Philippa Kaur

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    Southampton 1 Chelsea 5: Blues’ second string XI inflict further misery on seemingly doomed Saints

    CHELSEA not in this title race? It is getting harder to believe Enzo Maresca when he says so.Just like no one took his claim that this would be the Blues’ toughest test of the season seriously.Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho rounded out a stunning 5-1 victory for Chelsea over SouthamptonCredit: AFPIt piled more pressure on to Saints’ boss Russell MartinCredit: AlamyIt is getting harder to discount Enzo Maresca’s side from being in the title raceCredit: GettyAxel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho were the latest to tear through Southampton, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.The Blues, meanwhile, continue to keep the pressure firmly on Liverpool as there fans sing about having “their Chelsea back”.Maresca sent out a much changed side and offered a reminder of the depth he has on offer. Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix and Nkunku all impressed yet may still be dropped at Tottenham on Sunday.Southampton have been in the festive spirit since late August, handing out points to almost everyone they’ve encountered.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Saints’ generosity has come in the form of continuous cock-ups and their catalogue of calamities continued here.Fourth-choice keeper Joe Lumley gifted one goal before skipper Jack Stephens was shown a first half red card for a daft pull on Marc Cucurella’s hair.There was hope when Joe Aribo managed an early leveller, but it quickly evaporated.Maresca described the visit to rock bottom Southampton, without a total of 11 players out through injury and suspension, as Chelsea’s “worst” game of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the Italian still decided to make seven changes, the most notable being a Premier League debut in goal for Filip Jorgensen, with Robert Sanchez dropped.Though having to name a patched together side, Russell Martin’s men gave Chelsea a couple of early scares on the ball, but were quickly undone by a set piece.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyFernandez dipped a corner to the near post where Disasi was free to nod in after Lumley had been crowded out and could not leap to punch clear.Too often this season Southampton have crumbled at the first sign of adversity, but here they responded superbly – which made the later collapse all the more frustrating for Martin.Walker-Peters fed Cameron Archer before charging in behind himself.The former Spurs man was playing in a back three but found himself on the Chelsea byline, where he back-heeled the ball through the legs of Fernandez before squaring for Aribo to tap in.While they were showing flashes of endeavour going forwards, Southampton were left in tatters at the back trying to cope with Chelsea’s array of attacking talent.Felix and Madueke were offering a direct threat which stretched the hosts extremely thin, with Fernandez dictating behind.Though Chelsea did not need anything special to grab their second from the ever obliging Saints defence.Lumley played a foolish ball to Walker-Peters, who was robbed by Madueke before he knew what was happening.The England winger squared for Nkunku who had so much time to finish into an open net he would have been able to blow up his trademark balloon before even scoring.Lumley responded well to his error, denying one strike from Madueke and two from Palmer – the second a brilliant save.But the Saints keeper, who only made his Premier League debut last week, could do nothing to stop the Blues’ third.Fernandez found Felix who quickly turned and played forwards for Madueke, who stood up Ryan Manning, shifted onto his left and found the far corner.Southampton’s admirable dedication to shooting themselves in the foot continued – this time from their own corner.Captain Jack Stephens, the only remaining senior central defender, decided to yank a strand of Cucurella’s hair at the far post.The Spaniard swiftly hit the deck and VAR wasted no time pointing out that the Saints skipper should walk.It may feel jarring that a tug on someone’s barnet is considered violent conduct, but Stephens was unbelievably daft to let his teammates down in that manner.The night was already over for the hosts, but losing a defender allowed their visitors to stroll through the rest of the evening.Chelsea, usually so keen to embrace chaos, kept a tight grip on the rest of the evening.They continued to find space and were edging ever closer to a fourth – which was duly delivered by Palmer, who was never going to miss out on a night like this.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no flash of brilliance from the wonder boy this time, just a poacher’s instinct as he tapped in after Nkunku had been felled yards from goal.Maresca’s night could not have got much better, but then summer signing Sancho added a final flourish by thumping in his first goal for the club.Chelsea player ratings vs SouthamptonCHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Here’s how the players rated…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.MALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal. Rattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner. Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.COLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact. More

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    Everton 4 Wolves 0: Craig Dawson scores TWO own-goals to leave Gary O’Neil’s job hanging by a thread

    CRAIG DAWSON shot Wolves in the foot with TWO own goals – leaving Gary O’Neil staring down the barrel.Luckless defender Dawson joined Jamie Carragher, Michael Proctor, Jon Walters and Wout Faes in an unhappy quintet to put past their own keeper twice in one Premier League game.It was joy for Sean Dyche, left, but Gary O’Neil is seriously on the brink at WolvesCredit: GettyCraig Dawson had a nightmare for Wolves with TWO own-goalsCredit: RexHis misery capped off an awful night for his team and under-fire boss O’Neil, who suffered the ignominy of Wanderers fans singing ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ in his direction.Everton had not scored in their last four games but they were rampant, easing the pressure on their own boss Sean Dyche.Evergreen Ashley Young became the oldest player ever at 39 years and 148 days to net a Prem free-kick to get the ball rolling with a clever set-piece.Oriel Mangala’s banger doubled the lead, before Dawson’s unfortunate gaffes.Read more FootballWolves are now three points from safety and have shipped EIGHT more than any other side.O’Neil had bemoaned his side’s “crazy errors” in the lead-up to the game – and they had another to add to their repertoire for Young’s opener.The away wall was positioned so poorly that it allowed Young to bend the ball around it and into the corner.It was his 50th Prem goal ever in 466 games, proving that age is just a number for a player who could face his own 18-year-old Tyler next month when Everton face Peterborough in the FA Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAshley Young got the ball rolling for EvertonCredit: RexYoung’s effort also saw him go fourth on the all-time oldest Prem scorers’ list, behind Teddy Sheringham, Dean Windass and Thiago Silva.James Tarkowski thought he had doubled the lead just before the half-hour when heading in Dwight McNeil’s free-kick, but it was eventually ruled out for Mangala being offside.Ex-Nottingham Forest man Mangala made up for it four minutes later as he crashed home from outside the area via a deflection.O’Neil was getting soaked in the driving rain on Merseyside – while his side were sinking without trace.It got worse after the break – and specifically for the unfortunate Dawson.His first OG came just after the break from McNeil’s corner.Dominic Calvert-Lewin had looked to have headed it in, but instead it bounced home off Dawson.Nothing was going for O’Neil’s men, as proved when Tarkowski prevented Matt Doherty’s header from going in by diverting it onto the post and away.READ MORE SUN STORIESDawson had his second moment to forget on 72 minutes and in similar circumstances as a McNeil free-kick evaded Calvert-Lewin but went in off Wolves’ burly centre-back.It was Everton’s biggest win for five years and could easily have been by more, leaving O’Neil in the mire.Orel Mangala scored in the rout of WolvesCredit: Reuters More

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    Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3: Caomihin Kelleher howler costs Reds all three points despite Mo Salah’s genius

    THIS was an absolute throwback to the classic encounters between these two clubs in the nineties.What a game and what a performance from both sets of players in an absolutely stunning second-half.Fabian Schar celebrates his late equaliser for NewcastleCredit: GettySchar punished a Kelleher error by squeezing the ball homeCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah must be wondering how he left the pitch with only one point after scoring twice hitting the bar and providing an assist.He thought he had the winner when in the 83rd minute he grabbed his second goal to put Liverpool 3-2 ahead.But Newcastle were worthy of a point and in the final minute of normal time earned it through Fabian Schar.Howe had called on his players to ‘relish the test’ and they certainly did that, as did a packed St.James’.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLRight from the off Newcastle were on the front foot.They hounded their opponents down in a way that Liverpool do at their best.Three visitors found themselves in the book by the break, and each time, it was to stop Newcastle from breaking away after winning the ball.On 34 minutes they were ahead and what a goal and what a noise to greet it.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak cracked a stunning breakthrough at St James’ ParkCredit: APCurtis Jones levelled for Liverpool just after the breakCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBruno Guimaraes fed the ball forward to Alexander Isak who moved it away from Van Dijk with ease to give him the space to release a shot that curled into the top right hand corner.What a chance Newcastle then had to make it two just four minutes after that.Ruben Dias snaps at reporter and says ‘maybe have a think about that’ in prickly interview after defeat to Liverpool Gordon chased a long punt forward from Isak but Joe Gomez looked to have the situation under control.The former Everton player’s harrying, however, panicked him and his weak pass back was pounced on by the electric United wideman. He was through with just Caoimhin Kelleher to beat as St James’ rose in anticipation.The goalkeeper made himself big, Gordon tried to squeeze a shot through his legs but the Liverpool stopper blocked it.It became even more costly when Liverpool equalised five minutes after the restart.They were never going to play as badly as they had done in the first period and had come back out fired up.If this is to be Salah’s farewell tour it promises to be a memorable one as heb provided a stunning assist to help put Liverpool level.Mac Allister sent the ball forward from the back to Salah to stride onto.Isak salutes his special opener against Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: ReutersJones hails his brilliant equaliser at NewcastleCredit: APThe Egyptian’s control is magnificent as he just rolls the ball around his boot without looking.Lewis Hall may as well not have been there as he tried to stop him doing any damage.He was just waiting for a teammate to make a run into the box and then with a flick of the outside of his boot Salah perfectly placed the ball into the path of Curtis Jones to fire into the near top corner.Liverpool were up and running and immediately went in search of a second.Cody Gakpo volleyed just wide and when he then headed across goal Darwin Nunez slid in at the far post but failed to connect.But Newcastle were not finished and Gordon made up for his earlier miss by putting Newcastle back in front in the 62 nd minute.Tonali laid the ball forward for Isak to release him but there was still much to do with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in close attendance.He turned between the two of them and fired a low shot past Kelleher.What a game we had on our hands now as six minutes later Liverpool drew level.Trent Alexander-Arnold had just come on when he went on an overlapping run down the right and pulled the ball across goal for Salah to scoop in.Even when he doesn’t connect properly they go in.Newcastle almost hit back when Jacob Murphy broke free and Kelleher advanced towards him but his attempted chip landed wide.It was all action.Newcastle had cries for a penalty ignored when Isak went down under a challenge from Quansah.Salah then hit the bar and then put Liverpool ahead.Alexander-Arnold had changed the game with his introduction as he provided the assist again.Salah had his back to goal and Dan Burn right on him but in a blur he turned and shot and the travelling faithful were celebrating.It wasn’t over and in the last minute of normal time Guimaraes free kick looped over everyone including a flapping Kelleher and from the tightest of angles Fabian Schar slid the ball home.READ MORE SUN STORIESIb the last second Newcastle broke three on two but the referee blew for full time.What a game.Arne Slot’s Liverpool remain well clear at the top after drawingCredit: AFPSandro Tonali saw his early shot saved by Reds’ keeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: Getty More

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    Man City 3 Nottingham Forest 0: Guardiola finally stops the rot as De Bruyne masterclass gets champions back winning

    EVERY cloud has a Silva lining.There have been plenty of very dark ones gathering over Manchester City over the past six weeks.Manchester City got back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 winCredit: EPABernardo Silva opened the scoring early in the first halfCredit: REXKevin De Bruyne doubled City’s lead on the half-hour markCredit: EPAUnder-pressure Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his reliefCredit: GETTYSix defeats in seven extraordinary matches had seen the wheels well and truly come off Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut.Amid it all, there have been plenty of critics forecasting that this is the end of City’s era of dominance.But one of Pep’s stalwarts Bernardo Silva lifted some of the gloom by putting them ahead inside eight minutes here.And by the end, there were clear signs that brighter days could still be ahead for the four-in-row champs.READ MORE ON MAN CITYKevin De Bruyne took centre stage on his first start in almost three months – setting up that opening goal for his fellow midfielder.He also scored one himself and looked like he had never been away as he ran the show for almost 75 minutes before taking the applause from his adoring fans.In some ways it felt like normal service was resumed at the Etihad – but don’t believe it just yet.City gave Forest far more chances than their manager would have liked – and the visitors should have taken at least one of them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut at least this performance and result will have given their rivals – many of whom have delighted in the demise of the champions – something to think about.After four straight defeats in the Prem – which had left them 11 points off leaders Liverpool – their first priority was to stop that disastrous run.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans And with De Bruyne around, there is just a different feel to this team.He may not have started a game since mid-September but he didn’t take long to get back to doing what he does best – just eight minutes in fact.Ilkay Gundogan’s cross to the back post was nodded across goal by KDB and there was Bernardo to turn it in from close range.It was the Portuguese midfielder’s first league goal since January and just what was needed to calm the nerves.The home fans have not lost their sense of humour amid their recent slump and some of them chanted ‘City’s staying up’ as the gloom lifted.They had a chance to add a second soon afterwards as Bernardo’s cross was nodded wide by an unmarked Josko Gvardiol.The Croatian defender was axed for the trip to Anfield on Saturday after a horror show against Feyenoord.And he almost dropped his team in it again as he lost a duel with Jota Silva on the wing but Stefan Ortega bailed him out – saving superbly from Morgan Gibbs-White.Then Gvardiol found himself clean through as he raced onto a pass from Erling Haaland but dragged his shot inches wide.De Bruyne seemed to be enjoying his return and thumped a low shot that Matz Sels but drifted wide of the far post.The Belgian had been bossing proceedings for the opening half an hour – but then came a sign of rustiness.His pass back caught Ruben Dias flat-footed and Chris Wood went clean through – only to place his shot wide.As if to make up for it though he doubled City’s lead less than a minute later.His countryman Jeremy Doku made it for him, jinking his way into the box before rolling it back to KDB who thumped a rising shot past Sels.It looked like he took all the frustration of the last few months out on that shot as he scored for the first time since August.Jermer Doku bagged Manchester City’s third goal of match in the 57th minuteCredit: GETTYPep Guardiola gave the returning Kevin De Bruyne a big embrace during the matchCredit: PAPep Guardiola ridiculed claims from Sky pundits that there was a problem between him and De Bruyne – by insisting he was ‘desperate’ to get him back.And no wonder. Even at 33 he still has the quality to turn City’s season around.You could sense the relief around the Etihad – but nobody was getting carried away.They all remember what happened against Feyenoord eight days ago when a three-goal lead was chucked away in 15 minutes of madness.And their team were still offering the visitors chances – with Anthony Elanga curling a shot wide and Alex Moreno seeing a shot superbly blocked by Jack Grealish.There were more openings for Forest after the break with Murillo’s thumping shot just clearing the angle.But just before the hour, City extended their lead with Haaland turning provider as he turned in the centre circle and sent Doku racing clear.The Norwegian was screaming for a return pass but the winger cut in and bent a beauty around Sels from 15 yards.Despite what happened here against Feyenoord, Forest seemed to know the game was up.And City looked to extend their lead with De Bruyne’s cheeky free-kick going just the wrong side of the post with the keeper motionless.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Belgian playmaker then linked up with Grealish and saw a deflected effort turned around the post by Sels.His work was done though and when he was replaced by Rico Lewis with 17 minutes remaining, he fully deserved his ovation. 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    ‘No wonder management didn’t work for you’ says Jamie Carragher as he calls out Gary Neville’s controversial opinion

    JAMIE CARRAGHER called out Gary Neville’s controversial Manchester United opinion – and aimed a dig at his managerial career. The Liverpool and United legends were working on a special Overlap watchalong covering Wednesday night’s round of Premier League fixtures.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on The Overlap watchalongNeville was left bemusedDuring the broadcast, Neville claimed that his former team-mate Jaap Stam was a better defender than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.He then suggested Stam was better than both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But Neville – who was sacked as Valencia manager in 2016 after just 28 games – revealed Stam would not make his all-time United XI. That is because partnerships like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister supersede Stam’s individual talent. READ MORE IN footballAnd the comment sparked a hilarious back-and-forth between former Prem rivals Neville and Carragher. Neville said: “I haven’t got Jaap in my best Man United team but if you said to me, ‘Who is the best defender as an individual?’ I’d say Jaap Stam.”Vidic and Ferdinand and Bruce and Pallister were unbelievable pairs and you can’t deny it.”I’m saying Jaap Stam is the best sort of one-on-one defender that United had.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher: “Who’s the best centre-back you played with at Manchester United? Just answer that.”Neville: “I think Jap Stam but he’s not in my best 11.”Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Carragher: “No wonder management didn’t work for you!”Neville: “The strength of Vidic and Ferdinand together or Bruce and Pallister is stronger than the individual ability of Jaap.”Carragher: “So two players are stronger than one? Yeah, well done.”Neville, with a bemused look, then said down the camera: “Am I making sense at home?” Stam spent three seasons at United from 1998-2001, leaving Manchester with three titles to his name. Vidic and Ferdinand formed a legendary partnership under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Champions League together and FIVE Prem titles. Bruce and Pallister were also league title winners during the 1990s. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand formed a legendary partnershipCredit: Getty Images – GettyJaap Stam spent three seasons with Man UtdCredit: ReutersSteve Bruce and Gary Pallister in 1993Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s incredible Mercedes story comes to an end after 11 record-breaking years – but now a new chapter awaits

    LEWIS HAMILTON matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles at Mercedes – now he plans to break it in Ferrari red.The 39-year-old will bring down the curtain on his Mercedes career in Abu Dhabi this weekend – the very race that turned his life upside down in 2021.Lewis Hamilton is ending a glittering 11-year career with Mercedes ahead of his final race this weekendCredit: ReutersHamilton joined the team in 2013 and has gone on to win six titlesCredit: GettyIt made him the joint most successful driver in the history of the sport with seven titles overallCredit: GettyBut Hamilton’s final race with the Silver Arrows will come on SundayCredit: GettyNo one thought it would be a bitter-sweet ending like this, a week on from threatening to retire his car early after a disastrous race in Qatar which saw two penalties and a puncture.But Hamilton’s time at Mercedes should be remembered as a glittering 11-year partnership that has delivered six drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships.From a fierce rivalry with Nico Rosberg, known as the Silver War, to winning the German Grand Prix from 14th in 2018, Hamilton has delivered box-office drama at Merc while becoming one of the finest drivers to ever grace the grid.The numbers speak for themselves, with Hamilton the most successful driver ever – taking six of his seven championships with Mercedes, 84 of his 105 race wins, and 78 of his 104 poles.READ MORE IN F1For three-years Hamilton and Rosberg went hammer and tongs against each other which eventually led to the latter’s retirement in 2016 and the souring of a childhood friendship.They traded barbs throughout Hamilton’s title winning campaigns in 2014 and 2015 before the tension reached its crescendo a year later.With Hamilton on pole in the season finale in Abu Dhabi in 2016, Rosberg just needed to finish on the podium to become world champion.Hamilton drove slowly in an attempt to bring other drivers into the battle, knowing he needed Rosberg to finish below third.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe British driver rowed with his team over the radio and was repeatedly told to speed up but told the team: “Let us race.”Rosberg came under pressure from Sebastian Vettel but held off the Ferrari driver to finish second. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPThe race summed up just how fraught this rivalry had become and how little ground either driver was prepared to give up – and F1 was all the richer for it.It also lit a fire in Hamilton’s belly though as he won three consecutive titles from 2017 onwards.Over the years Hamilton has been the man to rise above his machine, something we have only really seen from Max Verstappen’s fierce competitiveness on track.Hamilton won the German Grand Prix from 14th in 2018, crossed the Silverstone finish line with three tyres in 2020 and a year later soared to victory in Sao Paulo from 10th on the grid.It was that very year when his career came crashing down, with him so deeply cut after losing what would have been his eighth world title to Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi desert in 2021.He dominated the race from the start, only for race director Michael Masi to fail to apply the rules correctly during a late safety-car period.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconMasi’s decisions to override protocol over the handling of lapped cars and the timing of a restart were followed by Verstappen passing Hamilton when the race was restarted for one final lap and the title changing hands.Hamilton was so distraught that he nearly walked out on the sport for good as he battled with his mental health.Mercedes and Hamilton returned the following season determined to right the wrongs.Things only got worse, and the team’s lack of competitiveness thrust Hamilton to make the shock decision to join Ferrari at the end of this campaign.It hasn’t just been a floundering Mercedes car to blame but he was riddled with self doubt following the Abu Dhabi controversy.This was reinforced by his failure to win a race for 945 days, a week before the safety car chaos in Saudi Arabia that fateful year.But trust Hamilton to break his drought on his home turf at Silverstone in July to become the record-holder for F1 wins at a single circuit.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor the first time in a glittering career spanning three decades and 355 grands prix, Hamilton blubbed like never before as he took the chequered flag when he won Silverstone in June – ending a two-and-a-half year wait for victory.Hamilton now has the chance to write a new chapter in his F1 career at Ferrari, but whether he goes down in the history books as the record title holder, only time will tell.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. 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    £120,000-a-week forgotten Liverpool star Federico Chiesa makes shock return for U21s

    FEDERICO CHIESA made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21s. The Italian joined the Premier League leaders this summer in a deal worth £12.5million from Juventus. Federico Chiesa made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21sCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances amid ongoing injuries. Chiesa did make his return in U21 action against FC Nordsjaelland, levelling after ten minutes as Liverpool’s first-team played Newcastle. The winger will hope to return to first-team action as Liverpool top the table heading into their trip to Newcastle. Old boss Jurgen Klopp had already tried to get the Euro 2020-winner last summer.READ MORE IN footballAnd the German had even tried to get Chiesa two years previously as well, in the wake of his starring performances at the Euros.However Klopp was repeatedly frustrated in his pursuit of the forward – with Juventus demanding £51m even after Chiesa’s form had taken a hit following a devastating knee injury.But the Reds swooped to finally get their man this year – for a whopping £41MILLION cheaper but on wages of £120,000-a-week.That was despite the former Fiorentina playing 33 Serie A games last season, notching his best Juventus goals tally, with nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChiesa signed a four-year deal with Liverpool as Slot’s first signing.He did suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, ruling him out for seven months.That has limited him to just six Serie A starts across the past 18 months.Ruben Dias snaps at reporter and says ‘maybe have a think about that’ in prickly interview after defeat to Liverpool More

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    ‘Get him out’ fume Southampton fans after captain Jack Stephens sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair

    JACK STEPHENS had Southampton fans pulling out their hair after he tried to do the same to Marc Cucurella’s. The Saints were down 2-1 to Chelsea when the defender was involved in a penalty box clash with Cucurella. Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hairCredit: Amazon PrimeCucurella went down in a heapCredit: ReutersStephens was slammed by Saints fansCredit: AFPAnd replays revealed he pulled on the Spanish left-back’s hair – causing Cucurella to fall to the ground. Upon VAR replays, Tony Harrington was left with no choice but to show the Southampton captain red. And one Saints fan fumed: “Strip him of the club captaincy. Ridiculous.”Another raged: “Jack Stephens once again getting himself sent off? Pathetic excuse of a captain.”READ MORE IN footballOne said: “When we self destruct it’s always special how we go about it”Another added: “GET HIM OUT OUR F***ING CLUB RIGHT NOW.”Stephens was banned for three games earlier in the season after his sending off against Manchester United in September. Axel Disasi opened the scoring on seven minutes following a corner but Joe Aribo levelled soon after. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing a mishap at the back, Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s lead before Noni Madueke made it 3-1. Stephens was then shown red five minutes from the break to leave Southampton with an almighty task of turning the game around. Chelsea ended the game as 5-1 winners with Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho adding to the scoring. More