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    Man City 3 Feyenoord 3: Pep left scratching his head as he blows 3-0 lead for first time EVER and extends nightmare run

    ON the plus side – at least the run of five straight defeats is over.But the slump goes on for Manchester City as they somehow blew a three goal lead by conceding three goals in 14 minutes to leave Pep Guardiola black and blue.Manchester City’s threw a three goal lead away to draw 3-3 with FeyenoordPep Guardiola was left with his head in his hands and remains winless in six games after his side collapsed in the final stagesGuardiola’s head looked to have suffered more than most during the second-half collapseThe scratches were clear as he admitted City’s performance was ‘hard to swallow’Erling Haaland looked shell-shocked at full-time at the EtihadFeyenoord scored THREE in the last 14 minutes amid defensive mistakes for CityErling Haaland scored his 45th Champions League goal to open the scoringIlkay Gundogan’s deflected volley doubled City’s lead after half-timeHaaland tapped home his 46th Champions League goalThe manager was left with striking red marks all over his head at the end – no doubt a result of it spending much of the calamitous second half in the beleaguered Spaniard’s hands. City are the first team in Uefa Champions League history to be leading a match by three goals as late as the 75th minute and fail to go on to win.It leaves their European hopes in serious peril with games at Juventus and Paris Saint Germain still to come – as they sit 15th in the competition’s standings.But where does it leave their season with a huge trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday?READ MORE ON MAN CITYIt looked like normal service was resumed as they took a three goal lead in the 53rd minute – thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland.Somehow though they let it slip as the Dutch side came storming back and grabbed an astonishing equaliser a minute from time.It was Bernardo Silva who said City were in a dark place after they were beaten at Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.Guardiola didn’t agree then – but they have lost twice more since, including a 4-0 hammering by Spurs last Saturday.Most read in Champions LeagueKevin De Bruyne admitted it has been “chaotic” with all their problems.But it has now got that little bit darker.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere were flashes of the City we have come to know over recent seasons though – but also of how fragile their confidence has become in their dismal run.With tricky games still to come, this was one City simply had to win.Glum Pep Guardiola says Man City ‘cannot deny reality’ after slipping to FIFTH defeat in a rowIt is the kind of European tie they have normally made light work of in recent years but these are not normal times for Pep Guardiola’s men.A run of five straight defeats – across three different competitions – made it the worst run of the Catalan’s managerial career.In fact it was 2006 last time a City team last went on a six-match losing streak – back in the days when Stuart Pearce was in charge.Early on they looked in determined mood and came close to going ahead as Haaland’s flick header hit the base of the post before Timon Wellenreuther clawed away the reboundA volley from Jack Grealish looked destined for the net but hit the back of team-mate Phil Foden and ballooned over the bar.Foden almost made amends with a low shot that was pushed around the post by Wellenreuther at full stretch.The home side were in full control and should have been ahead by more before a triple change in the 60th minute.City fans were starting to worry they have seen this script before.Hadj Moussa brought one back for the visitors in the 75th minuteIt marked a historic night for FeynoordGuardiola’s side travel to Anfield eight points behind Liverpool on SundayBrian Priske said beforehand he was worried about a backlash from the English champions but they had held firm.And their first decent chance of the night came when Igor Paixao got through but fluffed his attempt to chip Ederson.Back at the other end Dutch defender Nathan Ake came close as his header from a Grealish corner drifted just wide.Haaland was denied by a last ditch tackle from David Hancko but from the resulting corner he went down under challenge by Quinten Timber.The Romanian ref pointed to the spot and there was even some suggestion it was given for a handball.Whichever way, it looked a soft one but apparently there was not enough to suggest a clear and obvious error.City’s top scorer – who missed his last spot-kick in Lisbon earlier this month – was made to wait but looked confident as he sent Wellenreuther the wrong way.That’s 16 for the season already for the Norwegian – and people say he has been struggling recently.Josko Gvardiol’s error led to the visitors first goal in the 75th minuteYet as Guardiola said on Monday – with hardly anyone else chipping in, where would they be without Haaland’s goals?It’s now 51 goal involvements for Haaland – 46 goals and five assists – in just 44 games in his favourite competition.That lifted some of the tension that was building around the Etihad and Matheus Nunes went close as his effort was deflected into the side netting.The resulting corner was only half cleared and Ilkay Gundogan’s 20 yard shot was deflected past his own keeper by Hancko.It might not have gone in without the defender’s help but a bit of good fortune was just what the German needed.City’s treble winning skipper has found it difficult since returning to the Etihad after a year in Barcelona but that will do his confidence no harm.Jack Grealish was inches away from making it 4-3 in the final minuteAnd three minutes later, the tie appeared to be over as Nunes burst clear down the right and sent over a low cross that a stretching Haaland turned in.Having reached his half century in the first half, he had now made a start towards the next one. You could see the confidence returning to the home side and now it seemed just a question of how many they would score.But Josko Gvardiol gifted the visitors a way back in as his lazy pass back to the keeper did not have the legs to reach Ederson.Anis Hadj Moussa nipped in and went round the keeper to give the Dutch a bit of hope.And they were dreaming of a famous comeback as Gvardiol again gave the ball away to put the visitors on the attack.Jordan Lotomba’s cross somehow squeezed between Ederson and the post and sub Santiago Giminez chested it over the line.Grealish started his first City game since the beginning of OctoberPhil Foden had his fine strike brilliantly kept out by Timon Wellenreuther inside 22 minutesNow it was panic stations and as Paixao got in ahead of Ederson who had dashed out of goal.He then kept his cool and crossed for Hancko to head home at the back post. A truly astonishing ending.Alan Shearer believes the draw could be WORSE for morale than City’s recent five consecutive defeats.It’s the first time Guardiola – whose head went down at 3-1 – failed to win a game from 3-0 up in his managerial career.And the first time City have not won from 3-0 up since 1989 against Bournemouth.Speaking after the game, a shell-shocked Guardiola said: “I don’t need to say anything to (the players), they know it perfectly.”It’s so difficult to swallow right now, the game was good, we scored three, we could have scored more, but in the end we give it away, we are not stable enough.”What can you do? Rest one or two days and prepare for Anfield.”Asked how he will lift the squad for the massive trip to Liverpool on Sunday, he added: “I have to, it’s my job.”Some City fans booed at the end, but Guardiola wasn’t angry with them.He said: “Last game against Tottenham, the 0-4, they were there, they support us, they applause. They are disappointed of course, we understand it.”Amazon pundit Shearer though was left fearing for the all-conquering Spaniard after this unprecendented slump.He said: “This could spell disaster for Guardiola. I can’t believe the decision making at the end of that game.”They looked light, they looked weak, they looked frail.”You cannot give the opposition a chance, give them hope, and that’s exactly what they did.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With two minutes to go they tried to take a quick free-kick. Why?Their game management was awful. It’s been a disaster for them.”City head to Prem leaders Liverpool on Sunday looking rather shaky. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard runs the show but poor defending from Riccardo Calafiori blows clean sheet

    ARSENAL put in a sublime away performance to beat Sporting 5-1.The Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes and were excellent as the Portuguese powerhouses failed to lay a glove on them.Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring but then fadedCredit: GettyKai Havertz poked home and was good throughoutCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard ran the show and was a class aboveCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel were amongst the goals in a brilliant first-half from Mikel Arteta’s side.But Sporting upped it after the break and got a goal back – only for Arsenal to show their class and manage the game well as Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard put the tie to bed.Here is how SunSport rated the Arsenal players’ performances.David Raya – 6READ MORE ON ARSENALDid not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.Jurrien Timber – 8A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilliam Saliba – 7Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundGabriel – 8Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again. Defended Gyokeres by being physical and on the front foot against him.But the tactic led to giving away a cheap free-kick in a dangerous area that went unpunished. Riccardo Calafiori – 5Sporting attacked a lot down Arsenal’s left in the first-half and Francisco Trincao caused him a few issues.Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner. Thomas Partey – 8A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.Was a real calming influence in possession.Declan Rice – 6His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early. Fantastic delivery for the corner.Martin Odegaard – 9Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.Bukayo Saka – 8Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it. Whipped into the inside side netting.Kai Havertz – 8Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball. Gabriel Martinelli – 7Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal, going on the blind side of defender Geovany Quenda.But Martinelli faded and did very little after a positive start. Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 70 mins) – 7Scored the fifth goal. Another in the right place as the ball dropped.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 70 minutes) – 7Assured cameo in midfield.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Calafiori, 78 minutes) – 6Calm on the ball after coming on. Ethan Nwaneri (for Odegaard, 78 minutes) – 6Oozes class and came close to scoring.READ MORE SUN STORIESJakub Kiwior (for Gabriel, 84 minutes) – 5Got done by the pace of Gyokeres in the latter stages. More

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    Sporting 1 Arsenal 5: Gunners run riot in Champions League and become first to beat Portuguese club in 90 mins this term

    RAMPANT Arsenal handed Sporting Lisbon a Champions League humbling – and even taunted their star striker Viktor Gyokeres by nicking his celebration.The Gunners produced one of their best European away-day displays in recent memory with three goals inside 45 minutes out in Lisbon via Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel.Arsenal ran riot with a convincing win over SportingCredit: GettyBukayo Saka grabbed yet another goal and an assistCredit: RexWith Sporting on their knees, Brazilian defender Gabriel scored the third with a header on the brink of half-time before pulling out Gyokeres’ trademark ‘mask’ routine. The audacity.It is a sign of the confidence and the swagger running back through this Arsenal team, back at full-strength with injuries behind them, producing a performance that should make their rivals in this competition take note.Even when Sporting rallied with Goncalo Inacio’s 47th-minute header, Mikel Arteta’s men were ruthless in their response through Bukayo Saka’s 65th-minute penalty and Leandro Trossard’s late addition.Gyokeres – a man who has been scouted by the North Londoners on numerous occasions – came into this contest as one of the continent’s most feared goal-getters – 24 in 17 so far this term for Sporting.Three of them came in a 4-1 battering of Manchester City under manager Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – at the Estadio Jose Alvalade earlier this month.But the 26-year-old comes away from this one with more questions than answers by his name. Up against centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel, it really was men against boys at times.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Sporting fans showed off their impressive singing voices well into the opening minute of the match with their translated rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’.But those dulcet tones soon turned to jeers as Arsenal did things their way, piling on some early pressure and getting under the skins of the Sporting players.Arsenal player ratings vs SportingAfter a needless altercation that floored Havertz before a throw-in, Ousmane Diomande picked up a fourth-minute yellow card.And three minutes later, from another throw-in, the opener.It was a brilliantly intricate move, one that involved Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber – the latter squaring it for Martinelli and the easiest of tap-ins.Arteta punched the air. The perfect start he craved from his team, one that had previously gone four European away days without finding the net.Sporting mounted a response, but big Swede Gyokeres was being marked superbly by the meat and two veg pairing of Saliba and Gabriel.He may be one of the most prolific marksmen on the continent right now, but in testing himself against a world-class defensive duo, Gyokeres was coming up severely short.Out-thought, out-muscled, dominated.He spent most of the first half skulking around like a stroppy youngster who had just had his ball nicked off him by the bigger boys.His mood worsened thanks to some more elegant Arsenal intricacy.Partey lofted a chipped pass over the Sporting back line for Saka to latch on to, poking through the legs of goalkeeper Franco Israel.Another empty-net finish, this time for Havertz, leaving Sporting stunned. A team who had won 17 of their opening 19 games in all competitions this term were being ripped to shreds.The Sporting fans then decided to use up the leftovers from Bonfire Night from the stands to give everyone within a five-mile radius the shock of a lifetime.It did little to wake up their beloved Sporting, however. A banner also emerged that read: “The Lion’s heart.” This performance had very little of that. The visitors were the ones roaring.And the hosts had little to no answers for the onslaught Arsenal were consistently conjuring.Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the perfect startCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was all smiles as he did his cheeky celebrationCredit: APKai Havertz also tapped in early onCredit: ReutersGabriel powered home a header from a cornerCredit: GettyHeading into the break, Arteta would have wanted another goal to show for their complete and utter control. He soon got it.Rice took his time in whipping in the corner, to the disgust of the whistling home end, but when he did, it was only ever destined for the head of Gabriel.When done right, that sort of routine is unstoppable, but Sporting’s marking was non-existent.Inside 45 minutes, Arsenal had doubled their Champions League campaign tally – while Gyokeres’ chances of adding to his five already in this competition looked bleak.After Gabriel cheekily used the Swedish international’s linked-finger celebration and the half-time whistle went, Gyokeres angrily launched the ball from his own half into an empty net.Less than two minutes into the second half, Sporting scored for real.David Raya was forced into his first meaningful save from a Hidemasa Morita strike, yet he was helpless to stop Inacio from flicking on from the resulting corner.Sporting fans cranked up the volume, only to watch Arsenal turn it back on with Diomande cutting down Odegaard in the box, getting Saka on the scoresheet from 12 yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo subs combined for the fifth – Mikel Merino’s punt parried on to the head of Trossard.Five games and three wins down in this new format. Arsenal are rediscovering their form at just the right time.Saka fired in from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard made no mistake with his simple headerCredit: ReutersMartin Odegaard was at his purring best for Mikel Arteta’s sideCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres was not given a sniff by the Arsenal defendersCredit: GettySaka collected the player of the match awardCredit: GettySporting fans set off fireworks during the first halfCredit: GettySupporters also set off flares and smoke bombsCredit: EPAArsenal ratings vs SportingDavid Raya – 6Did not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.Jurrien Timber – 8A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.William Saliba – 7Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.Gabriel – 8Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again. Riccardo Calafiori – 5Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner. Thomas Partey – 8A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.Declan Rice – 6His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early. Martin Odegaard – 9Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.Bukayo Saka – 8Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it.Kai Havertz – 8Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball. Gabriel Martinelli – 7Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal.But Martinelli faded and did very little after that. More

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    Fireworks explode over Arsenal keeper David Raya’s head during Sporting clash in shocking safety breach

    FIREWORKS exploded right above David Raya in shocking scenes during Arsenal’s Champions League clash at Sporting.The Gunners rocketeded into an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.Sporting fans set off fireworks over David Raya’s headCredit: ReutersUltras also lit green and white smoke bombsCredit: GettyFlares lit up the home end at the Estadio Jose AlvaladeCredit: APThe pyrotechnics went off after Arsenal went 2-0 upCredit: RexDavid Raya had not been threatened by Viktor Gyokeres or any of the Sporting players.But on 25 minutes, various fireworks, flares and smoke bombs were set off over the Arsenal penalty area.The pyrotechnics were not shown by the TNT Sport cameras but commentator Darren Fletcher referenced them.And he was surprised the referee did not stop play and take the two teams off the field.READ MORE ON ARSENALVideos quickly circulated on social media of the fireworks.The clips showed the explosives being launched from the stand behind Raya and flashing into bursts of light.Another revealed the magnitude of the green and white smoke wafting across the pitch. Within minutes, clouds covered the pitch in Lisbon.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne supporter said: “Fireworks and flares set off aimed at Raya and the back four. That’s gotta be a ban surely.”However, jubilant Arsenal fans inside the ground chanted: “We want more fireworks,” as they watched their side put on a spectacular performance. SunSport has contacted Uefa for comment but it is likely the Portuguese club could land in hot water with the authorities over the safety breach.Martinelli turned home with just seven minutes on the clock.And Havertz doubled the visitors’ lead on 22 minutes, tapping in after fine work from Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka.Then Gabriel made it 3-0 with the final touch of the first half, thumping in yet another header from a dangerous inswinging Declan Rice corner. However, Sporting pulled one back immediately after the break through Goncalo Inacio. Saka, though, restored Arsenal’s three-goal lead from the penalty spot on 65 minutes before sub Leandro Trossard completed the 5-1 rout with an easy rebound header.The referee decided not to stop play despite the safety concernsCredit: AFPThe Portuguese club could be in trouble with UefaCredit: EPATrails of smoke poured down on the Arsenal penalty areaCredit: RexThe cloud hovered over the pitchCredit: TNT Sports More

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    Tottenham vs Roma: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

    TOTTENHAM return to Europa League action on Thursday when Italian giants Roma visit.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Man Utd make history with major change to Old Trafford in ‘fantastic step forward’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made history after becoming the first Premier League club to offer male sanitary facilities.The Red Devils will provide designated bins and products such as pads for men at Old Trafford.Manchester United have made history by becoming the first club to offer male sanitary facilities to match-going fansThe decision came after a fresh study from Prostate Cancer UK and phs GroupIt comes after a study found that 50 per cent of those with male bladder weakness attend fewer games due to a lack of facilities and anxiety about leaks.While one in seven (14 per cent) said they had stopped going to games altogether, according to Prostate Cancer UK.But United have now set the benchmark after becoming the first top-flight club to commit to Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation – the minimum requirements that charities are asking organisations to implement to support men with incontinence.Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK, praised the Red Devils for their initiative. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “Manchester United’s commitment to supporting men with incontinence is a fantastic step forward.”And we hope their action will inspire change across the whole football community, from the top of the Premier League to local non-league games.”The report was published last week came from Prostate Cancer UK and phs Group.United, who sit 12th in the Prem after drawing at Ipswich, are leading the charge by providing designated bins and essential products such as pads.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer BBC sports presenter Steve Rider, who has battled prostate cancer himself, remarked: “Incontinence can become a real social barrier.”Imagine going to watch your local football team, you’re halfway through the second half and suddenly you feel the need to get rid of something a bit more substantial than your season ticket.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?”The ability to do that hygienically, with security and dignity, is so important. “And that’s why I’m a strong supporter of the Back in the Game initiative to get clubs up to the BOG STANDARD, to enable men to live a better life.”The next phase of plans to re-build Old Trafford and redevelop the surrounding area has been launched.United’s proposed regeneration of Trafford Park could boost the UK economy by up to £7.3billion.While United are consulting with the local community, they have NOT ruled out building a brand new 100,000-seater stadium away from the Theatre of Dreams.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a new ground on the land adjacent to Old Trafford and pics of what the stadium could look like have been released.The Red Devils distributed a survey to season ticket holders and club members and received more than 50,000 responses.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have confirmed that 52 per cent of respondents are in favour of demolishing Old Trafford and building an entirely new stadium.While 31 per cent would rather redevelop the current ground, and 17 per cent are unsure.Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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    Chelsea looking to re-sign star they sold for just £18million but face transfer battle with Newcastle

    CHELSEA are considering a summer swoop to re-sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to reports.Guehi came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before moving to South East London for £18m during the 2021 summer window. Marc Guehi has now attracted interest from his former club ChelseaBut Chelsea could find themselves in a battle with Newcastle, who also want to land their former star next summer.He agreed to leave Stamford Bridge three years ago after finding his first-team opportunities limited.However, Guehi, who joined Chelsea at the age of six, has since established himself as one of the Prem’s best centre-backs.He has come on leaps and bounds since arriving at Selhurst Park, with the defender breaking into Gareth Southgate’s England side last season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuehi started five of the six games during the Three Lions’ Euros campaign, including the final 2-1 defeat to Spain.But the Palace star only missed the Switzerland game through suspension after picking up two yellow cards.The 24-year-old’s Palace contract expires at the end of next season.This has alerted the Enzo Maresca’s side to the fact he could be available for a cut-price fee next summer, according to talkSPORT.Most read in FootballGuehi is now a staple in England’s defenceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe centre-back was wanted by Newcastle this summer, but Palace refused to lower their £70m price tag.Guehi, capped 22 times by England, was recently praised by interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley for being “fast and aggressive”.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsHe only played two first-team games for Chelsea and was loaned out to Swansea City, before leaving to join Palace, who were then managed by Patrick Vieira.But transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has tipped Guehi for a possible return to the Blues. He said: “Guehi is someone who they like, he’s high up on the list. Palace have got issues, a January deal is not something Guehi is pushing for.“He’ll have a year left on his deal next summer, and will be a very attractive proposition for one of the top six. “He’s one to keep an eye on for sure, we know Chelsea like him, and Chelsea do want to upgrade the options behind Fofana and Colwill.”Chelsea player ratings vs LeicesterBy Graham HillCHELSEA survived a late Leicester fightback to win 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.SunSport’s Graham Hill rated each of the players in action.Robert Sanchez – 6He had a few shaky moments playing out from the back, which gave Leicester hope of getting back into the game before the break, but he will not be happy to have missed out on a clean sheet in stoppage time.Wesley Fofana – 7Booed on his second return to Leicester – but he refused to let it unsettle him, the fans could not put him off producing an assured display in the Chelsea defence.Benoit Badiashile – 7Controlled display at the back, he showed some superb vision at times but, apart from a spell in the first half, he was rarely troubled.Levi Colwill – 7Cool, calm and collected in defence – even when Leicester threatened to get back on level terms. A controlled second half display helped keep the Foxes at bay.Marc Cucurella – 7Looked a threat out left going forward and created some of Chelsea’s best opportunities of the game – including their second goal and he knew how to frustrate Leicester when he needed to.Moises Caicedo – 8Booked for dissent at a time when Leicester almost came back into it, but kept his head to make sure Chelsea stayed firmly in command of the game.Enzo Fernandez – 8Set up Jackson’s goal and is making a habit of providing key assists – this was fifth in his last three games.Headed number two from close range for good measure.Noni Madueke – 7Brought an excellent first half save from Mads Hermansen – who then stopped him scoring Chelsea’s second before the break.Blocked a certain Palmer goal though.Cole Palmer – 8Got some unwanted attention midway through the first half after a terrible challenge from Wilfred Ndidi – hit Maduke when he should have scored, otherwise he was excellent.Joao Felix – 6Peppered some shots in early on and proved a thorn in Leicester’s side, but drifted in and out of the game despite being part of a dominant Chelsea display.Nicolas Jackson – 7The opening goal – his seventh of the season – rounded off a powerful run and clinical finish after some help from Fernandez in the build-up. Also had a hand in Chelsea’s second.SubsChris Nkunku: for Joao Felix 81mins – 6Romeo Lavia: for Caicedo 81 mins – 5Jadon Sancho: for Maduke 84mins – 6Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: for Jackson 90 + 1mins – 5 More

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    Newcastle star reveals how new bedroom routine can help him avoid more agony after six-month injury hell

    CALLUM WILSON says he even changed his bedroom routine in order to solve his injury woes.The 32-year-old made his long-awaited return after a five-month absence as a late substitute for Newcastle in Monday’s defeat to West Ham.Callum Wilson made his return from injury for Newcastle against West HamCredit: GettyHe revealed how much he changed during his rehab – including his sleeping habitsCredit: GettyWilson is Toon’s second top scorer in Premier League history behind only Alan Shearer despite suffering numerous physical setbacks over recent years.His latest was a back and hamstring problem picked up right at the start of pre-seaon and he says that he has done “a lot of different things” on his recovery this time to try to avoid any further agony.The striker said: “I’ve done a lot of analysis into the body, changed a lot of things and hopefully now put an end to the setbacks.“Nobody likes to get injured, you try your best and nobody can guarantee anything but I think to get to this point in my career with the setbacks I’ve had I have to give myself credit for keeping bouncing back. But it’s about not having to now.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPressed on what he had done in rehab this time, Wilson revealed he had even changed the way he sleeps as he targets firing the club to a top four finish.He said: “Nothing specific really, just lots of different things. Seen a lot of specialists, different analysis into the body, how you run, how you move, how you sleep, how you eat to put an end to the setbacks you have to go through.“For me now I had a spell out, missed a fair few games so it’s about staying fit, helping the team.“There’s a lot of potential in that dressing room, a strong squad and it’s about making sure we can put the club where it deserves to be and where the squad warrants.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We had a taste of Champions League football and want to get back there.”Boss Eddie Howe is a huge fan of the star who he also managed at Bournemouth, however, Wilson knows he has to deliver and stay fit in order to earn a new deal with his current contract expiring in June.Callum Wilson slams Newcastle pre-season training under Steve Bruce and says they weren’t ready for first game He says: “I’m not thinking about it to be honest. You can only focus on the current situation – the first and foremost was getting fit, from there you build on that, stay fit, score your goals and then it’s down to the club on how things progress and like I say, as a striker you score goals and get yourself longevity don’t you?”I love playing for this club, I joined many years ago and helped the club numerous times throughout the years and I want to be a part of it.“It’s about getting going and getting out there – as long as I’m on the pitch I’ve no doubt I’ll score goals but it’s about staying on the pitch.”And with Thomas Tuchel taking over as England manager, Wilson also admitted his desire to build on his nine caps and two goals for the Three Lions.He added: “Of course you always have one eye on international football. There’s a long period of time now until the next camp and there’s a lot of games to be played before then.“I never really would shut down anything like that but your football for Newcastle takes care of that.“If I’m on the pitch I’ll score goals, if I score goals you get yourself in the England squad.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More