Philippa Kaur

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    Man Utd players don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tactics or each other – the utter humiliation by Brighton proved it 

    MANCHESTER UNITED hit a new rock bottom on Sunday as Ruben Amorim labelled this current team the worst in the club’s history.A harrowing, humiliating 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Brighton sees the Red Devils slumped down in 13th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim’s stinker continued with a 3-1 defeat to BrightonCredit: PAThe manager labelled the current crop the worst team in United’s historyCredit: ReutersBrighton outclassed and tactically outdid the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAnd this is also the worst home start to a campaign for more than 130 YEARS. But exactly what went wrong against the Seagulls as United suffered their tenth league defeat of the season?SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins broke down the game in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed… 1. DE LIGT AND YORO WEL BEATENAt 34 years old, United could do with Danny Welbeck back at Old Trafford. How many strikers over a consistent period have done a good a job as him since he left in 2014?READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt was a great performance up front but it was also the way he and Joao Pedro absolutely led Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro on a merry dance.This is not the first time we’ve talked about defenders getting dragged out by a striker on a rope but this is the longest rope I’ve ever seen.It was absolutely ludicrous where they were going.Because both strikers dropped in, both defenders just decided to go with them which then left space for the really dangerous wingers Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma to run into. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDanny Welbeck and Joao Pedro gave the United defenders the runaroundCredit: AlamyLeny Yoro followed Joao Pedro back into midfieldCredit: SunSportThe centre-backs were dragged out of positionCredit: SunSportThe space left allowed the Brighton wingers to run in behindCredit: SunSportKaoru Mitoma caused chaos at Old TraffordCredit: SunSportMatthijs de Ligt left Harry Maguire isolatedCredit: SunSportLeny Yoro ventured forward throughout the gameCredit: SunSportYoro is still getting used to his role in the Red Devils teamCredit: SunSportUnited’s defence was anything but a flat back five when out of possessionCredit: SunSportAs soon as you’ve got those two running in behind, then good luck. It was 4-4-2 demolishing 3-4-3. Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd It happened all day, not just once. Harry Maguire must have been absolutely doing his nut, ‘Just stay with me.’We’ve talked previously about the positives of a centre-back coming out of the line to meet the ball but that’s when you’re defending on the edge of the box and you go three or four yards to nick it when you’ve got cover behind you, not when you’ve got 50 yards of pitch behind you.The backline was not even a zigzag – that would be a compliment – it was just this higgledy-piggledy line. De Ligt and Yoro, Yoro particularly, didn’t know whether to stick or twist.He looked confused and as though the message of what they’re doing hasn’t got through.For the first goal, De Ligt, where are you going? If he sits, it’s a back pedal and header or a turn and hook clear over his shoulder. It was horrible. 2. WING-BACKS PINNED BACKBut we also have to give enormous credit to Brighton and Fabian Hurzeler. It really was virtually an old-school 4-4-2, albeit with the centre-backs dropping so that the wingers could go on.The United wing-backs don’t trust the centre-backs because they couldn’t afford to push on in case they lost possession as De Ligt and Yoro could not cover as they were occupied by the strikers.So Harry Maguire was kind of like not doing anything – and that’s not a criticism of Maguire – because there was no passing on of players to pick up.Consistently throughout the game, the wing-backs were deeper than the three centre-backs which is mad. Maybe Maguire is being told not to leave that central square and not dragged out of position whatsoever – but they’ve got to be more intelligent. Noussair Mazraoui struggled to cope with MitomaCredit: APUnited lined up in their 3-4-3 formationCredit: SunSportBrighton outplayed them with their own 4-4-2Credit: SunSportWelbeck and Pedro played as false No9s at timesCredit: SunSportThere are two solutions.Either the wing-backs are the ones who actually push on a little bit and invert to cover the space that those strikers are dropping into.The other option is Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo split out and pass the strikers on to them so the defenders can pick up the wingers flying forward. It wasn’t pretty, they were all over the place, and they didn’t solve it at half-time because it kept happening again in the second half.De Ligt and Yoro insisted on following the strikersCredit: SunSportMitoma and Yankuba Minteh exposed the United defenceCredit: SunSportThe Red Devils struggled to cope and did not find a solutionCredit: SunSportOne option could have been for De Ligt to leave Welbeck and pick up MitomaCredit: SunSportYoro could have sat in and retained his positionCredit: SunSportUnited should have been able to deal with Brighton’s two forwards with their three centre-backsCredit: SunSportAnother option would see the wing-backs invert or the midfielders pick up the strikersCredit: SunSportThe defenders could pick up the wingers as they pushed onCredit: SunSport3. I’M A BALEBAYes he gave away the penalty for United after Joshua Zirkzee did very well with his pressing but that was his only mistake because Carlos Baleba was excellent. He was the consistent one, the single pivot who Brighton played off. With the ball, he can drop in between the two centre-backs then without it, he sat in front and just mopped everything up. It was 2v1 – Ugarte and Mainoo against Baleba – but he bossed it. What I liked most was he knew when to go with that direct ball to the wingers and when to put his foot on the ball. Carlos Baleba put in an excellent performance in the heart of midfieldCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee’s intelligent pressing led to the United penaltyCredit: SunSportKaoru Mitoma scored and assisted – just like his other winger Yankuba MintehCredit: GettyIt was a top-class performance and how Manchester United fans wish he was in a red shirt.Would he make them better? Yes, I think he’s better than Ugarte but maybe not quite as technical a footballer as Mainoo but has other things. Plus United haven’t got many players in that position that Amorim trusts. Brighton have got a big job keeping hold of him.4. ONANA, OH-NO-NO!The horrible, horrible error was woeful and let’s not forget at that stage United were still in the game.The set-up looks good with one centre-back going into midfield with one of the two midfielders, usually Ugarte, while the other two centre-backs split and Mainoo can join Bruno Fernandes in the No10s with the wing-backs high and the centre forward.They get into a good position, Onana was brought in because he is good with his feet, but he doesn’t play it and I think it’s because he doesn’t trust the centre-backs to play the pass back.He looks a bit static and doesn’t seem to want to play those ten-yard passes to receive it back to draw the opposition out of position. Andre Onana had a shocker for the Georginio Rutter goalCredit: GettyMaybe it is time for back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to get a go in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyOnana does not look comfortable with the ball at his feetCredit: AlamyIt’s like he’s a bit spooked by the whole scenario and feels like the ball-playing goalkeeper has been stifled by the way that they want to play out. Maybe it’s time for Altay Bayindir to have a go because they’ve got to sort it out very, very quickly.United have done well when they can be a low block, they’ve done okay against teams with a very low block but have struggled against a mid-block. Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA was back to his worst as Manchester United fell to another Old Trafford defeat.It appeared Ruben Amorim’s side had turned a corner in recent weeks with a draw at Anfield and an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Arsenal.But dreadful individual mistakes cost them yet again with Onana the chief culprit.The keeper dropped a huge clanger as he palmed a simple cross straight to Georginio Rutter under no pressure whatsoever.There were few positive notes for the Red Devils as Amad once again provided a spark.Here is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the United display…ANDRE ONANA: 2 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT: 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO: 5 – The £52m youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE: 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3-1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched on.KOBBIE MAINOO: 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT: 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO: 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES: 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE: 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64): 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64): 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84): 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim…RASMUS HOJLUND (for Zirkzee 84): 4 – Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display.5. MISSING IN ACTIONThere’s a very, very high-end nerdy statistic about player positions under certain managers which is effectively worked out by if a player is a striker, where he goes other than that striker position – or how much he deviates from his position.Amorim’s teams – especially Sporting – are very focused and do not deviate much from a rigid structure of what he wants.It is different from average positions but is more similar to heat maps and how concentrated they are.This Manchester United team are all over the place. There was a moment against Southampton where there were seven players in shot and five of them are out of position.Kobbie Mainoo can find himself caught out of positionCredit: AlamyThe alarming lack of danger in the key area was clear to seeCredit: SunSportIt’s just wild that they’re that far out of position and that comes from earlier on in a move where you’ve been sucked out.Mainoo is not unfit or slow but sometimes makes these half-sprints, these jogs out, to the No10 position, doesn’t get there and is played around, leaving Ugarte on his own and he presses and the ball goes around him too then centre-backs are sucked out. They are just not in their positions at all. It just wasn’t very good and it looks like, from the shape, that they aren’t trying very hard. I think they are trying hard. They’re just getting sucked out of positions that they shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne mistake breeds the second one, then the dominoes go and then you’ve got five people out of seven out of position.The solution could be as simple as what a coach does with an Under-11s, Under-12s team and puts the cones out on the pitch and says, ‘You don’t leave your square.’United’s midfield were bypassed by SouthamptonCredit: SunSport / TNT SportsThis grab shows five of United’s seven players out of possessionCredit: SunSport / TNT SportsMainoo likes to go out and press into the No10 position but does not always win the ballCredit: SunSport / TNT Sports More

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    Ange Postecoglou backed by Spurs board despite Everton horror show but faces huge seven days with job on the line

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S job is safe for now but he faces a key week in his Tottenham tenure.The Aussie, 59, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Prem boss to be sacked after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Everton made it one win in ten league games.Ange Postcoglou is still safe in his job at Tottenham HotspurCredit: GettySpurs are currently 15th in the Premier League tableCredit: AFPBut he retains the support of chairman Daniel Levy, who wants to give him the time to turn around the club’s fortunes.That faith will be put to the test over seven days involving three massive games.On Thursday, Spurs go to Hoffenheim in the Europa League knowing victory would put them on the brink of automatic qualification to the knockout stages.They are ninth in the league table and can avoid a play-off in February if they finish top eight.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen on Sunday in the Prem they host Leicester, who have lost their last seven league matches.If they beat the Foxes, it may send them 11 points clear of the drop zone.That would give Postecoglou the breathing space to focus on the domestic cup competitions and Europe ahead of the final group-phase game at home to Swedish side Elfsborg a week on Thursday.Spurs are languishing down in 15th in the Prem after a 12th league loss this term at Goodison.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut consideration is being given to a crippling injury list, which saw TEN first-team players miss the loss on Merseyside.SunSport understands the club will give Postecoglou until at least the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool on February 6 — with the Londoners 1-0 up. ‘Great way to start an interview,’ fumes Postecoglou at BBC reporter’s innocent two-word question after Tottenham lossBut any major slip-ups in between could convince trigger-happy Levy to take action.Were Spurs to make a change, then Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank of Brentford are likely contenders.But Postecoglou, who steered Spurs to fifth in his first season, remains confident of silverware.He said: “There is motivation to get through this so that when we do get our players back, we can get something significant out of our season.”Postecoglou will not put public pressure on club chiefs to move quicker in the transfer market, but has said “help” is needed for his injury-hit squad.Meanwhile, defender Radu Dragusin had four stitches after a whack on the head from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s elbow when contesting a high ball at Everton.Dragusin received lengthy treatment as blood streamed from the wound and came off at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Romanian is believed to be OK for the Hoffenheim clash.Spurs yesterday recalled striker Dane Scarlett, 20,  from his loan spell at Oxford — but plan to farm him out again due to his lack of game time at U’s.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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    Chelsea player ratings: Trevoh Chalobah back with a bang but Robert Sanchez drops 2/10 horror show in Wolves win

    CHELSEA made sure to send their fans home happy on Blue Monday thanks to inspired performances from their defenders. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and then a Noni Madueke finish created by the returning Trevoh Chalobah covered up a pretty quiet attacking display and a mistake from their goalkeeper.Trevoh Chalobah’s return to Chelsea got off to an almost-perfect startCredit: GettyChelsea’s goalkeeper robbed them of a perfect night at homeCredit: ReutersChelsea dominated Wolves at home, but should have scored moreTosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring for Chelsea as a Reece James shot bounced around in the box it was he who was quickest to react and poke home.That’s three goals in three games for the 6’5 defender, and none of them have been headers…A feisty first half followed, with Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo both left limping after tussles with Wolves stars, and things went from bad to worse as Robert Sanchez spilled a corner which Doherty tapped home.Another defender restored the lead for Chelsea, as pantomime villain Marc Cucurella stole in from midfield to finish into the bottom corner with his right foot.READ MORE FOOTBALLAnd just moments later it was three for Maresca’s men, with Noni showing shades of Nani, darting in to just make sure Trevoh Chalobah’s goal-bound header hit the back of the net.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 2Up to his usual tricks when passing out from the back, gifting it to the Wolves attack waiting to pounce on a mistake.That was before he dropped an in-swinging corner, gifting Wolves an equaliser before half-time.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReece James (C) –  9Was tasked with arguably the hardest job of the night, stopping Wolves’ threatening left side of Ait-Nouri and Cunha, the latter of whom he dominated throughout the game.Was strong defensively, always stepping in with a tackle at the crucial moment and drove the team forwards well too, always offering a shot with his lethal long-range efforts.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starIt was one of those that led to Tosin opening the scoring for the Blues, and he was credited with the assist.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Continued his impressive hot-streak in front of goal of late as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and finished like a striker.The ‘Uncle’ of the Chelsea side at just 28-years-old had another game to be proud of.Trevoh Chalobah – 9His first game back in a Chelsea shirt after being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace couldn’t have gone much better.The fans chanted his name throughout as he proved strong in the air and imperial across the ground. Slide tackles, blocks, headed assists, the lot. Trev had it all but a clean sheet tonight and a goal to his name tonight (Which he could’ve had as well). Marc Cucurella – 8Solid defensively and came up with a crucial goal to restore Chelsea’s lead. A great right-footed finish as he was falling to the floor saw the Spaniard prove why he is so good inverting from fullback.Moises Caicedo – 7Started brightly, putting a bad game last time out behind him and was back to the Caicedo that Chelsea fans have loved this season. Recovered well from what looked like a nasty tackle to put in a good a strong second-half performance too.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall  – 6A rare Premier League start offered KDH to show what he can do, and maybe put himself in the shop window for a January move.Was combative in midfield, and his flick for Marc Cucurella’s goal proved why he can be a threat in the Premier League as he was in a great position.Noni Madueke – 8A quiet first half was met by a wicked second half in which we saw the same Noni Madueke we saw in the reverse fixture after his infamous Instagram mistake.He was Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker on the night, with a great cross leading to Marc Cucurella’s goal, before stealing in to head home Chelsea’s third of the night.Cole Palmer  – 4The ice cold superstar we’ve become accustomed to seeing seemed a bit off the boil tonight.He came under a few more nasty tackles and seemed a bit put off by that after carrying an injury in the week.Pedro Neto – 4Was jeered and booed by the visiting fans of his former club throughout the game.Despite some dangerous running, he failed to really create anything meaningful and looks better on the right-hand side. Nicolas Jackson – 5Had one good run in the first half, but was otherwise pretty quiet.He did improve in the second half, as his hard work won the free-kick which Chelsea added their third goal from and he did put the ball in the back of the net, only for the linesman to rule it out as offside.SUBS:Jadon Sancho (Pedro Neto, 62) – 6Chelsea instantly looked better when he came on. Just seems to add a layer of control to the Blues on the wing, and showed more of the flair and good feet we’ve been getting used to from him here. Axel Disasi (Reece James, 78) – 5Fans weren’t best pleased with him simply coming on, and would’ve preferred to see Josh Acheampong.That said, he did nothing wrong. Malo Gusto (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 78) – 6Did well in the few minutes he had to play, nothing spectacular but was solid on the left side.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrique George (Noni Madueke, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game. More

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    Chelsea 3 Wolves 1: Cucurella and Madueke spare Sanchez’s blushes after howler as Blues roar back into top four

    NONI MADUEKE sent his popularity in Wolverhampton plummeting even further with his latest strike against the club.The Chelsea winger branded the Midlands city “s***” before bagging a hat-trick at Molineux last August.Noni Madueke enjoyed piling more misery on WolvesCredit: GettyThe winger headed in from on the goalline to put Chelsea 3-1 upCredit: GettyRobert Sanchez dropped a clanger to allow Wolves to levelCredit: RexHe was booed by the visiting fans all night in the return at Stamford Bridge but shrugged it off to score the crucial second-half goal that condemned them to a third straight Premier League defeat.His close-range header is also his fourth goal against them this season. For someone who dislikes the place so much he sure likes playing against them.Madueke’s 65th-minute goal added to earlier strikes by defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella on what looks a convincing win for Chelsea but took far too long to get over the line.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt’s a first home win for them since mid-December even if it does take Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top four. They are four points off second place but still ten off the top.Although head coach Maresca will be relieved that his rejigged team managed to end a run of five games without a win in the league.With such a top-quality and expensive squad it is surprising how Chelsea are struggling to put a team together at the moment.But key injuries count. They haven’t looked the same since unlucky centre-back Wesley Fofana was effectively ruled out for the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrevoh Chalobah was forced into an emergency recall from loan at Crystal Palace late last week and immediately handed a start.Maresca also can’t make up his mind about experienced Tosin, who scored twice in the FA Cup against Morecambe only to be dropped for the next game.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starHe was back in the fold last night and repaid the decision by putting Chelsea ahead with a scrappy goal in a scrappy first half.An outswinging corner in the 24th minute eventually found Reece James waiting on the edge of the Wolves box. His low drive into the mix hit Tosin, who showed cool control then prodded the ball in from around eight yards out. It was initially ruled out for offside but the defender was convinced not as he wagged his finger towards the linesman and his raised flag.VAR made sure justice was served and Maresca’s team were ahead for the fourth match in a row. But it never looked solid. Chelsea’s manager insists he is happy with the amount of chances his team is creating and they did that but even when clear-cut opportunities came their way, the clinical touch is missing.Never more so than two minutes before the home side went ahead.Nicolas Jackson pickpocketed Matt Doherty in his own half and was clear through for a run at goal.But Chelsea’s striker who has a habit of missing almost as many as he scores, could not maintain the pace and was easily caught and stopped in his tracks by a muscly challenge from Emmanuel Agbadou.Had he followed through it could easily have been game over inside half an hour. But this is the story of Chelsea lately. A whole chapter could be devoted to the issue of the keepers. If it wasn’t Sanchez dropping a clanger it could just as easily have been his sidekick Filip Jorgensen. Neither of them make for the most reassuring night at Stamford Bridge although Sanchez’s latest clanger was a belter.Matheus Cunha’s corner swung into the box and Sanchez looked to have the danger covered only to lose control and lob it downwards towards the advancing Doherty.The Wolves defender bulldozed in and bundled a shot over the line in front of the away end.It goes down as Sanchez’s fourth mistake of the season, leaving him second only to struggling Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric for errors. Chelsea’s second goal was key and turned the tide bang on the hour mark. Cucurella started the move with a sideways pass to Cole Palmer, who then fed Madueke on the wing. His cross, flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, found the Spanish left-back arriving just in time to slot the ball home with his second touch.Cucurella’s goal celebration was the most significant aspect. READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he raced to the touchline he put one finger to his temple as a gesture to urge his team-mates to keep their heads from now on.Wolves were wilting having fought to get back in and their hopes of an unexpected point away from home were over when Madueke nodded in from close range when Chalobah’s header was already going in.Tosin Adarabioyo put Chelsea in frontCredit: GettyThe defender had to wait for VAR to award his goalCredit: GettyThe explanation for the decision was explained on the big screenCredit: GettyMatt Doherty pounced on Sanchez’s mistakeCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella got in to restore the Blues’ advantageCredit: GettyThe left-back could not hide his delightCredit: GettyReece James lasted 77 minutes at right-backCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca saw his side leapfrog Manchester City into fourthCredit: ReutersWolves remain outside of the relegation zone on goal differenceCredit: ReutersChelsea ratings vs Wolves: Chalobah back with a bang but Sanchez drops 2/10 horror showBy Lloyd CanfielCHELSEA made sure to send their fans home happy on Blue Monday thanks to inspired performances from their defenders.Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and then a Noni Madueke finish created by the returning Trevoh Chalobah covered up a pretty quiet attacking display and a mistake from their goalkeeper.Lloyd Canfield rates how Blues’ stars got on against Wolves…Robert Sanchez – 2Up to his usual tricks when passing out from the back, gifting it to the Wolves attack waiting to pounce on a mistake.That was before he dropped an in-swinging corner, gifting Wolves an equaliser before half-time.Reece James – 9Was tasked with arguably the hardest job of the night, stopping Wolves’ threatening left side of Ait-Nouri and Cunha, the latter of whom he dominated throughout the game.Was strong defensively, always stepping in with a tackle at the crucial moment and drove the team forwards well too, always offering a shot with his lethal long-range efforts.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Continued his impressive hot-streak in front of goal of late as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and finished like a striker.The ‘Uncle’ of the Chelsea side at just 28-years-old had another game to be proud of.Trevoh Chalobah – 9His first game back in a Chelsea shirt after being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace couldn’t have gone much better.The fans chanted his name throughout as he proved strong in the air and imperial across the ground.Slide tackles, blocks, headed assists, the lot. Trev had it all but a clean sheet tonight and a goal to his name tonight (Which he could’ve had as well).Marc Cucurella – 8Solid defensively and came up with a crucial goal to restore Chelsea’s lead.A great right-footed finish as he was falling to the floor saw the Spaniard prove why he is so good inverting from fullback.Moises Caicedo – 7Started brightly, putting a bad game last time out behind him and was back to the Caicedo that Chelsea fans have loved this season.Recovered well from what looked like a nasty tackle to put in a good a strong second-half performance too.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6A rare Premier League start offered KDH to show what he can do, and maybe put himself in the shop window for a January move.Was combative in midfield, and his flick for Marc Cucurella’s goal proved why he can be a threat in the Premier League as he was in a great position.Noni Madueke – 8A quiet first half was met by a wicked second half in which we saw the same Noni Madueke we saw in the reverse fixture after his infamous Instagram mistake.He was Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker on the night, with a great cross leading to Marc Cucurella’s goal, before stealing in to head home Chelsea’s third of the night.Cole Palmer – 4The ice cold superstar we’ve become accustomed to seeing seemed a bit off the boil tonight.He came under a few more nasty tackles and seemed a bit put off by that after carrying an injury in the week.Pedro Neto – 4Was jeered and booed by the visiting fans of his former club throughout the game.Despite some dangerous running, he failed to really create anything meaningful and looks better on the right-hand side.Nicolas Jackson – 5Had one good run in the first half, but was otherwise pretty quiet.He did improve in the second half, as his hard work won the free-kick which Chelsea added their third goal from and he did put the ball in the back of the net, only for the linesman to rule it out as offside.SUBSJadon Sancho (Pedro Neto, 62) – 6Chelsea instantly looked better when he came on.Just seems to add a layer of control to the Blues on the wing, and showed more of the flair and good feet we’ve been getting used to from him here.Axel Disasi (Reece James, 78) – 5Fans weren’t best pleased with him simply coming on, and would’ve preferred to see Josh Acheampong.That said, he did nothing wrong.Malo Gusto (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 78) – 6Did well in the few minutes he had to play, nothing spectacular but was solid on the left side.Tyrique George (Noni Madueke, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game. 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    Fans love Emmanuel Petit’s ‘Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings’ outfit on MNF as Arsenal icon says: ‘I pity Spurs’

    FANS loved Emmanuel Petit’s Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones outfit as he admitted he “pities Spurs”.The Arsenal legend appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage of Chelsea’s clash against Wolves.Fans compared Emmanuel Petit to a Lord of the Rings characterCredit: X @SkySportsPLPetit insisted that he ‘pities’ Tottenham at the momentCredit: GettyPetit, 54, was a legend at Arsenal, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998.However, he insisted that he has sympathy for their bitter North London rivals.Ange Postcoglou’s side were beaten 3-2 at Goodison Park by Everton on the weekend.The result has left the club slumped in 15th place in the Premier League with 12 defeats already.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Australian manager’s position has been left under threat with the pressure of the sack mounting.Petit said: “I feel pity for the Spurs fans to be honest.”When I watch them it is the body language that worries me the most.”They are playing with such big players out, and they need to have a plan, and I don’t see that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I feel pity because Postecoglou when I look at him, because he looks so miserable.”I have respect for him, but he looks like there is nothing else he can do. ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICEPetit’s look was compared to Lord of the Rings hero LegolasCredit: AlamyHe was also likened to a TargaryenCredit: PALucius Malfoy from Harry Potter was also a popular comparableCredit: Alamy”I was at the big game against Arsenal and it was boys against men.”However, viewers were a lot more interested in his outfit and long blonde hair as he was compared to characters from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.One posted: “He looks like someone from Lord of the Rings.”A second wrote: “What’s Daemon Targaryen doing on Sky?”A third commented: “Pipe down Legolas.A fourth said: “I thought it was Legolas.”A fifth joked: “Emmanuel Petit looks like he’s just clocked off a shift playing the harp in Rivendell.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “Emmanuel Petit looks like Legolas from Lord of the Rings hahaha.”Some fans even compared him to Jason Issacs’ character Lucius Malfoy from Harry Potter.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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    Marcus Rashford offers olive branch to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim after being told his exile is ‘best for the team’

    MARCUS RASHFORD has made it known he bears no grudge towards Ruben Amorim.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers in Thursday night’s Europa League clash if selected.Ruben Amorim axed Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United squadCredit: GettyRashford admitted he was ready to leave Old Trafford in DecemberCredit: RexThe 27-year-old was axed by Amorim over his performances in training and his declaration last month that he was “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.He hasn’t played for Manchester United in nine games and has made the bench only once in that time.But it is understood that he has been putting in extra training sessions to keep fit during his absence and is available to play in the Battle of Britain clash.And that he has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Portuguese is unlikely to be moved by the attempt by Rashford’s camp to build bridges and is prepared to see him move on.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd United, struggling to juggle finances so critical that they were close to being hit by a Prem points deduction over profit and sustainability rules, want his £315,000 wage off the books.Rashford refused to listen to approaches from Saudi Arabia despite the chance of a £35m per year deal because he fears such a switch would cost him any chance of regaining his England place.AC Milan have dropped interest in him while Borussia Dortmund would like to sign him on loan but would expect United to fund half of his salary.West Ham also have him on their radar with United looking for around £40m.Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard wants him to go to Barcelona but the LaLiga club are barred from signing new players due to debts currently running to almost £850m.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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    Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence

    MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The rising star joins in a deal understood to be worth £34million – and he will become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League.Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his £34m transfer from Lens to Manchester CityCredit: X/ ManCityThe defender put pen to paper on a deal until 2029Credit: X/ ManCityKhusanov will become the Premier League’s first Uzbek playerCredit: GettyKhusanov, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1 and arrives at the Etihad to bolster Pep Guardiola’s back line. He put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract with City until 2029.The new No45 said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. “He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”How Brighton proved Man Utd don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tacticsKhusanov left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and has now moved on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.Under Will Still’s management, the defender has shone as an aggressive centre-back – prompting his gaffer to declare: “Kodir is a tank.”A physical specimen, he is tall, powerful, strong and lightning quick.In fact, his top speed of 37km/h this season is only just shy of the 37.58km/h pace Usain Bolt averaged to set the 100m world record. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, does have a distinct lack of experience – just 24 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the Champions League – and the language could be a barrier as he settles into a new side desperate for him to hit the ground running. City – who have somewhat stopped the rot with a 6-0 thumping at Ipswich to go five unbeaten in the Premier League – find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and seemingly well out of the title race.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are still in the FA Cup, though, and will hope to scrape through into the play-off round of the Champions League.And Khusanov may not have to wait long to be thrown into the deep end, with City facing PSG and Chelsea this week. Khusanov will rival Micky van de Ven as one of the Prem’s quickest playersCredit: GettyHe will go up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli againCredit: GettyKhusanov is not afraid to show his aggressive sideCredit: AFP More

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    Footy star’s wife posts sex calendar detailing couple’s bedroom routine as ex-LaLiga ace, 33, shares post

    A FOOTBALLER’s wife has shared a sex calendar on social media.The spicy venture details the bedroom routine of Deyverson and his partner Karina Alexandre throughout 2024.Karina Alexandre shared her sex calendar with DeyversonCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvThe calendar reveals when they were intimate with each other in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvKarina and Deyverson have three daughters with eachotherCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvDeyverson, 33, has starred for LaLiga clubs such as Levante, Deportivo Alaves and Getafe during his career.The striker’s best period came at the Brazilian outfit Palmeiras between 2017 and 2022.He made 144 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.But he has also enjoyed life off the pitch with his relationship with Karina.READ MORE SPORT NEWSShe has now given fans a glimpse into their intimate life with a post on social media.She shared an image of their sex calendar, which had love hearts on each day that they had been intimate with each other.Karina captioned the image: “My goal in life is to multiply love.”Deyverson shared the post on his own Instagram account and added three love heart emojis.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went viral in 2021 during his time at Palmeiras after he dived to the ground after being patted by a referee.He is currently playing at Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro having joined in August 2024.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelHis contract is set to run until December and he has so far scored twice in 17 appearances for the club.Karina was at his unveiling as an Atletico Mineiro player and regularly shows her support at matches.The couple have three daughters.She is a digital influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe is also a veterinarian according to her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe has 246 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mv More