King of the dark arts Emiliano Martinez said it was his destiny to be the penalty shootout hero as Aston Villa booked their spot in the semi-final of the Europa Conference LeagueThe Argentina goalkeeper, who helped his country win the World Cup 18 months ago in similar circumstances, produced more heroics against Lille, saving spot-kicks from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre to earn a 4-3 shoot...Full Story »

Emiliano Martinez was the unsurprising star of a dramatic penalty shootout as Aston Villa edged past Lille and into the semi-final of the Europa Conference League.The Argentina goalkeeper, who helped his country win the World Cup 18 months ago, produced some similar heroics in France, saving spot-kicks from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre to earn a 4-3 shootout win after the quarter-final had ...Full Story »

Roberto De Zerbi admitted Brighton dropped two points in the race for Europe after they were held to a goalless draw at Brentford.The Seagulls failed to take advantage of their nearest rivals West Ham, Newcastle and Wolves all dropping points a day earlier after a drab encounter in west London.“We have to make a difference between the performance and the result. I’m really pleased fo...Full Story »

Liverpool target Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he has no plans to sign a new contract at Brighton amid talk he could replace Jurgen Klopp. De Zerbi refuses to commit future to Brighton Wants more clarity on the Seagulls project Tipped to take charge at Anfield WHAT HAPPENED?Amid speculation linking him to both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, De Zerbi's future at Brighton hangs in the b...Full Story »

LAUTARO MARTINEZ'S wife Agustina Gandolfo's latest photos were labelled "illegal" after she shared them on social media. Inter Milan striker Martinez, 26, has been married to Argentine model Agustina since May last year. The couple have two children together - Nina, three, and Theo, who was born in August. Agustina has used her platform to build a huge social media following through regular...Full Story »

Chelsea monitoring Martinez as backup to Osimhen Chelsea are intensifying its search for a new centre-forward, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as a prime target, according to HITC. Chelsea's primary choice for the striker role is Napoli's Victor Osimhen and his price is believed to have dropped to around £95 million from £150 million since last summer. However, if Chelsea fails to ...Full Story »

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is targeting qualifying for Europe via the Premier League after his side were knocked out of the Europa League by Roma.The damage was done for Brighton in last week’s 4-0 defeat in Rome and Danny Welbeck’s stunning solo strike on Thursday night – to hand them a 1-0 second-leg win – was not enough to extend their maiden European campaign a...Full Story »

Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged Brighton’s 4-0 hammering at Roma was a reality check for his Europa League novices.The Seagulls’ adventure in Europe turned into a nightmare at Stadio Olimpico after they conceded twice in each half to lose heavily in the club’s first ever European knockout tie.First-half goals by Paulo Dybala and Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku put the visitors on th...Full Story »

Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez’s knee injury “doesn’t look good” and the concerned Manchester United boss is praying centre-back has avoided a “personal disaster”.The 26-year-old looked crestfallen after being forced off on just his fourth appearance since returning from four months out following the reoccurrence of a foot issue.Martinez was surrounded by...Full Story »

Brighton's De Zerbi favourite to replace Xavi at Barcelona Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is being considered the favourite candidate to replace Xavi as the next Barcelona manager in the summer, according to the Daily Mail. Xavi announced on Saturday after Barcelona's defeat against Villarreal that he would quit the club at the end of the ongoing season. Motta responds to speculation abo...Full Story »

Roberto De Zerbi believes there is more to come from hat-trick hero Joao Pedro after he fired Brighton into the fifth round of the FA Cup.Pedro scored his first career treble to earn the Seagulls a 5-2 win at Sheffield United, with Facundo Buonanotte’s brilliant goal and Danny Welbeck’s late effort supplementing an impressive performance at Bramall Lane.The Brazilian striker, a &poun...Full Story »

Mauricio Pochettino praised Emiliano Martinez after the Aston Villa goalkeeper produced a string of saves to deny his Chelsea side in their goalless FA Cup fourth-round meeting at Stamford Bridge.Villa are five places and 12 points ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League table but there was little to separate them here, although the hosts will reflect on chances missed in the first half by Noni M...Full Story »

Roberto De Zerbi admitted depleted Brighton are dropping too many Premier League points following a frustrating goalless stalemate with Wolves.Albion dominated possession at the Amex Stadium as they stretched their unbeaten home run to a club-record nine top-flight fixtures to climb to seventh, above Manchester United on goal difference.But the Seagulls, who lacked a cutting edge on Monday eveni...Full Story »

LISANDRO MARTINEZ'S girlfriend dazzled in a stunning outfit for Carnival in Argentina. Muri Lopez left little to the imagination in an extravagant outfit. She wore a glittery gold one-piece that barely covered up her modesty, along with a gold-plated necklace and armbands. Muri also wore feathers and an elaborate headpiece, with the outfit showing off her toned abs. Fans went wild for the ...Full Story »

Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi admits he will demand more from Joao Pedro even though only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more this season.The Brazilian’s late double in a 4-2 victory at Stoke avoided a potential FA Cup upset and took his personal tally to 15 in his maiden campaign for the Seagulls.It equalled Glenn Murray’s 15-goal haul from the 2018-19 season an...Full Story »

Arsenal are eyeing Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto. The experienced wing-back is a January target for the Gunners, says Sport. Roberto's current deal expires in June and he is available for the winter market. Arsenal are keen due to Roberto's versatility. The wing-back can also play in midfield and the 31 year-old's experience would also be good for Arsenal's youthful squad.Full Story »

Roberto Firmino's time in Saudi Arabia could be coming to an untimely end amid reports that the Liverpool icon wants a return to Europe Roberto Firmino has only been with Al-Ahli for six months (Image: Getty Images) Roberto Firmino could be heading for a break-up with Al-Ahli after reports the ex-Liverpool star wants to leave the club. The Brazilian only joined the Saudi Pro League side this ...Full Story »

Roberto De Zerbi hailed Brighton’s last-gasp 1-0 victory over Marseille to top Europa League Group B as a “historic moment” in the club’s history.Joao Pedro smashed in an 89th-minute winner at the Amex Stadium to make sure the Seagulls avoided the play-off round and instead slotted straight into the last 16.Italian De Zerbi, who masterminded progressing from a group that ...Full Story »

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has resumed individual training as he steps up his recovery from a foot injury. WHAT HAPPENED?The 25-year-old is back on the training pitch after nearly three months out injured. The defender was pictured doing individual training work ahead of his side's Champions League clash on Tuesday at home to Bayern Munich. The Argentine World Cup winner ini...Full Story »

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi labelled teenager Jack Hinshelwood “Pascal Gross’ son” following his match-winning display in a 2-1 Premier League success over Brentford.England Under-19 international Hinshelwood marked his first senior appearance at the Amex Stadium by heading the second-half winner, just seconds after making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Yoane Wissa.De...Full Story »