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Things might not be going too well for Ipswich Town at the moment, but their journey over the last few years has been nothing short of incredible.

Kieran McKenna has taken the Tractor Boys from a middling League One side back up to the Premier League for the first time in over two decades, and while it’s slight, there’s still a chance the club could be in the top flight this time next year.

Moreover, while the board have backed him considerably across the last two transfer windows, the Northern Irishman is still relying on some of the players who helped the team out of the third tier.

One of those stars is the brilliant Leif Davis, and while the full-back remains an essential part of the team, Ipswich made just as good a signing in the summer.

Leif Davis' Ipswich career

Ipswich paid Leeds United just £1m for Davis’ services in the summer of 2022, and with how well he’s played in the years since, it might just be one of the club’s best-ever purchases.

In his first campaign with the Tractor Boys, the Englishman made 46 appearances across all competitions, in which he mostly played at left-back and managed to rack up a sensational haul of three goals and 14 assists, was named in the PFA Team of the Year and helped the club win promotion to the Championship.

Despite the big jump in quality, the following season saw the former Leeds ace do even better.

For example, in 44 appearances, which all came at left-back this time, the 25-year-old “animal”, as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, scored two goals, provided 21 assists, was nominated for the PFA Championship Player of the Year and won the club’s own Men’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

Understandably, this season has been a little more challenging for the Newcastle-born maestro, and in 28 Premier League games, he has been able to amass a reasonable enough tally of one goal and three assists.

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

Moreover, thanks to his impressive form in prior campaigns and the fact he’s managed to hold his own in the top-flight, Davis’ valuation has risen to €25m according to Transfermarkt, which works out to about £21m.

In all, the unreal full-back has to be considered one of Ipswich’s best signings in recent history, which could be said about another star McKenna recruited in the summer.

Ipswich's best signing since Davis

While Ipswich have picked up a number of very talented players in the years since signing Davis, when it comes down to their best acquisition, it can only be one man: Liam Delap.

The Tractor Boys paid Manchester City around £20m for the Englishman last summer, and while there were some questions over how he’d fare leading the line for a Premier League side, he quickly showed he’s got what it takes to be a star.

For example, while it took him a few games to get up and running, the 22-year-old now has a brilliant tally of ten goals and two assists in just 28 league games this season, totalling 2196 minutes.

Appearances

28

Starts

27

Minutes

2196

Goals

10

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

Minutes per Goal Involvement

183′

That means the tremendously exciting “wrecking ball,” as dubbed by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 183 minutes, in the toughest league in world football for a team that are more than likely going to get relegated.

Moreover, it’s not just the former City prospect’s output that makes him such a useful player in the starting lineup, but also how he holds up the ball for others and occupies opposing defenders to free up more space for his teammates.

Finally, if the Suffolk side are relegated at the end of this season, then there are two possibilities for Delap’s future.

The first is that he remains with the club and takes the Championship by storm next year, in turn helping McKenna and Co come back up, hopefully at the first time of asking.

Or, the other possibility is that he does leave in the summer but, in doing so, brings in a massive fee, with some reports from earlier this year claiming he could go for as much as £40m.

Ultimately, both Davis and Delap have to be considered among Ipswich’s best signings in recent years, and if the team do beat the drop come May, then they’ll have certainly played their part.

Ipswich Town want to sign new 6ft 6 giant who may replace Kalvin Phillips

He’s the tallest player in his league.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 19, 2025

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis has admitted to being disappointed with the lack of runs from his team in the last five overs at the Wankhede after Mumbai Indians chased down a 200-run target on a canter.Du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell added 120 runs in just 62 deliveries for the third wicket and laid the platform for a big finish. But after Maxwell fell to Jason Behrendorff in the 13th over, Mahipal Lomror and du Plessis also followed suit in the next ten deliveries and Royal Challengers could add just 53 runs in the last 35 balls.”At least 20 [runs],” du Plessis told the broadcaster when asked how short his team were from a potentially winning score.Related

• Stats – Mumbai Indians, masters of the 200-plus chase

• Suryakumar shows once again why he is so difficult to bowl to

• Mumbai mow down 200 to jump from eighth to third

“I think in the context of the wickets so far this season it feels like anything under 220 with Mumbai’s powerful batting line-up, and obviously they are a strong chasing team and bat very deep,” du Plessis said. “So we were very disappointed.””I think we didn’t capitalise in those last five overs. That’s when on a wicket like this you can really do some damage. So disappointed with the last five overs and the lack of runs.”Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, praised quick bowler Akash Madhwal for his execution at the death. Bowling to Wanindu Hasaranga and Kedar Jadhav, Madhwal conceded just six runs in the final over.”He [Madhwal] was with us last year as well and we saw the skillset he brings. All we wanted to do was give him that specific role so he focuses on that and we told him this is what you have to do,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.”I know these are tough overs to bowl but he’s quite confident. When I speak to him, the responses that I get, he is quite confident. He is a leader as well. He leads his Uttarakhand team. So he has got a lot of knowledge about how he wants to bowl, what sort of field placements he wants to have.”Rohit also said that Royal Challengers looked set for a score in the region of 220 and praised his team for reining things back in the last few overs, something which the team has struggled with this season.”It was crucial what we did there at the back end. Restricting them to less than 200 was a great effort,” Rohit said. “At one stage it was looking 220 or something like that and the way we have bowled in the last part, it could have been 220 or maybe more.”2:04

Dasgupta: Haven’t seen someone with Suryakumar’s wrist-work in modern-day cricket

Du Plessis: ‘Suryakumar makes a captain extremely grey’

In the chase, Ishan Kishan got Mumbai Indians off to a blinder as he smashed his way to 42 off 21 deliveries. But Hasaranga had him caught behind and then trapped Rohit lbw in the fifth over.However, Suryakumar Yadav, with Nehal Wadhera for company, dispelled any chances of a Royal Challengers comeback with a 35-ball 83.Suryakumar hit six sixes and seven fours to help Mumbai complete the chase in 16.3 overs — the quickest that a target of 200 or more has been chased down in the IPL.”He [Suryakumar] is one of the best isn’t he? When he gets going, he’s really difficult to bowl to,” du Plessis said.”He makes a captain extremely grey because he’s got so many options. You don’t feel like you can really shut him down,” he said. “That’s why I said he is one of the greats at the moment.”

Newcastle United are just over a week away from the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Liverpool await.

What should be a joyous occasion has been tainted by a slew of setbacks, casting Eddie Howe’s squad back into a depleted state that makes life difficult indeed given the calibre of opposition.

Still, the sixth-place Magpies are one of the most dangerous teams in Europe on their day. If Newcastle can make it a successful finish to the campaign, it would help immensely going into the 2025/26 campaign.

Newcastle are reportedly ‘excited’ by the upcoming transfer window after battling through PSR concerns, with Howe looking to be backed as he pushes for a return to the Champions League.

Newcastle's transfer plans this summer

Now that Miguel Almiron’s re-signed for Atlanta United in an £8m deal, Newcastle are short on options at right wing.

Jacob Murphy’s form has mitigated the urgency, but Premier League stars such as Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford are allegedly on the shortlist and could be targetted this summer.

With Sven Botman struggling for fitness and Lloyd Kelly leaving on loan in January, a centre-back would also go down a treat, but Newcastle are also eyeing a deal further back.

James Trafford, 22, has been incredible between the sticks for Burnley this season, keeping 24 clean sheets from 34 Championship matches and saving 87% of his shots faced, as per Sofascore.

Is it any wonder the Toon are keen on a deal? TalkSPORT suggest Burnley will want £30m for their goalkeeper, but this would surely be worthwhile as Howe looks to engineer the next phase in Newcastle’s development.

If he’s welcomed, though, someone will need to go…

Howe must cash in on £60k-per-week star

Newcastle might be compliant with PSR-related concerns, but if they wish to invest, sales will be necessary.

If Newcastle strike gold and bring Trafford to St. James’ Park, it makes little sense to keep Nick Pope on the books, an idea Howe subscribes to given United are already stirring up plans for his sale this summer.

As per Football Insider, Newcastle would be willing to let Pope exit for around £15m in the next window, which would be an absolute triumph given he was purchased from Burnley for just £10m.

Pope has been a stalwart shot-stopper during his time at Newcastle, but having been dealt a string of injury blows this season, PIF chiefs are warming to the idea of his sale since he is losing his way between the sticks.

With unavailability and a declining sense of security in shot saving, bagging a rising star of Trafford’s ability makes a lot of sense.

24/25*

Newcastle

17

3

67.9

23/24

Newcastle

16

5

72.4

22/23

Newcastle

37

14

74.6

21/22

Burnley

36

9

74.5

20/21

Burnley

32

11

77.2

Moreover, the 32-year-old (who turns 33 next month) is in the penultimate year of his £60k-per-week contract. With Trafford at the top of the Toon’s wish list, it feels right that he should move on this summer, no longer boasting his one-time unflappability and indeed feeling the effects of Father Time.

There have been several indicators of regression. Recently, loose passing and a lack of authority nearly cost Newcastle in a 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest, while his shot-stopping security has also raised questions – see below against Tottenham Hotspur.

Reporter Adam Clery even suggested several weeks ago the England international “looks absolutely petrified” when diving – a by-product of his injury issues – and that this is “fatal” for a goalkeeper.

Trafford would be the perfect fit to jockey with Martin Dubravka for the top spot, having been hailed for his “sensational” exploits this season by Burnley podcaster Natalie Bromley.

Bringing Trafford in would create a neat kind of continuity, for Pope too came from Turf Moor. His ship has run its course, and Howe will want to make the requisite transfer adjustments this summer to take his Tyneside crew to the next level.

Left in 2014: Newcastle dud flopped under Pardew, now he's outscoring Gordon

He’s made a name for himself after falling by the wayside at St. James’ Park.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 5, 2025

Let’s forget about Liverpool’s incredible position at the top of the Premier League for a moment, Arne Slot has triumphed for quickly forging a visceral connection with the fanbase, taking Jurgen Klopp’s place.

Before a competitive ball had been kicked, supporters were subscribing to the notion that this cool-headed Dutchman and his slick and control-centric brand of football could root itself into the club’s DNA and continue the work of his predecessor.

He ​​​​​​gets it. And so with Liverpool approaching a crunch Merseyside derby at Goodison Park – the last contest between Liverpool and Everton at this iconic ground – Slot’s comments on his side needing to match the hosts’ intensity subtly spoke volumes.

With three top-flight wins on the trot, Everton will be ready to meet title-chasing rivals with fire. Liverpool know that victory at Goodison will take them nine points clear of second-place Arsenal.

However, this ground brings unsettling recent memories for the Reds when in a title battle.

Liverpool's last trip to Goodison Park

Sean Dyche’s low block and resilient defending proved too much for toothless Liverpool in April of last year, effectively ending Klopp’s title hopes with a 2-0 victory.

Jarrad Branthwaite gave the hosts a deserved first-half lead from a corner before Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s leaping header struck the final nail into the proverbial coffin.

Crystal Palace’s crushing Anfield win had already shifted Liverpool into the background of a thrilling three-horse title race, but this condemned Klopp’s side to a season of just the Carabao Cup, having fought for so much more.

That burnout will be in the recesses of fans’ minds at present, but Slot’s success in limiting injuries and keeping his side chugging forward presents a wholly different scenario.

Liverpool cannot lose against their rivals once again, lest Arsenal begin to claim ground and confidence as the business months loom.

24/04/24

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2-0 loss

03/09/22

Premier League

0-0 draw

01/12/21

Premier League

4-1 win

17/10/20

Premier League

2-2 draw

21/06/20

Premier League

0-0 draw

Liverpool team news

Liverpool might have exited the FA Cup on Sunday, on the wrong end of a giant-killing by Plymouth Argyle, but Slot will take solace in having rested the bulk of his first-team squad, making ten changes for that dour defeat.

Joe Gomez is still injured, but there are tentative hopes that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be able to play a part after missing the past few fixtures with a hamstring issue. Still, he is a big doubt and is likely to be ruled out of actually making the starting lineup.

In midfield, Curtis Jones’ fitness levels precluded him from playing as Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup, but Slot is expected to make wholesale changes in that department anyway.

Liverpool's predicted line-up

If Liverpool’s restored and full-strength squad claim a priceless victory at Goodison Park this evening, all will be forgiven vis-a-vis the Plymouth loss.

Caoimhin Kelleher was thwarted by Ryan Hardie’s spot kick but the recent result wasn’t his fault. That said, it’s hard to imagine the Irishman reprising his role between the sticks, with Alisson Becker playing nine successive Premier League matches since returning from injury.

We’ve noted that the £180k-per-week Trent is a doubt, and while this is a concern, Conor Bradley is more than capable of thriving in his stead, having dominated at right-back last week against Tottenham Hotspur.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are sure to return to central defence, conceding just one goal from their past four matches as a partnership (a late consolation for Ipswich Town during last month’s thrashing).

In midfield, expect Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to slide back into their starting roles, so fluid and robust as a central triangle.

The wide flanks should be pretty straightforward too, with Mohamed Salah eager to add to his excellent record against Everton – seven goals and one assist from 11 matches – and Cody Gakpo ready to continue his prolific run of form, hitting seven goals and one assist in all competitions since Christmas.

Curiously, Luis Diaz was the sole bright spark during last season’s defeat on the hostile patch of Merseyside, hitting the woodwork, creating three chances and winning seven duels, as per Sofascore.

However, he’s not going to take Gakpo’s berth after such a miserable effort against the Pilgrims. In his makeshift focal role, he may be silenced by the collective muscle of the Toffees rearguard, Branthwaite and James Tarkowski sure to impose themselves.

Such a fixture may call for Darwin Nunez, whose shooting success has been negligible this term but his commitment and tenacity are well-suited to this forthcoming tie.

It’s a big one alright. A win to close the Goodison Park rivalry would be poetic, placing Liverpool within touching distance of the title. However, the inverse is also true for Everton, who would like nothing more than to strike a blow to Slot’s side.

Liverpool predicted line-up in full: (GK) Alisson; (RB) Conor Bradley, (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Andy Robertson; (CM) Ryan Gravenberch, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister, (AM) Dominik Szoboszlai; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (LW) Cody Gakpo, (CF) Darwin Nunez.

He's outperforming Diaz: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star

Liverpool may be looking to invest in a new wideman in the coming transfer windows.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 11, 2025

Arne Slot sent good wishes to Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup journey as Liverpool get the summer off.

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Slot sent support to PepMan City will travel to the US for FIFA CWCLiverpool will get the summer offFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Slot endured a remarkable journey as Liverpool boss in his maiden season in England as the Reds became the English champions for a record equalling 20th time after beating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield last week. The Dutch manager is now looking forward to a well-deserved break in the summer, while clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City will head to the US to participate in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.

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Slot cherished the idea that his players would get a break the entire summer before they prepare for their defending campaign next year. In comparison, the Blues and the City stars will see their holidays cut short due to participation in the new competition. The Dutchmen, however, wished Pep Guardiola and his team luck before they head to America next month.

WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

Speaking to reporters, Slot said: "In this moment, eight out of ten people who work in this business – maybe even ten out of ten – will feel is it really necessary to have another tournament for these players that already had such a long season. I don't think it's healthy for players to only have maybe one week off, then go into the tournament, then have one week off and start the whole Premier League season again. That can never be good for the health of a player."

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Guardiola had earlier criticised the packed schedule, which is taking a toll on the players' fitness, and Slot has now backed the Spanish coach's statement. The Reds boss added: "I think that is probably what most of us feel. Maybe when the tournament has been played or done well, we’ll all feel we would love to have been there, because what a great occasion. But now we have our opinion, and I think most people in football have the same opinion, pfft, another tournament. We have to wait and see what it means for the long-term for these teams, hardly having any days off."

Durham took one wicket at Seat Unique Riverside before rain intervened to halt their charge for victory against Sussex and take the game into the final day.On a day which only saw 14 balls delivered, Ben Raine still found time to pin Dan Ibrahim lbw for a duck before showers ended the session and eventually the day after just 10 minutes of play, Sussex adding three runs to their overnight score to be 9 for 4.The inclement weather continued to keep the players off the field when eventually the umpires called the close at 3:40pm local time, with the visitors still 288 runs behind and likely needing to bat the final day out to rescue a draw.

Tottenham could be set for major changes this summer with Ange Postecoglou set to depart and the club expected to undertake a major overhaul.

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Spurs set for summer shake-upPostecoglou tipped to depart after poor seasonClub could overhaul other departmentsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A miserable season for Spurs is reportedly likely to result in key changes being made in north London. Tottenham are expected to "carry out a wide-ranging summer overhaul of its football operation" which could result in a number of high-profile departures, according to the . The club plan to make changes to their medical, sports science and analytics operations after a dismal campaign which sees the team currently down in 16th place in the Premier League table.

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Tottenham could still finish the season on a high by winning the Europa League, but Postecoglou is expected to depart even if Spurs do go all the way and lift the title. Injuries have played a part in Tottenham's poor form which could spell bad news for head of medicine Geoff Scott. One change has already been confirmed with former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham set to arrive as the club's new chief executive, and Scott Munn's position as chief football officer is now under threat.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tottenham suffered their 18th defeat of the Premier League season on Monday against Nottingham Forest, just one shy of their all-time Premier League record of 19.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM

Life doesn't get any easier for Spurs, with Postecoglou's side facing a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool next in the Premier League. After that, Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their crucial Europa League semi-final.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally eager for the club to move for a “versatile” player who’s impressed club scouts, as the Lilywhites continue pursuing their second January signing after missing out on Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus win race for Kolo Muani as Tottenham miss out

Over the last week and beyond, Spurs and Juventus were reliably believed to be tussling for Kolo Muani’s signature – but a winner of the race has now been confirmed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

£27m player ready to join Tottenham if clubs can agree January deal

Spurs hold a serious advantage over fellow competitors.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 11, 2025

On Tuesday evening, Romano dropped his famous “here we go” as Juve pipped Spurs in the battle for Kolo Muani’s signature – dealing bad news for Postecoglou, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy, as they are forced to return to the drawing board.

The 26-year-old PSG outcast was deemed by Spurs one of the best attackers available for hire on the January market (David Ornstein), so this news will come as a real blow for the club as they also prepare for a tense North London Derby against Arsenal this evening.

Following their snubbed advances to sign Kolo Muani, Postecoglou’s side remain in the market for a new forward, and the Australian has pleaded for his side to bring in some “help” for striker Dominic Solanke.

“If we can get him some help, yeah. Dom has just been outstanding in the way he’s carried the frontline for us during this period,” said Postecoglou on support for Solanke.

“With Dom being a new player, it probably would have been easier for him to slip in and do his job but he’s taken on the responsibility of helping the whole team. He’s been great for us. I really feel there is more to him and his game. We’ll be able to get more out of him if we can him some help.”

As well as another attacking option, reports suggest they’re in the market for another midfielder. Tottenham are targeting Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi as one option for that role, while it is believed Palmeiras star Richard Rios is on their agenda as well.

Ange Postecoglou really wants Richard Rios at Tottenham

As per CaughtOffside, sharing an update on their links to the Colombia international, Postecoglou is personally “very keen” for Tottenham to sign Rios.

This follows reports that Spurs had an official bid rejected for Rios very recently, and while it is unclear how much they offered, he could actually be snapped up for much cheaper than his £84 million release clause.

The 24-year-old signed a new contract in October 2024, including the seismic clause, but reports in South America claimed soon afterward that Palmeiras won’t sell for any less than £13 million (Hoy Diario del Magdalena via Sport Witness).

Rios is said to have really impressed N17 scouts as well. However, Spurs face stiff competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are pushing hard to land the South American.

“Richard is a versatile player who can fit into several roles in midfield,” said Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira. “His ability to both defend and attack makes him a valuable asset for any team. We are excited to see what he brings to our squad.”

Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has brutally labelled Andre Onana as "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history".

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Onana claimed Man Utd are 'way better' than LyonMatic slammed the keeper for his commentsPointed out his dismal record since he joined UnitedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In the buildup to what could be a defining contest for Ruben Amorim's struggling United squad, Onana spoke to the media with conviction about his team’s chances of beating Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg set to be played in France on Thursday night.

"We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality," he told reporters. "We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together and follow the gameplan we will be winning the game. Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them."

Onana has faced waves of criticism since arriving at United from Inter Milan due to his inconsistent form. Moreover, with United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and having won just three of their past 10 matches in all competitions, his remarks were met with scepticism.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MATIC SAID

Matic, who played at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022, didn’t hold back when asked about Onana’s remarks. He took issue with the Cameroonian’s confidence, questioning both his record and the appropriateness of his comments.

“I don't know. To say something like that, you need to have courage," the Lyon ace told reporters. "I respect everyone, but I need to answer. When you're one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's history, you need to take care about what you are talking."

Matic added: "If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Van der Sar said that, I will question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's modern history, then he needs to show that, before he says so. We will see."

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United’s domestic form has been patchy at best, with last Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City offering little comfort to fans already frustrated with their lack of consistency. By contrast, Lyon come into this fixture in excellent form, having secured eight wins in their last ten games. The French outfit are riding high on momentum and will be eager to make a statement against a vulnerable United side whose campaign has failed to take off since Amorim's appointment as coach back in November.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League now rest entirely on a successful Europa League campaign, making Thursday’s match even more crucial. Following the European showdown, United face another tough test with a Premier League clash against Newcastle on Sunday. Amorim's side will then host Lyon in the return leg four days later.

MatériaMais Notícias

Caiu o último invicto do Campeonato Paulista. Com uma polêmica marcação de pênalti do VAR, o São Paulo fez valer o fator mando de campo no Morumbi e, melhor em campo na maior parte do tempo, venceu o Palmeiras por 3 a 1, com dois gols de Calleri, na noite desta quarta-feira (30), saindo em vantagem na disputa da final do Estadual.

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Abel Ferreira cansou de dizer nas entrevistas pós-jogos para os críticos terem calma, que seu time perderia em algum momento. O problema é que a derrota veio na pior hora possível. Jogando um futebol abaixo de sua média padrão, o Verdão foi engolido pelo Tricolor na maior parte do tempo, pouco se valendo da escalação de Weverton, apto para o jogo após uma polêmica dispensa da Seleção Brasileira por contusão.

>ATUAÇÕES: Calleri brilha com dois gols e decide vitória pelo São Paulo
>ATUAÇÕES: Raphael Veiga é o único que se salva pelo Palmeiras em derrota

Rogério Ceni, que nada tem a ver com os problemas palmeirenses, montou um time intenso, que anulou as principais opções de ataque do rival e conseguiu aparecer com perigo no ataque de forma constante.

No primeiro tempo, um duelo nervoso e acirrado, cheio de faltas e reclamações, não poderia ter sido decidido de outra forma. Aos 50, o árbitro de vídeo apontou um toque de mão de Marcos Rocha após cruzamento na área do São Paulo. Calleri, artilheiro da equipe na competição, converteu.

Na etapa final, um abatido Palmeiras não esboçava nenhum tipo de reação ante um adversário vibrante e dedicado. Não poderia dar em outra coisa. Logo aos 18, Pablo Maia marcou o segundo tento tricolor e definiu a partida.

Mas o dia era dele, Calleri. Toca nele que é gol, canta a torcida. E assim foi aos 35, quando o argentino desviou cobrança de escanteio e definiu a ampla vantagem do Tricolor. Menos mal para o Verdão que Raphael Veiga conseguiu diminuir e evitar uma tragédia anunciada na casa rival.

Agora, para completar sua festa e ganhar um bicampeonato Paulista consecutivo que não alcança desde 1992, o Tricolor pode perder por até um gol de diferença no duelo de domingo (3), às 16h (de Brasília), em um Allianz Parque com capacidade reduzida. Caso o Palmeiras desconte os dois gols de vantagem do rival, a decisão vai para os pênaltis.

O JOGO

Para quem foi apontado como favorito absoluto da decisão, o Palmeiras repetiu a estratégia usada na partida da fase de classificação e foi com tudo para cima do São Paulo. Foram duas boas chances nos primeiros lances. Aos 4, Piquerez cruzou (ou chutou, quem sabe) rasteiro no veneno e Diego Costa afastou. Em seguida, aos 9, o uruguaio driblou Rafinha e de novo apostou no cruzamento rasteiro para Raphael Veiga, que bateu de primeira, com perigo.

Só que desta vez Rogério Ceni parece ter vindo preparado para enfrentar Abel Ferreira. Ciente dos planos do português, o ex-goleiro, fechou as ligações do meio-campo alviverde com seus pontas. E com isso aparecia no contra-ataque.

Aos 11, a jogada encaixou. Igor Gomes recuperou a pelota na intermediária e encontrou Welington na esquerda, que cruzou na medida para Alison, sozinho, dominar, ajeitar e chutar no travessão de Weverton.

O jogo era incrivelmente bom e tenso ao mesmo tempo. Faltas eram trocadas de forma áspera, reclamações e boas oportunidades. O Tricolor dominava as ações no meio-campo, mas o Verdão, especialista nas jogadas de profundidade, encontrava meios de atacar.

Aos 20, Raphael Veiga dominou lançamento (ou seria chutão mesmo) de Murilo, deixou Pablo Maia no chão e cruzou pela direita. O lance relembrou o gol marcado pelo Alviverde na partida da fase de classificação. Mas desta vez, pior para Rony que o rival tinha Jandrei no gol e conseguiu defender.

Desperdiçando sua melhor oportunidade, o Palmeiras sentiu o golpe. E por todo o decorrer da etapa inicial foi uma sucessão de faltas, catimbas, cartões amarelos e muitas reclamações. Lembram da qualidade citada parágrafos atrás? Pois então, sumiu.

Quando o futebol jogado parecia que ia desaparecer, veio o lance capital. Douglas Marques das Flores foi avisado no ouvido por José Claudio Rocha Filho de que algo teria dado ruim em cruzamento na área palmeirense. Na revisão do VAR o árbitro viu toque de mão de Marcos Rocha. Pênalti marcado e convertido por Calleri, aos 50 minutos. Assista ao lance no vídeo abaixo.

Morumbi ferve, Verdão some e Tricolor aproveita

Na volta do intervalo, a partida mudou de tônica. Ou seja, o São Paulo passou a dominar as ações e espaços diante de um Palmeiras inofensivo.

Aos 14, Eder tabelou com Igor Gomes e apareceu na frente de Weverton, mas preferiu cruzar ao invés de chutar e perdeu boa chance.

Não faria falta, afinal quatro minutos depois, Nestor achou Pablo Maia entrando de fora da área, que chutou de primeira e ampliou a vantagem tricolor.

Era uma inversão de valores. O Palmeiras pouco fazia sua torcida lembrar das boas atuações de outras jornadas e o Tricolor, em êxtase, vivia a sua melhor atuação neste Estadual.

Um, em especial, chamava a atenção: Calleri. O artilheiro ídolo são-paulino vivia noite especial e deixaria mais um. Aos 35, o camisa 9 desviou uma cobrança ensaiada de escanteio de Nikão que passou por Igor Gomes e fez os 3 a 0.

A única aparição palmeirense no segundo tempo veio aos 39. Raphael Veiga bateu falta pela direita e acertou o gol de Jandrei para diminuir a vantagem tricolor e manter o Verdão vivo (porém nem tanto), para o duelo do Allianz Parque.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 3 x 1 PALMEIRAS

Local: Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data/Horário: 30/03/2022, às 21h40 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Douglas Marques das Flores
Assistentes: Daniel Paulo Ziolli e Alex Ang Ribeiro
VAR: Jose Claudio Rocha Filho
Público e renda:60.383 presentes (recorde do campeonato) eR$ 5.505.315,00

Cartões amarelos: Jailson, Gabriel Veron e Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras); Jandrei, Diego Costa, Nestor e Patrick (São Paulo)

GOLS:Calleri (pênalti) aos 50 min do 1º T (1-0), Pablo Maia aos 14 min do 2º T (2-0), Calleri aos 35 min do 2º T (3-0) e Raphael Veiga (falta) aos 39 min do 2º T (3-1)

SÃO PAULO:Jandrei; Rafinha, Diego Costa, Léo e Welington; Pablo Maia, Nestor (Andrés Colorado 37/2) e Igor Gomes; Alisson (Nikão 28/2), Eder (Marquinhos 23/2) e Calleri.Técnico: Rogério Ceni

PALMEIRAS:Weverton; Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Marcos Rocha, Jailson, Zé Rafael (Atuesta 29/2) e Gustavo Scarpa (Gabriel Veron 24/2); Dudu (Wesley 24/2), Raphael Veiga e Rony.Técnico: Abel Ferreira

TABELA
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