Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace’s shock move for wonderkid Rayan Cherki hits buffers as two European giants enter transfer hunt

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE’S bid to sign Lyon magician Rayan Cherki has been hit by European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund joining the race.The French aristocrats and German powerhouse are ahead of Palace in the chase for the 21-year-old.Lyon star Rayan Cherki has been linked with a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyPalace face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund for CherkiCredit: GettyHe is expected to cost around £30million and the Eagles had hoped Lyon owner John Textor — who is trying to sell his stake in Palace — would be able to swing the deal their way.But instead, PSG and Dortmund are willing to pay the money that matters.And attacker Cherki is looking to play for a leading Champions League club if he leaves Lyon in the January window. The French ace turned down Fulham last season and has always set his sights higher.Read More on FootballLiverpool have been watching developments but are yet to make a concrete move.Palace want one major capture in the window and a couple of fringe additions — unless they lose another star.Cherki has impressed this season with Lyon as he has registered four goals and four assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.The playmaker has been playing with the French giants’ senior side since his promotion from the youth teams in 2019.Most read in FootballThe Frenchman has registered 21 goals and 29 assists in 156 appearances with Lyon.The Ligue 1 outfit, though, have been provisionally relegated as they are unable to clear their rising £422m debt and have now been banned from signing players in January.Man United eye transfer for 15-year-old Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki as search for Europe’s top young talent continuesPierre Sage’s side will lose their top-flight status at the end of the season unless they improve their situation and avoid going into administration. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez has best game in Blues shirt as Badiashile plays team-mate into trouble

      by

      CHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 and closed the gap on Prem leaders Liverpool to four points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The Blues were 2-0 down within 11 minutes, before Jadon Sancho scored his second goal in five days to bring them back into it. Enzo Fernandez established Chelsea’s leadCole Palmer levelled the scores with a calm penalty in the 61st minuteYves Bissouma conceded the pen after bringing down Moises CaicedoJadon Sancho had got one back five minutes after going 2-0 downCole Palmer’s first penalty cancelled out both Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski’s early strikes to leave many questioning what’s next for Ange Postecoglou?Captain Enzo Fernandez completed the incredible comeback with a brilliant volley with his left foot from a bouncing ball in the 73rd minute.A ridiculous shove from Pape Matar Sarr saw Anthony Taylor point to the spot again – with Palmer offering up a cool Panenka. After missing untold chances, Son Heung-Min grabbed a consolation in 96th minute, but Spurs remain winless since their 4-0 victory at Man City.READ MORE CHELSEAWith Arsenal losing ground after Fulham held them to 1-1 draw, Chelsea now enjoy a two point cushion over Mikel Arteta’s men.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on. Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half. Most read in FootballMoises Caicedo –  6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again. Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half. Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back. Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal. Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved. Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead. Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half. That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals. Marc Cucurella had Cole Palmer to thank after gifting Spurs their first two goalsRomeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too. Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield. Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch. Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions. His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort. A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical. Cole Palmer  – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later. Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot. Cole Palmer scored twice and provided an assist for Enzo’s goalJadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser. Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion. Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku. SUBS:Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank. However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered. Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.READ MORE SUN STORIESRenato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball. Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham 3 Chelsea 4: Spurs blow it again as Cole Palmer scores two penalties in stunning comeback win

      by

      IT was a day when Tottenham proved themselves a bunch of tossers – on and off the pitch. As fans tossed an avalanche of paper missiles at Chelsea players, Ange Postecoglou’s brittle troops tossed away a two-goal lead.Enzo Maresca showed what his first London derby victory meansCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez blasted a wonder goal to put Chelsea in frontCredit: ReutersCole Palmer was the main man in a stunning victoryCredit: GettySpurs chief Ange Postecoglou looked devastated at the endCredit: RexSpurs are now marooned in the bottom half of the table after one win in seven matches in all competitions – while Chelsea are threatening to stage an unlikely title challenge. Enzo Maresca’s side, two-down in 12 minutes, somehow never looked like losing this spicy derby. It was a crazy start, with left-back Marc Cucurella forced to change his boots after his slips led to goals from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski. But a Jadon Sancho pearler cut the deficit before Cole Palmer scored a pair of penalties either side of a wonderful assist for Enzo Fernandez to net the decisive third. Thanks to the postponement of the Merseyside derby, we at least have the illusion of a genuine title race – Chelsea are now within five points of Liverpool, having played a game more than the leaders. But what a mess for Big Ange – who dropped James Maddison, whose goals set up Tottenham’s only recent victory over Manchester City. This was the definition of ‘Spursy’. There is no other team in the Premier League who can coast into an early two-goal lead and look scared by it.And as for the fans, who pelted scrunched-up pieces of card at Chelsea players throughout the first half, they were an utter embarrassment. Most read in FootballFernandez had his eyes on the prize as he hails his goalCredit: APThe Blues went on to dominate possessionPalmer showed his trademark composure with both his penaltiesCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTheir Aussie boss is struggling to stop a full-scale revolt from supporters – while Maresca, in sharp contrast, has made complete sense of Chelsea’s madhouse.    It was this fixture which ended Postecoglou’s honeymoon period – a crazy VAR-infested match which Spurs ended with nine men and Chelsea won 4-1. Marc Cucurella charges over to Chelsea bench and changes boots after being totally at fault for Tottenham’s second goalAs if taking this as motivation, Spurs went pedal-to-metal and hell-for-leather from the word go – aided and abetted by Cucurella’s boots. It was a rapid counter attack from which Cucurella made his first slip, allowing Brennan Johnson to speed down the right and lash in a cross to the near post where Solanke got in front of Levi Colwill and poked home. Chelsea’s chaotic start was exemplified by Moises Caicedo, taking a free-kick just outside his area, lamping at free-kick straight into the body of Romeo Lavia, five yards away.Inside 12 minutes, it was 2-0, another pratfall from Cucurella, handing Kulusevski the space to dart inside, past three defenders, and steering his shot into the bottom corner.  Cristian Romero, just back from injury along with his central-defensive partner Micky Van de Ven, was forced off early on and replaced by Radu Dragusin.Soon, Chelsea cut the deficit, with an outstanding individual goal from Sancho, who cut in from the left and filleted three defenders before he leathered his shot in off the far post.  The assist, by the way, was Cucurella’s – just as it was for Tottenham’s two. The paper-chucking antics soon reached epidemic proportions, a Palmer corner delayed at length.At half-time Spurs fans would be warned to stop being silly. The match itself was wild, end-to-end and toe-to-toe – Palmer fell over his feet when Sancho offered him a glorious opportunity, Son curled one just over.Dominic Solanke hit a fifth-minute opener for SpursCredit: GettyJadon Sancho sparked the Blues’ comeback with this 18th-minute goalCredit: RexAnd then Fraser Forster made a magnificent double save to deny Palmer and then Pedro Neto. It was feisty out there. Caicedo escaped a VAR check for a red card when he went studs up into the shin of Pape Matar Sarr. And Sarr then produced a bar-trembling header from a Son Heung-Min corner. Son was getting lively now, cutting back for Solanke, who shot straight at Robert Sanchez.But Chelsea were right at it after the break and Sancho forced another great save from Forster, sticking out a big left hand to thwart the winger from close range.Fernandez pinged one wide, as former Blue Timo Werner arrived in place of the limping Brennan Johnson to a chorus of boos from the away end. Soon, Chelsea were level – a crazy challenge from Yves Bissouma upending Caicedo and, inevitably, Palmer walloping home the spot-kick.Son should have restored Tottenham’s lead when he was sent clean through but shot wide across goal. And then came the winner – Palmer’s crazy dancing feet toasting Destiny Udogie before his deflated pass was rammed home by Fernandez.READ MORE SUN STORIESSarr then barged over Palmer, who completed the job with a Panenka from the spot. Son netted a consolation, stabbing home in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Palmer celebrates making it 2-2 from the spotCredit: GettyMaresca saw his side shine in the second periodCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans escorted out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after celebrating Jadon Sancho goal

      by

      UGLY scenes erupted in the stands in Tottenham’s heated home derby with Chelsea.Some Blues’ supporters were escorted out following their exuberant celebration of a Jadon Sancho goal.Jadon Sancho sparked unfortunate crowd scenes when he cut Chelsea’s deficitCredit: RexSome spectators were guided out following their reactionMeanwhile, Chelsea heroes Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez were pelted by objects thrown from home supporters.Tottenham fans reacted furiously to the antics from a few of their Chelsea counterparts after Sancho cut the visitors’ deficit to 2-1.Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulesvski had netted inside the first 11 minutes to leave Spurs flying.But Sancho cut in from the left to fire home a low shot in off the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the loanee from Manchester United continued to menace Spurs down the same flank.Only Fraser Forster denied him early in the second period.Palmer and Fernandez earlier had to delay taking set-pieces as missiles rained down.Tottenham stewards intervened to quell the troublemakers in the stands.Most read in FootballEngland attacker Palmer was happy to laugh off the animosity.And he later ignited more wild rejoicing – with a penalty equaliser on 61 minutes.Marc Cucurella charges over to Chelsea bench and changes boots after being totally at fault for Tottenham’s second goalFernandez too then took his own revenge – putting Chelsea in front with a screamer.Palmer scores his second penalty of the game with a cheeky Panenka on 84 minutes for 4-1, before Son scored Tottenham’s third as it ended 4-3 to the visitors.Supporters of the two clubs have clashed in the past.And that apparent acrimony has at times also extended to the dugouts.Two years ago then-Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte, who managed Spurs three years after bossing the Blues, were caught up in an unsightly exchange over a handshake. Cole Palmer went on to slot a spot-kick leveller for ChelseaCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Spurs fans pelt Palmer and Fernandez with missiles before being brutally trolled by Blues rivals for horror collapse

      by

      CHELSEA’s stars were pelted by missiles from Tottenham’s fans as they lined up to take corners.Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez had to delay taking their set-pieces as pieces of card rained down on them.Cole Palmer comes under fire from missiles thrown onto the pitchEnzo Fernandez also had pieces of card thrown at him while taking a set-pieceTottenham’s stewards intervened to calm the fans down, while removing the objects from the pitch.It is believed the card came from the tifo used before the game.As Palmer lined up for a corner towards the end of the first half, it got far worse.The game had to be momentarily halted as stewards remonstrated with fans.Read more football newsPalmer, to his credit, laughed and smiled off the animosity shown his way.But Blues fans had the last laugh – chanting “it’s happened again it’s happened again, Tottenham Hotspur it’s happened again.”Tottenham raced into a two-goal lead – before a monumental collapse ended with a 4-2 home defeat.Tottenham fans have previous when it comes to missiles hitting Chelsea players.Most read in FootballBack in 2022, Antonio Rudiger appeared to be struck by missiles in ugly scenes involving a section of away supporters at Stamford Bridge.udiger appeared to be targeted by Spurs fans in a fiery London derby.Marc Cucurella charges over to Chelsea bench and changes boots after being totally at fault for Tottenham’s second goalThe Germany international could be seen turning towards away fans as an object was thrown in his direction.A Spurs spokesperson said: “With regards the Rudiger incident, we will work with Chelsea to review the footage and take any appropriate action.”London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea’s fans share a bitter relationships.And if it’s not the fans, it’s their managers too.Infamously, now England boss Thomas Tuchel and former Blues boss Antonio Conte got into a heated row over a handshake after one fiery clash. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marc Cucurella posts hilarious picture of calamitous boots in BIN after Chelsea star slipped to gift Spurs two goals

      by

      CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella endured a horror first 10 minutes in the London derby against Tottenham.The Blues were taking on Spurs in a crucial Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Cucurella binned his boots after the match and apologised to Chelsea fansChelsea ace Marc Cucurella was at fault for both of Tottenham’s goals as he slippedCucurella charged the Chelsea bench after his second slipCucurella decided to change his boots at the Chelsea benchThe sight of Cucurella changing his boots went viralAnd Cucurella, 26, was at fault for both of the North Londoners’ goals as he slipped.The full-back lost his balance after just five minutes when Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Tottenham.And the Spain international did the same just six minutes later, leading to Dejan Kulusevski’s strike.Cucurella was then seen storming towards the Chelsea bench to change his boots.Read More on ChelseaIt seems like the ex-Brighton star no longer had faith in his gear as he kept falling on the wet surface.The versatile defender appeared to have regained his footing as he helped Chelsea reduce the deficit with Jadon Sancho’s strike on 17 minutes.Fans were left stunned by that peculiar sight as they took to social media.One fan tweeted: “Like Cinderella, Cucurella needs slippers that fit – Peter Drury.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “How can he had not realised from warm up how wet it is.”A third wrote: “What a nightmare.”How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemAnd that one stated: “Nightmare is right.”It seems it all worked well at the end for Cucurella as Chelsea turned the game on its head and won 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.The Spaniard then decided to poke a little fun on the situation as he shared a snap of his initial pair going in the bin.Cucurella added the following caption: “Sorry Blues.” More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

      by

      BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

      by

      ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More