Fabio Borini said he was confident Sunderland will be playing in the Premier League next season after their 3-0 win over Norwich City, who are also fighting relegation.
The victory on Saturday at Carrow Road meant that Sam Allardyce’s men have closed the gap on Norwich to just one point and have the opportunity to step out of the bottom-three when they host Arsenal on Sunday.
“We know that there’s such a difference between staying up and going down,” Borini said.
“I think there’s more pressure to fight relegation than to win the league, because you’re playing for so much. But we’ll keep going and I’m sure we’ll stay up.”
De Gea tips Rashford to make club history
Marcus Rashford’s emergence at Man. United has convinced goalkeeper David de Gea that the 18-year-old can go on to etch his name into the club history.
The teenager has impressed since being promoted from the club’s academy this season, scoring seven goals in 12 appearances.
“It’s unbelievable, no?. This player is really young and he’s scored many goals. Hopefully, for many years, he’ll be in this club and can make history for the club as well,” De Gea told MUTV.
“He’s a shy guy, he is a really good lad and a good team-mate. He’s a really good guy.”
West Ham’s Carroll lashes out at referee
Striker Andy Carroll has accused referee Jonathan Moss of trying to even things up with some “bad decisions” in Sunday’s Premier League draw with Leicester City.
West Ham led 2-1 deep into injury time at the King Power Stadium but Moss awarded a penalty in the 94th minute after Carroll had brought down Jeffrey Schlupp in the area. Leonardo Ulloa converted from the spot to snatch a point.
“It’s not acceptable. Week in, week out, we’ve had bad decisions. I mean, it is a bad decision. It’s not the first time and probably won’t be the last,” he said.
“I think he’s trying to even it up... We could be third and flying. It is just disappointing and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Liverpool fightback inspires Steaua chief
Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali hopes his team can emulate Liverpool’s stirring fightback and push hard during their final three games of the campaign to win the Romanian title for the fourth time in a row.
Liverpool fought back from 3-1 down against Borussia Dortmund last week to reach the Europa League semi-finals.
“After seeing what Liverpool did, I believe everything is possible,” Becali said. “I still believe and I’m still doing calculations.”
Steaua’s title challenge is hanging by a thread following their 2-0 defeat by leaders FC Astra on Saturday to trail their rivals by six points with three games to go.
Balotelli wants to stay with Milan
Mario Balotelli has admitted he was never happy at Liverpool and does not want to go back.
The 25-year-old is on loan at Milan this season and has struggled for game time at San Siro, too.
But after starting in Milan’s last two Serie A games the Italian media have suggested he might have a future with Cristian Brocchi’s team.
“In terms of my future I want to stay with Milan because I was not happy at Liverpool and don’t want to go back,” he said.
“Plus, Milan have the money to buy me. I’ve played well in my last two games and there are six left for me to prove what I can do.”
Vardy charged with improper conduct
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been charged with improper conduct following his sending off against West Ham United in their 2-2 draw at the weekend, the Football Association said.
Premier League leaders Leicester have also been charged with failing to control their players after West Ham were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
Vardy was shown a second yellow card early in the second half for simulation and confronted referee Jon Moss before leaving the field.
The sending off earned the 29-year-old player an automatic one-match ban, ruling him out of Sunday’s home league clash with Swansea City, but that could be extended if he is found guilty of misconduct.
Klopp rubbishes Ibe bust-up talk
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed suggestions there are “problems” in his relationship with Jordon Ibe and insisted the young winger has a promising future.
The 20-year-old impressed throughout Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Bourne-mouth on Sunday, providing the cross from which Daniel Sturridge headed their second goal.
“I heard from somewhere that Jordon has some problems with me or something?” Klopp said.
“Only a few young players can come up, and sometimes they are in the squad, sometimes not.
“He’s still a brilliant, big, big talent which is very good for English football.”