Newcastle take control of semi-final with win at Arsenal

Alexander Isak’s rich goalscoring form continued as Newcastle United took control of their Carabao Cup semi-final with a superb first-leg win against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Newcastle have never won the competition but will make their second final in three seasons if they avoid defeat, or only lose by a one-goal margin, in the second leg at St James’ Park on 5 February.

Read more

Robbie Keane named manager of Ferencvaros

Former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has been appointed manager of Hungarian powerhouse Ferencvaros. Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s record cap holder and goalscorer, left Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv last June after a year in charge. Ferencvaros are second in the Hungarian league and 16th in the Europa League table.

Read more

Diallo grabs deserved draw for United at Anfield

Amad Diallo’s late goal earned Manchester United a deserved point as they defied recent form to draw 2-2 against leaders Liverpool in a thriller at Anfield. Lisandro Martinez had blasted United into a second-half lead but Cody Gakpo’s leveller was followed by a Mohamed Salah penalty that briefly looked to have earned the victory that would have sent Arne Slot’s side eight points clear.

Read more

Arsenal pay penalty as Brighton fightback to earn draw

Joao Pedro scored a second-half penalty to dent Arsenal’s title hopes as the Gunners were held to a draw by Brighton. Arsenal went ahead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri, who was starting just his second match in the Premier League. However the penalty was awarded for an unusual incident when Pedro flicked the ball up and William Saliba made contact with the head of the Brazilian forward who went to ground.

Read more

Luke Littler thrashes Michael van Gerwen to claim historic world title

Incredible Luke Littler etched his name into darting history with a crushing 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner. The 17-year-old was in unstoppable form as he raced into a 4-0 lead, and despite Van Gerwen getting three sets on the board, he never really threatened a comeback and was always in Littler’s rear mirror. Van Gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won the first of his three world titles in 2014 aged 24, but darting phenomenon Littler surpassed that feat.

Read more