Philippa Kaur

THE Battle of the Bridge, Eden Hazard denying Spurs the title, Dele Alli’s brace and Tuchel vs Conte – just a few moments that show Chelsea vs Tottenham never fails to deliver. It took just 50 seconds for this all-action London derby to kick into gear, with a long ball over the top leading Micky van de Ven to hit the ball onto Nicolas Jackson’s shin before rattling the post – Spurs’ first let off of the game. Enzo Fernandez scored as Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca was delighted as the Blues kept a grip on their Champions League spotCredit: GettyThe second perhaps came a few moments later, with a Cole Palmer cross begging for Enzo Fernandez to tap it over the line, only for Udogie to put a stop to what seemed like Destiny.With the first half seeming to simmer, the fire in both sides was re-ignited before half-time with a Cristian Romero shove on Levi Colwill inciting a brawl that has become textbook for this fixture.The second half though was where this game really came to life, with Enzo Fernandez heading home to open the scoring after Cole Palmer crossed it in from the left. Just moments later Chelsea thought they had a second, with a stunning Moises Caicedo volley nestling in the bottom corner, only to be ruled out by VAR. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat wasn’t the only VAR controversy in this game, as Pape Matar Sarr lashed in a low strike from range before also having it disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Ultimately the difference was made by Chelsea’s £200million midfielders, who stole the show on the night and saw their side move back into fourth in the Premier League. Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeRobert Sanchez – 7Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect. Most read in FootballIt was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display. Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring. Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash Malo Gusto – 6Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England. That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.  Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield. Malo Gusto had a decent outing down the rightCredit: APTrevoh Chalobah – 8With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more. He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability. It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post. Levi Colwill – 8A rock personified. Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans. Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground. Levi Colwill was a pass monster at the backCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella – 9With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign. He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far. Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines. Moises Caicedo – 9Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again. Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most. Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10. Enzo Fernandez – 9Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight. He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net. The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time. His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight. Pedro Neto – 6The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker. Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned. Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment. Cole Palmer – 8His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year. After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did. A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games. He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.Cole Palmer helped himself to an assistCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho – 4Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score. It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net. Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause. He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window. CHELSEA RATINGS V SPURSCHELSEA hung on to clinch a controversial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Spurs.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Maresca’s players.SANCHEZ – 7Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect. It was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display. Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring. GUSTO – 6Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England. That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.  Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield. CHALOBAH – 8With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more. He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability. It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post. COLWILL – 8A rock personified. Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans. Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground. CUCURELLA – 9With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign. He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far. Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines. CAICEDO – 9 Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again. Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most. Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10. FERNANDEZ – 9Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight. He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net. The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time. His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight. NETO – 6The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker. Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned. Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment. PALMER – 8His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year. After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did. A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games. He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.SANCHO – 4Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score. It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net. Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause. He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window. JACKSON – 6Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies. A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence. That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post. Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.SUBSNoni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season. He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead. His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd. Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game. He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly. Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5The ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did. Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign. Nicolas Jackson – 6Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies. A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence. That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post. Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.SUBS: Noni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season. He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead. His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd. Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game. He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly. Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5Read More on The SunThe ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did. Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign.  More

COLE Palmer and Chelsea are back on track.Ange Postecoglou and Spurs remain off the rails, on the road to nowhere. Or the sack.Enzo Fernandez arrived perfectly to head Chelsea’s 50th-minute winnerCredit: RexFernandez celebrated his crucial goalCredit: ReutersA mass flare-up in a heated derby erupted just before half-timeThe Aussie cupped his ears at his own fans when substitute Pape Mata Sarr seemed to have grabbed an equaliser his team did not deserve.Moments earlier the travelling supporters had told him “You don’t know what you’re doing” when he had brought on Sarr for their beloved Lucas Bergvall in a double change with 25 minutes to go.But Postecoglou was hung out to dry when a VAR intervention led to the goal being ruled out for Sarr’s foul on Moises Caicedo.On another night, the main story would have been fit-again Palmer providing only his second goal contribution of 2025 – and his first in 10 games – by laying the only goal on a plate for Enzo Fernandez.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt puts Chelsea on the front foot again after rivals for a Champions League place won earlier in the midweek round of games.But their victory was hardly unexpected. Nor was another dismal night for Spurs and Postecoglou.He is the first Tottenham manager to lose his first four league games against their London rivals, although Spurs have not won at Stamford Bridge since April 2018.Whether he gets a fifth chance surely depends on his team winning the Europa League and taking the alternative route into the Champions League.Most read in FootballTottenham’s Micky van de Ven had a heartstopping moment when the ball ricocheted off him onto his own post in the first minuteCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBecause Spurs, with most of their first-choice players available again, barely laid a glove on the Blues.Postecoglou admitted in a pre-match interview that he felt the majority of Tottenham fans had lost faith in what he and his team were trying to do.North Korea’s Bizarre Ban on Tottenham HotspurEven before the mocking chant and his reaction to it, you could see why.Chelsea were superior in every department.It was not as feisty as the 2016 Battle of the Bridge. Nor as bonkers as Chelsea’s 4-3 and 4-1 victories in their last two visits to White Hart Lane. But from start to finish, it was action-packed, with each side having a goal ruled out by VAR, and yellow cards and passion a-plenty.Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero were playing together at centre half for Spurs for the first time since both going off injured in the seven-goal thriller against the Blues nearly four months before.Inside 50 seconds they were embarrassingly undone  by Trevoh Chalobah’s long ball over the top.Nicolas Jackson, back after two months out with a hamstring injury, got there first, and his accidental prod was blocked by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. When Van De Ven tried to clear, the ball ricocheted off Jackson on to a post and from there to safety.The visitors immediately showed their teeth with a lightning break that required Marc Cucurella to block Son Heung-Min’s shot.Then Chelsea Malo Gusto strummed the side-netting with a shot that some in the home crowd thought was a goal.So far, so crazy.For about 10 minutes things calmed down, before Destiny Udogie’s challenge stopped Fernandez converting Palmer’s cross from close range.The chances had dried up, but the passion was still there. Caicedo roared at Van De Ven in triumph after halting the Dutchman when he sprinted away from a robust challenge on Palmer.Malo Gusto was gutted after a Chelsea missCredit: PAJadon Sancho was frustrating the home crowd and boss Maresca by not obeying his pre-match instruction to shoot more.Out of nothing, Son drew a save from Robert Sanchez. Finally, Sancho had a go but Vicario made a fine stop. The only thing the teams had forgotten to do before first-half stoppage time – apart from score – was to have a fight. Enter Romero, who bundled over Levi Colwill and found himself confronted by a furious Chalobah in what became a rolling maul involving a number of players. Both were booked.It was knockabout stuff, yet goalless.But not for long.Palmer had already stung the hands of Vicario before sending in a beautiful cross that exposed the Spurs defence utterly.While they all looked at each other, Fernandez arrived unmarked to power a header into the net.The Argentinian’s fellow £100m midfielder, Caicedo, thought he had made it two not long afterwards.But his lovely volley after Spurs failed to clear a free kick was ruled out for offside against Colwill after a four-minute VAR check.Which didn’t stop the visiting fans repeating their earlier chorus of “We want Levy out”.Chelsea kept coming, Palmer calling Vicario into action again.Postecoglou thought he had turned the tide when Sanchez failed to stop Sarr’s long-distance shot.But amid Chelsea protests VAR Jarred Gillett called referee Craig Pawson to the monitor and he disallowed the goal for a foul by Sarr on Caicedo, booking the Tottenham man for good measure.There were chances at both ends before the end. In the 89th minute, Brennan Johnson crossed but Son’s shot at the back post was not firm enough to beat Sanchez.Tottenham still had hope when 12 minutes of additional time were announced.But defeat means the clock ticks ever louder on Postecoglou’s reign.Afterwards he blamed the loss on Sarr’s disallowed goal – reserving most of his fury for the long deal;y over a VAR intervention.He blasted: “You are standing around for 12 minutes. It’s just killing the game, but no-one cares about that, they just love the drama and controversy”If a referee sees that and he needs to see it for six minutes, what’s clear and obvious about it?Read More on The Sun”We sat there and were waiting for six minutes for something that VAR official Jarred Gillett thought was clear and obvious – it’s crazy, it’s madness.”We accept it and have to take the fall out from it.” More

HARRY WINKS was axed from the Leicester City squad after reportedly getting into a blazing row with Ruud van Nistelrooy.Winks, 29, found himself dumped out of the matchday team for the Foxes’ 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday night. Harry Winks reportedly refused a request to stay one night per week at Leicester’s training groundCredit: RexRuud van Nistelrooy is understood to have had a ‘heated row’ with the midfielderCredit: PAAnd now The Telegraph report it came after getting into a “heated” argument with the manager.Van Nistelrooy allegedly requested Winks compromised on his 100-mile daily commute to the club’s state-of-the-art £100million training ground. He wanted the former Tottenham man to stay overnight at the on-site hotel accommodation once a week at Seagrave in North Leicestershire – which also boasts a nine-hole golf course. However, it is understood Winks refused the suggestion and has private reasons for commuting from Hertfordshire every day, which he has done since joining the club for £10m under Enzo Maresca last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ten-cap England international did welcome a baby daughter with partner Lowri Algar in mid-March. It is the latest off-field issue surrounding Leicester who looked destined for an immediate relegation back to the Championship.Earlier in the season, Winks was among a group of Foxes players who partied in Copenhagen while holding a sign reading “Enzo I miss u” following a defeat to ex-manager Maresca’s Chelsea. Then last month, The Telegraph revealed how the atmosphere under Van Nistelrooy has been toxic throughout his tenure at the King Power Stadium. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJannik Vestergaard, who fell out with previous managers Brendan Rodgers and Steve Cooper, allegedly shocked members of staff by bringing his dog to training when there was no one at his London home to look after it.Like Winks, it is understood Vestegaard is one of the three senior Leicester players who travels more than 90 miles per day to training.Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy reacts to 2-0 defeat against Man City There were various other issues including bust-ups between players and coaches. Winks was a key figure for Maresca in the Championship last season but has played a bit-part role in recent weeks, not starting in the Premier League since a 4-0 defeat at Everton on February 1. Vestergaard, meanwhile, has been exiled from the last three of Van Nistelrooy’s matchday squads – the defeats to Chelsea, Manchester United and City. Before he booted Winks for the Etihad game, the ex-Red Devils striker told how he is demanding high standards from his squad – despite the horrendous run that has seen 14 defeats from 15 matches and seven games without a goal.Van Nistelrooy said: “One of the first things I looked at when I arrived was to see how things are done here, and then apply my standards in this environment.“In general, I’ve tried to increase the standards over the past three months. “You have to take full advantage of these facilities. That is where the standards come in.“It’s a perfect place to increase the standards as high as I feel is possible to run a club that wants to be in the Premier League. Read More on The Sun”People have to get used to it. In the short term, you won’t see the effects of it, but in the long term it will pay off.”SunSport has contacted Leicester City for comment. Winks has not started in the Premier League sinceCredit: GettyJannik Vestergaard also fell out of favour with Van NistelrooyCredit: AFP More