Archive April 19, 2025

Villa Rout Newcastle To Rekindle Bid To Reach Champions League

Ollie Watkins inspired Aston Villa’s 4-1 rout of Newcastle on Saturday, reviving their bid to qualify for the Champions League just days after they bowed out of this season’s tournament.

Villa’s Champions League adventure came to an end on Tuesday after they narrowly failed to complete a spectacular comeback in the quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

But Unai Emery’s side had no intention of feeling sorry for themselves as they chase a return to Europe’s elite club competition next season.

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Aston Villa’s Belgian defender #24 Amadou Onana (C) celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

Newcastle arrived at Villa Park after five successive wins, only to be blown away by the inspired Watkins.

He put Villa ahead in the first minute and set up Ian Maatsen to restore the hosts’ advantage after Fabian Schar’s equaliser.

Dan Burn’s own goal and Amadou Onana’s blistering strike put the seal on Villa’s emphatic victory as they climbed to sixth in the Premier League.

Villa, winners of their last five league games, are just two points behind third-placed Newcastle in a gripping battle to secure one of the top five positions that guarantee Champions League qualification.

With a crucial trip to fourth-placed Manchester City looming on Tuesday, Emery’s men sit level on points with fifth-placed Nottingham Forest, who visit Tottenham for their game in hand on Monday.

Jason Tindall remained in charge of League Cup winners Newcastle in the absence of Eddie Howe, who was still absent after suffering from pneumonia.

After winning their first two games without Howe, the Magpies came back down to earth with a bump.

Emery had urged Villa fans to provide a spark of electricity with an atmosphere the equal of the PSG tie.

The decibel levels around Villa Park reached ear-splitting volume after just 33 seconds.

Sandro Tonali’s miscued clearance went straight to Youri Tielemans and his pass sent Watkins through for a drive that deflected in off Schar.

Newcastle United’s English defender #33 Dan Burn (L) scores an own goal, Villa’s third goal, during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

Rampant Villa

It was Villa’s fastest goal in the league season and Watkins, replaced by Marcus Rashford in the starting line-up against PSG, was playing with a point to prove.

The England striker went close to netting again moments later with a ferocious strike that smacked back off the underside of the crossbar with Newcastle keeper Nick Pope rooted to the spot.

Schar hauled Newcastle level in the 18th minute, the Swiss international rising at the far post to meet Harvey Barnes’ cross with a header that went through the legs of Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.

Villa were unfazed. Watkins met Marco Asensio’s free-kick with a header that thumped against the post from 10 yards.

Aston Villa’s English striker #11 Ollie Watkins (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

Tonali’s long-range blast forced Martinez to scramble as the Argentine saved at full stretch.

Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers had acres of space for a thunderous shot that was repelled by Pope.

Youri Tielemans’ glancing header from Asensio’s corner was cleared off the line by Tonali early in the second half.

Villa’s pressure was finally rewarded in eye-catching style in the 64th minute.

Asensio’s sweeping crossfield pass and Watkins’ astute ball into the Newcastle area teed up Maatsen, who capped his lung-bursting run with a composed finish past Pope from 12 yards.

Villa struck again in the 73rd minute when Jacob Ramsey’s cross towards Tielemans was turned into his own net by Burn.

Emery’s men were rampant. Onana put the seal on their dynamic display two minutes later when he blasted into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Stacey Solomon flooded with support as she shares ‘devastating’ family heartache

Loose Women’s Stacey Solomon revealed she is ‘truly devastated’ as she shared her heartbreaking family news and was met by an outpouring of support from her fans

Stacey Solomon has been flooded with support from fans

Stacey Solomon has received the support of her fans as she opened up on her sad family news. The Loose Women star shared an emotional post on her social media as she said her and her five children are “truly devastated”.

She revealed the family’s beloved dog Teddy has fallen ill and “might not ever fully recover”. Detailing the family heartache, Stacey penned: “Our darling Teddy.

“Teddy became suddenly unwell on Thursday. It turns out he has a predisposed condition we had no idea about as he was a rescue. He has been operated on by incredible vets and the next 3-4 days are crucial for him to get through, even then, he might not ever fully recover. “

Stacey added: “We are praying and hoping so hard that he pulls through & that we can care for him in the best way we possibly can, to give him the best life he can have.

Stacey Solomon and dog Teddy
Stacey is ‘praying and hoping’ Teddy pulls through(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)
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“We are all truly devastated. He is the sweetest, most protective, loving dog. He’s our family. And far too young to be going through this. “

Ending her post, the former X Factor star wrote: “We love you Ted. So so much. Pickle cottage is far too quiet without you. I miss my toilet buddy. Peanut is so sad without his best friend.”

Alongside her heartfelt message, Stacey included a photo of her cuddling Teddy as a small yellow cast could be seen on his leg. Fans rushed to share their support for the star as one said: “Oh Teddy, praying for a full recovery bub, I hope you’re ok, come on Teddy you can do this. “

Another added: “Aww no! Sorry to hear this about Teddy, wishing him a full & speedy recovery”. Someone else commented: “Oh Stacey, I’m so sorry. Sending so much love. Teddy, you’ve got this little man, get better super soon & back to your family. “

Stacey introduced fans to Teddy back in 2022, after they got him following the death of family dog Theo two weeks before. The cocker spaniel was brought into the family to keep their other dog Peanut company.

Stacey Solomon and Teddy
They welcomed Teddy into the family in 2022(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)

The mum-of-five revealed the reason as to why they chose the name Teddy and the hidden tribute to their pet Theo. Stacey posted a sweet photo to her Instagram story where she said it’s short for Theodore.

She wrote: “We called him teddy because Teddy can be short for ‘Theodore’ so we thought it was a special tribute to Theo. ” Teddy was just six months old at the time and is a working cocker spaniel.

Stacey revealed they didn’t pick him out but instead asked what dog would be most suitable for them. She said: “We didn’t pick him out but we said we would take any dog suitable for young children and another dog.

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“We didn’t mind what breed, colour, coat anything as long as he would be happy and it was right. And along came Teddy. ” Teddy wasn’t wanted by the original owner anymore due to being much smaller than his brothers and sisters.

“I have no idea why or how anyone could not want him or he wouldn’t be ‘good’ enough. But apparently he is no where near the size he should be for his breed and that was one of the main reasons why he wasn’t kept by the breeder. “

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Iraola guides Bournemouth to another record – can they keep him?

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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola gave a coy response when asked about his future after Saturday’s frustrating goalless draw at Crystal Palace, but Cherries supporters will be desperate for the Spaniard to extend his stay at Vitality Stadium.

The draw at Selhurst Park lifted Iraola’s team to 49 points – a club record in the Premier League – with five games remaining, surpassing their tally of 48 in Iraola’s first season.

Bournemouth were disappointed not to claim all three points in south London after failing to capitalise on Palace defender Chris Richards’ first-half dismissal, but Iraola – whose existing deal is set to expire next summer – could yet guide the Cherries into Europe for the first time in their history.

Owner Bill Foley is due to attend next weekend’s game at home to Manchester United before talks with the 42-year-old former Rayo Vallecano manager.

Tottenham are reported to be interested in securing Iraola’s services after a disappointing campaign under Ange Postecoglou, while reports have also linked him to Real Madrid as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.

However, sources at Bournemouth suggest Iraola is open to extending his time on the south coast.

“We’ll talk, but nothing special,” Iraola, who was appointed in June 2023, told BBC Match of the Day after Saturday’s stalemate.

The Spaniard was also quick to deny reports that talks have already started about a contract extension.

He went on to describe the result as a “missed opportunity” for his side, but former Brighton striker Glenn Murray says the Cherries are heading firmly in the right direction.

‘Iraola has grown and developed squad’

In December 2023 – a year after taking control of the club – Foley said he was confident Bournemouth would qualify for Europe within the next five years.

After following an impressive 2023-24 campaign with another outstanding season including wins over Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle, Iraola could be about to lead the Cherries into continental competition far quicker than Foley or anyone else had anticipated.

They could end the weekend eight points outside the top seven, but eighth place may still be enough to secure Conference League football in 2024-25.

For a club who were playing in League One as recently as 2013, it is a tantalising prospect.

Indeed, Iraola’s downcast demeanour following Saturday’s draw only serves to highlight how far Bournemouth have come.

“We cannot be happy with this point,” he said. “Before the game, [we thought a draw] is not a bad result, coming to a stadium this difficult.

“But considering how the game has gone, we cannot be happy. I feel we have not used the extra player in the proper way. “

Bournemouth were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men themselves after referee Sam Barratt opted against showing midfielder Alex Scott a second yellow card 10 minutes before Richards’ dismissal.

It may be nothing more than a silver lining for Iraola and his players, but the point does at least extend Bournemouth’s unbeaten league run to three games – their longest streak since going 11 games without defeat between November 2024 and January 2025.

“Iraola has been able to grow and develop his squad,” former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Final Score. “They have been able to establish themselves in the Premier League.

“He is very tactically astute and uses his bench well, which is a credit to his in-game management and squad depth. “

Next up for Bournemouth is a home match against Manchester United, a team they beat 3-0 at Old Trafford this season.

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Lindblad makes F2 history as Dunne leads standings

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British teenager Arvid Lindblad made history by becoming the youngest winner in Formula 2 history in Saudi Arabia.

Red Bull junior Lindblad, aged 17 years and 243 days, won the sprint race ahead of Campos Racing team-mate Pepe Marti and McLaren development driver Alex Dunne.

Irish teenager Dunne, who claimed his first F2 victory in Bahrain, is now tied for the lead of the championship with Spain’s Marti before Sunday’s feature race.

The podium trio capitalised on a penalty for Dutch driver Richard Verschoor, who took the chequered flag in first place but had five seconds added on to his race time for forcing Marti off the track earlier in the race.

“I’m really happy with the result today, youngest ever F2 race winner,” Lindblad said after the race.

“A huge thank you to the team – a really good race coming from sixth to first.

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‘Incredible’ Mbeumo & Wissa among best striker pairs

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Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The Premier League has been littered with deadly strike partnerships over the years.

But you can add another duo to the long list of double acts: Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

The pair both scored in Brentford’s 4-2 win against Brighton, with Mbeumo scoring two before Wissa added the Bees’ third.

It was the seventh time they have both got on the scoresheet in the same game this season.

Mbeumo and Wissa chase Premier League record

With five matches left this season, Mbeumo and Wissa’s chances of breaking a Premier League record are still alive.

The seven matches the pair have both scored in this season is a campaign-high, ahead of the six that Liverpool’s Salah and Cody Gakpo have both netted in.

But the Brentford duo will have their eyes on matching – or even beating – the Premier League record, jointly-held by Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah (twice).

Salah and Firmino both scored in 10 matches in the 2017-18 campaign, while the Egyptian equalled his own record with Senegal winger Mane in the 2021-22 season.

Son & Kane lead the way

Their goals against Brighton meant Mbeumo and Wissa have scored in the same match for the 18th time during their Brentford careers.

Only seven pairings in Premier League history have a better overall record.

“That’s an incredible achievement from the two of them,” said manager Frank after the win against Brighton.

“When you consistently over the past six seasons have produced top scorers, that must be something we’re doing right.

“I’m happy that Mbeumo is shining and is the main man now for us. But I think it’s a duo.

“Wissa is fantastic. He has scored actually more open-play goals than Brian. But Brian is the penalty taker, unbelievable at penalties, assists, work ethic, an unbelievable player. “

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