Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?’

      by

      COLE PALMER left fans in disbelief after openly admitting that he only knew of Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola through a video game.The 22-year-old put on a fantastic display as Chelsea earned a 2-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend.Cole Palmer left fans shocked with his admission about Gianfranco ZolaCredit: Sky SportsPalmer was compared to Zola following his impressive performanceCredit: GettyHe drew comparisons to Blues icon Zola – who was at Stamford Bridge for the match – as a result.But asked about the Italian at full-time, Palmer was forced to admit that he’d never actually seen him play.He told Sky Sports: “I know he’s an icon on FIFA so he must have been good.”I didn’t really watch him play but everyone says he was a great player.”Read More in FootballFans were shocked by the midfielder’s admission, with one person taking to social media to write: “Jesus wept. He actually said those words out loud?”Another commented: “‘Icon on FIFA’ cringed just reading that.”A third said: “Respect the honesty tbh.”While another quipped: “I feel old.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZola heaped praise on Palmer before the match at Stamford Bridge.He said: “When he receives the ball he already knows what he wants to do next.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauds Cole Palmer as the type of player supporters ‘pay to see’ “It’s a quality only a few players have.”Palmer played a crucial role in the build-up to Chelsea’s first goal, sending a stunning pass through to Pedro Neto on the left, who squared the ball across the box to goalscorer Nicolas Jackson.He then scored the winner just after half-time.Chelsea player ratings vs NewcastleCOLE PALMER was once again the star of the show.His perfect pass for Neto set up Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal and then he scored the second in a 2-1 win over Newcastle.He was class – but not all the Chelsea players were.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players at Stamford Bridge…Robert Sanchez – 3/10Pretty poor in all honesty.A liability in terms of distribution, and while a decent shot-stopper, he consistently seems to be a big question mark in this Chelsea eleven.Malo Gusto – 3It looks as though Chelsea may have to choose between Gusto and Reece James to start on the right with themFailed to impact the game much attacking-wise, and was bettered by Lewis Hall who crossed for Alexander Isak’s equaliser.Wesley Fofana – 6Picked up a knock early on and played the rest of the game with a strapped-up knee.Nonetheless, gave as good as he got against the powerful Alexander Isak for large parts of the game, and made some crucial blocks and tackles throughout.Levi Colwill – 6Was fortunate to get away with a clumsy tackle on Bruno Guimaraes early in the first half, but was still fairly solid.For a man with such an impressive passing range, it felt like he couldn’t quite put it to use today.Seemingly prevented Alexander Isak from levelling with his aura alone…Reece James – 2Playing as a left-centre back it’s hard to see how Chelsea will get the best out of what could be one of the finest attacking wing backs in the world.He didn’t look comfortable in that position, and let Alexander Isak run away from him for Newcastle’s equaliser.He came up with two crucial blocks in the second half to deny Isak from making it two or three, before giving him a golden chance to do so which was not taken.Romeo Lavia – 7Followed up a brilliant performance in the loss to Liverpool with another good showing in the middle of the park here.Starting to look like a bargain with performances like these if he can stay fit, as he claimed the assist for Cole Palmer’s fine finish.Moises Caicedo – 7Effective in breaking up play for the Blues, and it was a solid showing from a midfield player who has been so good this season.Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure in the same mould in which N’golo Kante and Claude Makelele were in their time here.Noni Madueke – 5Quiet in the first half, but better in the second as he looked to trouble Lewis Hall more.Was outshone by Pedro Neto on the opposite flank this time out, before being swapped out for Mykhailo Mudryk.Pedro Neto – 8So much pace down the left-hand side which was utilised perfectly to leave Livramento in the dust to set up Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal.Could have had a goal early in the second half as he rattled the post with a header after leaping like a salmon.Cole Palmer – 9Started the game well with a cracking finish which VAR ruled out, only to cook the Newcastle defence a matter of moments later with an incisive pass for Neto to set up the opener.Newcastle simply could not handle the midfield man, who lit up Stamford Bridge early in the second half to claim his sixth goal of the season.Nonchalance personified, cool Cole showed why he will attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony tomorrow night, and why he can win it in coming years.Nicolas Jackson – 8A superb first-time finish opened the scoring for the Blues, and the Senegalese forward did well with the little service he had in the first half – often needing to drop deep to pick up the ball and link up the play.14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games – leave the Didier Drogba comparisons at home, this is a superstar in his own right.SUBS:MYKHAILO MUDRYK (NONI MADUEKE, 67) – 5Had a big chance to add a third to Chelsea’s tally after replacing Madueke, but his left-footed strike was saved by Nick Pope, who didn’t have to move.ENZO FERNANDEZ (ROMEO LAVIA, 72) – 5Didn’t add anything which Lavia wasn’t already giving, but ultimately wasn’t given much time to really impact the game.MARC CUCURELLA (MALO GUSTO , 78) – 5Individually, didn’t have a lot of time to show what he’s made of, but Chelsea look like a better team with him in the side.He plays the inverted left-back role well, allowing Chelsea to get the most out of their right-side.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU ( NICOLAS JACKSON, 78) – 6Had a half-chance late on, which wasn’t taken as he dilly-dallied on the ball on the edge of the box.Thought he had won a penalty on the stroke of the 90th minute after going down under pressure from Dan Burn, but it was ruled out by VAR.Click here to read more on Chelsea. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans convinced VAR who gave penalty against Man Utd was ‘checking his fantasy team’ as real reason behind pic emerges

      by

      EAGLE-EYED fans believed they spotted a VAR official keeping track of his fantasy team during Super Sunday.The official’s phone was visible to TV viewers during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Man Utd and Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool. West Ham won a late penalty against Man Utd in a decision that left Erik ten Hag fumingCredit: RexFans noticed the VAR official had an app up at Stockley Park – with some claiming it was his fantasy teamCredit: .The Hammers were awarded a controversial spot-kick late in the contest at the London Stadium. Referee David Coote initially gave nothing after Matthijs de Ligt came together with Danny Ings in the area.But, after VAR had a closer look, Coote was directed to go to the monitor and review his decision.As the video refs debated contact between De Ligt and Ings, fans noticed one official had his phone mounted on a stand.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd many were convinced he was tracking his fantasy team on the official Premier League Fantasy app. Later, during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, a screenshot of the phone began circulating widely on social media after it was spotted again.A fan claimed on X: “One of the VAR was playing FPL on his mobile.”Another gasped: “Premier League VAR official with the Fantasy League up on his phone. This is unbelievable. He can make decisions to influence his FPL team.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a third commented: “Surely a conflict of interest?!”Following Super Sunday, ESPN’s refereeing expert Dale Johnson clarified the situation. Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ He revealed on X: “This is the Premier League Match Manager app, not Fantasy Premier League. “There are, of course, no personal devices in the VAR hub.”A fuming Ten Hag raged against “injustice” following the controversial decision. The under-pressure United boss said: “Three times this season we feel injustice.”Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.Man Utd ratings vs West HamTHE LONDON STADIUM was the venue for the latest defeat in a shocker of a season.To be fair, it was a hugely controversial VAR call in the dying moments that handed West Ham a 2-1 win.And the first half from the Red Devils was impressive.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Bruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Alejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher.”It was so difficult to see. Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes.”That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on field referee.”The Premier League was forced to clarify its position in a statement released on X. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt read: “The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’

      by

      GARY NEVILLE has predicted when Erik ten Hag will be sacked should Manchester United’s dire start to the season continue.The Red Devils lost 2-1 to West Ham yesterday to leave them 14th in the Premier League after nine games.Gary Neville reckons the manager could lose his job next weekendCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side sit 14th in the league and only two teams have scored fewerCredit: AlamyNeville shared his thoughts on the controversial penalty decisionCredit: RexMan Utd wasted several huge chances in the first-half before the Hammers won it with a controversial penalty.The defeat has left Neville “worried” and he claimed the boss’ position could become untenable if they lose to Chelsea next Sunday.He told his Sky Sports podcast: “Ten Hag is asking for trouble. 14th in the league nine games in – nine games is nearly 25 per cent of the season gone.”It will be a big worry for everybody at the club because of the performance levels. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”United should have been up 2-0 but they lost. “They are 14th, they’ve spent a fortune. I was quite clear at the end of last season that if they are in that same position in the league after the first few months there will be a lot of questions being asked.”They’ve got a game in midweek (Leicester in the Carabao Cup) but it will all come down to next weekend’s game against Chelsea. “Anybody that is half decent, that can play and have quality can beat this United team and they are in danger.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I don’t think there can be another defeat next weekend at Old Trafford. “It’s getting to that point where there is a real worry, I’m worried. Erik ten Hag angry with VAR for ‘interfering’ as West Ham penalty wounds Man Utd “The results, the lack of goals and the lack of performances are stacking up week after week.”These are the players that have been recruited over the last couple of seasons mainly. “It’s a sobering time. It’s getting to the point whereby it will become unbearable the pressure in the next week or two around Ten Hag purely because of the position in the league. “They’re 14th. You can’t be 14th in the league after nine games.”Only Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less goals than Man Utd’s eight goals in the Prem this season.Neville slammed United’s attackers, ranting: “It must be getting to a point now where the defensive players and the coaching staff must be saying to this is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable to miss chances like that. “Goalkeepers and defenders get killed for mistakes, but their comes a point you are missing chances like United did and it harms you, you invite trouble.”On the controversial penalty awarded to West Ham, Neville claimed on-field ref David Coote did not want to go against Michael Oliver on VAR.The pundit explained: “It’s not right that one, every team gets a bad decision, but that one is not right.”The interesting thing for me is that when Coote went over to the screen, he must have watched it, it felt like eight times.”He does not think it is a penalty, he is not having this.”I think the pressure of being sent over to the screen by a dominant referee, nobody likes to upset their superiors. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you are young in the office and someone senior makes a call, you don’t really want to tell them that they are wrong.”I think it was a bit of that because I don’t think Coote was anywhere near thinking that was a penalty.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer’s insane pass even has Roy Keane purring as fans say it is ‘illegal in at least 142 countries’

      by

      COLE PALMER left hard-to-please Roy Keane purring after a sensational moment during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.The England playmaker, 22, picked up the ball deep in his own third before using his quick feet to beat a couple of Toon attackers and curling a pinpoint pass up the pitch.Cole Palmer picked up the ball deep in his own half and surrounded by Newcastle playersCredit: X @SkySportsPLPalmer used his quick feet and remarkable vision to create some space and fire off a passCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe pinpoint, curling pass sent speedy Pedro Neto on his way up the pitchCredit: X @SkySportsPLNeto beat his man and was left with the simple job of squaring to Nicolas JacksonCredit: X @SkySportsPLPalmer’s ball curled its way through the Newcastle defence and set Pedro Neto on his way to simply square to Nicolas Jackson and allow the in-form striker to poke the ball home.The strike put Chelsea 1-0 up as they would go on to maintain their strong start to the season with a 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s squad.Stunned fans joked Man of the Match Palmer’s stunning play was “illegal in at least 142 countries”.And the Three Lions wonderkid even had notoriously-grumpy Manchester United legend Keane gushing.READ MORE SPORT STORIESSpeaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “I love watching this kid.”Even his awareness when he receives the ball, he knows exactly what’s happening but then to execute the pass… perfect pass, you just run and he’s going to pick you out.”Alan Smith, co-commentator for Sky Sports, dubbed it the “pass of the season”.In the studio, Jamie Carragher went a step further, saying: “This pass over 60 yards, I mean, that’s one of the best passes I’ve seen, never mind this season, but in the Premier League.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalmer’s own boss, Enzo Maresca, later beamed: “It is the reason why people pay.”The former Manchester City star has already drawn comparisons to Blues icon Gianfranco Zola for his style of play.Chelsea ratings vs Newcastle: Cole Palmer shows why he could win Ballon d’Or but team-mate flops in new position – PLATFORMAnd Zola himself was quick to pile praise on Palmer after yet another ludicrous performance.The Italian legend, 58, said: “The first thing I notice is that when he receives the ball he’s already looking to do what is next,”That is a quality only a few players have.”Youngster Palmer admitted he doesn’t know too much about Zola… but knows his class thanks to his love of video games.On comparisons to the Stamford Bridge idol, Palmer said: “I know he is an icon on FIFA so he must have been good.”To be honest I didn’t really watch him play. Everyone says he was a great player, so thank you.”Palmer celebrated with goalscorer Jackson after his pass led to a goal out of seemingly nothingCredit: GettyEven hard-to-please Roy Keane was left in awe of Cole Palmer’s playCredit: GettyCole Palmer has been compared to Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, with Italian – pictured here in August – praising the youngster’s abilityCredit: GettyPalmer continued: “I always try to enjoy my football game by game… I try not to put pressure on myself.”Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers.”It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.”And he was optimistic for record-breakingly-youthful Chelsea’s future, as well as his own, as he added: “We just try to play our own game, block the noise out from the outside. We don’t mind proving people wrong.”We are all young and we have a top coach, but there are improvements still.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter the game, giddy fans took to social media to talk up Palmer.One claimed “he makes football looks so easy”, while another compared his game-changing pass to a “nuclear bomb” the way it scattered the Toon defence. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Xavi’s wife appears to drop major Man Utd hint as she posts pic amid reports ex-Barcelona boss could replace Ten Hag

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Xavi is set for the Old Trafford hot seat – after his wife Nuria Cunillera’s latest social media update.The Barcelona legend has been linked with a move to replace under-fire boss Erik ten Hag. Xavi’s wife Nuria Cunillera has appeared to drop a big Red Devils hint on her social mediaCredit: GettyShe uploaded a snap of Xavi alongside his son Dan, who is wearing a Man Utd kitCredit: Instagram @nuriacunillera81The post came just hours after Erik ten Hag watched his United side lost at West HamCredit: AlamyMan Utd slumped a 2-1 loss against West Ham on Sunday to pile more pressure on the Dutchman. Xavi and his family had no such worries as they enjoyed a lazy weekend together. Cunillera uploaded a snap of the former Spanish midfielder sorting through football stickers with his son Dan.Fans were surprised to see the five-year-old was decked out in a Man Utd shirt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe upload came just hours after the Red Devils fell to defeat against the Hammers. One fan wrote on X: “She knew what she was doing!”Another said: “Yeah…that’s no accident.A third predicted: “The rumour is becoming true story.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a fourth added: “I’d take him in a second over EtH. It can’t be any worse.”Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi has managed both Al Sadd and Barcelona since hanging up his boots in 2019. Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThe 44-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving the Catalan giants over the summer.During his time at the Nou Camp, Xavi won 89 of 142 games with a win percentage of 62.68 per cent. How Man Utd could line up under XaviDESPITE Man Utd backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.According to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.Xavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess.If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.SunSport selects Xavi’s potential XI as the Spaniard is linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams…Reports in Spain suggested United contacted the Barca legend in May.But their interest cooled due to his desire to take a year off from football. It’s since been claimed contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd ratings vs West HamTHE LONDON STADIUM was the venue for the latest defeat in a shocker of a season.To be fair, it was a hugely controversial VAR call in the dying moments that handed West Ham a 2-1 win.And the first half from the Red Devils was impressive.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Bruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Alejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher.Man Utd face Leicester on Wednesday in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup.Ten Hag’s men welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday for what could be a pivotal clash in the Dutchman’s career. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal… because fourth official thought he was talking to him

      by

      ARNE SLOT was shown a yellow card during Liverpool’s draw at Arsenal… because of an eavesdropping fourth official.The Reds twice fought from behind to snatch a point against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening, as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah cancelled out Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino’s strike.Arne Slot was booked after venting about Arsenal players – with the fourth official overhearing and believing it was aimed at himCredit: GettyLiverpool returned to Merseyside with a share of the spoils after twice coming from behindCredit: GettyBut as tempers flared in a tempestuous title showdown, a spot of confusion on the touchline led to Kop boss Slot being shown a yellow card.The Liverpool chief explained he was growing frustrated with Arsenal stars “falling down” under the slightest contact.And as he vented to his own players from the touchline, a twitchy-eared match official believed Slot was ranting at him – and quickly flashed the booking. Slot said: “[Arsenal] always fell down when they had ball possession.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”I said to Ibou [Konate]: ‘This is a f***ing joke’.”But the fourth official thought I was talking to him. I got a yellow for that!”The top-of-the-table showdown in North London wasn’t without its controversy.Bitter Gooners were twice left angered by the match officials at the Emirates in a heated contest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the first half, Van Dijk appeared to lash out at Kai Havertz – before equalising ten minutes later with home fans claiming the Dutch defender shouldn’t have even been on the pitch.And late in the game, after Liverpool piled on the pressure and snatched a second leveller, Arsenal went up the other end and thought they’d scored in the 90th minute.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Jakub Kiwior leapt highest to head a ball forward towards Havertz, with the German getting the better of his marker to flick the ball on before lobbing goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.However, referee Anthony Taylor judged the ex-Chelsea forward to have fouled Konate, possibly because his arms was raised, leaving fans calling the decision “pathetic”.Meanwhile, SunSport can reveal former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has put his £4million Merseyside mansion up for sale after successor Slot turned down the chance to move in.The Dutch boss and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.The club have now put the gated property on the market – ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.The Northern Irish manager was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.But Slot appears to have turned down the chance to move in and will look to move his family elsewhere. More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood hauled off at half time of derby clash as Marseille boss fumes ‘I expected a lot more from him’

      by

      MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi slammed the performance of Mason Greenwood after hooking him off at half-time.They were beaten 3-0 against Paris Saint-Germain last night as they fell six points behind their rivals at the top of the Ligue 1 table.Mason Greenwood was hooked off against PSGCredit: AFPManager Roberto De Zerbi was not pleased with his performanceCredit: APGreenwood started the game dubbed “Le Classique” on the right-wing but struggled in the opening 45 minutes.He failed to get into the game and was often pinned back in his own half as PSG dominated.The one-time capped England international also did not register a shot and gave possession away four times with his passes.Notoriously harsh French publication L’Equipe gave his performance a 1/10.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGreenwood was hauled off at the break, with fellow Englishman Jonathan Rowe replacing him.Asked about the change after the game, De Zerbi said: “Because I didn’t like the way he played. “If we want to compete for the title we have to push in all matches.“He’s a good guy but I expected a lot more from him this evening.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Marseille in a £26.6million deal from Manchester United, Greenwood has scored six goals in nine game.But a drought in front of goal has seen the 23-year-old find the back of the net just once in his last six games.Off the pitch, Greenwood continues to settle into life in France and his girlfriend Harriet Robson is expecting their second child.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Roman Abramovich’s ex-transfer chief watches Chelsea with fans and makes surprise comment on Stamford Bridge view

      by

      FORMER Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford Bridge – this time amongst the fans. Granovskaia – who spent over ten years at the club – joined supporters to watch the Blues’ 2-1 win over Newcastle. Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford BridgeCredit: InstagramBut the former Chelsea chief was in amongst the fansCredit: InstagramGranovskaia watched Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-1Credit: InstagramBut the Russian-Canadian businesswoman might not have been tall enough to catch Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer’s goals. She wrote on Instagram: “First time in with the supporters at Stamford Bridge and, no, I was not tall enough to see the goals! “But wonderful to be back to witness such a great performance and important win!” Granovskaia started working for Chelsea under ex-owner Roman Abramovich in 2010 on transfer and business dealings. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSBy 2014, she was chief executive of the West London club and had a huge part in negotiating transfers. But Granovskaia left alongside Abramovich in 2022 when it was brought by American billionaire Todd Boehly. Her return to Stamford Bridge was a huge hit with fans as her comment section was filled with praise. One said: “The queen is back.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Welcome home!”One hailed: “Queen Marina Proper Chels always.”Another gushed: “One of our own.”Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi More