Philippa Kaur

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    Newcastle 2 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali scores freak winner as Alexander Isak sets record even Alan Shearer never managed

    ALEXANDER THE GREAT continued his crusade to outdo Alan Shearer but it was Newcastle’s Italian Stallion who downed Brentford.Sandro Tonali’s piledriver from out wide caught out Mark Flekken and kept Toon hot on fourth-placed Manchester City’s tails.Alexander Isak made history as Newcastle’s only Premier League player to score 20 goals in consecutive seasonsCredit: ReutersTonali scores from a stunning angleCredit: AlamyAnd that came without new legendary striker Alexander Isak even being on the pitch by that point.While the 25-year-old still has some way to go to overtake Super Al’s club-record 206 goal haul, Newcastle’s sensational Swede has now achieved another feat the legend could not.Fresh from ending the Magpies’ wait since 1969 for silverware, Isak is now the first Newcastle player to score 20-plus in consecutive Premier League campaigns after his opener.Brentford, six games unbeaten on the road, threatened to spoil the fun after Bryan Mbeumo equalised with a penalty until Tonali’s moment of magic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was another party atmosphere on Tyneside beforehand as the Carabao Cup winners returned to action for the first time since that Wembley triumph.And just days after an estimated 300,000 attended the trophy parade, the Toon Army had another trick up their sleeve to mark their 70-year major trophy drought ending.A huge flag of Newcastle’s now legendary boss was unfurled in the Gallowgate End pre-match, next to the message: “Eddie Howe History Made”.Humble Howe clapped in appreciation, but he and his players know that an even bigger prize is there for the taking.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe admitted that Newcastle’s biggest hurdle to overcome was their own inconsistency in the quest to secure Champions League qualification.And after naming the same starting XI that toppled Liverpool in the final, his men roared into action.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThey carved Brentford open in just the second minute in an almost dream start.Joelinton passed out left to Tino Livramento, the full-back beating a man and floating a cross towards the back post.Isak raced in to meet it, though the usual lethal hotshot was unable to find the target from six yards out under pressure.Joelinton dragged a shot wide as the pressure continued before Isak was at it again.Jacob Murphy stole the ball off Ethan Pinnock in the Brentford half and the Toon striker pounced like a lion.He broke forward, freeing himself from the defence, and got clean through only to then blaze over from 20 yards.The Bees, however, had weathered the early storm and it soon became apparent that Thomas Frank’s team were not just here to frustrate and put a cork in the cup celebration champers.They came here looking for a sixth-straight away win and started to go toe-to-toe with the hosts.Bryan Mbeumo fired one wide from the edge of the area before Kieran Trippier’s back post clearance from the Brentford winger’s cross denied Kevin Schade from nodding in.Up the other end, Harvey Barnes tried his luck after cutting in from the left, but his fierce whipped strike whizzed past the wrong side of the far post.Fabian Schar’s piledriver from distance diverted off Isak’s thigh as the Magpies tried to move through the gears again ahead of half time.And they thought they had found a breakthrough in the final seconds when Isak danced past the defence and fed Barnes to finish into an empty net – but the winger had strayed offside.However, just as it looked to be a tense teamtalk from Howe, up stepped his magic man.This time he capitalised on a slip from his marker Mbeumo to guide Murphy’s cross past Mark Flekken for his 24th of the campaign.Mbeumo slots home to give the Bees hopeCredit: AlamyBarnes shot wide straight after the break and then Murphy hesitated after stealing the ball and going through.Caught in two minds whether to pass or shoot, his eventual effort was blocked as was Barnes’ follow-up and Brentford instantly launched a counter.Bruno Guimaraes blocked one effort as the Magpies struggled to clear the danger and eventually they were punished after a frantic few seconds.Newcastle goalie Nick Pope came out to stop Yoane Wissa from meeting a pass over the top and sent the Congolese ace tumbling.The ref pointed straight to the spot, and after a VAR check, Mbeumo calmly sent Pope the wrong way.Howe reacted by replacing Isak and Murphy with Callum Wilson and Joe Willock but it was the Bees who very nearly took the lead moments later.A corner came in from the left and Pinnock jumped highest only to agonisingly watch his header hit the inside of the post and bounce into Pope’s hands.Newcastle looked to be rocking with accusations of a Wembley hangover set to be thrown at them – but Tonali had other ideas.Barnes laid it into his path down the right wing, and the eagle-eyed ex-AC Milan ace meant every bit of it as he spotted the gap and unleashed a thunderous strike inside Flekken’s near post.Read More on The SunDeep into the eight minutes of additional time the Bees had one final chance to deliver a sting, but substitute Mikkel Damsgaard blazed high into the Gallowgate.The Dane then went down after colliding with Guimaraes, but despite Brentford’s pleas, the penalty appeals were waved away. 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    Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Diogo Jota scores stunning winner as Beto is made to rue missed chance

    ARNE SLOT was hoping to land a Liverpool treble but at least he has avoided a wobble.Just when it seemed the club’s players had decided to cause panic among their fans with another poor result, Diogo Jota chose a good time to end his 10-game goal drought.Diogo Jota netted a stunning winner as Liverpool won the Merseyside derbyCredit: PABeto had a goal ruled out for offside as Everton lost 1-0 at AnfieldCredit: ReutersSo despite being booted out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and then beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final,  Slot’s men continue their inevitable march to the Premier League title.As for David Moyes, who had overseen a tremendous nine-game unbeaten run at Everton, it was yet another disappointing night at Anfield where he has now failed to win any of his 22 matches at his least-favourite stadium.There was some degree of controversy over Liverpool’s winner with Luis Diaz coming from an offside position – with James Tarkowski playing the ball to stop it from getting to the Colombian – before Jota struck only his ninth goal of the season.Yet equally, Tarkowski was fortunate to be on the pitch as he should have been sent off at the start after a crunching tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut on the final whistle, there was relief all round as Liverpool restored the 12-point gap meaning they are sleepwalking to their first title in five years.At the end, there were smiles, hugs and fist-bumps all around from the players while the supporters sang about winning the league.Liverpool certainly did not play well last night despite having lots of the ball. The last two performances have whisked us back to the 2022-23 season when they finished fifth.Because like the loss to Newcastle at Wembley, they were sluggish in midfield, created very little in the final third and their two centre-halves, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, looked as though they have never played with each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEqually, Liverpool continue to miss the right-boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back although that is something they will have to get used to next season.Even Mo Salah, who is also out of contact, has suddenly suffered a major dip in form even though he will clean up in the end-of-season awards.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports But for Liverpool fans, there really is not much to grumble about. And Slot finished last night’s game in a much calmer mood than after the previous Merseyside derby when he was given a red card and told Michael Oliver that he would be to blame if they did not win the title.Because of the mayhem at Goodison, it was a surprise that the Premier League chose an inexperienced referee in Sam Barrott who had never taken charge of a top-flight game at Anfield.And he made the big call not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute after he delivered a crunching, studs-up challenge on Mac Allister despite winning the ball.Jota jinxed his way through Everton’s defence before burying home a lovely strikeCredit: EPAHis 57th effort proved to be the only goal of the gameCredit: AFPPaul Tierney on VAR at Stockley Park decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red and Tarkowski – who scored the 98th minute leveller in the 2-2 draw at Goodison – got lucky.The next VAR check went in Liverpool’s favour when the decision to rule out a strike by Beto for offside was upheld.Beto, after shrugging off Van Dijk too easily, threaded a shot through the legs of Caoimhin Kelleher. Beto had put Everton ahead moments beforeCredit: ReutersThe striker’s effort was ruled out for offsideCredit: GettyAnd that was certainly a relief for the Irish keeper who replaced No1 Alisson as he was following FA concussions protocols after suffering a head injury while on international duty with Brazil.Kelleher was then grateful for the woodwork as Beto hammered a shot against the left post after capitalising on more ponderous defending from Van Dijk. Carlos Alcaraz could have scored with the last touch of the first half – with Liverpool’s defenders again switching off – but the Argentine’s header was poor.James Tarkowski made a huge challenge on Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: APIt resulted in just a yellow card for the defenderCredit: ReutersAnd while Liverpool once again had more of the possession after the break they were faced with a blue wall of players putting their bodies on the line, such as Jarrad Branthwaite who flung his head towards the boot of Salah to divert the ball away from danger.Yet while they were not at their best, Slot’s team were clearly desperate not to cock this up.James Garner was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Jota and then received the ball back courtesy of a wonderful flick from Diaz. A heated game saw plenty of clashes all over the fieldCredit: GettyDavid Moyes was not impressed by some decisionsCredit: GettyJota jogged past Idrissa Gueye then stuck a shot past Pickford on the penalty spot.After a VAR check focusing on Diaz, the goal was confirmed and everyone at Anfield breathed a little easier.Read More on The SunLiverpool are now 26 games unbeaten in the Premier League and while winning the treble would be nice, there is only one trophy that all the supporters really crave.Captain Van Dijk is looking particularly tired, right now, but he should still have enough strength to lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks. 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    Marc Skinner extends reign as Manchester United Women’s boss with aim to consistently challenge for trophies

    MARC SKINNER says there is “more hard work ahead” for Manchester United with his aim to build a team regularly battling silverware. Earlier today United announced Skinner has extended his reign as boss of their Women’s Super League side. Marc Skinner hopes to guide Man United to more trophy wins after signing a new contract to remain at the helm of their WSL sideCredit: PAThe Red Devils boss’s new deal will run until June 2027 with the option to extend for a further yearCredit: PAMan United have lifted one trophy since Skinner took charge in 2021 with the team’s triumph over in last year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PAThe Red Devils head coach has signed a new contract that will see him remain in charge of their women’s team until June 2027 with the option of an extension for an extra year.   The previous deal for Skinner, whose team are currently third in the league, was due to expire at the end of this season. His new contract comes 14 months after he guided the side to a Women’s FA Cup win for the first time in their history after a 4-0 trouncing of Tottenham  The Man United manager, who previously managed US club Orlando Pride said: said: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years.Read More Football Stories”I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.”We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. “There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed. “I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”Most read in FootballFollowing his appointment in 2021 Skinner guided to a second place finish in the WSL in the 2022-23 season and entering the Champions League the following term.However United did not progress beyond the qualifying stage that season and missed on European competition after finishing fifth. At times within the past four years Skinner has come under pressure from United supporters with some questioning his reign and the club’s achievements. One fan was spotted holding a “Skinner out” sign last November during the team’s 1-0 away loss to league leaders Chelsea in a top-flight encounter. Despite this pressure, Skinner’s side has one of the best defensive records in the WSL this term with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce keeping 12 clean sheets in 18 games. His side are also third, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and occupying one of the three qualifying spots for next term’s Champions League. And they hope to reach the FA Cup final for a second year in a row with the team battling Man City in the semis on April 13. Skinner’s side will take on Man City in this year’s FA Cup semis with the victor set to face Chelsea or Liverpool in the finalCredit: PAMan United technical director Jason Wilcox, said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL. Read More on The Sun”After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success. “We are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead thatprocess.” More

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    Brighton 0 Aston Villa 3: Marcus Rashford scores again after FA Cup heroics as Asensio and Malen seal win

    MARCUS RASHFORD has got a pep in his step once again as he hit his first Premier League goal for Aston Villa.The English striker now has seven goal contributions in just six starts since joining Aston Villa on loan in January after a bitter exit from Manchester United.Marcus Rashford bagged another goal for Aston VillaCredit: RexMarco Asensio continued his rich vein of formCredit: ReutersBrighton’s Simon Adingra saw an equaliser ruled out in the second halfCredit: AFPBut the move couldn’t have gone better for him with the forward now a Champions League quarter-finalist, an FA Cup semi-finalist and also on a sprint finish towards the top four.Rashford was on target on 51 minutes, then Brighton’s Simon Adingra had a goal chalked off by VAR for a Kaoru Mitoma handball before Marco Asensio doubled the lead on 78 minutes and Donyell Malen topped it all off in added time.Rashford’s last top-flight goal came four months ago on December 1 in Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing of Everton.All the talk then was how the Rashford revival was on but how times have changed since then.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is now loving life under Villa boss Unai Emery who he has the trust of – something lost under former Old Trafford bosses Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.The fans love him too, and the away end was bouncing throughout, rubbing salt into Brighton’s wounds with chants of ‘Que Sera, Sera’ after Villa booked their spot at Wembley.Meanwhile the Seagulls suffered heartbreak when they were knocked out by Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout on Saturday and relying on finishing in the European spots to brighten up this season.There was a nervy start for Bart Verbruggen as he spilled Ezri Konsa’s header but recovered just before Rashford could pounce on the ball.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford hit back again after latching onto Boubacar Kamara’s inch-perfect cross and twisting inside and out before firing wide.On 25 minutes Adingra brought the game to life with a peach of a shot just wide of the far post after being teed up by Mitoma.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outThe Amex went bezerk as Mitoma went to the floor after a light shove from Matty Cash in the box, but referee Stuart Attwell waved the penalty shouts away.It was a clash of two very animated managers on the touchline, who started going at it.Fabian Hurzeler was giving fourth official Simon Hooper an earful before Unai Emery complained that the Brighton boss was out of his technical area, despite often being out of his own.There was a VAR check after Jack Hinshelwood cleverly poked the ball away from an onrushing Jacob Ramsey in the box, but no penalty was given.Just before the break Yasin Ayari curled a jaw-dropping free-kick off the post before the ball ricocheted onto the arm of Ramsey but there was nothing he could do about it.Brighton were livid, with huge shouts that there should have been a penalty for handball.Martinez saved a Jan Paul van Hecke header then rolled it out to Morgan Rogers who put it on a plate for Rashford to produce a lovely finish.The lead seemed to have lasted just four minutes as a desperate scramble in the box left Adingra slotting home from close range on 55 minutes.But VAR rained on Brighton’s parade as referee Attwell was called over to the monitor as the ball had struck Mitoma’s arm in the process and no goal was given.Villa were in dreamland when Asensio doubled the lead by slotting into the bottom corner, with the assist again coming from Rogers on 78 minutes.Read More on The SunThe away end was singing ‘Is this the Way to Barcelona’ as Brighton fans flooded to the nearest exits.In the dying seconds John McGinn outmuscled his man to play the ball to Asensio, who in turn teed up Donyell Malen for the icing on the cake, 10 minutes into injury time. Kaoru Mitoma was deemed to have handled the ballCredit: RexDonyell Malen added a third for Aston VillaCredit: Rex More

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    Southampton 1 Crystal Palace 1: Saints denied first win since Feb 1 as Franca spares Eagles’ blushes in added time

    MATHEUS FRANCA heaped more misery on Southampton – leaving Ivan Juric’s side with more work to do to avoid a Premier League low.Paul Onuachu’s first half header appeared to set Saints on course for the win that would take his side past Derby record low points tally of 11 set in 2008.Matheus Franca cruelly denied Southampton a key win with a late equaliserCredit: GettyFranca fired the ball low past Aaron Ramsdale as Saints still face making unwanted historyCredit: GettyBut Palace substitute Franca headed the equaliser in added time that denied Ivan Juric’s side a third league win of the season.At least the draw meant the south coast club avoided the possibility of becoming the first Premier League club to go down with seven games remaining this weekend.The admission by keeper Aaron Ramsdale ahead of this game that beating Derby’s tally was Southampton’s main aim summed up the club’s dire position.And there was little suggest that the meeting with in-form Palace would bring relief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Eagles progress this season has led to Oliver Glasner being linked with RB Leipzig.And they arrived at St Mary’s fresh from booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals and a trip to Wembley.The quarter-final win at Fulham last Saturday marked Palace’s seventh successive clean sheet on the road – and a club record sixth successive away win.And the opening seconds only reinforced the sense that Glasner’s side were in the mood to keep their impressive away streak growing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe way Jean-Philippe Mateta easily turned Jan Bednarek sounded a warning – and Ramsdale was then relieved to see the striker thundering long-range shot crash against the underside of bar and away to safety.With two minutes gone it looked as though it would be a case of same old, same old for Saints.Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futurist James Bond villain lairPaul Onuachu heads Southampton into the leadCredit: GettyOnuachu celebrates his first half headerCredit: ReutersBut to their credit they put that early shock behind them and began to pressure Palace.Mateus Fernandes was prominent in their best moves and the playmaker gave the visitors a scare when his deflected shot looped over the bar.The effort appeared to give Saints a lift and Juric’s side continued to press forward.And their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Onuachu headed them in front with his fourth goal of the season.Fernandes was at the heart of the move as he exchanged passes with Flynn Downes to make progress on the right.And the playmaker then whipped in a cross that Onuachu headed downwards and past Dean Henderson.Southampton were in unfamiliar territory and the St Mary’s crowd were determined to enjoy it, launching into a tongue-in-cheek chant of “we are staying up”.Glasner will have expected to the goal to have fired his side into life.But there was little sign of a response from the visitors who continued to labour in the final third.And when Mateta did produce a smart turn and shot after being picked out by Daniel Munoz, Ramsdale reacted well to save low to his left.Read More on The SunA strong run by Ismaila Sarr at the start of the second half suggested Palace were ready to fight back – but Eberechi Eze’s poor finish meant the chance was wasted.And from that point Saints rarely looked like missing out on only a second home league win until Franca struck. More

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    Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager’s NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaos

    FENERBAHCE manager Jose Mourinho found himself in trouble after an intense derby against Galatasaray.Mourinho, 62, was caught PINCHING the nose of rival boss Okan Buruk, who then collapsed to the ground.Jose Mourinho pinched Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk’s noseCredit: CANLIBuruk then fell to the ground in an extremely dramatic fashionCredit: CANLIFenerbahce lost to Galatasaray and were eliminated from the cupCredit: CANLIMourinho was then taken away after the bizarre incidentCredit: CANLIFenerbahce hosted their Turkish rivals at the Sukru Saracoglu in the quarter-finals of the Turkish Cup.And the Portuguese tactician saw his team crash out after a 2-1 defeat to Buruk’s side.Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen scored both of his team’s goals in the first half.Fenerbahce hit back just before half-time through Sebastian Szymanski but couldn’t find an equaliser.Read More on FootballTensions flared in the second half as the referee showed three red cards.Fener’s Mert Hakan Yandas and Galatasaray duo Kerem Demirbay and Baris Alper Yilmaz were all sent off in the second minute of added time.That is despite the fact none of the three were on the pitch during that time.But it was Mourinho who stole the spotlight at full-time as he was clearly unhappy with something.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was when he grabbed Buruk’s nose and left everyone in shock.The Turkish tactician was caught by surprise and collapsed to the ground.Mourinho joins Prem and WWE stars at UFC London for huge Leon Edwards fightThe ex-Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea boss was ushered down the tunnel by a member of his coaching staff while both sets of players rushed to the scene.But reports suggest Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera immediately stormed over to confront the former Real Madrid manager.That bust-up came after another massive fracas on 88 minutes between the two benches as Yilmaz was substituted.The two dugouts clashed and police had to intervene to impose order on the benches.Yilmaz was seen shouting towards the opposition while members of the coaching team tried to drag him away.The winger and team-mate Demirbay as well as Yandas were then sent off by the referee.Chaos erupted after Mourinho clashed with BurukCredit: GettyThat was after an intense fracas between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray’s benchesThe two benches collided after Galatasaray ace Barıs Alper Yılmaz’s substitutionPolice had to intervene to regain orderThe referee showed three red cards after the fracasCredit: ReutersThe game restarted after the police’s interventionCredit: GettyMourinho’s confrontation with Buruk took place after full-timeCredit: Reuters More

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    Man City 2 Leicester 0: Grealish scores first league goal since 2023 to fire hosts into top 4 with Foxes doomed to drop

    WHEN Pep Guardiola was wondering where the goals would come from in Erling Haaland’s absence, it’s fair to assume he wouldn’t have thought of Jack Grealish.After all before last night, the £100 million man had not found the net in the Premier League since December 2023.Jack Grealish netted his first Prem goal since 2023 as Man City beat Leicester 2-0Credit: RexOmar Marmoush also netted as he continued his fine formCredit: RexHe has found games hard to come by, struggling for form and fitness since helping Manchester City to the treble almost two years ago.But he was handed a rare vote of confidence with just a seventh Prem start of the season – as Guardiola looked to find a way to win against Leicester without the crocked 30 goal forward Haaland.And within two minutes, he repaid him.Thousands of City fans stuck to their plan to stay in the concourses until the ninth minute of the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was in protest at the way the club is treating it’s hardcore support – but in particular the link-up  with another third-party ticket company this week – the ninth one currently involved.The large number of empty blue seats were an eye-catching way to make a point but unfortunately for those involved they missed something of a collector’s item within the first two minutes.Grealish remains a popular figure with the Etihad faithful despite a frustrating couple of years.So the fans who were in their seats were thrilled when he got on the end of Savinho’s pull-back to sweep home from 12 yards.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAmong those in the stands was Guardiola, who was serving a touchline ban following his yellow card at Bournemouth at the weekend.He had given his record signing a much-needed boost by picking him in a central role ahead of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden – and it had paid off.How Pep broke Iraola’s high press with genius midfield diamond masterclassBut for those in the visitors end, it was a painfully familiar tale.  This was the 25th time the Foxes have conceded the first goal in 30 Prem matches this season.That is a new record in the competition –  with eight games still to play.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men keep making life difficult for themselves and even against a below par City team it always felt like a long way back.Even so they came within a whisker of equalising when Bilal El Khannouss curled a shot that beat Ederson but curled just wide of the post.Grealish opened the scoring after just two minutesCredit: RexThe ace was delighted to break his duckCredit: ReutersAnd just before the half hour mark, they went further behind and it was completely of their own making.Ruben Dias chipped a hopeful ball forward which bounced awkwardly in front of Hermansen.In fairness his defender Wout Faes did him no favours as he thought about clearing it but even so the Danish keeper should have held on to it.Instead he spilled it at the feet of Marmoush who thumped his shot in off the underside of the bar.Marmoush doubled City’s lead on the half hour markCredit: GettyThe Egyptian showed he can fill in up top for the injured Erling HaalandCredit: AlamyThat’s 39 goal contributions for the Egyptian in 38 appearances for City and former club Eintracht Frankfurt this season.Not a bad option to step in when you lose your main man.The £64million man could have added another when he turned on to Savinho’s cross but saw his effort blocked by Faes.And Hermansen partly made amends for his earlier clanger by smartly tipping over a rising effort from Savinho.Pep Guardiola watched the game from the crowdCredit: EPAJuanma Lillo filled in on the sidelineCredit: GettyGuardiola spent the game sat with a tech expert in the stands to ensure all his messages to his assistant Juanma Lillo were getting through.He was probably telling him to go for a third goal to put the game to bed so he could turn his thoughts to Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford.That will surely be a sterner test than the team managed by former Red Devils hero Van Nistelrooy.Yet for all City’s possession they struggled to find a way through with Marmoush firing one effort high over the bar when you would have expected him to hit the target.Things are looking bleak for Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: RexLeicester are now almost certain to go downCredit: GettyLeicester’s skipper Jamie Vardy had gone off at half-time and there was little threat from the visitors – with or without the veteran striker.  With the minutes ticking by and his team not needing to get out of second gear, Guardiola sent a message down to throw on his Norwegian forward.Although it wasn’t you know who.Oscar Bobb was expected to be a shining light for City this year after shining on the pr-season tour of America but broke his leg in training in August.He has had to be patient in his comeback but was given a few mintues as a replacement for Savinho at the end and was given a rapturous welcome back by the fans.Read More on The SunBobb could be a useful addition as City look to nail down that Champions League place and also go for glory in the FA Cup.Who needs Haaland anyway? 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    Premier League has NOT approved Chelsea’s controversial sale of women’s team to itself

    CHELSEA’S controversial sale of the club’s women’s team to its parent company has YET to be passed by Prem legal chiefs.In their 2023-24 accounts, partially disclosed on Monday, the Stamford Bridge club disclosed it had raised £198m from the “repositioning of Chelsea Football Club Women” as part of a “disposal of subsidiaries” to parent company BlueCo 22.The Premier League is yet to approve Chelsea’s sale of its women’s team to BlueCo 22Credit: AlamyWhile the precise sum has not been confirmed, it is understood that the value of the Chelsea women’s side was potentially in excess of £150m.Another asset believed to be involved was the Kingsmeadow former home of Kingstonians and AFC Wimbledon that is the regular home of Sonia Bompastor’s WSL leaders.The deals helped turn a £90m loss in 2022-23 into a £128m pre-tax profit last season.But while there is not thought to be any serious prospect of Chelsea being charged with a PSR breach for last term, the club confirmed its valuation of the deal has yet to be approved by the League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussions are continuing, with questions over whether the deal between two “associated parties” was at “fair market value”.Europe’s most successful women’s side, Lyon Feminin, was sold to a US conglomerate in a deal which valued the club at around £45m in 2023.That value was dwarfed by the £190m auction price of the Los Angeles-based  Angel City NWSL franchise in September.It is likely that Chelsea will be able to argue that a nine-figure sum is legitimate but they may be forced to scale back the claimed value – although that is unlikely to threaten their positive PSR position over the three year cycle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChelsea’s official statement over the sale read: “The profit for the year before taxation was £128.4m compared with a loss of £90.1m for the prior year as the club benefitted from increased profit on disposal of player registrations and repositioning of Chelsea Football Club Women Ltd. “This new approach will ensure CFCW has dedicated resources, management and commercial leadership solely focused on the growth and success of the women’s team.Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash “Overall revenue in the year fell to £468.5m due to the men’s team not competing in the Champions League. “However, the club’s broadcasting receipts benefited from an improved sixth-place finish in the Premier League and semi-final and final appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup respectively. “There was a decrease in operational costs in the year, to offset the fall in revenue resulting in a stable operating loss in comparison to the previous year.“The women’s team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second consecutive year and were champions of the Women’s Super League to further boost the broadcasting receipts.“Matchday revenue increased to £80.1m as an average attendance of approximately 40,000 was maintained, and there were three more women’s team matches held at Stamford Bridge during the year.“The growth in commercial revenue to £225.3m was driven by an increase in player loan income and strong sales of non-matchday activities, including stadium tours and merchandise sales.“Decreased operating expenses, including matchday and non-matchday costs, profits on disposal of player registrations of £152.5m and a profit on disposal of subsidiaries of £198.7m, led to the group recording an overall net profit of £129.6m after tax.” More