January 2023 – Page 8

Stevenage’s FA Cup run came to an end as they were defeated 3-1 by Stoke in an entertaining tie.

The in-form League Two side, buoyed on by 3,291 travelling supporters, were eyeing passage to the fifth round of the competition for the first time since 2012.

However, their return to the midlands – where they came from behind to upset Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the previous round – was an unhappy one.

The Potters took an early lead inside two minutes through Jacob Brown and assumed control.

Stevenage levelled in the second half through Villa Park hero Jamie Reid, but their reprieve was short-lived thanks to Josh Laurent’s magnificent effort and then Lewis Baker added a late third from the penalty spot.

With new recruit Bersant Celina registered just in time for the fixture, the on-loan Dijon playmaker was handed an immediate debut in a new 4-3-3 system.

And despite the tactical tweak, the hosts snatched an early lead with the Kosovo international taking no time at all to adapt to his new surroundings.

An inviting Celina corner was flicked on by Ben Wilmot into the path of Brown, who composed himself before burying the opener inside 100 seconds.

After securing their first Championship points of 2023 with a 4-0 thrashing of Reading last weekend, the Potters looked to continue where they left off.

Although the travelling supporters’ spirits were not dampened by the early setback, they were indebted to an inspired Taye Ashby-Hammond for keeping the game tight.

The Stevenage stopper was busy in the opening period and produced a string of impressive saves to keep the tie within reach.

A lively Celina went close when he looked to add the finishing touch to a swift Stoke counter, but a brilliant fingertip save diverted the effort wide.

Ashby-Hammond had to be rescued himself when Max Clark was in the right place to clear Wilmot’s goal-bound header off the line.

But normal service was resumed when Stevenage’s number one thwarted Will Smallbone from a dangerous position.

Steve Evans attempted to rouse a comeback with all substitutes made before the hour mark, and the fresh Stevenage legs eventually paid dividends.

After Celina struck the woodwork and Ashby-Hammond denied both Tyrese Campbell and Baker, the visitors found a leveller.

Reid – scorer of the stoppage time winner at Villa in the third round – prodded over an onrushing Jack Bonham with Wilmot failing to clear.

However, the celebrations of a packed away end were fleeting, with Laurent notching his first Stoke goal in spectacular fashion from long range.

And, after Brown was felled by Jonathan Tomkinson, Baker converted from 12 yards late on to secure the hosts’ victory and complete a positive January.

Saul Niguez scored the only goal of the game as Atletico Madrid responded to their Copa del Rey elimination with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Osasuna that maintained their grip on LaLiga’s top four.

Diego Simeone’s side suffered a 3-1 extra-time loss to Real Madrid in the Copa quarter-finals on Thursday and were far from their best three days later at El Sadar.

Jan Oblak had to keep Osasuna at bay in the second half, before substitute Saul’s calm 74th-minute finish proved the difference as Atletico recorded a much-needed triumph.

Victory moved Atletico three points clear of Villarreal and Real Betis in fifth and sixth respectively, while Simeone’s side trail Real Sociedad – who play Real Madrid later on Sunday – by four.

An offside flag rendered Oblak’s impressive 23rd-minute save against Chimy Avila redundant before Jose Gimenez headed over a presentable chance from Antoine Griezmann’s in-swinging corner at the other end.

Aitor Fernandez repelled Griezmann from close range after a scramble inside the area, though neither side impressed during an otherwise drab first half.

Griezmann forced another smart Fernandez stop with a low drive immediately after the interval, while Avila headed David Garcia’s deep right-wing cross narrowly over.

Oblak expertly denied Moi Gomez’s back-post half-volley just past the hour, and that save proved pivotal when Saul raced onto Rodrigo De Paul’s throughball to find the bottom-right corner and secure victory.

What does it mean? Warning signs for Atletico despite victory

Atletico found a way past one of their favourite opponents in the end, but Los Colchoneros’ first-half performance was particularly lacklustre, managing just one shot on target.

They have now won on five straight LaLiga visits to Osasuna, yet the first-half warning signs regarding their lack of creativity should still be heeded by Simeone, whose side are yet to find any real form after the World Cup break.

Lively Griezmann shines for lifeless Atletico

Griezmann has been the standout performer for an otherwise uninspiring Atletico this season, having been involved in nine of his side’s last 13 league goals before this game.

The forward was smartly denied by Fernandez on three occasions among his game-high six shots, while he created two chances in another impressive display.

Correa underwhelms

While strike partner Griezmann dictated proceedings, Angel Correa was something of a spectator up top for the visitors.

The World Cup winner managed just 14 passes and 22 touches – the fewest of any Atletico outfield starter – before his 65th-minute removal for Alvaro Morata.

What’s next?

Atletico are at home to Getafe on Saturday, when Osasuna visit Espanyol.

– Chelsea pip Arsenal to Ukraine hotshot Mykhailo Mudryk
– Joao Felix adds further depth to Blues attack
– Arsenal boost title hopes with Brighton’s Leandro Trossard
– Liverpool land Netherlands ace Cody Gakpo
– Danny Ings brought in to solve West ham scoring issues

There is still time for clubs to make a move in the 2022-23 January transfer window but several big-name deals have already been completed.

Doing business in the middle of the season can often prove difficult and somewhat pricey as clubs tend to put a premium on players leaving at this stage.

However, that does not deter the majority of teams from dipping their toes into the market to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the campaign.

Whether it is pushing on in the hunt for a title, looking to boost chances of securing a European berth or attempting to avoid relegation, a new face or two can be extremely crucial.

We have taken a look at the five biggest deals already completed this month in the Premier League.

Chelsea beat London rivals to Mudryk signature

After some stunning performances in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk, Mykhailo Mudryk was a wanted man across Europe.

Premier League leaders Arsenal were at the front of the queue with reports suggesting the two clubs had “come to an agreement” on a deal.

However, Chelsea hijacked the move of their London rivals to snap up the 22-year-old as Graham Potter looks to get the Blues back in the race for a top-four spot.

Mudryk had registered seven goals in 12 league appearances for Shakhtar before completing the move, having also scored three goals in six outings in the Champions League.

Felix brought in to help Blues fix up

Staying with Chelsea, Joao Felix is another big arrival at Stamford Bridge this month with the Atletico Madrid man joining on loan.

The 23-year-old, who penned a one-year extension to his Atletico contract ahead of making the move, is set to cost Chelsea £9.7million in loan fees.

Potter admitted injuries had “sharpened” Chelsea’s focus as they went after reinforcements in the forward line, following the news that Christian Pulisic would be sidelined for several months.

Felix looked bright when making his debut against Fulham at Craven Cottage but the night ended in disastrous circumstances as he was sent off in the second half.

He has not featured since after being handed a three-game ban but he will be back for the trip to West Ham on February 11.

Brighton star joins Premier League leaders

Arsenal remain firmly in control of the Premier League title race, sitting five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand, and Mikel Arteta is keen to ensure they keep their noses out in front.

It has been a relatively quiet window for the Gunners, particularly after missing out on Mudryk, but the addition of Leandro Trossard certainly gives Arteta another strong option in attack.

Trossard left Brighton as their joint-top scorer this season, netting seven goals, and Arsenal stumped up £27million for his signature.

With the Gunners already enjoying plenty of success, Trossard, who made his debut from the bench in the win over Manchester United before being handed his first start in the FA Cup loss at Manchester City, will likely have to bide his time for regular football.

Liverpool snap up exciting Gakpo

Cody Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer with Leeds reportedly close to agreeing a deal with PSV.

That switch did not transpire and Gakpo remained in the Eredivisie at the start of 2022-23, netting nine goals in 14 league outings and a further three in the Europa League.

Gakpo’s stock rose further when he registered three times for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup and Liverpool came calling soon after.

The signing was announced on Boxing Day and the Reds, who face a battle to finish in the top four, splashed out more than £35 million.

He has yet to score for the Merseyside outfit in four appearances across all competitions but Jurgen Klopp will hope Gakpo soon finds his feet.

Hammers hoping Ings can deliver

West Ham are fighting against relegation this season and they sit just one point and two places above the relegation zone.

Scoring goals has been one of the big problems for the Hammers, with only Wolves, Everton and Nottingham Forest having recorded a worse tally than their 17 in the Premier League so far.

With that in mind, David Moyes has drafted in Danny Ings from Aston Villa for £15million in the hope of edging up the standings.

Ings is a proven top-flight goalscorer but staying fit has been a major issue throughout his career.

The 30-year-old made his debut from the bench in the 2-0 win over Everton but he sustained a knee injury.

Moyes has reassured West Ham fans that Ings should be available again “quite quickly”.

A goal and three assists from Italy international Domenico Berardi piled on the misery for Milan as Sassuolo thrashed the Rossoneri 5-2 at San Siro.

Sassuolo took an early two-goal lead thanks to goals from Gregoire Defrel and Davide Frattesi prior to Olivier Giroud pulling one back for the hosts.

Berardi made it 3-1 after just 30 minutes before Armand Lauriente’s penalty and Matheus Henrique’s effort in the second half handed Milan their second chastening loss in a week after their 4-0 humbling at Lazio on Tuesday.

Divock Origi scored a consolation for Stefano Pioli’s side, who are now six games without a win heading into next weekend’s Milan derby, including four in Serie A as their title defence continues to falter.

A VAR review denied Giroud an eighth-minute opener and, to make matters significantly worse, Milan found themselves two down inside 22 minutes.

Berardi squared for Defrel to tap in the opener before the same man fed Frattesi, who fired past Ciprian Tatarusanu at his near post after great work in the area.

Milan provided a swift response when Giroud expertly headed Davide Calabria’s cross into the far corner in the 25th minute.

But the two-goal lead was restored on the half-hour mark when Berardi flicked a near-post header past Tatarusanu from a corner.

Milan’s hopes of a second-half comeback were doused almost immediately as Lauriente was brought down in the penalty area by Calabria after 33 seconds of the restart, allowing the Frenchman to make it 4-1 from the spot, meaning Milan had conceded at least four goals in back-to-back Serie A games for the first time in their history.

Ante Rebic had a goal ruled out for offside before Henrique fired in a fifth with just over 10 minutes remaining, with Origi’s curling strike into the top corner doing little to lift the gloom among the home fans.

What does it mean? Milan in crisis after another heavy defeat

If the performance at Lazio was concerning, this one will have set off all kinds of alarm bells for the holders.

While Milan have been on a bad run, Sassuolo had not won a competitive game in eight attempts prior to this (D2 L6) and had not won away from home since September.

They found this game surprisingly easy though as they tore through Pioli’s men time and again, having nine shots in all and hitting the target seven times.

Berardi targets Rossoneri again

Berardi terrorised the hosts on Sunday, and not for the first time.

The 28-year-old now has 18 goal involvements against Milan in his career (11 goals, seven assists).

Leaky Milan cannot find a win

Milan have now failed to win each of their past six games (D2 L4), last going as long without a victory in April 2018 under Gennaro Gattuso.

This was also the first time they have conceded at least five goals in a Serie A home match since April 1997 (lost 6-1 to Juventus).

Key Opta Facts:

– Milan have conceded at least five goals in a Serie A home match for the first time since April 6, 1997 (6-1 defeat to Juventus).
– The Rossoneri have conceded 18 goals in seven games since the start of 2023, more than any other side in the top-five European Leagues in this calendar year across all competitions.

What’s next?

Milan face Inter at San Siro next Sunday while Sassuolo host Atalanta on Saturday.

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi cast doubt over the club’s determination to not sell Moises Caicedo despite labelling the player’s transfer plea a “mistake”.

Reports earlier this week suggested Arsenal had a £60million bid for the Ecuador international rejected by Brighton.

Caicedo responded by announcing his desire to leave in a post on social media, calling it a “magnificent opportunity” without specifically mentioning Arsenal.

The 21-year-old has since been told to take time away from the club while there is uncertainty surrounding his future, meaning he was unavailable for Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool.

It was ahead of Sunday’s game when De Zerbi was asked about the latest on the Caicedo saga, and the Italian could not offer much certainty about him staying beyond the January transfer window.

“Moises is a good guy. We will see what happens [Monday] and the next day,” he told ITV.

“We hope he stays with us until the end of the season, but this is a question of the club and Moises.

“In life you can make mistakes.

“There are many solutions for everyone and we will see the best solution for the club, for him and for us.”

Arsenal are rumoured to have submitted a second bid worth up to £70m for the talented central midfielder, who joined Brighton in February 2021 for roughly £4.4m from Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.

Milan Skriniar confirmed he has signed for Paris Saint-Germain but is waiting for Christophe Galtier’s side to agree the transfer details with Inter.

The Slovakia international’s agent Roberto Sistici said on Tuesday there was “no possibility” his client would renew his Inter contract, which is due to expire at the end of June.

PSG coach Galtier, speaking after Monday’s 7-0 Coupe de France win over Pays de Cassel, suggested a move for the centre-back was imminent, though he did not clarify whether it would be in January or the end of the season.

It is said Inter are demanding €20million from PSG for the defender to leave this transfer window and Skriniar, despite confirming his move, was unable to reveal when he will join PSG.

When asked by Slovakian outlet Futbalsfz about reports he has signed for PSG, the 27-year-old responded: “Yes, it’s true. Now, however, I can’t add more details.

“I’m waiting for the two clubs to find an agreement.”

Simone Inzaghi’s side are reportedly considering Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof or Lille’s Tiago Djalo should Skriniar’s move be completed this month.

Stefano Pioli accepts something has to change at Milan if they are emerge from their slump after achieving an unwanted first with their 5-2 loss at home to Sassuolo on Sunday.

The Rossoneri shipped four or more goals in successive Serie A matches for the first time in their history, having previously been thumped 4-0 at Lazio in midweek.

Milan also recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to rivals Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana, meaning they have lost three in a row in all competitions for the first time since September 2019.

Without a win in six games going further back, the pressure is building on head coach Pioli, who ended the club’s 11-year Scudetto wait last season.

While the 57-year-old is expected to be given more time to turn things around, he understands Milan cannot carry on as they are.

“I’m thinking about many things,” he told Sky Sport. “Everything that has worked over the past two years isn’t working right now.

“It’s clear that if you want to change results, you have to change something. I’ll make the decisions that are needed to bring us more compactness, energy and better balance.”

Domenico Berardi helped pile the misery on Milan at San Siro with a goal and assists for Gregoire Defrel, Davide Frattesi and Matheus Henrique.

Armand Lauriente was also on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, with Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi netting what proved to be consolation goals for out-of-form Milan.

It marks the first time the Rossoneri have conceded five goals at home in a league match since April 1997 when losing 6-1 to Juventus.

And with Serie A leaders Napoli 10 points clear of Milan ahead of facing Roma later on Sunday, Pioli concedes his side’s hopes of defending the title are over.

“To say I’m disappointed doesn’t cut it,” Pioli said. “These recent performances have left us in difficulty, but this must push me to understand certain situations must be improved.

“We have to react. We probably won’t be able to win the Scudetto again. Instead, our Scudetto is fighting to finish in the Champions League spots, which we can achieve.”

Next up for Milan is another Derby della Madonnina showdown with Inter at San Siro next weekend, and striker Giroud has called for unity during a tough period for the club.

“It’s a difficult moment for us, but we have to stay together,” he told DAZN. “We have the support of the fans, which we have seen.

“We want to give everything for them on the pitch because they deserve more. At the moment I realise things are not going in the right direction. We have to work harder.

“Everything is going wrong for us. Our attitude is good and we want to do well, but it’s not enough.

“Whoever plays, however, must do more, myself included. Let’s try to stay united. We have the opportunity to raise the level in the derby with Inter next week.”

Liverpool suffered another horror show on the south coast as Kaoru Mitoma’s stunning stoppage-time goal saw the holders dumped out of the FA Cup 2-1 at Brighton.

The Reds, back at the scene of the 3-0 thumping a fortnight ago which Jurgen Klopp described as the worst of his managerial career, looked destined for at least a replay after Lewis Dunk’s lucky strike cancelled out Harvey Elliott’s opener.

But Japan star Mitoma produced a fabulous piece of improvisation to control the ball and then volley a dramatic winner to leave Klopp wincing again.

Brighton, as expected, were without wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo, who went public with his desire to leave after Arsenal had a £60million bid turned down.

They shrugged off his absence in style, although there was certainly a Caicedo-shaped hole in Brighton’s midfield as Liverpool carved through it early on.

Naby Keita sent Mohamed Salah racing clear down the right and after his initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Jason Steele, Adam Webster cleared the rebound off the line.

Ten minutes later Brighton also had an effort blocked on the line when Solly March’s low cross was met by Evan Ferguson six yards out, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on hand to clear from under the crossbar.

Then Salah was put through again, this time by Elliott’s cute pass, but he dragged his shot across goal and wide.

However, the roles were reversed to greater effect moments later when Salah played in Elliott, who swept the ball past Steele and into the net.

Brighton equalised in the 39th minute when Tariq Lamptey’s fierce drive was diverted past the wrong-footed Alisson by the boot of Dunk.

The Seagulls captain wheeled away in celebration as if he had known exactly what he was doing, but his sheepish grin told a different story.

Dunk’s next piece of skill was deliberate, though, an audacious Cristiano Ronaldo-style free-kick which floated just wide with Alisson scampering back nervously.

Brighton were desperately unlucky not to go ahead with 20 minutes remaining after Mitoma bent in an inviting low cross with the outside of his right boot.

It was met in front of goal by March, whose prod forward hit Alisson, rebounded back off the winger and spun narrowly wide.

Instead, two minutes into stoppage time, Mitoma struck at the far post, bamboozling Joe Gomez as he controlled Pervis Estupinan’s cross before rifling in the winner.

– The second legs of both semi-final ties take place this week
– Joelinton has scored in each of his last two matches in the Carabao Cup
– Manchester United have netted at least twice in each of their last three games

The semi-finals of the Carabao Cup continue this week with the second legs of Newcastle vs Southampton and Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

Joelinton secured Newcastle a first-leg advantage and can star once again as part of our Bet Builder, while United won with plenty to spare and can ease through to the final.

Magpies can seal final spot

Newcastle vs Southampton (Tuesday, 8pm)

Bet 1: Newcastle to win

Newcastle’s transformation under Eddie Howe in the last year or so has been nothing short of incredible and the club can take a huge step forward by reaching their first major cup final since 1999.

The Magpies edged Southampton 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash at St Mary’s and look even more likely to win with the support of St James’s Park behind them.

They have lost only once in 20 Premier League assignments this season and have picked up three wins in their last four games, so should come out on top in this one.

Bet 2: Joelinton to score anytime

One player who has taken their game to the next level under Howe is striker-turned-midfielder Joelinton, who is enjoying a great season for Newcastle.

The Brazilian struck the winning goal in the first leg of this tie, managing two shots in that match, while he also got on the scoresheet against Leicester in the League Cup quarter-finals.

With Southampton needing to score in this one, space should open up in behind for the hosts and Joelinton could capitalise with another goal.

Bet 3: Under 3.5 goals

Although there is a lot at stake for both of these clubs on Tuesday, few will be anticipating a goal-fest.

Newcastle are going well right now but each of their last three wins have been by narrow margins — they beat Leicester 2-0 before back-to-back 1-0 victories sandwiched a goalless draw — and under 3.5 goals looks a wise selection for the bet builder.

Newcastle have shipped only 11 goals in the Premier League this term and all nine of their matches since returning from the World Cup break have featured three goals or fewer.

United can ease through to final

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest (Wednesday, 8pm)

Bet 1: Manchester United -1 goal on handicap

Manchester United’s Premier League form since returning from the World Cup break has been so good that they were briefly considered title competitors, while they also have a fantastic opportunity for silverware in the Carabao Cup.

They have one foot in the final after a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the first leg but Erik ten Hag will not want to leave anything to chance and they could win by at least two goals in the return fixture at Old Trafford.

Forest have been leaky in the Premier League this season, conceding 35 goals in 20 league games, and United have scored at least twice in each of their last three games.

Bet 2: Over 3.5 goals

Thinking along the same lines as the first selection in this bet builder, goals are on the cards in this clash at Old Trafford.

Although they have a comfortable advantage, it is not in the nature of this United team to simply preserve that lead and they have the players to hurt Forest.

United’s last three matches in all competitions have featured a total of 12 goals and over 3.5 goals looks the way to go.

Bet 3: Over eight corners in the match

The corner count could also be pretty high in this one given United’s quality on the flanks in Antony and Marcus Rashford, who will cause problems for Forest’s full-backs.

The Manchester club’s last three matches in all competitions have featured nine, 11 and 16 corners and a bet on over eight corners looks a solid approach.

Get full control over your Bet Builder

With LiveScore Bet’s Bet Builder, you can edit your selections in the betslip.

So, whether you’ve built your own or chosen one of the pre-built ‘popular’ builders, you can change any of the individual selections without having to go back to the main menu.

To change a line, simply click on the selection, choose the new bet and return to the betslip.

Two first-half goals for Monza proved enough to give them their second win of the season against Juventus to add to the Bianconeri’s problems.

Patrick Ciurria and Dany Mota struck for Raffaele Palladino’s men as they secured a 2-0 win at Allianz Stadium on Sunday to follow up their 1-0 win earlier in the season in Palladino’s first game in charge.

Juve only beat Monza 2-1 in the Coppa Italia 10 days prior but struggled to deal with their energetic visitors here, as they had done in their defeat at Stadio Brianteo in the reverse league fixture in September.

It is a further blow to Juve’s hopes of Champions League qualification following their 15-point penalty related to the club’s transfer dealings imposed earlier this month.

Monza were denied the lead when Gianluca Caprari’s strike was ruled out for offside after a VAR check, but they were not made to wait long to rectify that as Ciurria raced onto a pass from Jose Machin before firing into the roof of the net in the 18th minute.

It was two for the visitors six minutes before half-time as Carlos Augusto went on a mazy run through the Juve defence before feeding Mota, who rounded Wojciech Szczesny and finished calmly.

Massimiliano Allegri opted to bring Arkadiusz Milik on for Moise Kean early in the second half as the hosts looked to find a way back into the game, and Michele Di Gregorio did well to keep out a fierce effort from the Pole.

The 25-year-old stopper produced his finest save of the game in the 74th minute when he tipped an Angel Di Maria effort from long range wide when it had been arrowing towards to top corner of his goal.

Gleison Bremer had a goal disallowed with just over 10 minutes remaining as Juve toiled and ultimately failed to get back into the contest.

What does it mean? Things go from bad to worse for Juve

Former Juve player Palladino masterminded their downfall in his first game after his surprise appointment earlier in the season, and did so again here.

Monza became only the second team in the history of Serie A to win both their first two matches against Juventus in the top flight, after Inter in 1930.

It was still a one-sided contest in terms of attempts, with the Bianconeri having 22 shots to Monza’s three, but it rarely felt like Allegri’s men would get back into it.

Attack is the best form of defence

One of the main issues for the hosts in the first half was that they had no idea where the next threat would come from.

No defender has been involved in more goals than Carlos Augusto in Serie A this season: six (four goals and two assists), level with Napoli’s Mario Rui.

Monza possess the key to Juve’s demise

Although the hosts had far more shots, Palladino’s men actually had more possession in Turin, calmly passing the ball around to see out the game at times in the second half.

The visitors ended with 54 per cent of the ball while completing 448 passes to their glamourous opponents’ 348.

Key Opta Facts:

– Juventus are winless in three Serie A games in a row for the first time since last September.
– Allegri’s side have conceded 10 goals in their past three league matches. They had only conceded seven goals in each of their previous 17 games in Serie A this season.
– Juventus have lost a Serie A home match for the first time since last April, against Inter; they had gone 13 matches since then without defeat (W8 D5).
– Monza have won two successive Serie A games on the road for the first time.
– Dusan Vlahovic played a Serie A match 100 days since his last game in the top flight, against Empoli on October 21, while Adrien Rabiot played his 150th game for Juventus.

What’s next?

Juventus take on Lazio at Allianz Stadium in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Thursday, while Monza host Sampdoria in Serie A a week on Monday.