tame efforts from Gakpo, Diaz and Salah before Dominik Szoboszlai finally tested Kepa Arrizabalaga.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
But soon afterwards came the controversial penalty.
Bournemouth captain Cook did let Gakpo get the wrong side of him and may have knocked him off balance but if anything, the Dutchman seemed to trip himself.
VAR did not see enough to recommend that England should think again and from the spot Salah stroked home his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
Bournemouth thought they had an equaliser when David Brooks tucked the ball home after Milos Kerkez’s cross was deflected, but VAR confirmed the on-field decision that Kerkez had been offside.
Alexander-Arnold sent a free header straight at Kepa and Szoboszlai miscued a shot but the Cherries could still feel a bit hard done by to be behind at the break.
The home team began the second half as they had the first. Both Dango Ouattara and Kluivert went for Brooks’ cross and the Burkina Faso striker got the last touch, heading wide.
Seconds later, Kluivert’s goalbound volley from a Semenyo centre was blocked by Ibrahima Konate.
And there were not 50 minutes on the clock when an intricate exchange of passes released Semenyo, only for Alisson to block the shot.
Liverpool were rattled. Ryan Gravenberch and midfield partner Alexis Mac Allister were booked in quick succession for halting Kerkez and Ouatarra on the break, respectively.
The Reds were grateful when they could finally relieve the pressure, but Mac Allister and Salah sent shots wide.
England continued to antagonise the home fans with his decisions, prompting chants of “You’re not fit to referee” and “Who’s the Scouser in the blue?”
Booking Virgil Van Dijk for a robust challenge on Ouattara did not put the referee in their good books.
Bournemouth finally seemed to have got what they deserved when substitute Tavernier’s shot came back off the inside of the post and the ball fell to the onrushing Kluivert.
But the Cherries’ top scorer could only skew his shot over the bar.
Was that the home team’s best chance gone? It was.
Liverpool broke from the edge of their own box and Curtis Jones fed Salah.
The Egyptian King used Kerkez as a screen and curled a delicious shot into the far top corner.
Things still were not comfortable for the league leaders. Semenyo had yet another shot and put it just wide.
Alisson made a fine stop to stop the ball deflecting in off two defenders.
And Liverpool escaped with a precious, precious three points.
ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE scored after just ten seconds as Everton pulled even further away from relegation.
The David Moyes boost is in full effect with wins over Tottenham and Brighton.
And they completed a hat-trick of victories by stuffing helpless Leicester.
Doucoure got the party started with just 10.18 seconds on the clock.
He latched on to Jordan Pickford’s big punt upfield and fired in the fastest home goal in Premier League history.
Beto had just one league goal this season heading into Leicester’s visit.
He doubled that tally on six minutes when he got in behind.
And he trebled it just before half-time, latching on to James Garner’s through ball to slot in.
Iliman Ndiaye made it 4-0 as the clock hit 90 minutes – thanks to more shambolic defending from the Foxes.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Японська компанія Mazda змінила свій логотип, надавши йому сучаснішого та більш плаского вигляду. Хоча офіційної презентації ще не було, провідні японські ЗМІ, зокрема Nikkei, підтверджують, що зміни вже набули чинності. Очікується, що Mazda зробить офіційну заяву 29 січня, проте не виключено, що презентація відбудеться 30 січня, коли компанія відзначатиме 105-річчя. Також є припущення, що новий […]
Порностар потішила гарячими кадрами з відпочинку Фото Instagram Українська акторка дорослого кіно Джозефін Джексон знає, як розважити своїх підписників. Пишногруда порнозірка опублікувала в Instagram відео, на якому вона в обтислих чорних шортах та спортивному топі біжить пляжем. «Той самий відрізок з фільму «Рятувальники Малібу» — версія 2025″, — жартома написала дівчина під відео. Пишногруда […]
0 Спеціально для господарок, які перебувають у пошуку неймовірно смачних та соковитих котлет, кухарі розкрили професійний секрет. Подробиці Виявляється, що справа не так у складових фаршу, хоча не без цього, і не в клярі, а в особливій кулінарній суміші – приготувати її під силу кожному. Безумовно, кожна господиня має свій напрацьований ритуал приготування котлет […]
Commentary