Manchester United youngster Victor Musa ran riot with two hat-tricks against Leeds (Picture: MUTV)
Victor Musa produced a first-half display he will never forget as Manchester United’s Under-18 team obliterated Leeds in a comically one-sided opening 45 minutes.
The Red Devils suffered heartbreak on Monday night as they were beaten on penalties by Aston Villa to miss out on a place in the FA Youth Cup final.
Adam Lawrence will have wanted an immediate reaction from his side this weekend and that’s exactly what he got, with United running riot against their bitter rivals before the break at Carrington.
Musa, who has long been tipped for future stardom in United’s academy, got the hosts off to a dream start, scoring on the rebound after missing his initial effort from the spot.
The 18-year-old notched his second of the afternoon just six minutes later, combining well with Jaydan Ngwashi to double United’s advantage.
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Leeds’ young stars were already beginning to look deflated at this stage and Musa piled yet more misery on the visitors in the 14th minute, finding the net after a lightning-quick counter-attack to complete a stunning hat-trick.
The floodgates were well and truly open as Musa grabbed his fourth and fifth goals inside 25th minutes, before Jim Thwaites joined the fun with an 11-minute hat-trick of his own.
Manchester United u18s 9-0 Leeds u18sVictor Musa gets his second hat-trick of the game and it’s only the first half! What is going on! Brilliant from Dante Plunkett down the left.#MUFC#MUAcademy(Clip from MUTV) pic.twitter.com/dzHCsKS86X
To cap off an unbelievable first half, Musa scored again to secure his second hat-trick of the day, with Dante Plankett providing the assist, to give United an imperious 9-0 lead.
Mikel Arteta has made five changes to his Arsenal team (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta says a number of ‘niggles’ led him to naming the new-look starting XI he has selected to take on Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Europe’s premier competition represents Arsenal’s most realistic shot at silverware this season and it comes as no surprise that Arteta has adopted a cautious approach for today’s lunchtime kick-off.
Jakub Kiwior comes in for the Brazilian at the heart of Arteta’s defence, in one of five changes for the visitors, while Ben White returns to the XI to start at right-back on Merseyside.
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Club captain Martin Odegaard has been named among the substitutes and Arteta has instead opted for a midfield combination of Jorginho, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.
In attack, Raheem Sterling has been given the nod for the first time in five league games. Ethan Nwaneri is expected to start on the right flank with Leandro Trossard likely to start through the middle in the absence of long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Subs: Neto; Timber; Tierney; Zinchenko; Partey; Gower; Odegaard; Martinelli; Saka
Gabriel is out for the season with a hamstring injury (Picture: Getty)
‘There were many other niggles that we had with players that have played a lot of minutes and after the Fulham game we had some issues,’ Arteta told TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.
‘It’s not just the way we start, it’s the way we can finish as well, the way we can change and alter the game, is really important to the context that we face today.
‘We wanted to have the versatility today, especially in relation to how they’re going to behave.’
Odegaard starts among Arsenal’s substitutes on Merseyside (Picture: Getty)
Asked if Merino could again be used as a false nine, Arteta chucked and replied: ‘Good try! Next question.’
The Spaniard admitted his Arsenal side had lost a ‘leader’ in Gabriel and encouraged those players selected to step up and fill the void.
‘What we are playing for is that important that you just have to move on, you just have to demand that the players step in again and do other jobs,’ he added.
‘Obviously, Gabi has a really important role. Tactically and technically, for sure, but he has a presence, a leadership, a way to command, and it’s something that’s not easy to replace.’
There are only four league games remaining at Goodison Park (Picture: Getty)
On Arsenal’s limited defensive options, Arteta continued: ‘They all have different qualities so play a game that fits the qualities and hide the weaknesses that we have.
‘Because with Gabi missing we have some others and as usual play to your strengths.’
There will be just three more matches plays at Goodison Park after this afternoon’s clash and Arteta is pleased he could be a part of the history of the stadium during his time at Everton.
‘A lot of history, a lot happened in this stadium for this football club. I was part of that for almost seven years which was a huge privilege,’ he went on.
‘A new era is going to start here and I’m very proud to be here.
‘Like always, the people [make the difference].
‘The people are special fans that feel very attached to the club and they are so passionate.’
In the latest episode of our mini-series on how to win the Champions League, Andy Robertson and Alisson look back on Liverpool’s win in the 2019 edition.
They talk us through the dramatic run through the group stages and the iconic semi-final comeback against Barcelona.
We get insight into how Jurgen Klopp inspired his team to win the tournament, why he was a father-figure to the squad and what it was like to receive a Klopp hug.
They also explain why it was so emotional on the pitch after the final victory over Tottenham in Madrid.
A BBC iPlayer documentary, featuring exclusive interviews and insight, is available to watch: https://ift.tt/e5kyb0C
Episode 1: How to win the Champions League: Real Madrid - https://ift.tt/hxUqn7s
TIMECODES 02:00 The dramatic run through the earlier rounds, including THAT comeback v Barcelona 11:00 Pre-match ahead of the final – Jurgen Klopp and walking on the pitch 17:00 The emotional scenes after winning the final 21:00 Jurgen Klopp and his relationship with Liverpool
‘Chelsea will feel that this weekend. Even though Chelsea looked better the other day, they should’ve beaten Spurs by more goals in my opinion.
Chelsea are aiming to secure back-to-back top-flight victories (Picture: Getty)
‘I know Brentford aren’t flying at home like they were at the start of the season, but this is still a very tricky game for Chelsea.
‘If Chelsea can get at least a draw and then beat Ipswich in the next game, they will be in the top five with six games to go.
If you told them that at the start of the season, I’m sure they would’ve taken it… Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Chelsea.’
Up Next
Fellow football pundit Chris Sutton has also shared his prediction for Chelsea’s trip to Brentford, calling out his old club for inconsistency.
‘Chelsea’s issue has been consistency,’ Sutton, who played as a striker for the Blues in the 1999-2000 season, told BBC Sport.
‘They played well to beat Tottenham on Thursday but can they back it up here? I am not sure.
‘Brentford are another team I have struggled to get right this season, but I’d always back them to score.
‘I have feeling this is going to be an open game with a few goals. A win would be big for Chelsea in their push for a top-five finish, but I don’t think they will get it. 2-2.’
Brentford have a number of players who could cause Chelsea problems, including impressive attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
‘Every time you win, preparation for the next game is better,’ Maresca said at a pre-match press conference. ‘Hopefully, from the Tottenham game we can build momentum knowing every game will be difficult until the end.’
The England Under-21 international joined the Tractor Boys in the summer following a £20 million move from Manchester City.
Despite Ipswich struggling towards the foot of the table, Delap has enjoyed a reputation enhancing Premier League campaign.
Indeed, the 22-year-old’s goal in Town’s midweek win over Bournemouth, which kept alive his side’s remote hopes of avoiding relegation, represented his 11th of the season.
Does Liam Delap have a release clause?
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City inserted a buyback clause in his contract upon sanctioning his departure but are unlikely to activate that given the presence of Erling Haaland and January recruit Omar Marmoush.
Rival clubs such as Chelsea and United, however, would be able to buy Delap for around £40m and Shearer feels the squad of both clubs would be enhanced by his presence.
He told Betfair: ‘Liam Delap has been one of the standouts in a really poor season for Ipswich and it’s difficult when you’re up against it every single week to stand out but he’s been one that has.
Liam Delap has enjoyed a stellar season with Ipswich
‘Ipswich fans won’t want to hear it, but it’s inevitable that he’ll be linked with massive football clubs because he’s a really good talent. They’re sat on something special are Ipswich. They put their neck on the line and paid the money for him and they’ve done very well with him.
‘Delap has stood out this season which unfortunately means that he will attract the attention of the big clubs.
‘It’s going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him, particularly because if, as expected, they’re going to get relegated. Having had a taste of the Premier League, he won’t want to go back to the Championship.
‘He’ll want to stay in the big league, so it’s going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him.
What has Liam Delap said about joining Man Utd?
‘I’m so happy here, I’m enjoying it so much here. I just look forward to playing football. I take every game as it comes and focus on the next,” Delap said in an interview with the East Anglian Daily Times last month.
‘It [the media speculation] is something that I try and stay away from. People around me have told me to stay away from it, it’s something that I’m very good at in focusing on what I want to do. That’s playing football here.
‘I’m really enjoying my time here and I enjoy playing every week. That’s the most important thing. We know, as players and people, that there is noise. If we have a bad game and people are slating us for not performing or getting the right results, we stay focused on ourselves and what we have to achieve.’
Liam Delap scored his 11th goal of the season in Ipswich’s win at Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)
‘If they go down then he won’t want to stay. Who would want to go down and play in the Championship, having had a taste of Premier League football – that’s only natural.
‘Big clubs will be looking at him, because I think he’s got something about him. He’s got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he’s got an aura.
‘He’s already been linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League and looking at who he’s been linked with I think he can go in and command a starting role, because he’s better than anything Man Utd have got up front. He’s also better than anything Chelsea have got up front, so the answer is simple – yes, he would start for those clubs.
‘I think the good sign is that he’s done really well in a struggling team and has, without a doubt, been the standout. They’ll do well to keep hold of him and Ipswich fans will not want to hear that!
‘They’ll probably get angry hearing that, but that’s the reality unfortunately.’
Alexander Isak was withdrawn with a groin issue in Newcastle’s victory over Brentford (Picture: Getty)
Eddie Howe has confirmed Newcastle will make a late call on whether or not Alexander Isak will be able to take part in the side’s Premier League clash with Leicester.
Isak, 25, broke the deadlock in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening to become the first player in the club’s history to score 20 or more goals in back-to-back Premier League campaigns.
Howe revealed after the midweek clash that Isak had not been ‘100 per cent’ but remained hopeful his star striker would return in time to feature on Monday night at the King Power Stadium.
Facing the media on Friday morning, Howe said a final decision had not yet been made on Isak and the attacker would be assessed by Newcastle’s medical team over the coming days.
Asked for an update on Isak and Kieran Trippier’s groin injuries, Howe told reporters: ‘Wait and see today, really. Of course, I had medical updates yesterday but I will see them for first time today.
Howe’s men travel to the King Power Stadium on Monday night (Picture: Getty)
Isak has scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season (Picture: Getty)
‘Hopefully they are feeling okay.
‘I don’t think we have any big injuries from Wednesday night, but we have certainly got a few niggles so let’s wait and see.’
The former Real Sociedad forward has started all but three of Newcastle’s matches in the top flight this season, with Howe’s men sitting sixth in the table, two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Sol Campbell has warned Arsenal that a poor summer of recruitment could tempt defensive linchpin William Saliba to seek a move elsewhere.
Campbell, himself, is no stranger to running down a contract to keep his options open having famously moved across north London on a free transfer to join Arsenal from arch-rivals Tottenham in 2001.
But the Englishman now fears that his former club could suffer a similar fate with Saliba, who has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs having arrived at the Emirates as a raw 18-year-old.
Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, the Frenchman has become a stalwart of Mikel Arteta’s side and has missed just two league games so far this season.
And Campbell reckons that the Frenchman may well be waiting to see if his own personal ambitions are matched by the club this summer before extending his stay at the Emirates.
William Saliba has just over two years left on his Arsenal contract (Picture: Getty)
‘Where Arsenal are right now, and with where they want to get to, they need to try and pin him down to a new deal sooner rather than later. That’s key,’ Campbell tells Metro ahead of his appearance at bet365’s Big Ticket Giveaway at Potters Field on Saturday.
‘Saliba could well be keeping his options open and waiting to see what players the club bring in in the summer. I think that’s it, really.
‘He’ll assess the type of players that Arsenal bring in and hopefully think, ‘Right, I’ve got some help now up front and in other places’ and be happy to sign a deal.
‘But that’s on Arsenal to make that happen. That’s how you show players and convince them to stay. Watch what we do in the window and then come back and sign.
Mikel Arteta’s side are poised to finish second for a third straight season (Picture: Getty)
‘So that’s hopefully what they will do, flex their muscles in the transfer market and prove to him that this is the club to be at.’
In that sense, Arsenal’s impending summer window could take on added importance for Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta as they look to find the missing piece in a team which appears destined to finish second for a third successive season.
But Campbell believes Berta will have to work quickly in his new environment to help Arsenal land that marquee signing ahead of a host of other top clubs who are also in the market for a goalscoring number nine.
Andrea Berta faces a huge first transfer window as the club’s new sporting director (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s going to bring a different type of feel. It’s going to unlock some doors that maybe were shut,’ he says of the Italian.
‘Everybody comes with their own book or contacts and relationships in the network of European football so that will bring a new dynamic to Arteta’s team.
‘They’ll have to work together but it will take time. Edu had been at the club before, so Berta has to get his feet under the table but he’s also got to work quickly because it’s a big summer coming up for the club.’
Sol Campbell was speaking ahead of bet365’s Big Ticket Giveaway (Picture: bet365)
‘He doesn’t want to talk about it too much,’ Campbell says. ‘We’ve chatted but it’s very much still the elephant in the room. I understand he’s got to keep professional – you never know who is listening! He’s done a great job at Arsenal and I’m sure everyone wishes him all the best for the future.’
Berta, meanwhile, is keen to put his own stamp on proceedings, and reports suggest the former Atletico chief has long admired Sporting striker Gyokers.
Could he be a more realistic option than Isak, who is expected to a command a fee well into nine figures? ‘Newcastle are going to want a hell of a lot of money and they don’t need the money,’ Campbell suggests.
‘So that’s the difficult side of it – maybe it will be easier to go after someone like Victor Gyokeres. But for sure they need to take care of the centre-forward position.
‘They need players in other positions as well but they need that vocal point and hit the ground running. The last time they had that properly was Thierry Henry so it’s big shoes to fill. It’s been such a long time so there’s a lot of pressure but also a massive opportunity to make a name for yourself.’
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly. 18+, gambleaware.org
Jack Grealish scored Manchester City’s opening goal in last night’s 2-0 win over Leicester City (Credits: Reuters)
Jack Grealish dedicated his goal to his late brother after scoring in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Leicester on Wednesday.
The England international hit his first Premier League goal for 16 months, on his first start in the competition since last December, as City moved back into fourth with a comfortable success at the Etihad Stadium.
It came on the 25th anniversary of the death of his younger brother Keelan, who died at the age of just nine months from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Grealish said on the club’s official website: ‘This day is always hard in the family, but I was happy to score.
‘My mum and dad were here. This day is always difficult in the family. So to score and to win was brilliant.’
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Grealish has struggled for regular action this season due to the form of Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
All three of those players started against the Foxes and combined to set up Grealish’s opener after just two minutes.
Jack Grealish has endured a tough season with Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
Who was Jack Grealish's brother, Keelan?
Keelan was just nine months old when he tragically died from cot death.
His elder brother Jack, who is now an established England international and commanded a transfer fee of £100 million when he joined Man City from Aston Villa, was just four at the time.
It is not the first time Jack has paid tribute to his brother after scoring a goal, having dedicated his strike in a 4-2 win over Birmingham back in 2018 to Keelan.
After that game, a fan was fined after being convicted of sending offensive communications to Jack who received a barrage of abuse.
Speaking after last night’s goal, Grealish struggled to hold back the tears, and told Sky Sports: ‘I felt like I deserved to play tonight and I was just happy. It was a nice day because my little brother passed away 25 years ago today.
‘So this day is always hard in the family. My mum and dad were here and I think this day is always difficult in the family so to score and to win is brilliant.’
City manager Pep Guardiola said: ‘Jack is an incredible human being in terms of gestures and he’s incredibly generous.
‘I didn’t know that. I can’t imagine how tough (it was) but to be with his mum and dad, his sister and all the family, it’s good.
‘He scored a goal and made a good game. I’m happy for him. I know it’s not easy when you don’t play quite regularly.’
Omar Marmoush added the second after 29 minutes and City then eased through the remainder of the game to push an ineffective Leicester, who remain 12 points off safety, closer to the drop.
Omar Marmoush continued his fine form with Man City’s second goal(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images)
Guardiola said: ‘It wasn’t easy with 10 players behind the ball in the box and we missed the third goal to be more relaxed.
‘But we didn’t concede anything until near the end and I’m pleased for a good performance.’
Arsenal defender Gabriel is likely to miss Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has already undergone scans to assess the severity of the hamstring injury he sustained during Tuesday’s win against Fulham.
Gabriel, who has enjoyed an outstanding personal campaign, now looks likely to miss both legs of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid and his wife, Gabrielle Figueiredo, did little to dispel the severity of the injury.
Speaking at the Married to the Game screening last night, she said: ‘It’s difficult. I think the perfect example is now, because he got injured yesterday.
‘So that is why he’s not here with me today. He would love to be here. I would love to be here with him.
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‘Yesterday we got the news he got injured, and now he is with the doctor having scans.
‘So this is the real life, and we never expected anything like this.’
Gabriel was forced off after 15 minutes (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal's defensive injury woes
Gabriel Magalhaes: Suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham and looks unlikely to feature in either leg of the Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.
Jurrien Timber: Hobbled off against Fulham in the 77th minute with an apparent knee injury. Arsenal will hope the versatile defender is not seriously injured.
Ben White: Only returned to first team action after a three-month lay-off in February, but he missed the Fulham game after suffering a setback in training.
Riccardo Calafiori: The Italy international will be out for’a matter of weeks’ according to Mikel Arteta after the defender sustained an injury playing for his country a fortnight ago.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Has played only once this season and underwent surgery recently which means he won’t be back until the start of next season as the earliest.
On how she supports her man in times of adversity, Gabrielle added: ‘I think the only thing that we could do is being together and be the assurance for each other.
‘That is the thing that I (will) do when I arrive home today. And yeah, it’s not easy, but we try our best to create this bond together every day, in every difficult moment.’
Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of Jurrien Timber, who also hobbled off against Fulham, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are also major injury doubts.
Timber was also replaced late on (Picture: Getty Images)
‘The good thing with Jakub is that he’s been very reliable,’ said Arteta when asked if he retained confidence in a player who has been reduced to a bit-part role this term.
‘Every time we need him he’s always there, he’s available and he does his job. We ask him to play as a left centre-back, as a right centre-back, as a left full-back.
‘He’s ready, he’s got a smile on his face. It’s sad for Gabi but he really wanted to play as well and he will be fine.’
Palmer missed the defeat to Arsenal before the international break after picking up a muscle injury and was unable to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
However, the talismanic midfielder has now been given the all-clear after two scans and will likely be welcomed straight back into the starting XI as Chelsea look to rediscover their attacking impetus.
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Madueke, meanwhile, has missed Chelsea’s last six games since suffering a hamstring injury but will also be in line to start on the weekend.
Jackson has been the longest attacking absentee from Maresca’s side having not featured since the start of February against West Ham.
Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer returned to Chelsea training last week (Picture: Getty)
Romeo Lavia however has suffered another injury setback with a ‘small problem’ sidelining him tonight.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have a largely clean bill of health, although Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman remain sidelined with their respective longer-term injuries.
How Chelsea could line up (Picture: Metro)
Moises Caicedo remains one yellow card away from a two-match suspension, but the Ecuadorian is still likely to partner Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park.
Reece James could slot straight back in at right-back after his impressive showing for England during the international break, while Robert Sanchez is expected to continue in goal despite his mixed performances this season.
Have Chelsea overworked Cole Palmer this season?
I wouldn’t suggest he has been overworked. We see players of Cole Palmer’s age or older, who have variations in form.
That comes with different management styles, or maybe its natural evolution as they try to keep at peak performance because that is so challenging.
I wouldn’t suggest it has anything to do with being overworked – performance is an extremely complex topic and you would need a lot of information over his physical and emotional state, his tactical and technical capabilities, the workload they are getting through, what their recovery process looks like.
You would want to understand all those pieces before jumping in and diagnosing why a player is unperforming or playing a certain way.
Stephen Smith, Kitman Labs Founder and CEO, was speaking exclusively to Metro.
Kitman Labs is the world’s leading performance intelligence and technology company, specialising in injury welfare and performance analytics working with the Premier League.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will be hoping to welcome back Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso, while Lucas Bergvall is expected to have recovered from an illness that saw him play no part in Sweden’s international break.
Vicario; Spence, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Sarr; Tel, Solanke, Son.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham? Kick-off time and TV channel
Chelsea vs Tottenham kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday 1 April.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with coverage starting at 7pm. Viewers can also tune into the action online via Now TV or the Sky Go app.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
