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    I was Alan Shearer’s strike partner but Alexander Isak can break his Newcastle scoring record – no defender can stop him

    ALEXANDER ISAK has been backed to break Alan Shearer’s goal record – by Super Al’s former Newcastle strike partner.The Swedish superstar, 25, has already secured the Toon Army a first major piece of silverware in 70 years.Alexander Isak has already cemented his status in Newcastle folkloreCredit: GettyShola Ameobi recently led Team Newcastle at the Emirates 5sCredit: Matt McNulty – The FAAnd he can further cement his name in Geordie folklore by firing them to Champions League qualification for the second time in three years.Isak has scored 62 goals in 107 appearances since his £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022 – with 27 of those coming this season.The £150m-rated hotshot still has some way to go to surpass Shearer’s club record haul of 206 but Shola Ameobi, who spent six years as a team-mate of the legend, believes if anyone can it’s their current talisman.Ameobi, who sits 17th in Newcastle’s all-time scoring standings with 79, said: “I played with Alan and know the level that he was able to attain. Alex is still young in his career but you look at his age and what he’s already been able to do – the sky is the limit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If he’s going to continue to break records and really sort of establish himself as one of the best ever at Newcastle then you need that longevity.“But look at the goals he scored, the level of play that he has and the scary thing is there’s still a lot of development to be had. He’s playing really well but there’s so many things that he can continue to develop to make himself really one of the best in the Premier League.“He’s probably up there along with Mo Salah. I know he has a lot of hunger, and Alex wants to be the very best he can.”He’s humble, he’s got humility, he wants to learn and everything that he’s done for this club since he’s arrived has been world class and hopefully he can continue to do that and we’ll certainly need him at his very best this weekend.Most read in Football“When he’s at his best, there’s no defender that can stop him from scoring goals. He’s just that good. And if we can continue to get that consistency out of him week in, week out, then the sky is the limit and he can have a chance of breaking that record.”BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOn the subject of greats, Ameobi says Sir Bobby Robson was the best manager he played under but insists Eddie Howe is “cut from the same cloth”.Ameobi, who now works as loans manager at Newcastle, said: “There’s a great case to be made that he is, certainly in my lifetime, one of the greatest Newcastle managers.”And if he keeps on this trajectory in terms of maximising the development of the squad and adding to that he’ll continue to build.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’“We want to be playing Champions League football. That’s the expectation now of not just the fans but ownership and I feel like the staff and the players themselves feel they’ve got a good enough squad to be able to challenge right at the top of our league and in Europe.“Bringing a trophy to the club – Eddie, Jason Tindall, his staff and players have delivered. I hope that gives us that little impetus to know that we can compete and go again.“There’s only a handful of clubs that could probably tempt Eddie away from Newcastle because he is settled with his family and knows what project we have here and the size of what we could achieve.”Howe can further strengthen his legacy on Tyneside with a top five finish and knows that Newcastle’s Champions League qualification remains in their own hands as they head into their final three games, starting with today’s bumper showdown at St James’. Alan Shearer is Newcastle’s record goalscorer with a tally of 206Credit: PASwedish star Alexander Isak has scored 62 in 107 appearancesCredit: GettySpeaking ahead of the game – where the club will fans free beer – Ameobi added: “I don’t think it’s the biggest game of the season – it’s another step in what has already been a long season. The players have done unbelievable to get to this point.“Chelsea is one that could be season-defining but we know that every game for all those teams in the mix are really important. But this is one, certainly being at home in front of our fans, should give the boys a lot of confidence.“Going down to Brighton and getting a point was massive and that should give us confidence to go into this game. We don’t feel like if we win that’s it all said and done. “We still still have to go and finish the rest of the games and if we’re going to get in the Champions League we’re going to have to win two of our games. Certainly a win this weekend will make the job a lot easier.”Ameobi last week showed he had lost none of his own magic as he took part in The Emirates 5s, a 5-a-side tournament created to celebrate the airline’s sponsorship of the Emirates FA Cup.Team Newcastle celebrate winning the Emirates 5s at St Georges ParkHeld at St. George’s Park, four legends – Shola Ameobi, Ben Foster, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Jermain Defoe each captained a team starring influencers, non-league players and individuals making a positive change in their local communities as they represented Emirates flight hubs in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle and battled it out on the pitch to be crowned champions.Ameobi not only scored the goal of the tournament but also led his side to a tournament win.His team also featured 21-year-old Michael Ndiweni, who left St James’ Park in 2024 and is now at Newcastle Blue Star and has also played in the Baller League.Read More on The SunAmeobi said: “I worked with Michael at Newcastle and coached him U11/U12s back in the day. He made the bench in the Champions League a couple of years ago but has now had to drop down, which you see a lot. But it’s great to see the likes of Michael keeping in the game and wanting to develop himself like Connor Walker also, who was fantastic.“That was key for me, seeing the passion of these young boys that haven’t quite made it at league level yet but are still looking to develop themselves. Certainly Michael has done that.” More

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    ‘You know nothing!’ – Southampton groundsman calls out Ruben Dias in hilarious X post after Man City star’s pitch rant

    SOUTHAMPTON’S groundsman slammed Ruben Dias and claimed “you know nothing” after the Manchester City defender’s bizarre rant about the St Mary’s pitch.Dias, 27, and his City team-mates were left fuming on Saturday afternoon as they could not score against one of the worst teams in Premier League history.Ruben Dias launched a bitter rant about the ‘dry pitch’ and Southampton’s defensive tacticsCredit: AlamyDias suffered a frustrating afternoon on the South coastCredit: ReutersA Southampton groundsman cheekily posted a message and a photo of the St Mary’s playing surface on XCredit: X/Stevenew12In fact, the 0-0 draw at St Mary’s ensured Saints moved on to 12 points and avoided equalling Derby’s worst-ever tally. The result could have major implications at the top end of the table, too, with City still not guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League.And Dias’ frustrations boiled over into a bitter moan following the embarrassing result.The Portuguese defender said: “We try and we must be better, we must be more dynamic, more quicker.READ MORE ON RUBEN DIAS”It was also not easy to be quick because the pitch was just dry with the sun, it was hot. “It’s sad that Southampton waste time the way they do. They just want to stop the game and make it as slow as possible because then the grass that is dry.”But we need to be better.”But that prompted a hilarious response from Southampton groundsman Steve New.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe took to social media with a picture of the St Mary’s pitch looking in pristine condition. And New cheekily wrote: “@rubendias⁩ look at all the sand. Jack Grealish to Napoli?! Conte Plots Shock £100M Raid – Would City Really Let Him Go?”And the irrigation was on early morning, pre-warm up, pre-game and for the whole of half-time. “I respect your football abilities but you know nothing about being a grounds person.”That prompted some witty and sarcastic replies.One said: “I’ve seen worse carpets. Bit too salty eh Ruben.”They just want to stop the game and make it as slow as possible because then the grass that is dry.Ruben DiasAnd another wrote: “Looks like a carpet. He’s just sad they’ve played us twice and only won 1-0 haha.”Dias also complained about Southampton’s defensive unambitious tactics and accused Aaron Ramsdale of time-wasting.The £64.5million centre-back – who is dating Maya Jama – blasted: “It’s obviously frustrating to play against a team like this. “They don’t even try anything, they just sit and don’t even want to play or win the game, they just want to be there.’BACK-HANDED COMPLIMENT'”It’s not good for the show, it’s not good for themselves, it’s not good for anyone. But it is what it is. “The funny thing is we do what Aaron Ramsdale did once and straight away it’s a yellow card. He does it 20 times and it’s just play on. “Obviously this slows the game and it just helps them consistently.”Ironically, his own manager shut down the comments by insisting Southampton are free to “do whatever they want” in their approach to the match and admitted it was “on us to break them”.Saints interim boss Simon Rusk also responded to Dias.I respect your football abilities but you know nothing about being a grounds person.Saints groundsman Steve NewHe said: “What a player. It’s frustrating isn’t it, we did want to frustrate them. “It’s a back-handed compliment. If we go toe-to-toe with them, we lose. “We’ve got a fifth of their budget. We have to find our way and that’s okay.”Southampton then brilliantly tweeted an hour after full-time: “A point without even trying to play.”Read More on The SunBut another post from the Saints admin came under fire, when they sent a message to Derby after surpassing their lowly 11-point tally. The club wrote: “Sorry if we got your hopes up, @dcfcofficial.”Aaron Ramsdale kept a crucial clean sheet and frustrated the four-time defending championsCredit: Getty More

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    Man City star Erling Haaland adds £320,000 yellow Ferrari to eye-watering car collection with new

    FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has bagged this yellow £320,000 Ferrari for his luxury car collection — totalling £8million.The £500,000-a-week Man City striker, 24, already had seven motors, including a rare £4million Bugatti Tourbillon.Man City super-striker Erling Haaland has added another flash motor to his luxury car collection – treating himself to a £320,000 FerrariFans cheered as he accelerated away, showcasing the vehicle’s incredible 789 horsepower and 6.5-litre V12 engineFans cheered as he accelerated away from training in his new convertible Ferrari 812 Superfast, which lives up to its name by doing 0 to 60mph in under three seconds.One fan joked online: “Haaland casually living my dream.”Another commented: “Millionaires and their toys.”Fans cheered as he accelerated away, showcasing the vehicle’s incredible 789 horsepower and 6.5-litre V12 engine.READ MORE ON HAALANDIn March, The Sun revealed how Haaland had splashed out on a £4million Bugatti.The monster motor, featuring iconic “butterfly” doors, has a top speed of 277mph.Last September, Haaland bought a brand new £250,000 Mercedes Maybach.He also owns a £2.7million Mercedes AMG One, a £130,000 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe AMG 63 S 4Matic and a £300k Rolls Royce Cullinan.Most read in FootballHaaland previously owned a Ferrari 812 Superfast in blue.His collection is still a far cry from Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive haul of rare motors – estimated to be worth around £20million.Since Haaland’s arrival at City nearly three years ago, he has broken countless records, contributing to a historic Treble win in 2023 and a fourth successive Premier League title, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup success the following season.Erling Haaland looks unrecognisable in fake moustache as he stuns fans by pulling away disguise on photoshootThe motor lives up to its name by doing 0 to 60mph in under three secondsHaaland has been banging in the goals for Man City this season and could celebrate another FA Cup winCredit: GettyHaaland’s collectionTotal cost – £7.95million.Bugatti Tourbillon – £4million.Mercedes AMG One – £2.7million.Ferrari 812 Superfast – £320,000.Rolls Royce Cullinan – £300,000.Porsche 911 GT3 – £250,000.Mercedes Maybach – £250,000.Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe AMG 63 S 4Matic – £130,000. More

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    Real Madrid to raid Premier League again as they eye shock deals for Arsenal’s David Raya and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen

    BRIGHTON keeper Bart Verbruggen is a shock target for Real Madrid.But he would have to start on their bench.Bart Verbruggen is a transfer target for Real MadridCredit: RexLos Blancos may also make a shock approach for David RayaCredit: GettyThe Dutch 22-year-old is fancied by the Spanish giants as they look for a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.They could be selling Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, 26, who has been happy to cover for Courtois over the last five years.And Real are now ready to ask the big question and find out if Verbruggen fancies the move.The idea is that he would have the chance of becoming their first choice down the line.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Seagulls are aware of the interest and hope for a decision in the summer transfer window.Should Verbruggen leave, they would have to find a top-class replacement for him.Brighton have already been tracking Liverpool No 2 Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, and Burnley’s 22-year-old James Trafford for some time.Verbruggen has established himself as the Seagulls’ No1 after a long fight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd, therefore, he may be reluctant to give it up for the reserve job behind Courtois, 32, in Madrid.However, all parties need to make the call on a potential move for the Holland international to let the clubs go about their business.Antonio Rudiger sent off for throwing ICE PACK at referee in Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid bench restrain fuming aceReal have also considered Arsenal’s Spanish keeper David Raya, 29, for the long-term role.But that deal would be even harder to pull off than Verbruggen.Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin are the current top goalkeepers at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Kane DRENCHED in beer in TV interview as he celebrates with proud family on pitch after FINALLY lifting a trophy

    BEER-SOAKED Harry Kane toasted the first trophy of his career — then beamed: It won’t be the last.It was a family affair for the England captain, 31, as he celebrated on the Allianz Arena pitch with wife Kate and kids Ivy, Vivienne and Louis as he finally got his hands on silverware.Harry Kane finally got his hands on a trophy after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern MunichCredit: GettyA team-mate drenched Harry Kane with beer in a post-match interviewKane enjoyed a massive glass of Bavarian beer on the pitchCredit: AFPThe striker makes a small piece of kiss-tory for himselfCredit: ReutersKane celebrated on the pitch with wife Kate and three of their kids, Ivy, Vivienne and LouisCredit: GettyKane shared a kiss with wife KateCredit: GettyAnd posed for a photo with his proud parents Kim and PatickCredit: GettyMum Kim and dad Patrick, as well as brother Charlie, were also on the pitch as Kane lifted Bundesliga’s ‘Meisterschale’ with Bayern Munich on Saturday night.And while he proved during the week he cannot sing to save his life, Kane wasted no time in reminding everyone that he is half decent at scoring goals.Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title six days earlier without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg. Kane celebrated with his team-mates in a posh Munich restaurant before murdering ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis time it was less plush – as a colleague drenched him in bear during a live TV interview after his opener helped sink Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0.Beers had flowed in the stands from an hour before kick-off, with a Bavarian party well underway in Bayern’s penultimate game of the season by the time Kane struck in the 31st minute before former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise got a late second .After the game, Kane and his team walked back onto the pitch along a red carpet and onto the podium.Kane’s frustrations over a trophyless first season at Bayern, the pain of not winning anything with his boyhood team Spurs and devastating two losses in major finals with England were replaced by the joy of finally being a winner.Most read in BundesligaKane fired the opener in a 2-0 win over Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: ReutersKane was ecstatic after finally picking up major silverwareCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking afterwards, a beaming Kane was delighted his much-publicised wait for a trophy was finally over.He said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morning”Look, it doesn’t change the player that I am. It doesn’t change how hard I work.”Of course, it’s been one of the only things that has been missing from my resume.”But hopefully it’s the first of many with this great club and with this great team as well.”He added: “I’m proud of the boys and my family. My wife and kids are here. It’s just a great feeling.”I’m looking forward to enjoying the next week.”Kane’s latest goal also broke yet another record. His header saw him become the first player in German history to score 25 goals or more in his first two Bundesliga seasons. It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry KaneIt was an 81st goal in 90 games since leaving Bayern for Spurs for £104million.Despite receiving criticism in some quarters for not scoring in big games – although he did strike against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals – the 31-year-old has already become the club’s main man.Equally, it was also a special day for Eric Dier who followed his pal from north London to Bavaria 18 months ago and has also won his first title.The defender is now heading to Monaco after turning down a one-year contract to stay in Germany and he featured in a presentation on the pitch before the game and was given a standing ovation.Once the game started, Bayern were lethargic and seemed to be paying the price for their boozy celebrations.Yet Kane scored with his first chance and it was very much made in England as the player delivering his 14th assist of the season was Olise.Michael Olise sealed Bayern’s win the the final minuteCredit: GettyThomas Muller enjoys his send-off in his final Bayern home game, as Kane and Leon Goretzka join in the celebrationsCredit: GettyWhile he plays for France, Olise grew up in London and played for Reading and Palace before making a £50million move last summer. He then delivered a deft finish for his 16th goal in the 90th minute.Certainly for Bayern fans, apart from paying tribute to their new goal hero, this day was all about saying farewell to 35-year-old Thomas Muller, who is ending his 25-year association with the club.Bayern were hoping that Muller, 35, would score a 249th goal on what was his 751st appearance. He had a couple of moments but on both occasions his shots were blocked.And in the 83rd minute, Muller – who could end up playing in MLS – left the Allianz pitch for the last time and was given a guard of honour by the subs and coaching staff before a few of the first-team belatedly joined in.Kane was replaced in injury-time and received a big hug from his manager Vincent Kompany who must be thankful Thomas Tuchel signed the striker a couple of years ago.For ex-Manchester City defender Kompany, this was also an unforgettable occasion.Read More on The SunAnd this was in stark contrast to a  year ago when as manager of Burnley, Kompany suffered a 2-1 loss to Spurs for a 23rd Premier League defeat of the season.If you had told him that 12 months later, he would have been doing a victory lap around the pitch at the Allianz, you have to wonder what the reply would have been.Muller shows his emotions as he hugs Kane, with Dier in the backgroundCredit: ReutersRecord-breaking Kane saluted fans amid a carnival atmosphereCredit: Getty More

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    Andre Onana determined to stay at Man Utd and fight for career despite boss Ruben Amorim looking for replacement

    ANDRE ONANA is ready to fight for his Manchester United career — and show Ruben Amorim he can be his long-term No 1.The error-prone keeper has made NINE mistakes leading to a goal in all competitions since his £43.8million arrival from Inter Milan in 2023.Andre Onana is ready to fight for his place at Manchester UnitedOnana, 29, was dropped by Amorim for United’s Prem clash at Newcastle last month after two blunders in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.Yet the Cameroonian, who has won his place back, is not looking to leave Old Trafford this summer and wants to be part of Amorim’s revolution.And that could be accelerated if United beat Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21, with a Champions League place at stake.Onana’s deal runs until 2028 and a source said: “Andre’s plan is to stay in Manchester and he wants to knuckle down and get United back to where they should be.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“His sole focus is on United and nothing else. He’s a confident person and wants to prove the doubters wrong.“He knows he has made mistakes but he sees proving people wrong as a challenge.”Manager Amorim offered support to Onana, saying he himself has made more mistakes this season than his players and that he remains “confident” in the stopper.Onana infuriated his United team-mates by taunting Lyon ahead of their tie, insisting United were “way better” than their French opponents.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHis comments provoked a furious response from Lyon’s former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic, who dubbed Onana “one of the worst keepers in United’s history”.Onana then responded to that jibe by slamming the Serbian’s five trophyless seasons at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonMost recently the keeper has been linked with a summer move to Saudi Arabia as part of Amorim’s clearout.And United — who have Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir as their second choice — are also considering a move for Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.Milinkovic-Savic, 28, started his pro career at Old Trafford aged 17 before leaving due to work-permit problems.The Serbian stopper has played a major role for Torino this campaign, keeping ten clean sheets in Serie A.United are also considering a move for Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic More

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    Bournemouth 0 Aston Villa 1: Watkins’ record-breaking goal pulls Emery’s side right back in race for Champions League

    UNAI EMERY still has Aston Villa dreaming of yet more magical European nights with a top-seven spot confirmed.Just over a month ago, the Villa fans filled the away end at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of a thrilling Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.Ollie Watkins touched in the only goal of the game as Aston Villa beat BournemouthCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe goal was his 75th for the club in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPMore of the same next season? They are now in prime position to give it a bloody good go after a gritty victory at fellow Euro-hopefuls Bournemouth – nervously seeing out the final ten minutes with ten men following Jacob Ramsey’s second yellow.Ollie Watkins’ strike deep in first-half stoppage time leaves the Midlands boys right in the thick of a top-five Royal Rumble with only Europa League finalists Manchester United and Tottenham left to play.It will be a fascinating finale. Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest will be throwing punches until the very last. Any of them would take fifth right now.Emery has had a taste of the Villa Park atmosphere when the Champions League is in town. You would not bet against the wiley Spanish operator earning another crack at it, especially with his Villa in fine end-of-season fettle with eight Prem wins from their last ten.For Andoni Iraola’s Cherries, this was a huge opportunity missed, but an eighth-place Europa Conference League spot is still within reach ahead of a mid-week trip to the Etihad later this month. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat in itself should be an achievement for the south-coast outfit.Emery continued his policy of tinkering with his starting line-up in search of freshness and energy, making four changes.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ questionA damaging injury to Youri Tielemans also forced his hand. Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana and Ramsey were thrown into the mix.The constant rotation has worked a treat for Villa since late February, winning seven of their last nine Prem outings – with two losses coming away from home.It has been a trend of the Midlands side’s campaign – since August, all eight of their top-flight defeats have been on the road. They could not afford another away-day disaster.Bournemouth, meanwhile, had collected three points from just one of their last six games at the Vitality with four home losses in the New Year – a run that has left them scrambling for European qualification when for a long time it looked a near cert.So, who would buckle this time? Fresh off coming from behind to down Arsenal at the Emirates, Iraola made just two changes, perhaps the most surprising benching Justin Kluivert – without a Prem goal since February – for Alex Scott.But there was a welcome return for Antoine Semenyo after Dango Outtara hobbled off last week in North London, and potentially missing the rest of the season.Scott was involved from the off in an uneventful opening ten minutes football-wise – taking a hefty Mings elbow to the jaw off the ball, spending a long time on the floor receiving treatment.Another injury – this time the left hand of Kepa Arrizabalaga – ensured this one was unlikely to be a free-flowing, end-to-end blockbuster of a battle for continental bragging rights.This was also a battle of the Basque – Emery and Iraola pitting their wits against each other for sixth time, and the Villa boss boasting an unbeaten record against his compatriot, stretching back to their days of going head-to-head in La Liga with Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano in the 2021-22 campaign.Emery’s tactical set-up was finding spaces in Iraola’s midfield. Onana went on a lung-busting run that teed up Watkins, but his touch was heavy and Ramsey’s curling effort flew into the stands.Scott meanwhile was left in a heap once more, this time floored by Onana. The 21-year-old carried on, but had signalled to the medical team he was still suffering from that Mings mauling, and later picked up a needless booking.The hosts were lacking a spark up top, an Evanilson header comfortably saved by Emiliano Martinez the best they could muster in the first half.This was turning into a bitty, tense affair. In the 36th minute, Semenyo wiped out Ramsey, which sent the Villa bench potty – especially as the foul bizarrely was left unpunished.Emery soon flung his arms in frustration again as Marco Asensio rattled the post with a low drive from outside the box.The game sprung to life in first-half injury time. Kepa pulled off a stunning double save – first with his feet from a Boubacar Kamara header from close range and then with his hands to deny Matty Cash on the follow up.The visitors were getting closer, desperate for a half-time lead, and it came following a cynical Adam Smith foul on Ramsey that saw both square up to each other and both receive bookings.From the resulting free-kick, Semenyo picked up the clearance and foolishly tried to dribble his way through three Villa players, losing out eventually to Cash as Morgan Rogers flung in a delicious cross that Watkins helped on into Kepa’s far side-netting.A quick VAR check for offside was quickly dismissed and the celebrations in the away end were telling – one of jubilation but also relief.Iraola responded by bringing off a dizzied Scott for Kluivert in search of some magic, but Bournemouth’s second half was a lot of huff and puff, which suited Villa to the groundThat was until Ramsey picked up another caution in the 80th minute for a trip on David Brooks, encouraging Bournemouth to throw the kitchen sink and more.Read More on The SunSemenyo thumped just wide and then had a volley saved on the line by Martinez with seconds left as Daniel Jebbison somehow headed over.Emery’s Villa march on with Europe’s big boys in their sights once more.Jacob Ramsey was booked after going head to head with Adam SmithCredit: ReutersHe picked up his second yellow with ten minutes to goCredit: GettyAlex Scott was in the wars after taking some heavy hitsCredit: ReutersDaniel Jebbison somehow headed over right at the endCredit: GettyAmadou Onana led the celebrations in front of the away end after full-timeCredit: AFP More

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    Jude Bellingham ‘facing major surgery’ after England and Real Madrid star played through pain for 18 MONTHS

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is set to have surgery a long-standing shoulder problem after playing through 18 months of pain.The Real Madrid star has reportedly delayed going under the knife since dislocating his shoulder a year and a half ago.Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to have surgery on his shoulder this summerThe Real Madrid star has been playing through pain for 18 monthsBut, according to Spanish outlet Marca, “everything points to Bellingham having surgery on his shoulder” this summer.The 21-year-old star fell awkwardly during a clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.He was forced to miss Los Blancos’ next two matches, while also being absent for England’s final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.Since, Bellingham has been playing with his shoulder heavily strapped to avoid aggravating the injury.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were suggestions that the England international would have the surgery after Euro 2024.But, with the Three Lions reaching the final against Spain, there was little in the way of a break before the new LaLiga campaign.Bellingham did miss the first few weeks of this term, after picking up a muscle injury to his lower right leg in pre-season but chose not have his shoulder fixed.Bellingham will be due to play over the summer in the Fifa Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe tournament begins on June 14 and if Madrid make the final, that takes place a month later on July 13.But it is unknown whether he will miss the tournament to go under the knife.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal Bellingham has faced criticism from Madrid fans in recent weeks.The midfielder was blamed for making a mistake for Barcelona’s opening goal in Madrid’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat.He gave the ball away on the half-way line – with his pass intercepted by Barca star and goalscorer Pedri. The Birmingham starlet was later sent off for dissent in the final moments of the match, before it was later overturned a few days later.Madrid remain four points behind Barca in LaLiga, with four games remaining.The two giants face each other in an all-or-nothing El Clasico on Sunday night. More