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Tuesday, March 4

Wednesday, March 5

Santo clause

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was understandably overjoyed at full-time as his side edged out Ipswich on penalties.

He said: "We are happy. We are delighted when a game goes to the penalties. The emotions are so high. But really happy for our fans, and especially for the boys, the way they compete and the way they did well the job on taking the penalties.

"In the end, Mats [Sels] gave us an amazing save that allowed us to go through.

"Like I said, in terms of the FA Cup, you have to prepare it well, realising that it can go to the penalties.

"So the players and the goalies have to take that moment to practise and rehearse, so they can do the job well. But even in terms of the… it was a tough game. The first half, both teams were matched. The game didn't have too many situations, but in the second half, I think we started well with great chances.

"I think, honestly, Ipswich scores against the flow of the game in that moment, but the reaction was positive. We achieved the draw, and I think until the end, we were looking for the victory to try and solve it before the penalties. But we're delighted for our fans. You see the noise that they make in the end.

"It's huge and massive for the club."

Recovery

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has undergone surgery on a foot injury he sustained in Saturday evening's FA Cup fifth round win over Plymouth.

Ake posted an update on social media confirming the surgery has been successful and including a picture of him giving the thumbs-up from a hospital bed.

Ake wrote: "This has been such a frustrating season for me but I have now had a successful surgery on a fracture in my foot which has been bothering me for months and I am looking positively to the future!

"Rest and recover now, see you soon Cityzens and thank you for your support".

Ake has already endured muscle and bone injuries during the current campaign and his latest setback came when he limped off at half-time against the Championship strugglers.

The Dutchman is currently on a casualty list that also includes fellow centre-backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji, both of whom are set to miss most of the rest of the season.

Boss Pep Guardiola said yesterday: "It's been like this the whole season, unfortunately, for the central defenders.

"Hopefully the young ones can sustain it and help us until the end."

Forest go through!

Nottingham Forest have made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a win on penalties against Ipswich Town!

Nuno Espirito Santo's men have won 5-4 in the shootout after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.

The decisive moment saw Matz Sels deny Jack Taylor after the first nine penalties were scored.

The away side took the lead on 53 minutes before Ryan Yates equalised midway through the second half.

Forest's reward for their narrow victory over their fellow Premier League outfit is an FA Cup at Brighton.

Timberland

Jurrien Timber has issued a rallying cry to his Arsenal team-mates after a difficult week in the Premier League.

The Gunners all-but surrendered the title race to Liverpool after losing to West Ham before drawing with Nottingham Forest.

It has left Mikel Arteta's side 13 points behind the Reds, with European glory now the club's most realistic chance of glory.

"I think the motivation is there and it's an amazing league to play in," Timber said.

"I think we showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team.

"I think tomorrow is a beautiful game to change the narrative and to win."

Asked about Arsenal's recent struggles, the Dutchman added: "I don't think of it as a negative, but we have been through a lot - especially in the last couple of weeks.

"But what I said is I think it is a challenge for us and we just have to take it. Tomorrow is a beautiful game to show that - and we will definitely show that tomorrow."

GOAL!! Nottingham Forest 1-1 Ipswich Town Ryan Yates

The Tricky Trees level things up!

No messing from Nuno Espirito Santo as he sends on Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson after falling behind to Ipswich.

However, it's two players who started the contest that have dragged the home side back on level terms.

A cross from Anthony Elanga into the box sees captain Yates go unchecked before he nods home from close range.

GOAL!! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Ipswich Town George Hirst

THE PREMIER LEAGUE STRUGGLERS STUN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPEFULS!

Well, well, well, what a shock we could have here!

It's so unusually poor from Forest defensively as they concede via a Ben Johnson corner after Sels had saved well from Sam Morsy.

A simple delivery into the six-yard area and a free header for Hirst who strolls into space and nods past Mats Sels.

Top Marcs

John McGinn has heaped praise on Marcus Rashford's work ethic - which has so often been called into question at Manchester United.

“They come with a huge reputation,” McGinn said of Rashford and fellow Aston Villa loanee Marco Asensio. “They are hungry and want to succeed, they work hard and that’s all you want as a teammate.

“There are no big egos. We haven’t seen that yet if there is. They have both fitted in well, Marco had a couple of goals at the weekend.

“I’m hoping one of them falls to the feet of Rashford so he can get off the mark. Obviously they are two brilliant players and delighted they are here.”

Vinicius Jr 'living the dream'

Vinicius Jr says he wants to sign a new deal with Real Madrid amid transfer interest from the Saudi Pro League.

"I am very calm because my contract lasts until 2027 and I hope to renew my contract as soon as possible because I am happy here," he said.

"I am living the dream of playing with the best players in the world, the best coach, the best president, the best fans. Here everybody loves me so much. I couldn't be in a better place."

Brazilian Vini Jr has two years left on his current contract at Madrid and has won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice.

"My child dream was to make it here," he added. "Now I have managed to make it to here, I am writing my story.

"I have won but I can still win much more and make it into the history of the club. That is very complicated because many good players have been here, legends, and I want to be just like them."

Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich team news

Forest XI: Sels, Morato, Murillo, Sangare, Aina, Danilo, Yates, Elanga, Moreno, Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi.

Subs: Hennessey, Williams, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Wood, Dominguez, Jota, Sosa, Boly.

Ipswich XI: Palmer, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Burgess, Townsend, Morsy, Luongo, Johnson, Taylor Broadhead, Hirst.

Subs: Muric, O'Shea, Greaves, Davis, Cajuste, Philogene, Taylor, Clarke, Delap.

Having a ball

Pep Guardiola has prompted a response from the FA following his comments complaining about the official FA Cup match ball.

The Manchester City boss criticised the quality of the Mitre Ultimax Pro ball after his side booked their place in the quarter-finals.

A brace from Nico O'Reilly and a strike from Kevin De Bruyne saw City come from behind to beat Plymouth 3-1 on Saturday.

However, it could have been more comfortable, with the hosts firing 20 of their 29 shots off target.

Guardiola put those wayward efforts down to the Mitre match ball after the cup tie at the Etihad Stadium.

The FA have now issued a response to Guardiola's comments.

A spokesperson said: "Mitre's Ultimax Pro ball - used in the Emirates FA Cup and all other FA competitions - has been tested in accordance with FIFA testing.

"All footballs in the professional game are required to meet the FIFA Quality pro accreditation, and this ball delivers against all of the testing requirements.

"Alongside Mitre, we understand that preference is subjective, but we're confident that the ball performs well.

"With over 350 goals scored in the knockout competition so far, it provides an exciting element to such a competitive tournament."

Milwall condemn Roberts abuse

Millwall insist they are 'disgusted' by abuse aimed at keeper Liam Roberts following his tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Millwall goalkeeper was shown a straight red card eight minutes into Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Crystal Palace.

"The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday's unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta," a Millwall spokesperson said.

"The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.

"No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology, which was accepted immediately

"The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery."

Lion's den

Liam Roberts has been branded 'cowardly' for his reckless challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The former Palace chairman reflected on the incident on White & Jordan, explaining: "Do fellow professionals have a duty of care to one another? Possibly. Do I think it was a pretty diabolical challenge? Yeah, it was.

"Did it ruin the game potentially for Millwall? Possibly. Because ultimately it takes their goalkeeper, they go down to 10, it makes it less of a competition.

"It was a rash, it was a rash challenge. I don't know the malice, only the man himself can know the intent side of things.

"There's a part of me that thinks there's a cowardly way to go as a goalkeeper, but I suppose if you're 10 yards out of your box, you can't go with your hands.

"But the fact of the matter, you're going with your feet that high, there's only really one likely outcome, or two, you're going to get the ball and be lucky to get it, or you're going to get a player. And he got a player. And it was a poor challenge."

Romero's return?

Cristian Romero has been named in Argentina's preliminary squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

That would the norm usually, but on this occasion it's a shock, as Romero hasn't played a game since December.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back has been sidelined with a hamstring issue since a game against Chelsea on December 8.

He's only played 15 minutes of football since November 10.

Spurs have desperately needed defenders this season and losing their vice-captain for such a long time has been a major blow.

Romero has just made a return to training and this inclusion in the Argentina squad may prove he's fit enough to come back.

If so, we may see him in action for Ange Postecoglou's side against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.

Although, the international break begins a bit later this month, so he may just be scheduled to return to fitness in time for then.

Feeling sorry

Man United's Alejandro Garnacho has posted an apology to fans after they were knocked out of the FA Cup.

The Red Devils lost to Fulham on penalties to be eliminated, with Ruben Amorim's nightmare campaign continuing.

The defeat meant the FA Cup holders will not defend their title and they now only have the Europa League to play for.

Garnacho, who started as a substitute, played from the 53rd minute until the end of the shootout.

However, he didn't take a spot-kick, with United losing 5-4.

Posting on Instagram, he paired a picture of him sat on the Old Trafford pitch with the caption: 'Sorry United fans'.

The post also includes a crying face emoji.

Wharton wanted

Real Madrid are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, talkSPORT understands.

Premier League champions Manchester City are also eyeing the 21-year-old midfielder.

It comes as Real Madrid have sent scouts to watch Wharton since his return to Crystal Palace’s first team.

Juni Calafat, the Spanish club’s chief scout, is known to be a big admirer of the England international.

Wharton, who is likely to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad, recently made his comeback following a lengthy spell on the sidelines whilst recovering from surgery.

Manchester City had been expected to move for him in January, but the timing of his injury saw them turn their attention elsewhere, ultimately signing Nico Gonzalez from Porto instead.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool rate Wharton highly, though their current transfer focus lies elsewhere.

Fulham statement

Fulham have released a statement to condemn racist and homophobic abuse towards defender Calvin Bassey.

Bassey scored as the Cottagers beat Manchester United to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals yesterday afternoon.

A statement on the club's website said: "Fulham is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday's FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

"We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.

"We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.

"Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion."

Bruno's rallying cry

It would be fair to say yesterday was a terrible day for Newcastle United as they crashed out of the FA Cup,

They are also set to lose Anthony Gordon for the Carabao Cup final after he was sent off for a moment of madness.

But ahead of the final, captain Bruno Guimarares has took to Twitter to call for the fans to unite behind the players.

Since making the cup final after beating Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate, Newcastle have been thrashed by Manchester City and now been dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton.

And with a trip to Wembly around the corner, Guimaraes has released a statement.

He said: "Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup, as it was clearly one of our goals.

"Moments like this are when we need to stick together the most. I know that when eliminations like this happen, it’s hard to accept, and we always look for someone to blame. If you need to find one, you can blame me.

"We have two weeks before one of the most important games for the club in recent years, and we must be ready for this great opportunity.

"My only request is that, in this moment, we stay united as one and go after the best for the club because we still have great things ahead."

Kean comeback

Moise Kean has been cleared to return to action just over a week after he collapsed on the pitch during a game.

The former Premier League striker was kneed in the head during a collision against Hellas Verona last weekend.

After treatment, he continued to play, but he then worryingly fell to the ground with no one around him.

Kean was rushed to hospital after being stretchered off, and he has been recovering since - playing no part in Fiorentina's last match.

However, he's now been confirmed to be fit to return.

The club said in a statement: "ACF Fiorentina announces that this morning the footballer Moise Kean underwent the scheduled clinical and instrumental tests following the head injury that occurred during the Hellas Verona-Fiorentina championship match.

"Given the positive outcome of the examinations carried out, the player can resume regular competitive activity."

'Amorim's making the club worse'

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has backed up Wayne Rooney's claim that Man United manager Ruben Amorin is 'naive'.

Rooney made the comment about the United boss after he stated that the club's goal is to win the Premier League.

And Keown weighed in on the matter this morning, saying: "I think Wayne Rooney is right. Because this manager needs to take a spoonful of reality in all of this.

"What is the general role of a manager when they come into a football club? To get the very best from the players.

"Now I'm seeing Rashford going to work with Emery who has worked out where he has to be on the pitch to be successful.

"Amorim's making the club worse.

"What it is, you change the culture, but you have to give everybody that feeling: 'You're coming with me guys, we're going to achieve great things together'."

Keown continued: "Rooney is just responding to talk that the manager should be shutting down.

"If I'm the manager, I'm saying 'Guys, we're that bad, we don't want be looking at the long-term goals, we need to be looking at winning the next tackle, the next header, the next match. I want us in the Premier League next season, at the moment, we're getting it completely wrong'."

Extended ban?

The FA are considering a longer ban for Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after his red card against Crystal Palace.

Roberts clattered into striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in a clash that sent the Frenchman to hospital.

Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled it one of the 'most reckless' challenges he had ever seen in football.

And now, the FA have until tomorrow to submit evidence that a three-match suspension is an insufficient punishment.

However, talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling has stuck up for Roberts after his horrifying challenge, believing he had no intention to do any harm to Mateta.

"I genuinely don't think there was any malice in it," Stelling said on talkSPORT Breakfast. "It looked absolutely appalling.

"But I'm sure Liam Roberts this morning is full of remorse. I'm certain he will be.

"I think the red card regulation three-game ban is enough.

"He doesn't play regularly for Millwall anyways, I know that's almost an irrelevance.

"But I just think that that's probably enough."

'It's a massive blow'

Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been discussing the impact of Anthony Gordon's red card yesterday.

Gordon was shown a straight red card for violent conduct during an FA Cup loss to Brighton.

And he'll now miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Pardew believes the England winger would have been a key part in unlocking the Reds defence in that game.

But now, Trent Alexander-Arnold may get off lightly at Wembley.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: "Gordon getting sent off...he misses the final against Liverpool.

"He might have put Liverpool on the back foot a little bit, him raiding down Trent's side.

"Trent had a difficult day last week against Doku. He got absolutely pulled apart.

"But now Newcastle haven't got that threat. It'll be a different type of player on that side.

"It's a massive blow for that reason."

Bring him back

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney wants to see Danny Welbeck return to the club to lead the line.

Welbeck, who came through the United academy and spent 13 years there, scored the winner to send Brighton through in the FA Cup.

And that happened before the Red Devils were dumped out of the competition by Fulham at Old Trafford.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both out of form and have been struggling for goals all campaign.

Meanwhile, Welbeck is having his best scoring season in a long time - continuing to thrive at age 34.

Rooney assessed United's striker issues and admitted that he'd like to see his former teammate come back.

"Danny was great to play alongside," he said on BBC coverage.

"And if I'm being completely honest, I'd probably still like to see Danny Welbeck here, playing for Manchester United!

"He's scored goals throughout his career. He's had injuries in the early parts of his career, but he seems to have got over them.

"He's having a fantastic season."

Hot Rod

Rodri could be back in action before the end of the Premier League season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed.

The Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder, who has initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in September, returned to individual training this week.

While Rodri himself had previously spoken optimistically of playing again this term, Guardiola had been far more cautious, suggesting it was not worth the risk even if possible.

Now it seems, however, that Rodri's progress has exceeded expectations and he could feature again before the end of the domestic season and play a part at the Club World Cup in the summer.

Guardiola said: "The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited.

"But one step at a time, we don't have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier and (suffer) steps back. It's good but still he's not close to coming back, I would say.

"But he's touching the ball and he was in the locker room making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels more happy.

"I could not expect before (him to return) but maybe before the end of the season - not even the (Club) World Cup - in the Premier League, maybe, it's going to happen."

War of words

Ruben Amorim reiterated Manchester United's goal is to win the Premier League as he hit back at Wayne Rooney's comments that he was "naive" to talk about that ambition following the FA Cup fifth-round exit to Fulham.

Sunday evening brought another low in a season to forget at Old Trafford, where the side 14th in the Premier League cancelled out Calvin Bassey's opener through Bruno Fernandes' fine strike only to lose on penalties.

Bernd Leno saved Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee's spot-kicks as the Cottagers won the shoot-out 4-3 having ended 1-1 after extra time, leaving the Europa League as United's only route to silverware and continental qualification.

Amorim said "the goal is to win the Premier League again" in his post-match interview with the BBC, whose pundit Rooney said "it's a little bit naive to say 'We're looking to win the Premier League' because, from where they are now, they're a long way off that".

Those comments were put to Amorim at his post-match press conference as he was asked whether it was realistic to talk about winning the title, and the United head coach said: "That is the goal.

"Being naive is to think that we are going to do it this season or going to be the best contender for the next season.

"So, I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. I know that and it's really easy - I was a pundit when I finished my career, so I know it's really easy.

"Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me. But our goal, as a club, the board, is winning the Premier League like we did in the past, with all the great glories and the legends of this club.

"We want to do better and we know that we are in a difficult moment. And I'm not naive. That's why I'm here coaching at 40 years old Manchester United."

Better options out there

Wayne Rooney has admitted he wouldn't sign for Manchester United if he was playing now.

The Red Devils suffered yet another low in what's been a brutal season as they were beaten by Fulham on penalties in their FA Cup fifth round tie at Old Trafford earlier today.

It means the Europa League is the team's only shot at silverware this season, while their hopes of playing European football next season are in jeopardy as they lie 14th in the Premier League table.

This is a far cry from the days when Rooney was at the club, and Man United's record goalscorer conceded that they are not an appealing prospect for any top player at the moment.

Rooney, who made 559 appearances for Man United, told BBC Sport: “You need to be in a stable position to bring in the best players and if I’m a player playing in a different country or different club and Manchester United come to sign me, I’m looking and thinking, ‘I’m not sure.’

“The top players want Champions League football and unfortunately that’s not where the club is at.”