Analysis: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
There was, on paper, very little to play for at St Mary's.Relegated Southampton, meanwhile, had their fate confirmed on 6 April – the earliest relegation in Premier League history. Overtaking Derby County's record low mark of 11 points with a goalless draw against Manchester City a fortnight ago provided a rare moment of cheer in a dismal season.But while Sunday's result made no difference to the table, for Southampton's players the match was an opportunity to impress with incoming manager Will Still watching on from the stands.He was confirmed as Ivan Juric's successor on a three-year contract before kick-off, becoming the club's fifth permanent manager since the start of the 2022-23 season.Still inherits a side in dire straits. Southampton picked up just 12 points this season and are on a 14-match winless run stretching back to 1 February. They also have the unwanted twin honours of the league's worst attack (26 goals) and worst defence (86 goals).There were positive signs in this latest defeat. Southampton frequently troubled Arsenal on the break, with Kamaldeen Sulemana's pace causing the visitors plenty of problems. Youngster Jay Robinson impressed on his first start and they delivered a spirited defensive performance in the face of constant attacking pressure.However, Still will be under no illusions about the task on his hands to restore Southampton's Premier League status at the first attempt.
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BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
One-punch knockout saves Wardley in Huni title bout
British heavyweight Fabio Wardley delivered a stunning, one-punch 10th-round knockout to stop Justis Huni and claim the vacant interim WBA dramatic, unforgettable finish sent a rain-soaked Portman Road crowd into by a vocal home crowd of around 20,000 at Ipswich Town's ground, an outboxed Wardley struggled to find his rhythm and pin down the slicker, sharper on the scorecards and facing defeat by the Australian, all it took was a single punch to turn things around for the landed a thunderous right hand on the chin to send Huni, 26, crashing to the canvas. "Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment," Wardley's promoter Frank Warren said victory marked Wardley's 18th knockout in 19 professional wins and moved him one step closer to a world title shot."I don't profess to being any [Oleksandr] Usyk or Justis Huni who has all the skills, but I know how to win fights and that's one thing I knew I had to do tonight," said Wardley."Justis Huni is a great operator. We'd drilled everything over and over again. I should've performed better in some of those champions Usyk and Daniel Dubois set to meet for the undisputed title in July, Wardley – now ranked number one by the WBA – is well-positioned for a shot at global who replaced American Jarrell Miller on short notice, suffered his first professional defeat after 12 consecutive wins."That's my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight," he said. Dramatic turnaround provides perfect homecoming An outdoor fight in the United Kingdom is never without its risks. Fans wore ponchos and reporters scrambled for shelter as heavy rain fell throughout the downpour eased when Brisbane native Huni made his ring walk to a predictably hostile reception, before the mood shifted as a steely-faced and focused Wardley in the golden glow of the floodlight, the Ipswich-born boxer soaked in the moment he had been dreaming of since turning opening rounds saw both fighters cautiously size each other - well-schooled and boasting serious amateur pedigree – landed a thudding left hook followed by a sharp right in the who only took up boxing at 19 and turned pro after just four white-collar bouts, was known for his raw power and ability to dig it was Huni landing the cleaner shots, especially with that left only two contests beyond six rounds in his career, Wardley began to feel the pace. His timing was off and a grimace in the seventh said it all after Huni whipped in a punishing right when it seemed the homecoming would turn into a nightmare, Wardley achieved one of the biggest turnarounds in recent times to send the crowd into a his beloved football team's recent relegation from the Premier League, with the Tractor Boys failing to register a single home league win in 2025, Wardley brought the good times back to Ipswich. What next for Wardley? Wardley's meteoric rise is nothing short of remarkable, especially for someone who only laced up the gloves a decade said, there is room for caution. He struggled for large parts of the fight, raising the question of whether he is ready to mix it with Usyk, Dubois or Joseph Parker - three of the division's most in-form Wardley has cleared every hurdle put in front of him in the pro ranks. He stopped domestic rival David Adeleye, beat Olympic medallist Frazer Clarke in a thriller, and has now added a respected international name in Huni with a dramatic, highlight-reel when he has that sort of equaliser in his locker, he is a dangerous proposition for any heavyweight will now take some well-earned time to enjoy a more personal milestone, with his partner due to give birth to their first child in a matter of days.
Daily Mirror
32 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd receive Lisandro Martinez injury update as timeline for return emerges
Lisandro Martinez rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in February and is now on the road to a comeback for Manchester United ahead of the start of pre-season under Ruben Amorim Lisandro Martinez is making good progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury and Manchester United are hopeful he could be available early next season. Martinez needed surgery in February after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a match against Crystal Palace, but he's now on the road to recovery. The United defender was carried from the pitch in tears after sustaining the serious injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Martinez was a big miss for Ruben Amorim in the final three months of the campaign, as United limped to 15th place in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham. He was one of many injuries in defence for United and won't be able to take a full part in pre-season when that comes around. However, the club have been encouraged by the progress the Argentina international has made, with tests confirming last week that he hasn't got a tear in his meniscus. United are weary of rushing him back and will take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. But it is hoped he will be able to start an individual rehabilitation programme in the coming months, working individually on the grass during pre-season. The aim will be for Martinez to make his return as soon as possible in the 2025/26 season, when United's team will look very different. Amorim is keen to overhaul his squad – and the club will listen to offers for any of their players – but the United boss is a fan of Martinez. "If you let him, he can go play today without problem," Amorim said in March after Martinez was spotted cheering his team-mates on from the sidelines against Arsenal. "Because he loves the club, he wants to help the team, he understands the context. Like I said, he's a great character, he's really important in the dressing room." The 27-year-old has also been praised for his leadership and encouragement by young midfielder Toby Collyer, who told the club website: 'Licha is another name that's massively helped me, in training every day, around the building, to express myself, giving me little tips on the pitch and helping me through games. He's another one that's really helped me.' Collyer also struggled with injuries, so spent lots of time with Martinez. 'We saw each other every day in the physio room,' he added. 'And even when we're working in the gym, you have little moments where you can chat for a bit. It's nice to have someone like him to get through it with.' Martinez is keen to return as soon as possible. After undergoing surgery he wrote on Instagram: "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective. "I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited, @afaseleccion, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly!! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni LIVE RESULT: Wardley LOSING before detonating SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT win out of nowhere
FABIO WARDLEY secured a truly SENSATIONAL KO win in front of a packed Portman Road! Fighting in front of his home fans in Ipswich, Wardley was way down on the judges' scorecards before an absolutely PERFECT punch floored Justis Huni. The Australian was putting on the performance of his career as they meet at the home of Ipswich Town for the vacant interim WBA title. But in the 10th round, Wardley stole a victory with a sensational one-punch knockout to secure an incredible win. 10 minutes ago By Tom Sheen Title shot next? Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next. Warren said: "That fight will settle the heavyweight division. "Let's let the dust settle after that. "The first mandatory is the WBO, then it's down the line - but [Wardley's] there. "He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart." 13 minutes ago By Tom Sheen What a win! Wow! That was absolutely sensational from Fabio Wardley! He was down on lots of scorecards before detonating that shot, truly incredible stuff from the heavyweight. Justis Huni did not know what had hit him. By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 10 Huni leapt in with a right hand, Wardley slipped and fired his own one in and that was all she wrote. Sensational comeback from Wardley who once again find the homerun shot from seemingly nowhere. 23 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 10 DOWN GOES HUNI! Big right hand and it's all over! I said he needed a hail mary - that's exactly what he produced. Right hand straight down the pipe floored Huni and turned the fight on its head remarkably. 25 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 9 Big combination from Huni - forcing Wardley to cover up. Big right hand forces Wardley's knees to dip - Huni is in total control here. Wardley needs a hail mary to get him out of trouble. 29 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 8 Warldey needs to try and turn things around with Huni backing him up and landing big shots. Huni far too quick and cute for Wardley here. 33 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 7 Double right hand forces Wardley back - it's not looking good for Ipswich's hometown hero. Constant pressure appears to have Wardley looking hurt and in a spot of bother. Couple of right hands again has Wardley looking in trouble and in desperate need to turn things around. 38 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 6 Jab from Huni snaps Wardley's head back. Two big right hands land on the button for Huni - he could be running away with it here. Another right hand over the top land for Huni and Wardley is looking out of ideas half way through here. 42 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 5 Counter right lands for Huni - but Wardley responds with an uppercut-hook combo. Left hook lands for Huni and Wardley responds with his own but he looks to be struggling with the pace a bit. 46 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 4 Right hand over the top lands for Huni but Wardley fires back - great action here. Another right hand snaps Wardley's head back and the Aussie is coming on strong here. Wardley switches off for a second and Huni lets a combination go - having it his own way this round. 50 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 3 Huni backs Wardley to the ropes and lands a right over the top. Big left hook lands for Wardley who is again back into the ropes. Big combination shake Huni and on come Wardley landing right hands at will - the travelling Aussie is under the cosh. 54 minutes ago By Jack Figg Wardley vs Huni – round 2 Smart left hook lands for Huni - forces Wardley to tie up. Wardley stabs to the body and Huni fires back over the top - not much to split them. Wardley yet to let the right hand go just yet - he looks to be trying to time and walk Huni onto one.
