Schlupp Hands Leicester City Late Winner In Preseason

English-born Ghana international, Jeff Schlupp, scored a late winner to hand Leicester City a 2-1 win over Oxford United.

The 22-year-old finished off a solo run in grand fashion to complete a comeback win for the Foxes.

Claudio Ranieri’s charges fell to an early strike at the Kassam stadium against the lower league side in the preseason clash before their late rally turned over the score line.

A Gray Damarain equalizer midway through the first half was followed superbly by Jeff  Schlupp’s, who came off the bench to clinch the winner.

Compatriot, Daniel Amartey, came on on the hour mark to continue his fight for a starting berth ahead of a would-be demanding season for the reigning English champions.

Schlupp Hands Leicester City Late Winner In Preseason

Ghana Duo Intensify Training With Leicester City

Ghana duo of Jeffery Schllup and Daniel Amartey intensified preparation with Leicester City in their Austria-based training camp ahead of their title defense.

The pair did gym work with some colleagues under the watchful eyes of French trainer, Claudio Ranieri.

Jefferey Schllup led the physical endurance exercise for the reigning champions on the second day of their hectic off-season schedule in Austria.

The English-born Ghana international starred prominently for the King Power outfit across their strange season which saw them get crowned as champions of England.

The versatile full-back registered one goal in his 26 league appearances for the triumphant Foxes in an injury-ravaged season including five cautions to his name.

Compatriot, Daniel Amartey, also made a paltry 5 appearances after his winter arrival from Danish side FC Copenhagen.

The Ghana duo will be gunning for six trophies with their unpredictable Foxes when the 2016/17 Barclays Premier League season kicks off exactly one month from today.

Ghana Duo Intensify Training With Leicester City

Ghana"s Joe Dodoo Delighted With Rangers Move

Leicester City’s Ghanaian youngster Joe Dodoo has admitted he would be ‘excited’ to join Rangers amidst reported interest from the Scottish side whose sights are set on landing the 21-year-old from the English Premier League champions.

Ibrox boss, Mark Warburton who extended his stay at the club by signing a new deal on Tuesday, has made eight summer signings including the high-profile captures of Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar.

But he wants a new forward and another central defender ahead of the new season and the versatile Dodoo, who can play on the wing or as a central striker, jetted into Glasgow yesterday to open talks with last season’s Championship winners.

The Ghanaian starlet spent a day being shown round Murray Park then trained with the Rangers squad ahead of the new campaign starting on Saturday with a Betfred Cup tie against Motherwell at Fir Park.

Dodoo is out of contract but has been offered a new deal by Leicester and is expected to re-sign.

Claudio Ranieri is keen for the youngster to go out on loan before he is ready to challenge first-choice strikers Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki and Leonardo Ulloa.

Should Dodoo reject that new contract to move to Scotland, Rangers would need to pay training compensation to land him .

‘I know a lot [about Rangers],’ Dodoo said. ‘I used to watch them a lot when I was younger and obviously there’s the rivalry with Celtic.

‘It’s a great club. Any player would be excited to play for a team like Rangers.’

Dodoo scored a hat-trick on his Leicester debut against Bury in the League Cup last season but made just one appearance from the bench during Leicester’s miraculous title-winning season and spent time on loan at Burnley.

Ghana"s Joe Dodoo Delighted With Rangers Move

Leicester City Signs Lig 1 Midfielder

Leicester City have completed the signing of midfielder Nampalys Mendy from Nice on a four-year contract.

The 24-year-old arrives at the King Power Stadium for an undisclosed fee, having helped his former club to a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.

Mendy previously worked under Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri at Monaco and becomes the Premier League champions’ third senior signing of the close-season, following the arrivals of Ron-Robert Zieler and Luis Hernandez.

“I am very happy to come to Leicester City,” he told the club’s official website. “The team have just enjoyed a great season and it’s excellent to be here.

“For me I want to play at this level. I like the Premier League and I follow every match. It’s fast and physical and I want to impose myself on the league.

“I know the coach, I know his mentality and I know his philosophy. When he speaks it’s direct and clear and for me I like this.”

Mendy, whose move is subject to Premier League and Football Association approval, made 121 appearances for Nice over three seasons and has been capped at youth level for France.

Leicester City Signs Lig 1 Midfielder

Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Leicester City will record a respectable seventh-placed finish in next season’s Premier League, according to Football Manager.

A simulation conducted on the popular video game has predicted the Foxes to finish the season on 59 points, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dethroning them as champions.

Jamie Vardy will have another goal-laden season, bagging 18 times and finishing the campaign in the top flight team of the year alongside England teammate Harry Kane.

Despite failing to retain their title, they will enjoy home wins over Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Leicester will also hit newly promoted Brighton for six at the King Power.

Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri will start the season with five signings – Ajax’s Joel Veltman, Diego Rolan of Bordeaux, Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus, River Plate defender Emmanuel Mammana and Walsall teenager Rico Henry.

Ahead of Leicester, Arsenal will finish second, with Chelsea third and Tottenham fourth.

Brighton, Burnley and Swansea will be relegated.

Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Oakgroove School Proud of Ghana’s Jeff Schlupp

Milton Keynes based Oakgroove School has praised Ghanaian international Jeffery Schluup after he helped Leicester City to lift the 2015/2016 Barclays Premier League.

The 23-year-old has played 22 times for the Foxes in their fairy tale march to the title – a story which has sent ripples around the world.

Schulpp, who also has 12 caps for Ghana, spent his formative years playing football in Milton Keynes as a student at Oakgrove School.

“He was part of the first year here back in 2005,” said head teacher Ian Tett. “He was a lovely lad and really well mannered.

“We all knew he was a talented footballer, but he never rubbed that in anyone’s face. He was a star in the school’s team.

“We knew he was destined for great things, but we never imagined he’d win the Premier League with Leicester. It’s an incredible fairy tale story.

“When he signed for Leicester, we always supported him to help his career progress.

“I taught him geography, and I’d love to tell you I taught him everything he knows about football but that would be a lie!

“A lot of the teachers still follow his progress, so we’re all really delighted for him and really proud of him.” Ian Tett added

 

 

Oakgroove School Proud of Ghana’s Jeff Schlupp

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

Jose Mourinho has issued a statement congratulating Claudio Ranieri and Leicester on their historic Premier League title win.

Leicester were confirmed as English champions following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs had looked like taking the title race to the penultimate weekend of the season when they went two goals up but second-half strikes from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard ended the North London club’s slim hopes of catching Leicester.

Claudio Ranieri celebrates his first ever league crown as a head coach

Mourinho, whose former side in drawing with Spurs finally surrendered their status as champions, told CAA Sports: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to Leicester; players, staff, owners and fans.

“I lost my title to Claudio Ranieri and it is with incredible emotion that I live this magic moment in his career.”

Mourinho replaced Ranieri as Chelsea manager in 2004 because Blues owner Roman Abramovich believed the Italian wasn’t capable of delivering the title to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking 12 years on, after his Leicester side were confirmed as champions, Ranieri hailed his players, who were last summer a 5,000/1 long shot to end the season as title winners.

“I’m so proud. The players have been fantastic,” he said. “Their focus, their determination, their spirit has made this possible.

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

United Temporarily Halt Leicester City Title Celebration

Leicester must wait to claim the Premier League title after being held to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in a pulsating clash at Old Trafford.

Riyad Mahrez saw a penalty call waved away by referee Michael Oliver

Needing victory on Sunday to claim the first top-flight title in their 132-year history, Claudio Ranieri’s side started nervously and they were behind in the eighth minute after Anthony Martial’s ninth league goal of the season.

But the visitors showed the character that has underpinned their campaign so far, levelling the scores nine minutes later thanks to captain Wes Morgan’s header.

Wes Morgan celebrates Leicester’s equalising goal against Manchester United

After the break, both sides continued to push forward in search of a winner as both Leonardo Ulloa and Riyad Mahrez went close, before Chris Smalling’s header rattled the post with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Leicester were forced to see out the game with 10 men after Danny Drinkwater received his marching orders in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence, but they did just that with the draw taking them to within one point of the title.

However, Ranieri’s men, who face Everton at the King Power Stadium next Saturday, could be crowned champions without kicking a ball if Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday Night Football.

United Temporarily Halt Leicester City Title Celebration

Schlupp Hails Foxes’ Togetherness

The 4-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Swansea City at King Power Stadium on Sunday was evidence of how Leicester City continue to show their togetherness, according to Ghanaian international Jeffrey Schlupp.

The Foxes, without the services of suspended top scorer Jamie Vardy, were excellent against Francesco Guidolin’s men, as they recorded their biggest win of the season.

While Riyad Mahrez’s early strike and Leonardo Ulloa’s brace had put City 3-0 up, the fourth goal saw three substitutes combine to seal a dominant victory.

And after the game, Schlupp told Foxes Player HD: “Everyone from the goalkeeper, all the way through the defence, midfield and up to the strikers and everyone on the bench [works hard].

“You saw the gaffer made changes and the players that came on impacted the game really well. You saw what Demarai [Gray] was capable of. He showed glimpses again and you saw that quality.

“[Marc] Albrighton got the goal and Kingy (Andy King) came on and did his thing. It just shows our togetherness and how hard everyone is working for each other. It’s all part of what we’ve been like all season.”

The victory over the Swans saw Claudio Ranieri’s men take a huge step towards securing their first ever Premier League title, which will be guaranteed if they win just one of their remaining three games of the season.

 

 

Schlupp Hails Foxes’ Togetherness

Ranieri Not Surprise With Schlupp

Leicester City Manager, Claudio Ranieri has said that he is not surprise about the performance of Ghanaian international Jeff Schlupp in the Foxes’ 4-0 win over Swansea City on Sunday.

With all headlines on Jamie Vardy being missing for the game with suspension, Ulloa took his starting spot and to help rest Albrighton and introduce some extra pace, Schlupp also came back in, and for Ranieri they did what was expected of them – because it’s a group effort and everyone has their part to play.

Speaking to the club’s official website as his players turn their attention to Manchester United and knowing his side are only three points away from lifting the Premier League title, Ranieri explained that he continued to be proud of everyone in the squad as they battle for trophy.

“No pressure. They [Ulloa and Schlupp] wanted to play and deserved to play because not all the time they play but they deserve it. The first XI played so well and for me it`s difficult to change when the team works so well. I changed a little because I wanted the power of Jeff and the heading ability of Leo. Everybody contributes to make Leicester top of the league. Demarai too has a very good future if he stays calm, listens and improves.’

With Tottenham drawing on Monday night against West Bromwich Albion, a first ever Premier League title is in Leicester’s hands with three games remaining.

 

 

Ranieri Not Surprise With Schlupp

Leicester"s Mahrez Named PFA Player of the Season

Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.

Mahrez has scored 17 goals and made 11 assists in 34 league games to take Leicester to the cusp of the title.

The award was voted for by the Algeria international’s fellow professionals.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, 20, was named PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen won the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Sunderland striker Beth Mead, 20, was named Women’s Young Player of the Year.

Mahrez, 25, held off competition from Tottenham forward Harry Kane, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, West Ham United midfielder and fellow Leicester men Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante to win the award.

Mahrez was handed the prize at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday hours after scoring in his side’s 4-0 win over Swansea City as leaders Leicester moved to within five points of the title.

Leicester"s Mahrez Named PFA Player of the Season

Premier League Change Referee For Being A Leicester City Fan

The Premier League have changed the referee for Tottenham’s crucial game in the title race against Stoke on Monday following pressure on social media.

 

The original choice of Kevin Friend outraged Spurs fans because he lives in Leicester and admits to being a fan of the Premier League leaders, who have a seven-point lead over the north London club with five games to go.

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd do not pick Friend to referee matches involving Leicester because of his allegiance, but they normally do not take into consideration secondary factors such as a referee officiating in a match that might have ramifications for the club he supports.

But PGMOL boss Mike Riley had second thoughts over Friend’s appointment because of the importance of the Spurs fixture to the title race and to avoid unnecessary pressure on the referee.

He has been replaced by Neil Swarbrick, who hails from Preston, and Friend will switch to Newcastle’s home tie against Manchester City.

A statement said: ‘Kevin Friend, initially selected for the game, is from Leicester and has attended matches at Leicester City in a personal capacity. Given the context of this match, it was felt unnecessary to add extra scrutiny on the refereeing appointment.’

 

Leicester need just three victories from their remaining games against West Ham, Swansea, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea to lift the title.

Premier League Change Referee For Being A Leicester City Fan

Schlupp Returns For Leicester’s Visit To Sunderland

Leicester City’s versatile wide man, Jeff Schlupp is available for selection, as the Foxes continue their quest for a first ever Premier League title with a trip to Sunderland on Sunday.

The Ghanaian, has been out of action since the end of March after returning from international duty with a swollen knee.

However, the 22-year old is now back in line for Leicester’s trip to the Stadium of light after returning to training this week.

Meanwhile, Matty James (knee) is unlikely to feature, as he continues to recover from his long-term injury, with Claudio Ranieri expected to name an unchanged team.

Struggling Sunderland have no fresh injury concerns and winger Sebastian Larsson is among those pushing to force his way into a starting berth.

Striker Duncan Watmore remains the Black Cats’ only long-term absentee with an ankle ligament injury which is set to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign

Schlupp Returns For Leicester’s Visit To Sunderland

Leicester Fans To Receive Free Doughnut And Beer

Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will offer each Foxes fan a free beer and doughnut prior to Sunday’s match against Southampton at the King Power Stadium.

The match falls on the eve of his birthday, and he will celebrate by offering each supporter a bottle of Singha Beer (provided they’re over 18) and a Krispy Kreme doughnut.

The feel good factor is very much present in the East Midlands with Claudio Ranieri’s side sitting top of the table with eight games remaining.

They are five points clear of Tottenham and could stretch their advantage further still this weekend if Spurs fail to win at Liverpool.

Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan said: “This is another very generous gesture from the owners of the club.

“Mr. Vichai and Top will arrive to the UK for the game versus Southampton this weekend, and then return to Thailand on Sunday evening, just to be with us and to support the team on Sunday.

“There are many special bonds that exist at our Football Club – between the players, the staff, the owners and the fans – and that’s been vital to the incredible season we’ve had. Everywhere we go, people are talking about it.

“We’re entering the run-in to the end of the season now, so that bond is going to be as important as it’s ever been in the next seven games, and the support of our fans is an essential part of the final push.”

Leicester Fans To Receive Free Doughnut And Beer

Ghanaian Players In Midweek European Action

England

West Ham United vs Aston Villa

Jordan Ayew got booked for  a silly foul on West Ham United left back, Aaron Creswell. The game was going as planned for the bottom placed Villa but with ten men it was difficult to see how they travel back to the midlands with even a point. Goals from Antonio and Cheik Kouyate gave the hammers all the three points.

 

Leicester City vs Liverpool

Daniel Amartey is still waiting to make his debut for Leicester city since he completed an £8m move to the English premier league side. The Foxes defeated Liverpool by 2-goals to nil as they retained their firm grip of top spot. Jeffrey Schlupp is a couple of weeks away from returning to first team action for Leicester city.

 

West Brom vs Swansea City

Ghanaian forward, Andre Ayew played 82 – minutes of Swansea’s 1 all draw game away to West Brom at the Hawthorns. The Welsh side took the lead through Icelandic international, Gylfi Sigurdsson with some few minutes left on the clock it looked like the Swans will win their second game in succession after beating Everton but West Brom’s record signing, Salomon Rondon ensured that didn’t happen.

 

 Italy

Sassuolo vs AS Roma

Alfred Duncan started for Sassuolo as they hosted Serie A giants AS Roma. The versatile Ghanaian international lasted 87 minutes as a lone goal from former Chelsea forward, Mohammed Salah gave the capita based club all three points.

Ghanaian Players In Midweek European Action

Official: Daniel Amartey is A Fox

Leicester City is delighted to confirm the signing of Daniel Amartey from FC Copenhagen on a contract until 2020, subject to Football Association, Premier League and international clearance.

Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Daniel Amartey from FC Copenhagen on a contract until 2020, subject to Football Association, Premier League and international clearance.

Daniel, a versatile Ghanaian international, arrived in the UK this week to complete a medical and finalise personal terms after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for his transfer.

The highly-rated 21-year-old, who operates both in central midfield and at right-back, becomes City’s second new signing this month, following the arrival of another exciting young player –

England youth international Demarai Gray.

Daniel told lcfc.com: “It’s a great pleasure to join Leicester City. I know the Club have been interested in signing me for some time and that was a big part of my decision to come here.

“All over Europe, people are talking about Leicester City and how well the Club is doing in the Premier League. The team plays exciting, attacking football and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

A powerful presence both in midfield and defence, Daniel has impressed in Danish football since arriving in the capital in July 2014. He played a key role as Copenhagen finished second in the Superliga to qualify for the UEFA Europa League during his first season with the club and has helped guide them to the top of the table this term.

Copenhagen recruited Amartey from Swedish outfit Djurgårdens IF, who he joined at the age of 18. He made his senior debut for Ghana against Senegal a year ago and has since featured six times for the Black Stars, where he is an international colleague of Foxes winger Jeffrey Schlupp.

Daniel trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday ahead of a Barclays Premier League meeting with Stoke City at King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

Source: lcfC.com

Official: Daniel Amartey is A Fox

Amartey Will Be Leicester City Regular - George Afriyie

Vice president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie is optimistic Daniel Amartey will be regular in the backline of English Premier League side, Leicester City.

The Black Stars defender was in London on Tuesday for medicals after a reported fee of £6m was agreed by Danish side FC Copenhagen.

And George Afriyie is certain Daniel Amartey,  a youngster he knew would be a successful footballer when he saw him in 2012,  believe has the character to be in the Leicester City back set up week in and out.

“Daniel is, perhaps, going to be the revelation of the EPL second round, so let us wish him well,” Afriyie told Starr FM.

“He has a strong character so I have no doubts that he will command a regular position at Leicester City.

“I was one of those who identified him way back in 2012 when he was part of a select-side for a tournament in South Africa.

“That was when I saw his exploits, so when coach Avram Grant took over the Black Stars and invited him, I was not surprised.” he said.

Amartey Will Be Leicester City Regular - George Afriyie

Amartey To Leicester City Is Good News For Ghana - GFA Veep

Vice president of Ghana football association, George Afriyie says Daniel Amartey’s move to English Premier league side Leicester City is good news for the senior national team, the Black Stars.

The Ghanaian international will move to London to join English Premier league surprise package this season, Leicester City.

The former Dujargen versatile defender was scouted by Liverpool and Chelsea, but Leicester City beat off competition from the premier league giants to snatch the 21 year old.

And Vice president of the Ghana FA says he is not surprised to see the youngster in the English Premier League because he knew he had great potential to succeed in his career when he saw him four years ago.

“Is a welcoming news for us and I’m so happy for this boy. He is a boy I personally spotted way back in 2012,” George Afriyie said to a cross section of the media after the Unity Match launch at the forecourt of State House, Ghana.

“He was part of the u-20 that toured South Africa to play an 8 nation tournament and paird the likes of Lawrence Lartey in central defense, that was when some of us knew that he has the potential to be a great player and he’s future star player.

“I am not surprised three years down the line now and he is a big player, now in the EPL, wonderful news for us (as Ghanains) and great news for  the Black Stars.”

Daniel Amartey move to England is reported to be in the region of £ 6 million. He will join national teammates Andre and Jordan Ayew, Jeffrey Schlupp and Christian Atsu in the English top flight.

Amartey To Leicester City Is Good News For Ghana - GFA Veep

Copenhagen Confirm A Deal Accepted For Daniel Amartey

Danish side FC Copenhagen has confirmed a deal has been agreed with English Premier League side Leicester City for transfer Daniel Amartey.

The Ghanaian international will move to London for a reported fee of £ 6m.

Amartey who has already agreed personal terms with Leicester City was expected in London on Saturdayfor medicals.

The 22-year old was a member of the  Black Stars squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of nations in Equatorial Guinea.

Copenhagen Confirm A Deal Accepted For Daniel Amartey

EPL: Arsenal Beat New Castle To Go Two Points Clear, United Win At Last

Laurent Koscielny scored as Arsenal edged Newcastle United 1-0 on Saturday to pull two points clear of Leicester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Koscielny stabbed home a flick-on from France teammate Olivier Giroud in the 72nd minute at a rain-lashed Emirates Stadium and Leicester were held 0-0 by Bournemouth, with Riyad Mahrez squandering a penalty.

“We were not at our best, but we had to dig deep and we can do that when needed,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Manchester City, third, can close to within a point of Leicester if they win at Watford later on Saturday. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney scored as Manchester United ended an eight-game winless run by beating Swansea City 2-1.

Arsenal were bidding to build on the 2-0 win over Bournemouth that had sent them top of the table on goal difference, but Newcastle went close to going ahead several times.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech had to produce smart saves to thwart Georginio Wijnaldum either side of halftime, while Aleksandar Mitrovic diverted a volleyed cross from Ayoze Perez over the bar from close range.

With the home fans growing restless, Koscielny supplied the breakthrough 18 minutes from time, sneaking in behind Perez to toe the ball past Rob Elliot after Giroud had got his head to a high ball.

“It was about solidarity, tired legs and taking a chance from a set-piece,” Wenger added.

“We were not at our best today, but over Christmas in four games we took nine points so we can look back and say we did 75 percent of our job as we lost at Southampton.”

Leicester have now gone three league games without winning or scoring after their stalemate against 10-man Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.

Jamie Vardy hit the post in the first half and was then fouled by Simon Francis in an incident that saw the Bournemouth defender sent off and yielded Leicester’s 60th-minute penalty.

For once this season Mahrez’s radar betrayed him, the Algerian’s penalty parried by Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

However, Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri was eager to underline the positives, pointing out that his side have now reached the 40-point mark usually required to avoid relegation.

“A draw is not OK, it is only one point, but it is OK as we have 40 points, which was the goal,” said the Italian. “It’s champagne for my players!”

ROONEY MILESTONE

At Old Trafford, Rooney scored a milestone winner against Swansea, which made him the second-highest outright goal-scorer in both Premier League (188 goals) and United (238) history.

Anthony Martial headed United in front from Ashley Young’s right-wing cross early in the second half, only for Gylfi Sigurdsson to head Swansea level in the 70th minute from a Modou Barrow cross.

But Rooney converted a cut-back from Martial with a sumptuous near-post back-heel 13 minutes from time as United claimed a first win in seven league games to further ease the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal.

“I am very happy for the players because they had to play under big pressure and now we have won,” Van Gaal told the BBC.

“I hope this is a fantastic starting point for us in the New Year and we can continue against Sheffield United (in the FA Cup).”

The result lifted United to fifth place, two points below Tottenham Hotspur, who visit Everton on Sunday.

West Ham United are a point back in sixth after Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll scored headed goals in a 2-0 home win over Liverpool.

Aston Villa spurned another chance to close on safety after losing 3-1 at second-bottom Sunderland, with Jermain Defoe scoring twice to leave Remi Garde’s side seven points adrift at the foot of the table.

Patrick van Aanholt put Sunderland in front with a deflected effort and Villa were momentarily level courtesy of a brilliant Carles Gil volley in the 63rd minute, only for Defoe to net twice in the last 18 minutes.

“It’s a great relief,” said Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, whose side closed to within four points of safety.

“Hopefully it will give us confidence going forward. We’re still very much in trouble, but this win was critical.”

Jonny Evans’s stoppage-time goal earned West Bromwich Albion a last-gasp 2-1 win over Stoke City, who had Geoff Cameron sent off after an altercation with Claudio Yacob.

Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama was dismissed as Southampton went down 1-0 at Norwich City, where Alexander Tettey scored a 76th-minute winner.

© AFP

EPL: Arsenal Beat New Castle To Go Two Points Clear, United Win At Last