Postecoglou Under Fire As Leicester Stun Spurs, Man Utd Win At Fulham

With a 2-1 victory, Lewis Carroll extended Spurs’ miserable run, while Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at Fulham eased the pressure on Ruben Amorim.

Tottenham lost their sixth of their last seven league games to a blow to their home turf.

With only one win in their last 11 top-flight matches, Postecoglou’s side are languishing in 15th place, just eight points above the bottom three.

The beleaguered Australian, who has been receiving more and more demands for his dismissal throughout his turbulent second year in charge, had yet another disappointing outcome.

Although Postecoglou believes his injured squad is still fighting for him, Tottenham are dangerously close to being sucked into the relegation struggle.

“You can be very vulnerable and isolated when you are the manager of a football team. I don’t feel that”, said Postecoglou.

“I feel like this group of players, not for me, are giving everything for the club. I have a group of staff that is really committed. I focus on that”.

Leicester ended its seven-game losing streak in the league with two goals in four minutes from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss at the start of the second half.

Ruud van Nistelrooy can rest easier about his own future while Postecoglou fights to save his job.

Leicester are currently one place and one point above the relegation zone.

“It’s a massive win”, said Van Nistelrooy. The players are “buying into it,” they claim. This team deserves my absolute best wishes.

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Man Utd’s lucky break&nbsp,

After Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike gave the Red Devils a much-needed victory at Fulham, any notion of being dragged into a relegation battle now seems discredited.

Before the Argentinian’s effort swung past Sasa Lukic to loop over Bernd Leno, chances were slim for both sides.

Toby Collyer saw a header that Joachim Andersen had to clear off the line as the visitors fought for a victory that would lift United to 12th.

As an under-strength West Ham fought back to earn a 1-1 draw in Birmingham, Aston Villa’s hopes of Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season were dented.

Jacob Ramsey’s strike was just reward for a fast start by Unai Emery’s side.

Graham Potter was forced to name four full-backs in his starting line-up for the injury-hit Hammers, who were without captain Jarrod Bowen.

However, after Emerson Palmieri’s header levelled, the visitors rallied in the second half and were regrettable not to take all three points.

Lucas Paqueta hoped to have won the match in stoppage time, but Tomas Soucek veered offside before teeing up the Brazilian to quell Potter’s cheerleading celebration on the touchline.

Villa remain in eighth, four points off the top four, while West Ham sit 14th.

Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Selhurst Park thanks to penalty controversy.

Thomas Frank’s team earned a 66th minute spot-kick when Maxence Lacroix fouled Nathan Collins.

Bryan Mbeumo’s spot-kick hit the post, but Palace’s reprieve was short-lived as VAR ruled Marc Guehi had encroached before the shot.

For his 14th goal of the season, the Brentford forward thanked himself for his second chance by sending Palace keeper Dean Henderson the wrong way.

Romain Esse scored with his first touch on his debut five minutes after Kevin Schade scored in the 80th minute for Brentford.

Son Slams ‘Sloppy’ Spurs As Pressure Mounts On Postecoglou

Son Heung-min slammed Tottenham’s lack of focus after Sunday’s “painful” 2-1 defeat against lowly Leicester increased the pressure on under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou’s side blew the lead given to them by Richarlison’s first-half goal as Jamie Vardy equalised before Bilal El Khannouss bagged Leicester’s winner in north London.

After a sixth defeat in their last seven top-flight games, Tottenham are currently 15th in the Premier League, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Incensed fans criticized Postecoglou’s choice to replace Richarlison, who also demanded that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy step down as a result of the atmosphere’s growing toxic load.

Although a scornful evaluation of Postecoglou’s performance from South Korean forward Son won’t help the Australians’ cause, it’s still unclear whether Postecoglou will be able to live much longer in his mediocre second season in charge.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min (C) is checked after being hurt in a challenge during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City on January 26, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

“It is very painful. Particularly when you’re winning at half-time and only conceding two goals in a row. It let us down and is a very frustrating afternoon”, the Tottenham captain said.

“We just exited the second half, so we can’t just say tired.” Maybe it was a little bit sloppy.

Any team can punish us in the Premier League because of a lack of concentration and a little sloppiness.

“Sometimes we made the wrong choice in the middle of the road, and it wasn’t good enough.” Losing three points and conceding goals like this is very disappointing.

Fans who last saw their team play at that level in 1977 or 1978 are unprepared for the thought of Tottenham’s potential entry into the second tier.

Asked if Tottenham could be dragged into a relegation battle, Son said: “It is definitely not good enough. Although we lost far too many games, many more will be available and there will be many more.

EPL: Postecoglou Under Fire As Leicester Stun Troubled Tottenham

With a 2-1 victory, Lewis Carroll extended the north London side’s miserable run and lifted the Foxes from the Premier League relegation zone on Sunday, pushing Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou even further into the trash.

With their sixth defeat in their last seven league games, Postecoglou’s troubled team blew the lead on home turf.

With only one win in their last 11 top-flight matches, Tottenham are languishing in 15th place, just eight points above the bottom three.

The beleaguered Postecoglou, who has been receiving more and more demands for his dismissal throughout his turbulent second season in charge, had yet another disappointing result.

The fate of the Australian could depend on whether they travel to Brentford or Aston Villa in their next two league games, either way of a League Cup semi-final second leg match with Liverpool. Tottenham are dangerously close to being sucked into the relegation battle.

“It is a disappointing result, but at the same time I can’t ask anymore from this group of players. Some of them aren’t 100 percent but they are trying their hardest”, Postecoglou said.

“Things just aren’t falling for us. It’s not currently a relaxed atmosphere. We’ve got to get through this as united as possible”.

Tottenham’s first leg victory over Liverpool was the difference, and Postecoglou could use some time to start a new team at Wembley.

With 14 players absent for Thursday’s Europa League win at Hoffenheim, Tottenham’s injury crisis has led to criticism of Postecoglou’s tactics and the level of intensity in training.

With each bad result that brings him closer to the axe, the former Celtic boss’ claims that Tottenham’s continued recovery from the worst injuries come off as more doubtful.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy can rest easier about his own future while Postecoglou fights to save his job.

Van Nistelrooy, who replaced Steve Cooper in December, had presided over seven successive league defeats before their much-needed success against Tottenham.

Van Nistelrooy described it as a “major win” for Leicester, who are currently one place and one point above the relegation zone. The players are acquiring it. This team deserves my absolute best wishes.

On a filthy, rain-lashed afternoon, a protest banner against Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was unveiled by fans before kick-off with the slogan “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change”.

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‘ Levy out ‘ chants

Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min (C) is checked after being hurt in a challenge during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City on January 26, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Pedro Porro whipped a pin-point cross into the Leicester area in the 33rd minute, and Richarlison headed home from close range for just his third goal of the season.

But Leicester equalised less than 60 seconds after half-time when Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s cross was mishandled by Antonin Kinsky, ricocheting off Jamie Vardy’s shin as it trickled into the net.

On January 26, 2025, Leicester City’s English striker #9 Jamie Vardy (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal at the English Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at the London venue’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

In the Tottenham half, Morocco forward Bilal El Khannouss took control and advanced unchecked past Postecoglou’s sloppy defense before curling a fine finish past Kinsky just four minutes later.

With chants of “we want Levy out” growing more audible by the second, Postecoglou’s furious expression told the story of Tottenham’s plight.

Postecoglou’s decision to take off Richarlison was jeered by Tottenham fans, whose patience is wearing thin.

Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Selhurst Park thanks to penalty controversy.

When Marc Guehi made a hash of clearing and Nathan Collins was flung into by Maxence Lacroix in the 66th minute, Thomas Frank’s team was given a penalty.

Bryan Mbeumo’s spot-kick hit the post, but Palace’s reprieve was short-lived as VAR ruled Guehi had encroached before the shot.

For his 14th goal of the season, the Brentford forward thanked himself for his second chance by sending Palace keeper Dean Henderson the wrong way.

Romain Esse scored with his first touch on his debut five minutes after Kevin Schade scored in the 80th minute for Brentford.

Later on Sunday, troubled Manchester United travel to Fulham, while Aston Villa host West Ham.

Chukwueze’s Late Goal Gives AC Milan Stunning Win Over Parma

The seven-time European champions won 3-2 over Parma in Serie A after two goals in stoppage time gave AC Milan a cheery start to the season.

Milan triumphed in extra time after trailing what appeared to be Enrico Delprato’s winner for Parma, sending previously resolute fans delirious with joy.

Milan move up to sixth, five points behind Lazio who sit fourth and host off-form Fiorentina in Sunday’s late match.

On January 26, 2025, AC Milan’s US forward #11 Christian Pulisic (L) holds the ball in front of Parma’s Italian defender #15 Enrico Delprato (R) during the San Siro Stadium match between AC Milan and Parma in Italy. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

The San Siro’s atmosphere was completely altered by Nigerian forward Chukwueze’s bundled finish, which gave Sergio Conceicao’s team a major boost ahead of a busy week.

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Milan travel to Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, eager to advance to the Champions League’s last 16 before their home game against Inter Milan on Saturday.

Reijnders, a Netherlands midfielder, praised the team’s ability to change the game after scoring 11 goals in the season, saying, “I think we showed the right mentality, fighting to the end.”

“We needed to get back where we belong with this game. Now we have to continue”.

On January 26, 2025, Tijani Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder #14 for AC Milan, celebrates scoring his team’s second goal at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

When Delprato scored the winning goal in the 80th minute after Mike Maignan had prevented Drissa Camara brilliantly, fan discontent had threatened to percolate.

After Milan’s hardcore ultras watched the majority of the game in silence, only raising their voices once more to demand that American owners RedBird sell the club, supporters turned to the directors’ box and ironically applauded Milan’s management.

On January 26, 2025, Parma’s Italian defender #15, Enrico Delprato, celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

Reijnders’ 91st-minute equaliser, slotted home from Yunus Musah’s fine through ball, was the loudest cheers to be heard from home fans moments before Strahinja Pavlovic headed in what he thought was the leveller before it was appropriately ruled out for offside.

Unfortunate Parma were left with nothing from their excellent performance, which was deserving of more, but which kept Fabio Pecchia’s team one point above the relegation zone.

On January 26, 2025, AC Milan’s Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao (3rd L) and the team’s players celebrate their victory in the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, in the Serie A championship game between AC Milan and Parma. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

“When you play like that at the San Siro and leave with a defeat,” Pecchia said, “There’s going to be disappointment but there’s also awareness of what we did because I saw a lot of good stuff today.”

That kind of performance can only benefit us in the long run.

Inter travel to Lecce on Sunday night in an effort to close the six-point gap that keeps them from Napoli, while Roma face fellow midtable outfit Udinese.

Chelsea Sign Girma In Reported World Record Deal For Female Footballer

Naomi Girma, a female football player, was reported to have broken the world record for the United States at the signing of the American on Sunday from San Diego Wave.

Girma is believed to have cost Chelsea £900, 000 ($1.1 million), surpassing the previous world record of £685, 000 paid by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

The 24-year-old was unveiled on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m so happy and thoroughly excited to be here.” It doesn’t feel real”, Girma told Chelsea’s website.

“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here, the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a fantastic place to learn and develop.

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Girma becomes Chelsea Women’s boss Sonia Bompastor’s first signing of the January transfer window.

After Kadeisha Buchanan, the Chelsea defender, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that could have kept her out the rest of the season, Bompastor targeted her.

The fee surpasses the previous British record set by Chelsea for the signing of Levante striker Mayra Ramirez for £348,000 a year earlier.

Girma won the 2023 US Soccer female player of the year award for her efforts to win the country’s triumphant Olympic campaign in Paris last year.

Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green said: “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career”.

World No.1 Sinner Defies Doping Case To Dominate Men’s Tennis

A mature and determined 23-year-old who has exhibited extraordinary mental strength to put a doping scandal to the test and win another Australian Open belies Jannik Sinner’s reserved public persona.

Sinner’s status as Italy’s biggest sports star and the new face of men’s tennis has only increased over the past two weeks in Melbourne.

The world number one blew away second seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3&nbsp, to become back-to-back champion in Melbourne.

Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic are the only men to have accomplished the feat at Melbourne Park since the turn of the century.

It is Sinner’s third major title, having previously won the US Open last year despite being plagued by controversy after twice testing positive for clostebol traces in March.

A World Anti-Doping Agency appeal against Sinner’s exoneration, which asks for an extradition to the United States, is still hanging over his head.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hold a hearing in April. He has denied knowingly doping.

“There’s been a lot of pressure around him for the last nine months now, since April last year”, said his coach Darren Cahill.

He handles pressure as well as anyone else I’ve ever seen do. He’s a fantastic young man who has managed to put that behind him.

” He has a clear conscience with what’s going on. That’s the main motivation for his ability to play on the court, walk tall, and have that belief.

Sinner initially appeared unprepared for a professional tennis career, having been born in the northern Italian village of Innichen, which is located a stone’s throw away from the Austrian border.

He won the ski championship when he was a child and still enjoys it in the off-season.

Sinner was also a keen footballer, playing for a local team as an attacker.

But he made the decision to play tennis and set off for Bordighera, Italy, at the age of 13, to begin his long march to the top levels of the game, moving 600 kilometers (400 miles) from his family.

&nbsp, Wise head

Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam in Melbourne last year, made an unwavering admission that he was a member of the elite after a constant grind.

He won eight titles, including the US Open and the ATP Finals, with an especially striking aspect of his extraordinary air of calm on the court.

He is quiet and reserved, and he avoids publicizing his personal life as much as possible, which underlines his close friendship with Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya.

Seen by some as too serious and even icy, the Italian has worked to soften his image in Melbourne, even laughing during some of his interviews, a side of him rarely seen before.

” He’s matured for sure, “said Cahill”. I believe there are many aspects to his actions both on and off the court.

“All these young kids, they are living a life that is great.

However, you must have a good head when dealing with the pressure of playing in front of 15, 000 people and exceeding expectations.

“You grow up fast. Jannik is one of those”.