EPL
Pochettino sends message to referee before Chelsea take on Liverpool
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has appealed to Carabao Cup final referee Chris Kavanagh to make fair decisions in Sunday’s decider against Liverpool.
The Blues boss made the remarks ahead of another meeting with the Reds after the West London side were appalled by Paul Tierney’s calls when both sides met in the Premier League on January 31.
Chelsea felt they were denied two clear penalties at Anfield after Virgil van Dijk’s seeming fouls on Conor Gallagher and Christopher Nkunku, while several subjective decisions went the way of Liverpool.
The encounter happened only days after Jurgen Klopp announced he would be leaving the club he joined in 2016, leaving Pochettino and his players frustrated at the perceived favoritism of the home side in the 4-1 loss on Merseyside.
“Maybe there are people that want to celebrate with Liverpool as he is leaving,” Pochettino said via the Liverpool Echo. “What we need to be sure is that we are going to compete and for the referees to be fair in every single decision.
“When we played against Liverpool in Liverpool, I think not one key decision was for us. Two penalties were not given. Duels, 50-50s were always for the other colour, always red. I want to be treated in a fair way.
“I am the first to say Liverpool are amazing, and Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world but after my last experience playing there, what I want at Wembley is to go there and for nobody to feel the pressure, to play the game and the best will win. Not to feel the pressure, [from] people around.”
Champions League
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (agg 4-4): Los Blancos through after shootout (Video)
Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Champions League were dashed by Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final at Etihad Stadium that ended in a penalty shootout.
Despite going behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, City dominated the game and equalized through Kevin de Bruyne in the 76th minute. Their relentless attack, however, was met with a resilient defense from Real, who managed to hold on until the end of extra time.
The match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Luka Modric missing Real’s first spot-kick. However, City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert, allowing Rudiger to score the winning penalty for Real Madrid.
The defeat ended City’s hopes of securing another treble, as they now shift their focus to the Premier League and FA Cup. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.
Real Madrid vs Man City
Cole Palmer’s remarkable four-goal performance against Everton on Monday evening has propelled him to the top of the Premier League golden boot race.
With 20 goals to his name this season, he is now neck and neck with Erling Haaland in the race for the prestigious award.
His scoring spree also highlights his incredible impact at Chelsea, as he has now scored more league goals in his first seven months at the club than Kai Havertz managed in three seasons, tallying 19 goals.
Palmer’s outstanding form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s climb up the Premier League table, bringing them within just three points of sixth place.
Champions League
‘He’s had 48 hours’ – Arsenal boss shares update on Bukayo Saka after furious penalty demand
Bukayo Saka expressed frustration at not being awarded a penalty after a clash with Manuel Neuer during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
He confronted the referee at full-time and even followed him down the tunnel, a departure from Saka’s typically composed demeanor.
When questioned about Saka’s condition before the upcoming match against Aston Villa on Sunday, Mikel Arteta stated, “Yes, he looked fine this morning.”
“He’s had 48 hours to think about it and it’s done.”
Arteta chose not to address the incident after the game, but there was a general consensus that Saka’s contact with Neuer was minimal.
Saka faced criticism for his reaction, but given the high emotions of the game, such reactions were not uncommon.
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