A Liverpool fans’ group has warned of further demonstrations in the matches against Man. City and Chelsea following Saturday’s mass Anfield walkout over ticket prices, saying the walk-out against Sunderland was just “the start”.
“We are happy with yesterday’s demonstration and we are pleased with the number of supporters who took part,” Jay McKenna said.
“The moment which preceded the walk-out also showed the strength of feeling, with the very loud, audible chants aimed at the directors’ box.
“It is a good indication that supporters are very angry at prices and this will just be the start of taking more action.”
Leicester were just better says Pellegrini
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini conceded that Leicester City were worthy favourites to lift the Premier League title following his side’s 3-1 humbling in their top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
At the end of a week in which his exit at the end of the season to be replaced by Pep Guardiola has been the talk of the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini refused to use that sideshow as an excuse.
“I don’t want to make excuses. Leicester played better than our team. If they continue the way they are playing they are favourites as they are doing well and have an advantage in points,” Pellegrini told reporters.
“It just depends on what they can do from now until the end of the season.”
Mitrovic warns of tough task ahead
Aleksandar Mitrovic has warned Newcastle they have done nothing yet despite levering themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.
The 21-year-old Serbia international’s fifth goal of the season was enough to clinch a priceless 1-0 victory over West Brom at St James’ Park on Saturday and edge the Magpies a point clear of the bottom three.
However, with away trips to Chelsea and Stoke either side of an 18-day lay-off to come, Mitrovic knows the job is far from done.
He said: “It’s very important for us, for our confidence, but we still don’t have anything. We have 13 games more and they are like finals for us.”
Vardy signs contract extension until 2019
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has signed a contract extension with the club until 2019.
The Premier League leaders have been locked in talks with Vardy over a new deal for several weeks.
The 29-year-old signed his last contract in 2014 but – after boss Claudio Ranieri insisted earlier this season they would wait until the end of the campaign to extend the forward’s deal – Leicester have now moved to end speculation on his future.
Martinez backs Lennon for Euros
Roberto Martinez believes Aaron Lennon is playing himself into contention for a spot in Roy Hodgson’s England squad at Euro 2016 this summer.
The diminutive winger is starting to find his feet at Everton who he joined from Spurs last summer. The 28-year-old Leeds-born player has netted four times since the start of the year, including one in each of the last three games.
Asked about Lennon’s chances of making England’s Euro 2016 squad, manager Martinez said: “Obviously it is not down to me.
“But I get the opportunity to work with Aaron day in, day out, and he’s such an important player.
“There are other players in that position but I think he is showing he can be of incredible value to any squad, and clearly for his national team, he could be a real help.”
Tottenham have title belief – Pochettino
Tottenham’s players are starting to believe they can win the Premier League title this season, says manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs’ 1-0 home win over Watford moved them up to second, five points behind surprise leaders Leicester City, who beat Manchester City 3-1 away.
“You can see in their eyes, the feeling, the energy, that they believe,” Pochettino said.
“Belief is the most important word. If we believe, anything can happen.”
Spurs have not been so high up in the table after 25 games played since 2012, when they finished fourth, and they have not won the league title since 1961.
Pelle turned down Chinese offers
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has rejected several offers to move to China, British media reported yesterday.
Italy striker Pelle is the latest player to attract interest from China with the rapidly growing league bringing in a number of high-profile signings in recent weeks.
However, the 30-year-old has snubbed the overtures from Chinese Super League clubs as he does not want to leave midway through the season with the European Championship finals in mind this summer.
Pelle is in the final 18 months of his contract at St Mary’s and talks over a new deal have yet to start.