Soccer

PEP GUARDIOLA took a big gamble by throwing £92.5 million worth of new talent straight in for this top four showdown.It threatened to back-fire when Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov made a major blunder in the third minute of his Manchester City career to gift Chelsea the lead.Omar Marmoush showed he can become a key player for Man City with an impressive debutCredit: GettyAbdukodir Khusanov had a nightmare first appearance for his new clubCredit: GettyBut at least there was a hugely encouraging debut from Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush – who played a big part in helping City back into the game.The £59 million ace has been one of the stand out stars of the German league this season thanks to his 20 goals – not to mention the assists.And he has the energy to breathe new life into what has been a spluttering season for the champions.Marmoush had a couple of great chances and also saw a goal chalked off for offside during his 74 minute run-out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also showed promising signs of a link up with Erling Haaland – which almost led to a goal midway through the second half.The only downside was a habit of running offside – but put that down to over-enthusiasm as he tried to make an impression on his first run out.Fellow new arrival Khusanov will need more than an arm round his shoulder over the next few days after the way his debut started.Thankfully for him it didn’t get notably worse after that second minute blunder that gifted the visitors the lead – because for a while it looked like it might do.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe got a yellow card a couple of minutes later and on a couple of occasions he looked in danger of getting another one.Still there was a crucial block to deny Jadon Sancho a second goal of the night for the visitors and a sliding tackle that brought enthusiastic applause from his manager.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills for Egyptian National Team Boss Guardiola had some consoling words for Khusanov after his horror debutCredit: PAThe first Uzbek to play in the Prem lasted until the 54th minute when Guardiola replaced him with John Stones.City’s crowd are a forgiving bunch and he was given a generous round of applause as he made his way off – so that will have made him feel better.It always looked like a big gamble from Pep to pitch him straight in – after all he’s only played just over 30 games of top level football. More

WITH an injury list in double figures and the team stuck in mid-table, these really are dark old days for Tottenham fans.Points on the pitch are as rare as patience off it… there’s certainly no chance of being dazzled by smiles in this part of North London.Harry Redknapp believes there are reasons for Spurs fans to be positiveCredit: GettyIn Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham have a future world-class midfielderCredit: ReutersArchie Gray can be a future Spurs captainCredit: ReutersNever mind silverware, a silver lining will just do for now and with so many dark clouds above the place at the moment, there’s plenty to pick from.Which in Tottenham’s case is the emergence of three of the brightest young stars anywhere in the Premier League — Mikey Moore, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.All of them chucked into the thick of it far sooner than boss Ange Postecoglou would have liked, for sure.In an ideal world, I’m certain he would have far preferred to ease them in gently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut needs must, of course, so it was a case of sink or swim instead and all three of them never for one second looked like going under.They have been raving about Moore for ages, even though he’s still only 17, and it’s always great when a kid comes through the ranks and lives up to the billing.Well, Mikey is definitely doing that and more — this kid is going to be a big star, believe me.And before anyone jumps on my case, by the way, I know the other two were bought in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting to see a young talent come through.Bergvall is a “proper” player. I love the fact he’s got a bit of devilment about him already and there is no chance of him getting pushed around. More the opposite, to be honest.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis As for Gray, he came at a price and it’s easy to see why.Another teenager, but already a nailed-on Spurs captain of the future in my book.Archie’s played for England at every level from Under-15 up and it’s only a matter of time before he’s got the full set.So there HAS been some good from all the problems… not that it will keep anyone happy if results don’t improve, mind. And to be fair, nor should it.Although I do think it’s a bit harsh for the fans to be having a pop at Daniel Levy as they are.I’m not chairman of his fan club by any means, but I just don’t agree with it.Let’s be honest, what can Daniel really do? And don’t say get out of the club, because that’s not going to happen any more than he’s about to sack Ange.Levy’s given his manager a fortune for players, Spurs have the best stadium in the country and the training ground is second to none.Even with all those injuries, the squad is big enough to cope far better than it is.And with so many players, there is really no point in paying loads for even more.Some fans are calling for Ange Postecoglou to be sackedCredit: RexLook at the centre-backs, for example. When Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are fit, they go straight in again. Spurs already have defenders coming out of their ears. Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, James Maddison … big-money buys everywhere. They ain’t going to sign guys to sit on the bench further down the line.This is certainly no time to panic and, to be fair, there’s no chance of Daniel getting rid of Ange — whatever anyone says about him being under pressure.Levy will realise this is a time for solidarity. Although if things don’t improve by the end of the season, I know better than most about how ruthless he can be.If we get to May and they are still bobbing around in mid-table with no trophy on the table, that’s when Ange could find out, too.But, don’t forget, they’re a goal up going into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and the Europa League is hardly packed with the biggest names in football.Let’s be honest, it’s a second-rate competition with a load of sides who are Championship standard at best.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat gives Tottenham every chance of going all the way.If it all goes belly up then have a go, for sure, but for now just enjoy seeing those three young guns tearing it up.Mikey Moore is living up to the hype in his cameosCredit: Rex More

CHELSEA capitulated again after scoring first, this time in a 3-1 loss away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Three minutes is all it took for the deadlock to be broken, as City new boy Abdukodir Khusanov’s header was cut out by Nicolas Jackson, who squared it for Noni Madueke to tap into an empty net. Noni Madueke tapped home Chelsea’s only goalCredit: GettyPressure mounts on Robert Sanchez after another unconvincing displayCredit: ReutersA competitive first-half unfolded as big chances fell to Jackson and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom couldn’t convert from close range.But it didn’t take long for the hosts to level the scoring before half-time, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez couldn’t clear a long ball between them and Gvardiol made up for his two big missed chances with an easy finish into a gaping goal.A cagey second-half followed, until Erling Haaland sat down Trevoh Chalobah and curled the ball over Sanchez who was well out of position to give City a well deserved lead.Haaland shrugged off Levi Colwill and tapped the ball onto Phil Foden who pranced past the Chelsea defence and slotted to the left of the goalkeeper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 1It was much the same as what we have seen from Sanchez for Chelsea this evening. Not commanding in his area, poor distribution, and was more out of place than a penguin in the desert when Haaland lobbed him to give City the lead.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe sentiment of the travelling fans is that they are utterly sick of him.Sanchez was well out of position for Haaland’s goalReece James –  6Looked strong at the back and did his defensive duties well for the Blues for the most part. It would’ve been nice to see him more involved in an attacking sense, prancing down the right-hand side like we saw him do against Forest in the final game of last season.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him Trevoh Chalobah – 6His long ball upfield caused havoc for Khusanov on his debut and led to the opening goal after he stepped in to stop a Man City passage of play.Did well for large parts of the game, but Haaland sat him down 1v1 before giving his side the lead in the second half.Levi Colwill – 4Was booked for time wasting at a goal kick after just 25 minutes, and the home crowd were onto him after that.It was a tough evening for him against Haaland and the Norwegian’s relentless strength and power got the better of him at times, particularly for City’s third.Marc Cucurella – 4Wasn’t strong enough to get the better of Matheus Nunes who went on to set up Gvardiol for Man City’s leveller. Also failed to offer anything going forwards for his side.Moises Caicedo – 6A decent display against two of the strongest dribblers in the league in Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. Composed on the ball and a leader in this team, but looks far more comfortable with Romeo Lavia alongside him in midfield.Enzo Fernandez (c)  – 5Tried his best to get the team going and be a leader in this side, and progressed the ball well at times too.Not the game changing performance we saw from him against the likes of Spurs, but not bad by any means.Noni Madueke – 7Tapped home into an empty net with ease to open the scoring a couple of minutes into the game before troubling City’s left side on numerous occasions.Had bags of defensive work to do which is not his forte, and was caused major problems on the back foot by Gvardiol rampaging down City’s left-hand side.Cole Palmer  – 5Looked a shadow of the player who had such an impact in this very fixture last season. Should’ve done better with a pass for Jackson in the first half to make it 2-0, generally didn’t have the impact we have seen from him so often this season.Jadon Sancho – 5A few nice runs and touches, but no end product of any meaning which is something Enzo Maresca is desperate to see from his wingers.Worked hard defensively down the left hand side, but could soon have Alejandro Garnacho breathing down his neck for a starting spot.Nicolas Jackson – 6Played a vital part in Madueke’s opening goal after just two minutes, latching onto a loose header and calmly tapping it across for the winger to finish. Had a chance of his own a matter of moments later after a ball across the box from Palmer, but opted to look for Jadon Sancho instead – a confident striker probably scores that.Faded as the game went on and City started to dominate before he was subbed for Christopher Nkunku.SUBS:Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 61) – 5Was given 30 minutes to prove he’s worthy of a starting spot, or put himself in the shop window against City, and failed to do either. A severe lack of service doesn’t help that, but he looked invisible out there nonetheless.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Pretty much a like-for-like replacement for Sancho tonight. A few nice touches but no end product.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 73) – 5READ MORE SUN STORIESNot bad, but not as impressive as James. Looks a shadow of the player he was last season so far in this campaign. More

ROBERT SANCHEZ was king of the cock-ups on a night of blue shirts and red faces at an error-strewn Etihad.And no-one was happier to see the Chelsea keeper wearing the crown than Abdukodir Khusanov, after City’s own blunder boy had suffered the debut from hell.A howler from Robert Sanchez helped Man City beat Chelsea 3-1Credit: GettyErling Haaland lobbed the goalie as City came back from a goal downCredit: ReutersJosko Gvardiol led the fightback at the Etihad with Phil Foden grabbing a late thirdCredit: AFPIt was an unhappy return to the north west for Cole PalmerCredit: GettyMore of that later…first, though, the latest clanger from Sanchez and a staggering FIFTH to cost his side a goal already this term.Quite why he chose to head for the left angle of his area to pick off Ederson’s huge kick downfield only he knows. He was never going to get close.Instead Erling Haaland got there first and had the simple task – for a finisher of his quality – of lobbing over the stranded Spaniard to put City in front.And in doing so that was the ultimate redemption for Khusanov, the young Uzbek centre back who had made the worst of first impressions on his bow for the sky blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPep Guardiola knew he was taking the mother of all risks by pitching the youngster in a week after his arrival from Lens, but injuries left no choice. He soon regretted it.For two minutes in, with his first touch, it went so wrong for the kid and his manager.First he missed out when leaping with Nicolas Jackson in an aerial challenge for Trevor Chalobah’s downtown punt. And that’s when it got really messy.For rather than taking the play-it-safe option of sticking it in the stands – or even the relative no-man’s land of the touchline – he amazingly tried to head back to Ederson.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis stooping header never even went close. Instead Jackson pounced like a hungry dog on a ham, stabbed the ball square Noni Madueke, and he tapped in.Khusanov was utterly crestfallen. For a second he genuinely looked like he was going to burst into tears.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starPep Guardiola was delighted with his side’s winCredit: GettyHe needed a nerve-steadying chance to play a proper pass. Thankfully he didn’t have long to wait…but when it came, it was only marginally better than the first.Once more it was an under-hit ball, just inside his own half, which Cole Palmer pounced upon and set off for the City goal.Khusanov, desperate to make amends, upended the Chelsea striker and will never receive a more blatant yellow card if he plays until he’s 50.Had he been another ten yards deeper inside his own half and the card would have been a red. Every cloud, eh, Kodir?Noni Madueke gave Chelsea the lead after three minutesCredit: GettyAbdukodir Khusanov made a dreadful error as Madueke tapped homeCredit: GettyMind you, Khusanov didn’t have anything like a monopoly on the mishaps. The list grew by the minute.Everyone was in on the act, even Palmer, the man who has become a Messiah since swapping the Etihad for Stamford Bridge.His clanger came when he found himself with a clear sight of goal, yet instead of shooting, tried to hand Jackson an even simpler chance…and played a simple pass too far to his left.All Jackson could do was find the supporting Jadon Sancho – but at least his shot gave Khusanov the chance to be a hero of sorts by producing an impressive block.Gvardiol equalised just minutes before half-timeCredit: GettyThe goal galvanised the home crowd for a second half fightCredit: ReutersIt was a great escape which finally seemed to jolt City into action. Yes, they had already seen plenty of the ball to that point…but finally they looked like they may do something with it.Initially through Phil Foden, who rattled the upright with a thunderbolt, and twice from centre back Josko Gvardiol of all people.The first of them should really have found the target when he stepped inside to collect Haaland’s flicked header but blazed high, and then stabbed another effort wide.Even when City did get the ball in the net, through another new boy in Omar Marmoush, that was rightly ruled out for offside.Sanchez was left in no man’s land as he was lobbed by HaalandCredit: RexThe striker is getting back to his best after signing a decade-long dealCredit: PAAlthough had the Egyptian left the chance to Bernardo Silva just behind him it would have stood, as his team-mate was onside. It was that kind of evening.Thank Heavens, for their sake at least, that Chelsea’s blundering backline clearly doesn’t learn a lesson from one, two or even three mistakes.That’s how many times City had already got in behind them when they did so for a fourth time – and finally made it count with the equaliser.This time it came when Gundogan lofted one over the top for Matheus Nunez to run onto, with Marc Cucurella in hot pursuit.Foden made sure the points went City’s way with a last-gasp effortCredit: PACity have now moved above Chelsea in the tableCredit: GettyAlthough Sanchez came out to block, the ball cannoned goalwards off a cocktail of the two Chelsea players and Gvardiol tapped in.Equaliser for City, salvation of sorts for Khusanov. And it got even better, too, with that Haaland strike, although by then the Uzbek blunder boy had been hauled off.Guardiola called time on his debut just seven minutes after the break – 15 minutes before Sanchez got in on the act.Watching him set off then stop was unbelievable – and most definitely unforgivably. He instantly knew he was never going to get there.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo it proved, with the Spanish stopper in the middle of nowhere as Haaland collected, and lofted over the stranded keeper, who punched the turf in embarrassed frustration.At least he couldn’t be blamed when Foden raced onto Haaland’s pass to seal it with a third. Mind you, by then Sanchez had already done more than enough damage. More