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    Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use ROBOTS to hone technique

    REAL MADRID continue to show why they’re a cut above the rest and football’s leading flagship club.Los Blancos have taken their training into the future with the addition of a ROBOT wall to allow players to master their free-kick techniques.Real Madrid implemented futuristic technology at their training ground in 2022Footage showed stars such as Luka Modric and Eder Militao perfecting their free-kicksThe mannequins are operated by a control panel on a tabletGone are the days of players bending the ball over stationary metal men in training, these guys can actually jump!Footage from Madrid’s Valdebebas Park base shows players working with a robot wall in front of goal.The mechanical free-kick wall allows coaches to adjust the specific height of each of the humanoids by a control panel on a tablet.This means players can practice against the height of different defenders they’re about to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, ahead of the El Clasico on Friday, Madrid stars could practice shooting over a mannequin that resembles the height of Jules Kounde or Raphinha.In a resurfaced video shared on Real Madrid’s social media, several players including midfielder Luka Modric managed to curl shots into the net.Eder Militao also successfully avoided the wall that consisted of five ‘mechanical men’.The clip shows sculpted torsos bearing Real Madrid kits mimicking the effect of jumping, akin to how a human wall would react in a game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the advance in technology at their £100m base, the robot wall has not brought about many direct results on the pitch yet.In fact, the last time Madrid scored from a direct free-kick was Rodrygo’s strike against LaLiga outfit Sevilla on May 27 2023.Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillParis Saint-Germain also attempted to implement something similar, albeit not to the same aesthetics.PSG practice free-kicks with a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots. Meanwhile, Madrid’s new free-kick taker Kylian Mbappe has never scored from a direct set piece.The France international has become the primary free-kick taker following the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos.Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is the primary free kick specialist at PSG and was during Mbappe’s time at Parc des Princes.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    MANCHESTER CITY have the chance to jump to the top of the Premier League table – for 24 hours at least – if they beat Southampton on Saturday.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the top-flight clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsMan City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Gary Neville addresses absence from Monday Night Football as Sky Sports role evolves after taking up new jobs

    GARY NEVILLE has spoken about stepping back from Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.The pundit first appeared on the show in August 2011 and quickly became a mainstay, with Jamie Carragher joining later and the duo forming a popular double act.Gary Neville is stepping away from Monday Night FootballCredit: GettyNeville has not appeared on MNF since August with Carragher taking responsibility alongside a variety of guests including Aaron Ramsey and Graham Potter.Instead he has focused his time on commentary and has appeared frequently on Sky Sports Super Sunday.He also features in the weekly Gary Neville podcast and has focused more time on his Overlap shows Stick to Football and It’s Called Soccer!In an appearance on the latter for The Overlap US Neville spoke to broadcaster Rebecca Lowe where he confirmed he is no longer a regular on Monday Night Football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “So tomorrow, I’m expected to do set-pieces, whereas with Sky, on Monday Night Football, there are some set pieces which I prepare for – but now I don’t do Monday Night Football anymore, I don’t do set-pieces any more.”Last season, Neville appeared on just three of the 18 Monday Night Football shows.He is still expected to appear on future episodes.Neville has appeared on Friday Night Football and Saturday Night Football this season but has reduced his presence on Sky Sports as his role there evolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEarlier this month he missed Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester United as he reported on the match for NBC Sports instead.Neville also has a number of irons in the fire outside the world of punditry, and he is looking to expand his £100m empire.Gary Neville reveals he bought and sold a Bentley after three weeks as he ‘felt like a w*****’He already owns Hotel Football outside Old Trafford but wants to create a ‘World of Manchester United’ as part of the stadium regeneration project.Neville is part of the task force looking at how to redevelop the stadium and he has grand ambitions for the area.He said: “What I want to see is a world of Manchester Utd around that stadium – of opportunity, hope and belief.”It sounds Disneyfied, but I don’t mean a theme park. I mean where people visit that area and think, ‘Wow’.”In five, six or seven years, I want United to have the best stadium and training ground in the world, plus doing the right things on the football side.”That will come again and we’re patient.” More

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    Swindon SACK manager Mark Kennedy after less than five months as they release brief 90-word statement

    SWINDON have sacked boss Mark Kennedy after just five months in charge.The League Two side have confirmed that first team coaches Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will remain in place to take charge of this weekend’s clash with Gillingham.Swindon have sacked manager Mark KennedyCredit: GettyKennedy, 48, signed a two-year deal with Swindon back in May.But following a poor start to the season, the Irishman has been relieved of his duties.In a 90-word statement, the fourth-tier side confirmed: “Swindon Town Football Club have parted company with head coach Mark Kennedy.”Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will continue in their current positions, with all three first-team coaches in place to oversee this weekend’s game against Gillingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Everyone at Swindon Town Football Club would like to express their appreciation to Mark for his commitment and hard work during his time with the Club and wish him all the best in the future.”A further update on the club’s new head coach will be provided at the earliest opportunity.”The former Ireland international won three of his 16 games in charge of Swindon in all competitions.In his final game in charge they were beaten 2-1 by Salford on Tuesday night.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the match, Kennedy went on to blame his players’ decision making.He told the BBC: “Unfortunately we found a way to lose the game.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!”Our decision making leaves me scratching my head a little bit. The games we’ve lost, I don’t feel this season, with the exception of Walsall, anybody’s come and beat us.”Kennedy went on to add: “When I look at Darren [Moore] at Port Vale, Grant [McCann] on Saturday, Karl [Robinson] tonight (Tuesday), when I look back and reflect and visualise the following day having played my team and what they did to beat us, I keep coming up with the same answer: ‘We were really lucky there, they didn’t half help us’.”We’re handing teams wins – Carlisle, two set-pieces, Port Vale first goal, set-piece.’DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TAKE'”Second goal tonight, clear your lines. We bizarrely think we’re going to take somebody on in the box and go across the goal and put ourselves in difficult situations.”That’s really difficult for me to take as a head coach.”Swindon are 22nd in League Two – three points above the relegation zone and already 10 back from the play-off places.Kennedy previously worked as Macclesfield boss in 2020 amid the club’s financial turmoil.He was then appointed Lincoln manager in May 2022 before leaving in October last year.As a player Kennedy represented the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2012 following a spell with Ipswich.Swindon have moved quickly to appoint Ian Holloway as Kennedy’s replacement.The former Crystal Palace, QPR Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle boss will officially begin work on Monday, but will be in attendance as his new side take on Gillingham tomorrow.’SUCCESS AND POSITIVITY’Upon joining the Robins, Holloway said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Kennedy, 48, previously worked as Lincoln bossCredit: Getty More

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    Top 10 best paid managers in world as sacked Roberto Mancini is knocked off No1 spot

    ROBERTO MANCINI has lost his spot as the highest paid manager in world football.The 59-year-old was axed as boss of the Saudi Arabian national team after just 14 months in charge.Roberto Mancini lost his spot as the best paid manager in the world after he was sacked as Saudi Arabia boss this weekCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has replaced Mancini on top of the listCredit: GettyMancini had originally penned a deal with the Saudis in August 2023, singing a contract worth an eye watering £77MILLION.That chunky pay packet made him the highest paid manager in the world.With the Italian now sacked, he has lost his spot as the best paid gaffer on the planet.Naturally, the title has been handed to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – who is said to be earning £20m-per-year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola’s deal at the Etihad is due to expire this summer with his future in Manchester still very much hanging in the balance.He beats out former disciple and title rival Mikel Arteta to the top spot, with Arsenal’s gaffer the second highest paid manager Arteta, who signed a new contract last month, is earning a reported £15m-per-season with the Gunners.Third and fourth spot belong to the Spanish capital with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti next on the list.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta is the second best paid boss in world footballCredit: AlamyDiego Simeone is third on the listCredit: EPAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSimeone’s £10.1m-per-season deal sees him pip Ancelotti to third spot with the Italian earning slightly less at £9.6m.Jose Mourinho may only be managing in Turkey now, but that doesn’t mean he has forgotten his value.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe Special One is earning a pretty penny at Fenerbahce, with his £8.9m-a-year deal making him the fifth highest paid boss in the world.Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus is the world’s sixth highest paid boss with his efforts earning him £8.4m-per-season.And he’s certainly earned his cash after leading Al-Hilal to an undefeated league title last term.While PSG boss Luis Enrique is pocketing £7.5m every year with the French champions, leaving him in seventh spot.Premier League duo Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag take eighth and ninth place in the list with the pair both making £6.8m-per-season at Liverpool and Manchester United.And there’s a surprising name in 10th spot in the form of ex-Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.The Belgian makes £6.7m every year at new club Bayern Munich, despite seeing his Burnley side relegated from the Prem last term.Mancini might not be too downbeat about being knocked off top spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESWorking off the basis that he will be paid out of his contract in full, Mancini is still in line to make another £60MILLION over the next three years.That equates to £1.79m per month, £413,000 per week, £59,000 per day and £41 per minute.Both Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho made the list of big earnersCredit: AFPAl-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus is earning a pretty penny in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyVincent Kompany is the tenth best paid bossCredit: Getty More

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    Paul Scholes leaps to Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence as he slams Man Utd over ‘disrespectful’ and ‘distasteful’ axing

    PAUL SCHOLES has slammed Manchester United’s “distasteful” decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial contract.The iconic Old Trafford midfielder jumped to his former manager’s defence before United drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce in the Europa League.Paul Scholes believes Fergie’s cost-cutting exit was ‘disrespectful’Fergie will no longer receive his £2million-a-year salaryThe legendary Scot, 82, had transitioned into a role as a global ambassador after ending his 26-year tenure back in 2013. The job is believed to have been worth £2.13million-a-year.But it emerged earlier this month that Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a meeting that his contract would be axed.Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes said: “I thought it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Almost a little bit disrespectful but they’re new owners and new owners makes changes and they think what they’re doing is best for the club.”If they think they can save whatever money I know it’s been talked about £2million, if they think they can use it elsewhere then so be it.”This club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s where it is now mainly because of the success he had for so many years.“The timing of it was poor because you think they’re in a really bad run of form, could you have waited or done it before the season started, at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFerguson will remain as a non-executive director and retain his place in the chief’s box and table for eight which he hosts at home matches.He is the club’s most successful manager of all time winning 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues at the helm at Old Trafford.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Ferguson’s formal employment will cease at the end of the current campaign as the club continue in their bid to cut costs.The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.Meanwhile, things aren’t exactly going well on the pitch after Erik ten Hag’s side were held to a third consecutive draw in Europe, leaving them 21st in the league standings.They have now failed to win in European competition for an entire year, since a 1-0 home win over Copenhagen on October 24, 2023.Amid the chaos, Mourinho was red-carded, Andre Onana pulled off a ridiculous double save and Erik ten Hag survived another tactical brainstorm despite Youssef En-Nesyri’s header cancelling out Christian Eriksen’s opener.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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    Premier League hero, 43, who ‘needs no introduction’ lands first coaching job at Brighton

    BRIGHTON great Bobby Zamora has returned to the club as a coach.Zamora, 43, scored 90 goals in 162 appearances for the Seagulls over two spells as a player.Bobby Zamora has taken up a striker consultant role at BrightonCredit: GettyHe will take up the role of ‘striker consultant’ on Fabian Hurzeler’s staff.The two-cap England man is set to work with Albion’s forwards twice a week to try to sharpen their work in the box.Zamora said: “I’m pleased to be back to help the strikers to achieve their goals, working on all elements of football on and off the pitch.“Hopefully I can play a part in helping the club achieve further success.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTechnical director David Weir added: “Brighton fans need no introduction to Bobby.“They know just how clinical he was as a player and about his ability in the penalty box. We feel he can help our attacking players in that regard.”Brighton have made a great start to season under Hurzeler and sit fifth with 15 points from eight games.Danny Welbeck has looked revitalised under the new boss with five goals in eight games and could benefit from Zamora’s arrival.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever he may have to wait to work with Zamora after suffering an injury against Newcastle last weekend.The striker was given oxygen and carried off on a stretcher after being hurt in a challenge with Fabian Schar.Chelsea Player vs Brighton Ratings More

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    Jose Mourinho creates ‘football heritage’ with outrageously sarcastic interview about referee after Man Utd draw

    JOSE MOURINHO gave a sarcastic interview after being sent off during Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last night.The Portuguese manager, 61, threw a touchline tantrum when his side were denied a penalty.Jose Mourinho was in a fiery mood after the gameMourinho, 61, received a red card for throwing a touchline tantrumCredit: EPAFenerbahce’s former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.But neither referee Clement Turpin nor the VAR officials deemed it a spot kick.Mourinho was subsequently forced to watch the rest of the game from the stands after receiving a red card for a trademark touchline meltdown.After the game, the former Man Utd boss was asked about the penalty incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe shook his head as he told TNT Sports: “I don’t want to speak about it.”It was then put to Mourinho that he’d been to see the officials, before he added, dripping in sarcasm: “He (Turpin) told me something incredible.”He told that, at the same time, he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.”I congratulate him because he’s absolutely incredible. His peripheral vision during the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation, and he had one eye on the bench and on my behaviour.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”So that’s the explanation he gave me. That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.”Mourinho’s interview prompted plenty of discussion online.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)One fan wrote on X: “Football heritage.”While a second posted: “Man never changes.”A third added: “Another “if I speak I’m in trouble” moment. Classic Jose.”Still upset over the decision not going his way, Mourinho also bizarrely issued a come-and-get-me plea to teams at the BOTTOM of the Premier League.He said: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in Uefa competition.”So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go.”I don’t want to speak any more about it.”Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More