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    Why are Arsenal not wearing their red kit against Tottenham?

    ARSENAL are all set to face bitter North London rivals Tottenham in another thrilling Premier League encounter – but they will NOT be wearing red.The Gunners did the double over Spurs last season, most recently beating them in a five-goal thriller after leading 3-0 at half-time.Arsenal beat Tottenham 3-2 in this same fixture last seasonCredit: The TimesAnd other than the result, another thing both games had in common was that Arsenal wore their traditional red kit for each win.But for the first time in recent North London Derby history, this will not be the case.Why are Arsenal not wearing their red kit?The PGMOL and Premier League ruled that Arsenal’s 2024/25 home kit features too much white which clashes with Tottenham’s traditional colours.Arsenal also discussed the option of wearing red shorts and red socks but it was rejected.Read more on ArsenalAs a result, for the first time in recent ‘NLD’ history, the Gunners will be wearing their changed colours – a black Adidas away kit.The Gunners will be wearing their changed kit for the NLDCredit: GettyThey’ll be aiming to clinch a third-straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur venue.The decision by the PGMOL and Premier League will also mean Tottenham will wear different colours when they visit Emirates Stadium in January.Arsenal have a tricky start to the seasonWhat happened in the last North London derby?Arsenal picked up a huge win over Tottenham in the last North London Derby which at the time, helped them move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballThe Gunners dominated a controversial first half that saw Spurs being denied Micky van de Ven’s equaliser as well as two penalty appeals by James Maddison and Timo Werner.However, Mikel Arteta’s men still managed to lead 3-0 by half-time thanks to an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and goals by Bukayo Saka as well as Kai Havertz.Spurs tied to stage a dramatic comeback with Cristian Romero’s strike and Son Heung-min’s penalty kick but Arteta’s men held firm. More

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    New Everton bidder wants JAY-Z to join his takeover of troubled Toffees to pump in some of his £2billion fortune

    JAY-Z is on the radar of John Textor to join his takeover of troubled Everton.Sean Dyche’s side threw away a 2-0 lead AGAIN and crashed 3-2 at Aston Villa last night.John Textor wants to add more financial muscle to his Everton takeover bidCredit: AFPHe has looked at award-winning musician Jay ZCredit: GettyBut mega-rich rap star Jay-Z could be talked into pumping in some of his £2billion cash to boost Dyche’s squad if Textor seals a deal.The US businessman, 58, has contacted several possible partners to help turn Everton into a super power.And last week he revealed there has been “progress” in his bid to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake.Textor must sell his 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace to meet Premier League rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he will still need help financing a buyout and signings.Jay-Z, husband of Beyonce, has become an entrepreneur on the back of his music success.And he may be open to joining Textor’s team.Textor hopes to sell the idea to others who could be attracted by using Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium for other projects.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEverton sit rock bottom of the division as one of only two teams yet to pick up a league win this season.However, their inferior goal difference to Southampton means it is them who are propping up the table, rather than the newly-promoted Saints who lost 3-0 to Manchester United this weekend.Everton star Iliman Ndiaye’s incredible rise from Sunday League to £15million Premier League star in just six years More

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    Bournemouth vs Chelsea break ridiculous Premier League record for most yellow cards EVER as fans call ref ‘pathetic’

    CHELSEA’S win over Bournemouth saw the most yellow cards in a Premier League game EVER.Enzo Maresca’s Blues nicked a late win at the Vitality Stadium thanks to a timely strike from super-sub Christopher Nkunku.Chelsea’s win at Bournemouth saw a record amount of yellow cards dished outCredit: ReutersThe result allowed Chelsea to climb up the Premier League table to seventh spot.But Saturday’s game also resulted in a record amount of yellows shown to players by card-happy referee Anthony Taylor.Previously, there had never been more than 12 bookings made in a league match.The first game that saw the huge number of yellows was Wolves vs Newcastle in 2010.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNo less than 12 cards were shown in that encounter.And it was matched six years later when Chelsea hosted Tottenham in the infamous Battle of the Bridge.However, tonight’s match saw 14 yellows dished out.Taylor could not resist going to his pocket through the heated clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it was a miracle that nobody was sent off.The official actually flashed the yellow SIXTEEN times.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyBut two of those were for the dugout, with Enzo Maresca and a Bournemouth coach getting booked in the second half.A clearly frustrated Andoni Iraola refused to give his opinion on the referee after the final whistle.He told Sky Sports:  “I will not talk about the referee.”I have been talking and it is not working so I have decide now I will try the opposite and see what happens.”Blues boss Maresca revealed how earned his yellow card.He said: “I complained about a foul on Wesley Fofana which for me was quite clear but it can happen.All 14 yellow cards17m 46s – Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) – Tactical foul30m 6s – Wesley Fofana (Chelsea) – Foul reckless34m 11s – Lewis Cook (Bournemouth) – Tactical foul35m 16s – Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) – Reckless offence36m 10s – Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) – Foul37m 25s – Adam Smith (Bournemouth) – Dissent51m 40s – Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) – Dissent56m 7s – Levi Colwill (Chelsea) – Tactical foul56m 14s – Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) – Dissent59m – Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) – Tactical foul79m 58s – Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) – Foul reckless86m 2s – Renato Veiga (Chelsea) – Excessive celebration90m 31s – Joao Felix (Chelsea) – Foul reckless95m 36s – Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – Dissent”Eight yellow cards probably because these sort of games are about duels and fight and this can happen.”It is not a problem for me with this amount of yellow cards. It is what it is.”Sometimes the game demands the way you have to behave.”Taylor’s card-happy antics did not please fans though.One said: “That’s pathetic.”Another declared: “What’s wrong with Anthony Taylor?”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Just heard Taylor booked the tea lady.”Another added: “Joke of a referee.”Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. 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    Chelsea player ratings: Robert Sanchez excellent between the sticks but returning Cole Palmer puts on lethargic display

    CHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth. Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Robert Sanchez flew to his left to save Evanilson’s penaltyCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku grabbed the late matchwinner on the south coastCredit: PAJadon Sancho came on at half-time while Joao Felix then Nkunku also got thrown on by Enzo Maresca as the Blues struggled to find a breakthrough.In fact there were more yellow cards than shots on target as Anthony Taylor ran out of space in his notebook.But with five minutes to go, Sancho cut inside and threaded a superb pass for Nkunku, who held off his markers and found the net in style.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRobert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upSanchez picked up a yellow card for clattering the BrazilianCredit: GettyChelsea struggled to break down the Bournemouth defenceCredit: GettyRenato Veiga and Moises Caicedo double up on Antoine SemenyoCredit: PALevi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal. Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger. Renato Veiga – 5 Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7 The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift. Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour. Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half. Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time. Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut. Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled. READ MORE SUN STORIESJoao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield. Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. Nkunku wriggled free of his markers to find the bottom cornerCredit: RexEnzo Maresca sent on Joao Felix during the second halfCredit: AFPCole Palmer and Jadon Sancho tried to conjure up some magicCredit: GettyAnthony Taylor was a busy man at the Vitality StadiumCredit: AFPSancho celebrates with Nkunku after teeing up the FrenchmanCredit: Getty More

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    Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1 LIVE RESULT: Super sub Nkunku earns Blues vital 3 points after Sancho’s assist – latest updates

    CHELSEA have beaten Bournemouth in a thrilling Saturday night Premier League clash – and they have Christopher Nkunku to thank.Jadon Sancho impressed on his debut and capped it off with an assist.And the man on the end of his assist was Nkunku – who had to wriggle past a couple players before firing the Blues to all three points.RESULT: Bournemouth 0-1 ChelseaStream/TV: Sky Sports Premier LeagueBournemouth XI: Travers; Smith, Zabarnyi, Sensei, Kerkez; Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; EvanilsonChelsea XI: Sanchez; Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Veiga; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; JacksonFollow ALL the action from the Vitality Stadium with our live blogSancho the way to goA strong debut from Jadon Sancho.Here’s his impressive stats.Copy linkCopiedMatch statsWere Chelsea fortunate to win tonight?Copy linkCopiedChelsea player ratingsSunSport has also helpfully rated every single Chelsea player from tonight.But who was the best man on the pitch?And who had a game to forget?Find out below!Copy linkCopiedMissed the game?And want all the action in a tight and concise package?Look no further with our match report!Copy linkCopiedSome of the best momentsA big night for Maresca’s Blues….Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBlue dayThat win sees Chelsea move from 13th to 7th in the table.The result was Bournemouth’s first defeat of the campaign.And Maresca is sure to be delighted with a much-needed victory.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1IT’S OVER!A huge win for Chelsea here.They were second best for most of the match.But Chelsea pulled through and were saved by super-sub Nkunku.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 1YELLOW CARDAnd another one.Semenyo booked for a foul on Cucurella.That’s 14 for outfield players, and 16 if you include the two for coaches.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 195. Another great save from Sanchez.This time Unal pulls the trigger from outside the box.But Chelsea’s goalie gets down again to save.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 194. Two more minutes of added time here.Bournemouth are giving it some welly and Colwill is forced into a block.The Cherries get a corner but it’s saved by Sanchez.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 1YELLOW CARDHere we go, it’s a Premier League record.Taylor shows his 15th yellow – 13 for outfield players – and that’s history made.Joao Felix is in the book now.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 1He always seems to do the business.Another appearance, another goal for Nkunku.He’s surely got to start the next league game for Chelsea.And a debut assist for Sancho to boot.Credit: PACredit: PACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 1YELLOW CARDRenato Veiga is in the book.He jumped into the stands to celebrate with fans.And it was not missed by Taylor, who reached into his pocket for a 14th time.It’s now the most yellows shown in a Premier League game for EIGHT years.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 1It’s taken a long time but it’s finally come!Nkunku gets onto a pass from Sancho and powers his way into the box before firing a shot past Travers.It’s a great finish and he celebrates in style with his trademark balloon.Copy linkCopiedGOAL – NKUNKUHE’S GONE AND DONE IT!Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 085. It’s felt all game like Chelsea haven’t been able to get enough players forward to support attacks.Another potential move comes to a swift end as they are forced to play it back after failing to break down Bournemouth’s low block.The Blues have all the possession though.And it’s not over until it’s over.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 0Bournemouth make another change.And it’s an attacking one!Tavernier comes off.And striker Enes Unal comes on in his place.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 082. Cucurella is very lucky to not be sent off.He barges his opponent in the back to give away a free-kick.But the Spaniard escapes a second yellow.You’d think if he hadn’t already got one, that would have definitely gone in the book.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 0YELLOW CARDSenesi becomes the 13th victim of Taylor’s yellows.Incredible that nobody has been sent off.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 080. 10 minutes left.Both sides want to win this.But nobody wants to lose it either! This is going to get very tense indeed.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 0CHELSEA SUBHere comes Nkunku!Jackson’s off for the Frenchman.Can Nkunku find a late winner?Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 076. The Cherries break quickly into Chelsea’s box.Caicedo goes sliding in and the hosts appeal for a handball!But Taylor is not having it and ignores the pleas.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 0More subs for BournemouthSmith gets a round of applause as he comes off for new signing Araujo.Kluivert is also subbed with Billing now on the field.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 072. Veiga goes on a crazy run and dribbles past two players before getting sight of Bournemouth’s goal.But he is unable to shoot as he overplays his hand. There’s also two balls on the pitch right now.And cheers go up as the second is eventually kicked off.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0 Chelsea 0Sancho has looked bright since coming on.He’s tried to take on his man each time he’s been on the ball.And Chelsea need to get him involved more if they want the three points.Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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    England star Raheem Sterling publicly declares his faith in God as he is baptised in tank of water

    FOOTIE star Raheem Sterling was baptised in a tank of water as he publicly declared his faith in God — and “cleansed” himself of past sins.The England forward, 29, was filmed taking the plunge dressed in a white gown, with a congregation singing gospel songs.Footballer Raheem Sterling has been baptised after declaring his faith in GodCredit: The ceremony for the England footballer took place at a church in LondonCredit: Raheem Sterling has a new start in his career as well, recently joining ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Jamaica-born forward, on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, was fully immersed by two church elders at last weekend’s ceremony at a London Caribbean Baptist church.A source close to the star said: “Raheem said a few words which were incredibly powerful and moving. He understood this was a public declaration of his faith and an opportunity to cleanse himself of any ego, or bad habits of the past.”Sterling is preparing to make his debut for new side Arsenal today in the North London derby with Tottenham.READ MORE RAHEEM STERLINGThe winger joined Mikel Arteta’s side on deadline day after Chelsea made clear they were looking to move him on.A loan deal had to be struck, with Chelsea still paying a large percentage of Sterling’s wages.Arsenal are pushing to make up ground on league leaders Manchester City.And with key stars Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard out of action due to suspension and injury, the stage is set for new signing Sterling to step up.Most read in FootballHow Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonRaheem Sterling has been training with new side Arsenal ahead of his potential debutCredit: Getty More

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    Sean Dyche may AXE Jordan Pickford and bring in old favourite Nick Pope in shock transfer if England No1 doesn’t improve

    EVERTON boss Sean Dyche will go for old favourite Nick Pope if Jordan Pickford’s form does not improve soon.Toffees keeper Pickford’s place is on the line and Dyche will monitor Newcastle’s Pope as a potential replacement in the coming months before a possible swoop in the January window.Sean Dyche is thinking of replacing Jordan PickfordCredit: RexDyche could being in Newcastle keeper Nick PopeCredit: RexEngland No 1 Pickford, 30, is now under scrutiny and massive pressure at Goodison Park where gaffer Dyche has been unhappy with his displays.Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland for £30million in 2017 but his long reign may come to an end as the manager is looking to shake the Three Lions star up after his return from the Euros.Dyche knows Pope well as he had him at Burnley and his name is often dropped when he criticises Pickford.Pope, 32, could be available from Toon, who see Burnley’s James Trafford, 21, as an ideal long-term signing and future No 1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDyche is in the mood for a change and could even surprisingly promote from within his ranks in the coming weeks.Sub stopper Joao Virginia, 24, or even 37-year-old veteran Asmir Begovic will get a chance in the Carabao Cup against Southampton on Tuesday and push their claims for a start in the Prem.Pickford has now conceded 13 goals in four Premier League appearances this following Everton’s 3-2 loss to Aston Villa today.The former Black Cats shot-stopper has made 70 appearances for the England national team.Most read in FootballJordan Pickford and Nick Pope have worked together in the England national teamCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s widely accepted that Pickford has been outstanding for England, rarely faltering and representing to Three Lions at two World Cups and two European Championships.Everton are hoping they can change their fortunes on the pitch with the Toffees rock bottom of the table after losing all four of their opening Prem games.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs Switzerland More

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    Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1: Super-sub Christopher Nkunku snatches late Blues win after assist from brilliant Jadon Sancho

    JADON SANCHO took just 11 minutes to talk himself into trouble on his Chelsea debut.He needed a little bit longer to make his presence felt with his feet but has immediately won over the Chelsea fans.Christopher Nkunku sealed a late win for ChelseaCredit: PARobert Sanchez pulled off a penalty save to keep a clean sheetCredit: GettyThe keeper got redemption after giving away the penalty in the first placeCredit: ReutersSancho’s clever football brain set up Christopher Nkunku to bundle home an 86th minute goal massively against the run of play.Digging out your new club with an assist right in front of the away end is the perfect way to get the rest of your career underway.Even more so given Chelsea put on a dogs’ dinner of a show apart from the one moment of magic that secured three points.Sancho arrived on loan from Manchester United late on transfer deadline day with a point to prove.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis most recent game was at Wembley in the Community Shield. Before that it was the Champions League final at the same ground.Bournemouth’s tiny Vitality Stadium is a bit of a comedown but that would not have mattered as he heard the away supporters singing his name.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca describes him as ‘zero risk’ despite the public fallout between player and boss Erik ten Hag at Man United.It didn’t look that way when he came on at half time and soon after was booked by trigger-happy referee Anthony Taylor for gobbing off over a free kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn his defence, Taylor was working overtime, setting a new record of 14 bookings in one game, eight for Chelsea and six for The Cherries.But then came Sancho’s tricky run down the left flank with just four minutes to go, mesmerising Bournemouth’s defence before cutting the ball inside for Nkunku to prod home a rare shot on target to snatch a fortunate win. And the referee was forgotten. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upThe goal celebrations underlined the sense of relief and frustration behind the result, with TV mics, advertising boards and anything else within range taking a battering as Nkunku blew up his trademark balloon to mark his goal.Even so, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca knows he got away with it here. If it hadn’t been for keeper Robert Sanchez saving a penalty in the first half it could have been a grim night indeed.The away fans were in no doubt who they blamed – with their now distasteful and boring abuse of Taylor no matter what he does.It stems back to 2022 and a fiery clash between Chelsea and Tottenham and supporters have long memories – and nasty ones.In reality it was the men in nondescript beige who deserved the stick for their underwhelming performance.If they could finish better, defend with more composure and pass a little slicker they’d be a cracking team but it isn’t clicking yet despite the £217 million spent on reinforcements this summer.With only two changes to the team which started the last Premier League game, against Crystal Palace, it wasn’t unreasonable to expect a cohesive Chelsea right from the off.Yet it was anything but for the first half anyway, with Bournemouth well on top for the majority of the opening 45 minutes.Jadon Sancho made a promising debut cameo – assisting the winnerCredit: GettyMarcus Tavernier smashed a ferocious shot against the Chelsea crossbar inside the first four minutes and would go close again before the break.Sanchez also had to save from Lewis Cook and Jason Kluivert.In return when Levi Colwill put Nicolas Jackson clean through in the 34th minute, the striker, celebrating a nine year contract, shot straight at stand-in keeper Mark Travers’ legs.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had ordered his players to target Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with some rough stuff, sensing the kick-ass paperweight forward as the real dangerman in their team.Palmer hit the deck more times than a drunken pirate in the first half, leading to bookings for Ryan Christie and Cook.And what it did was ramp up the temperature to make for a niggly but entertaining first half.Chelsea full back Marc Cucurella was also cautioned for a brutal shove on Evanilson and Fofana for a similar offence.Sanchez picked up a yellow for his karate chop on The Cherries’ marquee summer signing in the pivotal moment of the first half that summed up Chelsea’s dithering display.Kluivert planted a header into the area and Fofana’s clumsy attempt to clear ended up with him miskicking wildly in front of his own goal.Evanilson seized on the chance and having dinked the ball past Chelsea’s keeper was sent sprawling by a raised right arm, even if he did make as much of it as he could.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner.Taylor pointed to the spot, ignoring the howls from the Chelsea players and the cat-calling from the nearby away end in a frenzied atmosphere.Evanilson, yet to score for his new club, looked uneasy from the off though and after hesitating curled a weak shot that Sanchez pawed to safety, thus redeeming himself in the process.He became a hero in the second half when again facing an onslaught against the underdogs, the big keeper got enough of a hand to Christie’s first time shot to tip it onto the foot of the post when it looked goalbound.Maresca was clearly not happy and started tinkering with his team early on.READ MORE SUN STORIESSancho came on at half time and by the hour mark, he had made three changes in total as he tried to fathom out a way to first contain Bournemouth and then try to turn the tide and win.It wasn’t exactly an inspired set of substitutions, more done out of desperation, but it worked and Chelsea snatched it at the death. 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