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    Man Utd ratings: Harry Maguire continues revival but Mount suffers dismal Stamford Bridge return with Hojlund anonymous

    MANCHESTER UNITED will go into the Europa League final on the back of a disappointing defeat to Chelsea.The Red Devils travel to Bilbao next week to take on fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham in the final of Europe’s secondary club competition.Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday nightCredit: GETTYMarc Cucurella struck in the 71st minute to condemn the Red Devils to their 18th league defeat of the seasonCredit: GETTYDefeat to the Blues has given Ruben Amorim food for thought ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: GETTYBut fans looking forward to the match were brought back down to Earth courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Enzo Maresca’s troops.A 71st-minute strike from Marc Cucurella condemned United to their EIGHTEENTH league defeat of the season.And SunSport’s Dan King is on hand to rate and slate Ruben Amorim’s troops’ respective displays at the Bridge.Andre Onana – 6/10Restored to the team after being rested against West Ham, he displeased his manager with some of his kicking and clearance choices. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarely had a save to make until he kept out Cole Palmer’s effort late in the first half. Had a penalty awarded against him rightly overturned by VAR. Andre Onana had a penalty awarded against him rightly overturned by VARCredit: REUTERSVictor Lindelof – 5Mostly did what it said on the tin, steady as he goes. Looked pretty comfortable in the first half, with help from Mazraoui and even Amad to help him keep Noni Madueke quiet after an early scare. Was having a straightforward second half, too, until undone by Reece James’ brilliant cross for the goal. Booked for a late foul on Cucurella. Harry Maguire – 7Solid from the start and United’s best player overall. Took a forearm to the head from Tyrique George but picked himself up and thought he had given United the lead, only to be ruled offside.Most read in FootballCalm and strong at the heart of a United defence that was not overly troubled by Chelsea for so long. Harry Maguire was the Red Devils star man at Stamford BridgeCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKLuke Shaw – 6Dorgu’s forays forward meant he didn’t know whether to stick or twist at times when he found himself outnumbered. But handled himself well and also played some decent balls out of defence when appropriate. Did nothing spectacularly wrong or right all night, which summed up United’s overall display.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Made a shaky start, letting Madueke get the wrong side of him, only for the Chelsea winger to miss the target horribly. Unconvincing again after the break, picking up a booking and then losing Cucurella for the goal. Madueke should have made it two after running between the Moroccan and Lindelof.Noussair Mazraoui didn’t turn in his finest display at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes – 6Seemed to be taking control of the game, especially when Maguire turned in his lovely cross for what seemed to be the opening goal. All-action first-half display, but that also meant him being booked for a follow-through on Moises Caicedo. Failed to hit the target with a second half shot and did not exert the same influence before going off late on.Bruno Fernandes had an average night at the office by his standardsCredit: GETTYCasemiro – 6Sometimes you forgot he was on the pitch, but he did some quietly effective work to give Fernandes and his team a platform in the game. Made a very important first-half intervention in his own box but picked up a booking early in the second after being outpaced by Palmer. Put in a decent shift.Patrick Dorgu – 5Started high and wide, and looked more convincing going forward, teeing up a decent opening for Mount. Skinned by Pedro Neto a couple of times but did make some important challenges, too. Less adventurous in the second half as Amad stepped up the threat on the opposite flank.Not at fault for the goal.Amad Diallo – 6Sharp at the start but soon disappeared completely as an attacking force in the first half. Redeemed himself a bit by doing some decent work in his own final third. Much better going forward after the break, setting up a good chance for Mount. Booked for diving in the box, then forced a save from Robert Sanchez.Mason Mount – 4How much he would have loved to silence the Chelsea boo-boys who jeered his every touch and mocked him all night. How comprehensively he failed to do so. Badly miscued shots in either half when given decent chances by Dorgu and Amad. Hooked with 20 minutes to go to the loudest chorus of boos.  Mason Mount was underwhelming in his return to Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTYRasmus Hojlund – 2If he wasn’t such a unit, you would call him a little boy lost. But all that strength seems to disappear when the ball comes near the struggling Dane. Got absolutely no change out of the Chelsea defence and often gave away possession. Even with Josh Zirkzee injured, there must be a better option for the final. Rasmus Hojlund was woeful leading the line for the Red DevilsCredit: GETTYSUBSManuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 70) – 4Made little impression on the game despite having 20 minutes to show what he could do. Late Chelsea sub Romeo Lavia made life difficult for him.Alejandro Garnacho (for Mount,  70) –  4It might feel harsh but it was the Argentinian who allowed James to wriggle away from him and then deliver the killer ball for Cucurella. Dropped very deep to try to redeem himself, but to no avail.Ayden Heaven (for Shaw, 81) – 3Lucky to escape a booking for a foul on Palmer and then to be shown only a yellow for a nasty lunge on Malo Gusto.Kobbie Mainoo (for Fernandes, 81) – 4Looked off the pace. What has happened to England’s great defensive midfield hope?Read More on The SunNot usedBayindir, Eriksen, Amass, Collyer, Fredricson More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Cucurella and James shine but wasteful wingers nearly costs Blues Champions League spot

    THREE POINTS is what Chelsea fans thought they’d be gifted against Manchester United, until Ruben Amorim named his strongest possible starting XI, that was. In a tightly contested first half, goals could’ve gone either way, but with United defender Harry Maguire denied by VAR and Reece James denied by the woodwork, the first 45 ended goalless.Chelsea eventually overcame Man Utd to move a step closer to Champions League footballCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella’s late goal proved to be the winner in a tense matchCredit: ReutersMore VAR controversy followed in the second half, with a Chelsea penalty being overturned by the referee as Tyrique George went down too easily in the penalty area. The Blues FINALLY got their big break when Maresca’s tactical identity shone through with both full-backs combining to open the scoring, Marc Cucurella smashing a header home to send Stamford Bridge wild. A nervy end to the game ensued, with big tackles flying in left, right and centre, but Enzo Maresca’s men got the job done and the race for Champions League football will go down to the final day. Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…READ MORE SPORT STORIESRobert Sanchez – 6Having riled the crowd up early, the fans were on Sanchez’s back almost from the jump after a few loose passes. Grew in confidence as the game progressed, making a good save to deny Amad Diallo at the near post as the game drew to a close. Generally good in the air, and when claiming crosses, and has improved towards the end of the season. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReece James – 9Preferred in the Chelsea XI tonight to Romeo Lavia, Caicedo was back in midfield for James to take up his natural right-back position.Most read in FootballHe very nearly sent Stamford Bridge into raptures with a half-volley in the first half that rattled the woodwork from outside the box, showing Maresca what he can offer down the right side. Tasked with keeping ex-best pal Mason Mount quiet, who came here with a point to prove, James did that job superbly before playing a crucial part in Chelsea’s opening goal with a wonderful turn and cross into Cucurella. Completed 90 minutes too, a huge result for any Chelsea fan. Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoTosin Adarabioyo – 7The leader in the Chelsea dressing room, his experience was needed today in a big game as Rasmus Hojlund looked to cause problems with his physicality. It was another solid performance from Tosin, who has proved a worthwhile signing from Fulham since moving from down the road.Levi Colwill – 8This has been a real season of growth for Colwill. With many questioning exactly why the Chelsea hierarchy rate him so highly at the start of the campaign, he has come into his own of late and will be a stalwart in this side for years to come.He’s far from the finished article, still being so young, but was good on the day and deserves his plaudits for being physically strong and good progressively on the ball. Chelsea went wild after Cucurella’s late goal sealed a vital three pointsCredit: PAMarc Cucurella – 9Handling Diallo on Man Utd’s right-hand side can be a torrid task, but Cucurella did it well just as he did against Mo Salah last time Maresca’s men played here. Strong in his tackles, we saw more of the stern defensive ability which makes him such a complete full-back in the first half.In the second half however, he showed Chelsea’s front line how to put the ball in the net, gliding through the air and heading home as if he had the No9 on his back.  Moises Caicedo – 9Part of me is glad the curtain is closing on this season, simply because I need the summer to think of more ways to describe the brilliance of Caicedo. Chelsea’s Player of the Season was on the cover of the matchday programme, and showed the Stamford Bridge faithful why he was given that title within minutes, single-handedly breaking the Man Utd press to create a chance for Noni Madueke.The Blues’ latest in a long line of diminutive destroyers in the middle of the park, who covered ground like no tomorrow, progressed the ball with ease and won tackles like his life depended on it. All while looking impossibly cool in a protective face mask.Caicedo was brilliant against Man Utd… all the while wearing his face maskCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez – 5Having been such a maverick in midfield for the Blues this season, and a player who has shown up in big moments, Enzo was quiet on the night. He remained Chelsea’s midfield metronome, but every other tick seemed slightly off beat, too often getting the weight of his pass wrong. It wasn’t a terrible performance by any means, but by his own high standards, he will be slightly disappointed. Noni Madueke – 3Back in what has become a familiar position for Noni on the left-hand side of the Chelsea attack, the Blues’ winger caused plenty of problems for Mazraoui, but was unable to provide any end product on the night. He missed a huge chance just a few minutes in as he blazed a bouncing ball over the bar, before also having the chance to double Chelsea’s lead which he fired wide when the pressure was on. He could’ve cost his team if not for the brilliance of his full-backs. Cole Palmer – 6Man Utd fans taunted Palmer throughout the game with chants of ‘City reject, City reject, woah, woah’ as he remained relatively quiet in the first half, still coming very close to finding the top corner with a deflected effort well saved by Andre Onana.He opted for a change of boots at half-time, but that was about all that changed. We saw more silky touches and hard work, and to be honest, he probably should’ve had an assist for Madueke to make it 2-0, but it wasn’t to be for him tonight. Palmer struggled to assert himself on the match but it wasn’t his worst eveningCredit: GettyPedro Neto – 5Generally you know what you’re going to get from Neto at Stamford Bridge this season: plenty of running and crosses into the box, while ultimately the rating of his performance is defined by whether or not he can add some end product to his tiring 90 minutes. Unfortunately tonight it wasn’t to be for Pedro, though he did play a part in what was a vital goal for Chelsea. Tyrique George – 5After Nicolas Jackson’s moment of madness vs Newcastle which will see him miss the rest of the Premier League season, the pressure of being Chelsea’s frontman fell on the shoulders of Tyrique George. The 19-year-old thought he’d won a penalty for his side midway through the second half, only for the youngster to be denied by VAR for going down too softly in the box. It was a pretty quiet night from the youngster, but he worked hard and did a job for the team in an unfamiliar position. George thought he’d won a penalty but was denied by VARCredit: GettySUBS: Romeo Lavia (Tyrique George, 81) – 5Came on to help see out the game and did exactly that, cool under pressure in midfield when the game got tense and tackles were flying in. Malo Gusto (Pedro Neto, 90) – 5Read More on The SunCharging onto a Cole Palmer pass at the death, Gusto had a huge chance to score, instead going to ground under pressure. Full of energy after coming on, even after being crunched by Ayden Heaven, you can’t doubt his work ethic.Chelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue. 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    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0: Blues take huge step towards Champions League as Cucurella header sees off United

    MARC CUCURELLA does not drink beer but he was the toast of Chelsea last night for salvaging their Champions League dreams.The Spanish defender produced a dazzling headed finish to a spectacular move to fire Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top five.Marc Cucurella was the hero as he notched in Chelsea’s winnerCredit: GettyThe defender stole in at the back post to head in Reece James’ crossCredit: ReutersChelsea have maintained their place in the top fourCredit: GettyHarry Maguire found the net but his strike was ruled out for offsideCredit: PAIt was another frustrating evening for Manchester UnitedCredit: PAChelsea’s ambitions of getting back among the big boys in Europe is now back in their own hands after an almighty wobble.They were struggling to break down Manchester United and with top five rivals Aston Villa winning earlier, had dropped out of the reckoning.But then the curly-topped full-back flew through the air, bulged the net and triggered a rousing chorus of the song the fans sing in his name about his massive hair and that he drinks Estrella – the famous lager from his homeland.Cucurella actually prefers a nice glass of wine but nobody was listening as Stamford Bridge went wild following his goal 18 minutes from time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChelsea are now up to fourth and if they win at Nottingham Forest next Sunday they will be back in the Champions League after a two season absence.And his goal was of fine vintage if only for the superb turn and floated cross performed by skipper Reece James for the assist.The full-back spun on a sixpence and chipped a ball from the edge of the box with Cucurella’s trailing barnet blowing in the wind before he beat Manchester United keeper Andre Onana with a bullet header.It was the perfect rebound from last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle which seemed to have inflicted serious damage on Chelsea’s hopes.Most read in FootballLosing the game and striker Nicolas Jackson to a three-game ban for his sending off meant boss Enzo Maresca had to send rookie striker Tyrique George into battle for his first Premier League start on a huge night for the club.It should have been a far more comfortable night for the home side.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itNoni Madueke missed a golden chance to volley Chelsea ahead in only the fourth minute from Cole Palmer’s cross.And James is such a servant for his boyhood club. Coming back from a run of hamstring injuries and surgery he has provided that cool head when needed most.He was also on hand to smack the outside of the post with a ferocious shot in the first half.Palmer came close to scoring with a cheeky curling shot from the edge of the area that also brought a diving save from Onana.Boss Maresca is convinced his team has made progress this season even though they made hard work of this victory before finally showing up late in the second half.For United boss Ruben Amorim it is now eight Premier League games without a win despite a marginally improved performance from last weekend’s abject surrender at home to lowly West Ham.Next week’s all-Premier League Europa League final against Tottenham will grant one of them access to the Champions League alongside the greats of Europe.It’s come to something when it’s a positive to only lose 1-0 while your next opponents lose 2-0 as Spurs did at Villa earlier in the evening.When it comes to it, neither Chelsea, United nor Tottenham possess much to suggest any of them belong at the top level.Read More on The SunUnited had a goal ruled out for a narrow offside against Harry Maguire and for the first 20 minutes of the game looked as if they had responded to criticism by boss Amorim over their poor attitude.Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was guilty of missing a glaring chance to score against his old club before being subbed to a chorus of boos. More

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    Chelsea vs Man Utd interrupted as Rasmus Hojlund left in hysterics after referee takes issue with his smart wath

    CHELSEA’s Premier League match with Manchester United was temporarily stopped due to an unexpected kit violation. Red Devils hitman Rasmus Hojlund was the guilty party in the second half of the Stamford Bridge showdown on Friday night, which Chelsea won 1-0.Rasmus Hojlund appeared to be wearing a fitness tracker in the second half of Manchester United’s trip to ChelseaCredit: ESPNReferee Chris Kavanagh orders the Norwegian to remove the strapCredit: REUTERSThe Denmark international returned to the pitch after the second-half interval wearing what appeared to be a fitness tracker. Hojlund’s wearing of the device didn’t go unnoticed, with the referee Chris Kavanagh briefly halting the game and instructing him to remove it. And the Dane couldn’t help but laugh as he made his way to the touchline to hand over the device. The bizarre incident stunned footie fans, who flocked to X to give their thoughts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne wrote: “Hojlund really came on the pitch with an Apple Watch.” Another said: “[He was] counting his steps.”And another said: “Counting his steps cos (sic) he knows he won’t score.” One remarked: “Bruv just wanted to get his steps in.” Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMarc Cucurella broke the deadlock in the 71st minuteCredit: GettyUnited thought they’d taken the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a neat finish from Harry Maguire. But the defender’s strike was ruled out for a marginal offside. Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal Many of the Old Trafford faithful were adamant that Blues defender Marc Cucurella played Maguire onside and that the goal should’ve stood. And Spain international Cucurella rubbed salt into their wounds by breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute, with his strike proving to be the only goal of the game. More

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    Man Utd and Tottenham will deserve a Champions League place if they win Europa League, whatever whinging Wenger says

    IF I was asked for my favourite moment in over 30 years in football, I wouldn’t need to phone a friend, ask the audience, go 50-50 or even ask Jeremy Clarkson.The day West Ham lifted a European trophy will always be a treasured pinnacle.Former Arsenal boss Wenger has said neither Man Utd or Spurs deserve Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyMan Utd will face Spurs in Bilbao to contest the Europa League final after a league season to forgetCredit: ReutersSpurs are also desperate to qualify for the Champions League by winning in BilbaoCredit: ReutersThat win over Fiorentina in Prague in the Europa Conference League final ended 43 years of hurt at West Ham.For me and all our supporters it was something very special — a day to tell the grandchildren. You just cannot beat the feeling of winning silverware.So Wednesday’s Europa League final — the ‘British battle of Bilbao’ — is a clash which means the world to fans of Spurs and Manchester United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOnly this one comes with a big, fat, juicy cherry on top of the cake.Victory means Champions League qualification next season and that comes with a cheque for £100million, and possibly a lot more.In a way, this is a final bigger than a trophy.But now the argument begins. Look at the Premier League table and you can’t fail to notice that both clubs are nearer the floor than the ceiling.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFor both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itHere is the question — and it’s worth a lot more than the £1m on offer to contestants in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?Is this a case of Champions League via a sneaky short cut? Or has it been truly earned?Fifa’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, revealed his distaste for this back-door route into the Champions League.When asked if it was ‘right,’ Wenger said: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.“Especially when you are in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. It is something to think about and to review.”West Ham won the Europa Conference League in 2023Credit: GettyCritics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly.Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering!Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all-final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.If supporters love it, who are we to criticise?While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table.Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal.For Spurs and Manchester United this game effectively decides their summer spending budget. Will it be Harrods or Peckham market?So are league positions no longer the true barometer of a team’s season? Wenger wants it to change so we shall see.Read More on The SunWhether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season.It could define the future of European football. More

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    Man Utd fans accuse VAR of drawing line next to WRONG PLAYER after disallowed Harry Maguire goal

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced VAR drew the offside lines on the WRONG PLAYER when they ruled out Harry Maguire’s goal against Chelsea.The England international thought he’d given the Red Devils the lead in the 16th minute of their trip to Chelsea with a beautiful right-footed finish inside the box.Harry Maguire thought he’d given Manchester United the lead against ChelseaCredit: REUTERSBut the goal was ruled out for the most marginal of offsides, much to the annoyance of Red Devils fansCredit: SKY SPORTSBut the goal was ruled out as part of his right knee and a small portion of his foot were marginally offside.The Old Trafford faithful weren’t happy when they saw a graphic of the offside and vented their frustration on X.One wrote: “Why didn’t they use Cucurella. VAR at it again?”Another said: “Wait, they drew the line on the wrong person!!!! Cucurella was the last man.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”But it still looked off sha, but still!!!And another said: “Premier League, that’s fraud. Cucurella kept him onside.”One remarked: “That’s not even offside! So f***ing rigged. “The animation showed the defender closest to Maguire.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Yet it was the defender on the far side who had his arm wide out, playing Maguire onside!! Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash”They didn’t show that!”Another chimed in: “That is not even offside ref.”Had the goal stood, it would’ve been Maguire’s fifth of a mixed season for Ruben Amorim’s side.His fourth of the campaign came in the Red Devils’ sensational Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon. More

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    Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0: Villans brush aside Spurs ‘bomb squad’ as Konsa and Kamara boost Champions League hopes

    UNAI EMERY had unlikely heroes Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to thank for three crucial points as Villa turned the heat on their Champions League rivals.The Spaniard celebrated his 100th Premier League game in charge of Villa with a hard-earned 54th win.Ezri Konsa puts Aston Villa 1-0 upCredit: GettyVilla celebrate taking the leadCredit: GettyKonsa pounced to grab his third goal of the season but it was Kamara who supplied the cherry on the top of the cake with his first Premier goal – at the 69th attempt!The win saw Villa leapfrog Manchester City and move to within two points of second-placed Arsenal as Villa set a new club record with their 32nd win of the season in all competitions.Emery’s men came into this game brimming with confidence…. and a burning sense of injustice.They were unbeaten in 20 home games across all competitions – their best run for 48 years – and had won their last seven on the spin at Villa Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there were empty seats as many fans couldn’t make the hastily re-arranged date after the Premier League allowed Spurs more time to prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final. Ange Postecoglou wrapped his stars up in cotton wool ahead of their midweek trip to Bilbao. Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were all on the bench, while Sergio Reguilon started a Premier League game for Spurs for the first time since April 2022.That meant the spotlight fell on Son Heung-min who faced a final audition ahead of Wednesday’s cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoubacar Kamara fires Villa 2-0 in frontCredit: PAThe Spurs skipper only returned from a foot injury for the last half hour of his side’s 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.With just five days to go, this was his last chance to stake his claim for a starting place in Bilbao.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAnd he certainly gave Matty Cash a torrid time of it.He burst past the startled full-back after five minutes but lacked that vital match sharpness and allowed the Villa man to recover and take the pace off his shot.At the other end Antonin Kinsky got a vital touch to divert a cross away from Ollie Watkins’ waiting head before John McGinn fired just over after dispossessing Djed Spence.Villa were finding Spurs a tough nut to crack and Son was beginning to find his feet.He chopped inside Cash before rifling a ferocious effort just over, then produced a fine pass to set Wilson Odobert clear.The ball was worked wide to Mathys Tel who drilled in a low cross which Odobert turned goalwards with a cute Cruyff-flick but Emi Martinez reacted superbly to block with his left boot.It was end to end stuff and Kinsky surpassed himself with a full-length save to prevent Morgan Rogers’ delicate flick from finding the far corner of his net.Villa’s frustration was growing and Cash was booked for waving an imaginary yellow card at Pape Sarr, before Archie Gray joined him for clattering Ollie Watkins.Ange Postecoglou rested several key playersCredit: ReutersMarco Asensio then came close with a shot which flashed inches wide of the far post.But at the break Postecoglou would have been the happier boss with the stalemate.Ezri Konsa and Tel got the second half off to a bad-tempered start when they clashed and both captains were called in to have a word.Tel escaped with a warning despite flashing an elbow at Konsa and Emery tapped a finger to his temple to warn his players to think about who was benefitting from the disruption.But the tension was suddenly lifted just before the hour as Villa broke the deadlock with their 16th set-piece goal of the season in the Prem.McGinn’s deep corner was headed down by Watkins at the back post and Ezri Konsa spun to steer the ball beyond Kinsky from inside the six-yard-box.That goal lifted a weight off Villa and Kinsky did well to deny Watkins before McGinn fired just wide as Emery’s men pushed for the second goal needed to kill-off Spurs.Read More on The SunIt finally arrived after 73 minutes from the unlikeliest scorer as Kamara broke his Villa duck.Rogers fed him at the edge of the Spurs box and Asensio created space with a clever decoy run and Kamara cashed in to slam the ball beyond Kinsky from the edge of the box. More

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    How Crystal Palace can use Erling Haaland to their advantage to topple Man City in FA Cup final

    ERLING HAALAND could be key to winning the FA Cup final… but not necessarily for Manchester City.Crystal Palace head to Wembley looking to win their first-ever trophy having reached the final in 1990 and 2016.Erling Haaland’s return may pose as much of an issue as it does a solution for Man CityCredit: PAEberechi Eze is unquestionably Crystal Palace’s star man – and Erling Haaland’s return could play into his handsCredit: PAOn both occasions they lost to Manchester United in nail-biting games.But they’ll be hoping to use their late-season form to snatch glory from another Manchester side, this time City, amid their worst-ever season under Pep Guardiola.The eight-time Premier League champions have been boosted by the return of fit-again Haaland.But could that be more of a problem than a solution for Guardiola?READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport’s Dean Scoggins runs through why Haaland’s comeback in the capital could be to the Eagles’ advantage.Will Man City be forced to change their shape for Haaland?Yes, they will.When you play with a false nine, whether that’s Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush or whoever, Pep plays in just a different way.What I expect to see is Haaland as the target man and City trying to create a triangle off him.Most read in FootballHaaland’s presence will be a boost for City, but could also play into Palace’s handsCredit: GettyGuehi and Lacroix will have a tough time up against Haaland, but if they do their job it could allow Eze to shineCredit: GettyWe’ve talked about this in previous shows, where you’ve got Marmoush one side and maybe Foden or De Bruyne in an area where they’ll go then beyond Haaland.This is actually where Palace might hope that City change their formation in order to suit Haaland.It will benefit them because their defenders are going to be a little bit more free.The right centre-back, maybe Maxence Lacroix and the left centre-back being Marc Guehi, they might be a bit more free off and on the ball if the midfield players do their job.So therefore, if City push their wingers on, those centre-backs can cover and the rest of the team get the freedom going the other way.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEberechi Eze key for Crystal PalaceThat’s when they’ll be trying to free up Eze… and, It sounds ridiculous, but I think it might actually suit Palace if Haaland plays.Yes, he’s a goal threat, but in open play, it gives you that option to get the game forward.In the game at the Etihad earlier this season, Palace pushed their full-backs right up on Man City… if they do that in this game, they’re going to end up getting Eze in areas where he’s most dangerous.And if the ball goes in direct to him, he can cause a real problem going the other way.Oliver Glasner and Pep Guardiola have some huge tactical decisions to contend withCredit: AlamySo, what’s the verdict?It’s a difficult one because in one way, obviously you’ve got to defend against Haaland and he’s the best striker in the Premier League…But from a tactical perspective, if you can trust a centre-back to do a job on him 1v1, it actually gives you the option to overload going the other way.We’ve seen it in games against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk has done it and Ibrahima Konate has done it – and we’ve seen it in a Manchester United game where Harry Maguire did it because he wants to play that combative way.Read More on The SunI’m not saying that Haaland’s not going to score and Man City aren’t going to be ridiculously dangerous.But if Palace get their transition right from defence into attack, they could end up getting Eze in the position they want him. More