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      Ipswich 2 Aston Villa 2: Delap scores brilliant double either side of Rogers and Watkins goals to seal impressive point

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      LIAM DELAP scored a brilliant brace as Ipswich came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.The former Manchester City striker, 21, fired the newly-promoted side ahead at Portman Road after just eight minutes.Liam Delap scored both Ipswich goals to salvage a point for the home sideCredit: GettyHe fired the hosts in front after eight minutesCredit: GettyMorgan Rogers levelled for Aston Villa as Ipswich’s lead did not last longCredit: GettyOllie Watkins headed the visitors in front shortly after the half hour markCredit: PADelap stole the show for Ipswich with an all-round brilliant performanceDelap had 22 touches in the game as he terrorised Villa down the left-hand sideMorgan Rogers levelled for the visitors after a quarter of an hour, playing a one-two with Ollie Watkins inside the area before he lashed a smart finish into the bottom corner.And Unai Emery’s side completed the turnaround 13 minutes before half-time when an unmarked Watkins headed Villa in front.Ipswich pressed for an equaliser after the break and got their reward in the 72nd minutes in superb fashion as Delap breezed past Diego Carlos with two delightful step overs and rifled into the far corner.The result sees Kieran McKenna’s men climb out of the relegation zone and up to 15th, while Villa miss out on moving level on points with table-toppers Liverpool as they remain fifth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich took the lead when Villa failed to clear the ball and Jack Clarke cut the ball back for Delap, whose first-time shot slipped through goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s glove even though he had the near post covered.But Villa responded seven minutes later when Jacob Greaves gave the ball away in a poor clearance, with Rogers picking it up in the box and playing a one-two with Watkins before firing home the equaliser.Portman Road was quickly silenced soon after when Leon Bailey whipped in a cross that took out both Ipswich centre backs and Watkins made it 2-1 with a header for his fourth goal of the season.Ipswich had two glorious opportunities to level but Martinez came to Villa’s rescue when he palmed away a rocket of a shot from Kalvin Phillips before sticking a leg out to deny Delap when he was clean through on goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWatkins now has four Premier League goals in six matches this seasonCredit: GettyBut Delap produced another moment of brilliance in the 72nd minute to equaliseCredit: GettyIt is Ipswich’s fourth point of the season and lifts them out of the relegation zoneCredit: GettyThe second half was not as chaotic as the first as the two teams played with more composure.Ipswich equalised on a counter-attack after 72 minutes, however, when Delap beat the offside trap and got the better of defender Diego Carlos with a sublime shimmy before beating Martinez. More

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      I shared a year with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – he trained like an ANIMAL and always tried to be the best

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo worked hard to be the best since a young age as he trained “like an animal”.That is according to fellow United great Dimitar Berbatov who joined the club from Tottenham in 2008, one year before Ronaldo, 39, left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.Cristiano Ronaldo trained ‘like an animal’ at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd legend Dimitar Berbatov spent a year with RonaldoCredit: Getty – ContributorBerbatov was amazed by Ronaldo’s dedication in training at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut during their brief spell together, Berbatov, 43, quickly knew the then-23-year-old was destined for greatness as he never missed a training session and showed incredible dedication.The Portugal captain went on to win a whopping five Ballons d’Or as well as the 2008-09 Premier League title with the Bulgaria legend before his departure to Real.Berbatov told The Telegraph: “We shared a year together, he was starting to grow by leaps and bounds. “He trained like an animal, he tried his best to be the best. It was nice to see that dedication up close. Read More on Man Utd”I don’t remember him missing a single training session.”Berbatov almost never played with Ronaldo as Manchester City came close to hijacking his summer deadline day move to rivals United.Tottenham accepted an offer from City just hours before the striker finalised his move to the Red Devils.But the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star ordered his agent to snub Man City and push for a deal with United with an X-rated statement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBerbatov added: “They wanted to sign me on the last day of the market.”I told my agent: ‘F*** off, we’re going to United’. Because of the history, the prestige, the players, the manager, the shirt.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag steals famous Cristiano Ronaldo quote but refuses to name him as furious spat rages on”I never had any doubt that Old Trafford was the right decision.” More

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      Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launch

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was less than impressed with the way he was introduced at the launch of EA FC 25.The England star is on the cover of this year’s game, which came out on Friday.Behind-the-scenes footage showed Jude Bellingham’s reaction to his EA FC 25 introductionHe rolled his eyes to being called ‘the main man from Madrid’Bellingham was invited on stage with Eden Hazard, Aitana Bonmatí, Zinedine Zidane and EndrickCredit: RexReal Madrid heroes Bellingham, Zinedine Zidane and Eden Hazard were among the famous faces invited to an event in the Spanish capital to celebrate the release of EA FC 25.As the 21-year-old midfielder was brought onto stage, the event announcer said: “We are live in Madrid, so it is only right to start with the main man from Madrid.”Ladies and gentlemen, make some noise for the real deal Jude Bellingham.”But behind-the-scene footage has revealed that Bellingham seemingly hated his special introduction.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe hilariously eye rolled while he was called “the main man from Madrid”.Fans reacted: “Bro is tired of the PR.”Another added: “I think he is sick of the attention.”On being the EA FC 25 cover star, Bellingham said: “I played this game with my brother all the time growing up, and I’ve always thought about how incredible it would be to one day be featured on the cover.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“There have been so many iconic players on the cover over the years, and I am delighted to be the most recent English player to be bestowed with this honour since [Wayne Rooney in] 2011.”Bellingham is back on the pitch tonight for the Madrid derby against Atletico. ‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeMeet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Man Utd star officially benched just days after making controversial admission in live TV interview

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has lost his place in the Man Utd starting XI – just days after appearing to make a shock dressing room admission.The Danish midfielder, 32, made his fourth successive start for the Red Devils in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente.Erik ten Hag has shuffled his pack for the visit of SpursCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen has been sent back to the benchCredit: GettyThe midfielder was on target in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with FC TwenteCredit: GettyEriksen netted in the first half, his third goal in four games across all competitions. But he also committed a costly error, allowing the visitors back into the contest after being dispossessed in dangerous territory.Eriksen has been sent back to the bench for today’s visit of Tottenham to Old Trafford. Following the draw against Twente, the midfielder gave a divisive interview with TNT Sports.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe suggested the Dutch side had “wanted it more” after staging the second-half comeback at Old Trafford. Eriksen said: “I think we are mostly disappointed as a team.”Obviously we wanted more but in the end it was far from good enough.”Being said also in the changing room they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can’t be right.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Everyone is looking at themselves, for most.”Everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do and know what can’t happen.Man Utd arrive for Tottenham clash in new George Best adidas range”In a game like today, obviously we don’t lose but it feels like a loss and that is something that at home against Twente can’t happen.”The interview didn’t go down well with some sections of the Utd support.One raged on X: “They’ve said in the changing room that FC Twente wanted it more? Not good. Not good at all.”Another said: “How can you be saying this?”United boss Erik ten Hag had been equally scathing of his players after they surrendered the lead in midweek.But he refused to single out Eriksen for individual criticism. He fumed: “I think every team has this in a season, when you play 60 games, sure there will be games where you are not happy with the performance, not happy when the opponent wants it more.”The goal is a team [mistake], a player of Twente can dribble through the pitch without stopping. We can’t give a goal away like this. “We have seen again that you have to keep going for the whole game. “Once you go 1-0 up you have to keep going, go for the second. It’s the first game, it’s very important you get a win.”Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated hereManuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes start together for the first time in midfield for the hosts.Ten Hag is also without Harry Maguire, who picked up a knock in training this week. Fans were quick to respond to the news that Eriksen was dropping back to the bench against Spurs.One wrote on X: “Utd fans will always moan. You can only play 11, Eriksen has played 4 consecutive games.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother argued: “Wants to control the game and drops Amad and Eriksen…”While a third added: “One Eriksen mistake and he’s on the bench. Fernandes has been absolute rubbish for weeks and Eriksen can play in the Fernandes role also. More

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      AFC Wimbledon reveal target date to reopen flooded stadium after SINKHOLE pitch KO’d two matches

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      AFC WIMBLEDON are targeting a swift return to action – after a devastating storm created a SINKHOLE at Plough Lane.The League Two side have been forced to postpone their last two matches after the River Wandle burst its banks last Sunday. Wimbledon have been forced to postpone three games after a sinkhole developed on the fieldCredit: GettyThe League Two club are confident they can get the pitch playable soonCredit: GettyThe club have been inundated with donations from EFL clubs and fansCredit: InstagramWimbledon’s games against Accrington Stanley and Crewe have already been called off.The Dons were also forced to postpone their Carabao Cup third-round clash with Newcastle – as the Toon kindly donated £15,000 to the cause.A huge sinkhole formed by one of the corner flags, prompting the fan-owned club to start a fundraiser to pay for the damage.Managing director James Woodroof has described the response – from clubs across the EFL – as “absolutely phenomenal.” READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he hopes Wimbledon can host football again against Carlisle on October 12. Woodroof told South London Press: “That [Carlisle] game is absolutely our target.”Until the diggers have finished excavating, it’s still too early to say. We’re hopeful that will be possible.“It’s been particularly challenging for the team here and myself. My colleagues and everyone associated with the club have been flat out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s been an overwhelming 48 hours. We are making significant progress each and every hour. “It’s pleasing to have all of the club staff back on site. Watch AFC Wimbledon begin work fixing sinkhole on pitch after pumping more than 100,000 LITRES of water out of stadium” We’re going to try and open the stadium on Friday, so the shop will open and the comedy night will proceed.”As well as damage to the pitch, much of the Dons’ off-field infrastructure was flooded out by the storm.He continued: “The whole concourse, our offices and everything on ground level, was flooded.”The water wasn’t dissipating. We had the tankers in on Monday night to remove the water.The concourse and offices at the stadium were also floodedCredit: Getty“When we came on in Tuesday, that had a significant impact as we were able to walk around the entire stadium and the offices – we weren’t in standing water anywhere. “It was a remarkable clean-up effort on Monday night. The pitch is now the focus of everyone’s attention.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWimbledon have made a superb start to the new League Two season.They currently sit in sixth, with two games in hand over their rivals. More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Chelsea star’s ruthless message to Cole Palmer on his match ball after Brighton heroics

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      ONE Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ball despite the ace scoring four goals against Brighton.The Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kick and grabbed a fourth BEFORE half-time as Chelsea claimed a 4-2 win.One Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ballCredit: XThe Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kickPalmer then grabbed a fourth before half-timeCredit: RexPalmer hit the net in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes in a bonkers first half at Stamford Bridge.And that saw him become the first player ever in a Premier League match to score four goals in the first half.Last season, a mystery man wrote “s*** player” on his match ball after he netted a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Manchester United in April.And this time it was Romeo Lavia who played the role of the mischief-makers he wrote “You’re a mid player regardless” on Palmer’s ball.READ MORE ON CHELSEALavia tagged Palmer as he posted a picture of his graffiti on Instagram, saying: “There you go CP”.And his prank has caused a stir on social media.One fan said: “Cole Palmer is a world-class is what he meant.”Another added: “Best Player in the Premier Rn.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some saw the truth in Lavia’s message and said: “Palmer is truly a mid player. He never turns up for big games.”Sceptics should take a look at the scoring and assists charts, where Palmer ranks second with six goals and four assists this season.Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalThe midfielder has racked up 43 Premier League goals and assists since the beginning of last season – more than any other player.In another freak twist, Palmer has now scored four goals in the Premier League more times than he has bagged for three.He snatched a dramatic hat-trick to complete an outrageous 4-3 turnaround victory against Man Utd on April 4.Just 11 days later, he banged in four as Chelsea tore Everton apart. More

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      Watch fan’s incredible goal in half-time competition that saw him win life-changing jackpot

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      A LUCKY Sparta Prague fan won a massive prize money after scoring a sensational half-way goal.Sparta hosted a fan challenge during half-time on Friday when they hosted Sigma at the epet ARENA.A lucky Sparta Prague fan won a massive payday during a half-time challengeCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe Sparta Prague fan scored from the half-way line at half-timeCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe fan went to visit Sparta Prague take on SigmaCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomAnd he then scored from the half-way line to win the jackpotCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe Sparta Prague fan won 1million Czech crowns (£33,214)Credit: https://x.com/eurofootcomA supporter stepped up to take on a shot from the half-way line in front of open goal.And the shooter delivered a wonderfully composed curling effort that gracefully sent the ball behind the net.The crowd erupted and the team mascot ran back to celebrate with the winner of the challenge.The supporter was then awarded with a giant check worth a sensational 1million Czech crowns (£33,214).Read More on FootballFans were left in awe of that incredible moment and praised the Sparta supporter on social media.One football fan tweeted: “Bro just got paid someone’s yearly salary in 5 minutes.”Another gushed: “What a roar from the crowd!”A third wrote: “Should’ve being ME.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat one said: “The curve on that strike!”And that one posted: “He won my yearly salary bro.”How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsSparta went on to lose 3-2 to Sigma in a sensational Czech First League match. More

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      Andrea Capone dead at 43: Former Serie A star who played in Zola’s retired shirt number dies as body found in hotel

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      FORMER Serie A star Andrea Capone has passed away aged 43.His body was found in the 5-star Palazzo Tirso Hotel in Cagliari this morning.Andrea Capone has passed awayCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowCapone had a trial at Celtic in 2007Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowReports in Italy state that he died from head injuries after an apparent accidental fall. A statement from Cagliari called him: “A boy who has always been known for his professionalism, dedication and passion.”Tributes also flooded in from fans, with one saying: “Rest in peace Andrea and thank you for all you have given to us Cagliaritans.”Another added: “Thanks for everything Andrea.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third commented: “Rest in peace, Andrea Capone. Your dedication and passion on the field were truly inspiring. You will always be remembered.”Capone wore legend Gianfranco Zola’s iconic No10 shirt at Italian side Cagliari.Before the Chelsea icon hung up his boots, he had a spell at the Sardinians from 2003 to 2005, with his kit number subsequently retired.But two years later, Capone had the honour of wearing the No10 shirt for the club.Most read in FootballThe midfielder was given the iconic kit, having been tipped for big things after coming through the club’s academy.He went on to play 113 times for them, scoring 12 goals.The Italian departed in 2007 and went on to play for Vicenza, Grosseto and Salernitana.Capone was loaned to Treviso, where he won promotion from Serie B, before making his Cagliari debut.He also once had a trial at Celtic in 2007 and scored in a friendly against QPR. More