More stories

  • in

    Brighton 3 West Ham 2: Baleba screamer snatches dramatic last-gasp win after hosts trailed 2-1 with just MINUTE to play

    CARLOS BALEBA last-gasp 30-yard rocket heaped more misery on Graham Potter who was booed at his old stomping ground.West Ham are now without a win in TWO MONTHS as Baleba won it at the death on 92 minutes to add to Kaoru Mitoma’s 89th minute equaliser.Carlos Baleba won it at the death with a rocket from distanceCredit: GettyTomas Soucek thought he had netted a late winner for West HamCredit: ReutersMohammed Kudus scored West Ham’s equaliserCredit: GettySoucek scored a diving header from Jarrod Bowen’s brilliant crossCredit: PAThe Hammers couldn’t quite believe their eyes as up to Mitoma’s leveller, they had been on the cusp of a precious win after a woeful recent run of form.Tomas Soucek found the net with an 83rd-minute diving header in front of the boisterous Hammers fans, who had been giving ex-Brighton boss Potter jip all game.They had been chanting in support of Niclas Fullkrug and his outburst after the club’s woeful loss at struggling Southampton last time out.Fans were singing “The German’s right, we’re f***ing s***e” and “get the German on the pitch” as they showed their support for Fullkrug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe chants came after an early 12th minute wonder strike from Yasin Ayari which was then cancelled out by Mohammed Kudus on 48 minutes to give the Hammers a glimmer of hope.Ayari looks as though he will be a monster next season and he broke the deadlock with a rocket strike which melted into the top corner like a knife in butter.Alphonse Areola had no hope of stopping the screamer – which no goalkeeper in the world could stop.Brighton were at it again and a pinball machine-like series of passes fell to Matt O’Riley who drilled a low shot but it was scooped up by Areola.Most read in FootballUp the other end Bart Vebruggen leapt like a salmon to keep out a bullet header from Tomas Soucek which kissed the woodwork.Brighton looked like they had inflicted more misery on the Hammers when Simon Adingra appeared to have doubled the lead, but it turns out Mats Wieffer was offside in the build up and VAR concurred with referee Darren England’s decision.’Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’All eyes were on Niclas Fullkrug, who came on after the break for James Ward-Prowse following his fiery out-burst and subsequent ticking off from Potter in the aftermath.There was an early chance for Brighton as Adingra fizzed a ball across the face of goal, but there’s no blue and white shirts to make the crucial touch.Queue chants of “Big f***ing German, he says what he wants” aimed at the struggling Hammers players.The players took it in their stride though and Jarrod Bowen threaded the ball through a pile of Brighton defenders, to Mohammed Kudus who fired home from the edge of the six-yard box.Fabian Hurzeler was left with his head in his hands over his side’s questionable defending.Brighton were knocking on the door as a string of menacing crosses fell into the box, with Ayari nearly slotting home before he lost his footing.Local lad Hinshelwood also had a go, sending a shot dipping and curling just over the crossbar.West Ham hit back though as a pin-point delivery fell to Soucek who guided the winning header on smack bang in front of a boisterous away end.Read More on The SunBut it was all square again when Brajan Gruda headed the ball back across the face of goal and Mitoma was there in the six yard box to nod past Areola.The Seagulls were 2-1 down just moments before but a moment of magic fBaleba has put them in front as the ball soared into the top corner, giving Ayari a run for his money.Yasin Ayari opened the scoringCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd star Andre Onana ‘in talks with and open to joining Neom SC’ after Saudi club’s promotion to nation’s Pro League

    MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old Trafford for Saudi club Neom SC.Onana, 29, has struggled in goal for United throughout the season following several clangers between the sticks.Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old TraffordAccording to Foot Mercato, the keeper has opened talks with the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League club.The Cameroon international’s representatives and Neom officials are discussing a potential summer move with the player’s contract running until 2028.The Saudi outfit’s team has been deemed “concrete” and the Onana is interested in a potential move.That could see him linking up with Manchester City rival Kevin De Bruyne, who is also being targeted by the same club.Read More on Man UtdDe Bruyne announced his imminent departure from City in June when his contract runs out after 10 years at the Etihad.This comes after a turbulent campaign for the ex-Ajax star that saw him being left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad two weeks ago.Man Utd manager Amorim stated that he made that decision in order to help the Cameroonian shot-stopper rest.Onana had endured some tough weeks that also saw his wife, Melanie, falling victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Inter Milan star was reinstated for the next game against Lyon in the Europa League.If Onana leaves then the Red Devils are certain to look for a new No1 this summer.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonThe Manchester giants have already been linked with the likes of Porto’s Diogo Costa, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    Ex-England star, 58, unrecognisable in Premier League debut of completely different sport 20 years after retiring

    AN EX-England star has made his debut in the Premier League of an entirely new sport.Nigel Martyn is best remembered for spells at the likes of Crystal Palace and Leeds during his two-decade career.Nigel Martyn has swapped goalkeeping for wicketkeepingCredit: Knaresborough Cricket ClubHe did not bat in the game but took the glovesCredit: YouTube @Sheriff Hutton Bridge Cricket ClubHe helped the club win promotion last yearCredit: YouTube @Sheriff Hutton Bridge Cricket ClubMartyn spent time at Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Everton during his careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyMartyn, 58, hung up his goalkeeping gloves in 2006 after picking up 23 caps for England.Now, nearly 20 years later he has got himself a new type of glove as a wicketkeeper for a ECB Yorkshire Premier League North side.He made his first appearance of the season for Knaresborough CC against Sheriff Hutton Bridge CC.Martyn had even taken the gloves ahead of Jonathan Tattersall, though he still managed to knock a half-century.READ MORE ON SPORTThe cricketer is a specialist wicketkeeper and is playing for Knaresborough following his exit from Yorkshire CCC where he had been captain.Knaresborough CC scored 176/8 in their 50 overs while Martyn did not bat at Moor Farm Ground.Martyn started his footballing career back in 1986 at St Blazey in Cornwall.He joined Bristol Rovers in 1987 after reportedly being spotted by a club tea lady.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo years later, he made the move to Palace for a transfer fee worth £1million.This made him the most expensive goalkeeper in English football history.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonHe earned 23 caps for England in his careerCredit: GettyHe retired in 2006 after an ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe played 349 times for the South London club but tasted defeat in the 1990 FA Cup final to Manchester United.He then broke the previous transfer record in 1996 when he moved to Leeds United for £2.25m.He performed so well at Elland Road that he was voted as part of the club’s greatest ever team and the only player from after the Don Revie era.In 2003, he made the move to Everton despite interest from Chelsea.He retired in 2006 following a stress fracture in his ankle and was hailed by manager David Moyes as his “greatest ever signing”.Martyn earned almost two dozen caps for the Three Lions but spent most of his career as the second-choice behind David Seaman.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: FA Cup semi-final updates with Rashford not in Villans squad due to ‘injury’

    CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa battle it out in a mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley.And the headline team news is that Marcus Rashford is not in the Villans squad due to a reported knock, while Ollie Watkins leads the line.Today’s FA Cup semi-final is of huge significance to both clubs, as seven-time winners Villa hope to end their 29-year drought for a major trophy this term, while Palace look to claim their first.Kick-off time: 5:15pm BSTFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC OneCrystal Palace team: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Eze, MatetaAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers, WatkinsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Electric atmosphere The atmosphere is electric here at the home of football, with empty seats few and far between.The Eagles fans sang loudly behind their team’s lineup announcement, while Villa fans at the opposite end of Wembley met each Palace player with a resounding boo.Copy linkCopiedVilla looking to bounce backAston Villa will be hoping to regain momentum after falling victim to a last minute winner scored by Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes on Tuesday.With only four points between the Villans and Champions League football, a win here could propel them in the Premier League fight for Europe.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace unbeaten in last four meetings with VillaThe Eagles have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides, with the one fixture ending as a draw. Palace knocked the Villans out of the League cup earlier this season and will be looking for more joy today.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa are outAnd, the Villans are out on the pitch warming up in front of a sea of claret and blue.Copy linkCopiedMarcus Rashford out with a ‘knock’Reports suggest Marcus Rashford’s absence is down to a ‘knock’ and the winger will not miss the remainder of the season.Fans were shocked to see the attacker’s name missing from Unai Emery’s team sheet.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace are out on the pitchThe Eagles fans welcomed their side out to warm up with a roar as they prepare for a historic FA Cup semi-final clash.Copy linkCopiedKeepers warming upBoth sides are warming up their respective goalies as fans make their way into the stadium here at Wembley.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRashford not in squad for VillaMarcus Rashford has not been included in the Aston Villa squad for this afternoon’s semi-final.The reason behind the Manchester United loanee’s disappearance is not yet clear, but Ollie Watkins has the chance to prove his worth up top.Watkins has grown frustrated in recent weeks after Rashford was preferred in the Champions League quarter-final matches against PSG.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa line-up CONFIRMEDAston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers, Watkins.Subs: Olsen, Mings, Maatsen, Garcia, Barkley, Onana, Bailey, Malen, RamseyCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace line-up CONFIRMEDCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Eze, MatetaSubs: Turner, Ward, Lerma, Chilwell, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Devenny, NketiahCopy linkCopiedNot so PallyCrystal Palace have enjoyed the better of their last four meetings with Aston Villa.The Eagles have won three times and drawn once.Oliver Glasner’s men knocked Villa out of the EFL Cup earlier this season with a 2-1 win at Villa Park in the last-16.Should Palace eliminate the West Midlanders from the FA Cup too, they will become the first side since Tottenham in 1968/69 to knock Villa out of both domestic cup competitions in the same season.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPalace’s route to WembleyThe Eagles have enjoyed a relatively straightforward route to the semi-finals, with three of their four FA Cup matches this season coming against teams from lower divisions.Palace made a very difficult quarter-final tie away at London rivals Fulham look easy, smashing the Cottagers 3-0 on their own patch to progress to the last-4.Palace 1-0 Stockport (3rd round)Doncaster 0-2 Palace (4th round)Palace 3-1 Millwall (5th round)Fulham 0-3 Palace (Quarter-finals)Copy linkCopiedEmery looking to end Villa’s trophy droughtAston Villa may be seven-time FA Cup winners, but only one of those triumphs has occurred during the last 100 years (1956/57).Since then, the West Midlands outfit have won the European Cup (1981/82), First Division (1980/81) and the EFL Cup (1995/96) – meaning their last major trophy came 29 years ago.Unai Emery will be determined to end Villa’s trophy drought, and he is well qualified to do so.The Spaniard has enjoyed success in many big cup finals, winning the Europa League four times with Sevilla (3) and Valencia (1) and both domestic cups in France during his time at PSG.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedThird time lucky for Palace?The Eagles have made the final of the FA Cup twice in their history, losing to Manchester United on both occasions.The first came back in 1990, losing 1-0 to the Red Devils in a replay after the initial final finished 3-3 after extra time.26 years later, the two sides met again, with Man Utd running out 2-1 winners after extra-time.Could the third time be the charm for Palace as they look to secure the first major trophy in their history?Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdCopy linkCopiedHello and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa!The first of two blockbuster FA Cup semi-finals is here as both sides look to take one step closer to silverware.Palace are seeking their first triumph in the iconic competition, while seven-time winners Aston Villa have their eyes on a spot in the final for the first time in a decade.Oliver Glasner will know that winning the FA Cup is his side’s best shot at securing European football for next season.But for the Villans, they are still well in the mix for qualifying for the Champions League through the league standings.Both sides played in the week, with Unai Emery’s men falling to top-five rivals Manchester City late on, while Palace snatched a 2-2 draw at Arsenal.The winner of today’s famous Wembley clash will meet either City or Nottingham Forest under the arch in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17th.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Chelsea player ratings: Jackson shows signs of life at crucial time as Caicedo stars but Palmer again a passenger

    ENZO MARESCA watched on from behind me as he served the touchline ban he earned himself vs Fulham – and he’ll be pleased with what he saw as Chelsea stole a 1-0 win at home to Everton. The game was shocked into life after 26 minutes when good pressure from the home side saw Nicolas Jackson take the ball on the turn and rifle it into the back of Jordan Pickford’s net, his first goal since returning from injury. Nicolas Jackson got Chelsea underway at Stamford Bridge with his first goal in 13 gamesCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca watched on from the sidelinesCredit: ReutersIt was by no means easy after they grabbed the opener though, as the Blues dominated possession but failed to add more goals to their tally.Everton had chances too, and David Moyes’ side ramped up the pressure as the game went on, calling Robert Sanchez into action on multiple occasions in the second half.Jackson thought he’d finally given his side a safety net as the game came to a close, but the offside flag denied him his 11th Premier League goal of the season.Three points puts Chelsea in a good position to battle for the coveted Champions League places now, but they arguably have the hardest run-in of the teams they are competing against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Blues against Everton.Robert Sanchez – 7Credit where credit is due, Sanchez was a force to be reckoned with today. In the early stages he looked like the same old shaky Sanchez, coming to claim crosses and then spilling them, opportunities which a more dangerous opposition may have punished. But as the game went on he made a vital save to deny Beto, was better in terms of his distribution, and by the end of the game looked as though he had glue on his gloves – coming and claiming every cross that came his way. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeMoises Caicedo – 9Moi has arguably been Chelsea’s player of the season as a combative holding midfielder, but was playing in the inverted fullback role for this game to accommodate Romeo Lavia’s inclusion. He is in fact so good that he can play there as well as any natural right back that Chelsea have got, with an impeccable work rate, great feet on the ball and an eye for a pass too. Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis His importance to this side cannot be understated, with the Ecuadorian always in the right place at the right time and able to show up for his side with a level of consistency matched by no other player in the squad. No one really brings up the price tag Chelsea paid for him anymore, which is testament to just how good he has become. Trevoh Chalobah – 8With rumours swirling that Trevoh Chalobah could be expected to depart Chelsea for good this summer, if he is to leave then the Cobham graduate can go with his head held high. Trev played a vital role in the build up to Jackson’s opener, pressing Beto on the ball and winning it just before the Senegalese forward rifled home. Levi Colwill – 8 It’s no easy task marking 6’4″ Beto up front for Everton, who has caused chaos for numerous Premier League defences this campaign, but Levi marshalled him really well. Chelsea’s ever-present CB this season has been really growing into a leadership role in his recent performances, and today’s was no different.It’s easy to see in games like today why the Blues value their academy born centre-half so, so highly. Marc Cucurella – 8 Alongside Caicedo, Marc Cucurella has probably been Chelsea’s most consistent performer this season. The Stamford Bridge faithful have got used to him flying forward and playing almost as a second striker at times, but he was tasked with a slightly different job today and asked to be more defensive with Caicedo inverting instead of him. For me there has been no better left-back in the league this season, and today’s performance echoed that sentiment – winning crucial tackles, stepping in to intercept whenever necessary and progressing the ball well too. Romeo Lavia – 7When a £115million midfielder is moved to right-back so that you can fit in the starting XI, it emphasises how good of a player you are. Romeo returned to the starting XI today for only the ninth time this season, and has been missing from the Chelsea side entirely since mid-march when he played just eight minutes vs Arsenal. His passing was somewhat rusty, which was expected of a player who has been out for so long, but on the half-turn in midfield he really makes a difference for Maresca’s side and is vital in most good things the team do. If he can stay fit I truly believe he can be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Enzo Fernandez – 7 Picked up his seventh assist of the season with a neat pass into Jackson on the edge of the box in what was a well rounded performance from Chelsea’s number eight. It was quietly one of the most assured performances I’ve seen since Enzo’s arrival here, as he showed quality on and off the ball as well as all of the passion and leadership that has made the regulars at Stamford Bridge adore him so much. Noni Madueke – 6Noni was preferred to the in-form Jadon Sancho on the left wing today with Neto earning a spot on his preferred right hand-side given the nature of his winner against Fulham last time out. His style of play is less-suited to the left side, as a winger who takes a high volume of shots after cutting inside on his left foot and has a great relationship with Cole Palmer who also prefers to be on the right side of attack.Nonetheless it was a trickery-laden performance from him, and he had Nathan Patterson on strings for most of the first half with his quick feet – his defensive work didn’t go unnoticed either as he often supported Cucurella in that sense. Cole Palmer – 3Palmer stole the show against Everton last season with FOUR goals at Goodison Park, a performance he bought up recently in an Instagram story that he captioned ‘Enjoyment’. The ice-cold midfielder has gone somewhat off the boil since the turn of the year though, with many fans conspiring he’s not enjoying himself so much under the current manager.Maresca claimed in the week that it was a mentality issue for Palmer, and not a tactical thing, and to me that seems clear to see. The Chelsea star has faded to the point he was almost translucent in today’s game, which is just painful to see when you know how he can be when fully firing.Pedro Neto – 6 Neto gave Mykolenko a torrid time down the right flank, with an incredulous amount of hard work once again. There was no moment of magic like we saw against Fulham in the last match, and his end product on a consistent basis still needs to improve, but he still showed up for his side outside of that. Deserves huge credit for his defensive efforts, as he made a number of vital tackles in clutch moments, especially as the game came to a close. Nicolas Jackson – 8 THAT is exactly what Jackson can do. So many times in a Chelsea shirt we have seen him do everything required of him as a striker, apart from putting the ball in the back of the net when it’s needed most. His strike in the 26th minute from outside the box nestled perfectly in the bottom left corner to give the Blues the lead after a great touch on the half-turn. Aside from the goal, his hard work was much appreciated by the home support, as he often dropped deep to collect the ball and even tracked back to make a last man challenge on Beto at one stage in the second half.SubsReece James (on for Lavia, 67mins) – 6Replaced Lavia, who was excellent in midfield, and the Blues didn’t look worse off at all. Probably more solid in terms of defense and offered slighly less in transition than Lavia, but that was probably exactly what was needed from him given the state of the game when he came on. Jadon Sancho (on for Madueke, 78mins) – 5Showed flashes of his quick feet and ability, but Chelsea were seeing the game out for most of the time he was on the pitch. Didn’t see much of the ball, but did his defensive due diligence. Read More on The SunTyrique George (on for Jackson, 90mins) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to impact the game.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (on for Palmer, 90mins) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to impact the game. More

  • in

    Chelsea 1 Everton 0: Jackson scores first goal since December as Blues grab vital three points ahead of horror run-in

    THERE seems no end to Cole Palmer’s personal misery.But Nicolas Jackson ended his own scoring drought to take Chelsea a huge step nearer the Champions League place that will mean so much.Nicolas Jackson netted his first goal since December 15Credit: ReutersThe striker notched his 10th goal in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPalmer’s wait for his first goal since mid-January now stands at 17 games and counting.As the England ace struggled to make any impression against an Everton side who only started to play in the final half hour, it was hard to see how Enzo Maresca’s suggestion his woes are a “mental thing” has done ANYONE much good.Palmer is a pale imitation of the player who was so good for his first season and a half at the Bridge.Those impish runs, the confident flicks and impudent self-belief have vanished, with him looking a shadow of the player who scored four against the Toffees in the corresponding match last term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYou can see it is affecting him, too, long before he was brought off in stoppage time as the home fans bit their fingernails through the dying minutes either side of Robert Sanchez’ crucial save from Dwight McNeil.Yet for Chelsea and Maresca, forced to watch from the back of the press box as he was suspended from the dug-out, this was a vital win. Jackson’s superb turn and strike just before the half-hour ended his own four-month spell without finding the net to extend the Stamford Bridge misery for David Moyes and Everton.It was a quality finish, too, after Trevoh Chalabah dispossessed Beto to feed Enzo Fernandes, with the Senegal striker spinning  on a sixpence to rifle beyond Jordan Pickford’s right hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn truth, it was no more than a lacklustre Everton deserved, too, with David Moyes’ game-plan clearly about staying in the contest for long enough for home nerves to flutter.Moyes’ winless run in SW6 now stands at 25 games and counting, while Everton last took three points from the Bridge in 1994.Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade onWilly Caballero was on the touchlineCredit: ReutersCole Palmer failed to break his goalscoring duckCredit: GettyAnd while Jackson’s winner was an emphatic answer to his doubters, none of the other three streaks ever really looked like ending.Chelsea were, for much of a match played in a subdued, almost listless atmosphere, far superior – without ever really grabbing the bull by the horns.Maresca had parked himself in the corner of the back row of the press box, choosing the semi-restricted “letter-box” view of the pitch.Then again, plenty of Blues fans have watched much of this season with their fingers in front of their eyes.In fairness, despite Palmer’s cloak of invisibility, this was not one of those.Full-backs Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke, operating off the left, were the stand-out performers.Madueke was first denied by Pickford’s left hand after playing a lovely one-two with Cucurella before advancing to the edge of the box.Chelsea player ratings vs EvertonBy Lloyd CanfieldENZO MARESCA watched on from the stands as Chelsea stole a 1-0 win at home to Everton. The game was shocked into life after 26 minutes when good pressure from the home side saw Nicolas Jackson take the ball on the turn and rifle it into the back of Jordan Pickford’s net, his first goal since returning from injury. It was by no means easy after they grabbed the opener though, as the Blues dominated possession but failed to add more goals to their tally.So who was to blame for another lethargic display? Did Cole Palmer finally show signs of improvement?Check out our Chelsea player ratings.But while the England keeper was lucky to get away with a weak punch straight to Cucurella – Chelsea rightly demanded a corner as the final touch came off Iliman Ndiaye – the officials’ “mistake” directly led to the goal.Pickford’s goal-kick up to Beto was picked off by Chalobah to instigate the move finished as Jackson span and shot instantly from 20 yards.Jackson’s response to the end of his own 13-match scoring drought – his previous goal came against Brentford in December – was a mixture of delight and relief. The home fans have not turned on the Senegal striker.They are, though, less keen on Sanchez – although the keeper ended up the hero of the hour with two vital second half stops.Sanchez remains a strange mix, his decision making and handling off his line enough to make you wonder if Chelsea surely have a better option among their battalion of glove-men.But when  it mattered, either side of two terrific Pickford saves – one with his left foot, the other with his left glove – the Spaniard stood firm.The first came with what was Beto’s final touch before he was pulled off, a snapshot from the edge of the box which was heading for the bottom corner before Sanchez sprang to his right.And three minutes from time, just after the flag rightly denied Jackson his second of the afternoon when Pickford was unable to hold Cucurella’s low 18-yarder, and with the fingernails of the home fans starting to be bitten, Sanchez made another big play.Carlos Alcaraz, whose half-time introduction for an utterly ineffective Ilian Ndiaye had made a difference, burst down the left to deliver to the penalty spot.Fellow substitute McNeil had to adjust his feet as the ball was slightly behind him but still made enough contact on the volley to hit the target.Once more, though, Sanchez anticipated down to his right, getting enough on the ball to ensure it went behind for a corner.Read More on The SunIt was enough to secure the points. Chelsea remain masters of their Champions League destiny, although with Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Forest to play, they have by far the toughest run-in of the contenders.To get over the line, surely, they need Palmer to rediscover his mojo. Quickly. More

  • in

    Four ex-Premier League stars running London Marathon bidding to beat incredible record time for an ex-Prem player

    FOUR Premier League heroes will be running the London Marathon with a purpose.The annual race takes place this Sunday in the capital and will feature several celebrities.Danny Mills is among four ex- Premier League stars taking part in the London MarathonChelsea legend John Terry will be looking to break the record of fastest finish by an ex-Prem starFormer Chelsea ace Jody Morris will also be running in LondonSteve Sidwell is the third Chelsea hero to run the marathonAmong them will be ex-Chelsea aces John Terry, Jody Morris and Steve Sidwell as well as former England international Danny Mills.The quartet will be joined by Oxford United manager Gary Rowett at the start line in Greenwich Park.Juventus and Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci has also been registered for the run.And they will all be looking to become the fastest ex-Premier League footballer to compete in the London Marathon.Read More on ChelseaSo far, the record stands at an impressive three hours and six minutes.And it belongs to ex-Scotland international Christian Dailly, who played for the likes of West Ham, Blackburn and Charlton.The aforementioned players would also love to break the overall marathon record held by a former footballer.And that belongs to former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben.Most read in FootballRobben holds an impressive two hours and 57 minutes under his belt.Mills told Story Shop on behalf of Puresport: “Running a marathon is something you do for yourself — nobody else cares about your time.John Terry clashes with Mark Clattenburg as the 26ers face F.C RTW in the Baller League “But crossing that finish line, knowing what you’ve put in, is one of the best feelings in the world.“Having said that, knowing there are some ex-footballers taking part has obviously awoken the competitive spirit. John and Jody are fit guys, but I’m hoping experience will win out. “John’s got a lot more medals at football than me so I’ll have to go for the running one.  Leonardo’s the unknown quantity!”Leonardo Bonucci will be competing against the former Premier League starsArjen Robben holds the fastest marathon record for a former footballerChristian Dailly holds the fastest record for an ex-Premier League star in the London Marathon More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘open transfer talks to sign £80m-rated English wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, in shock swoop from Dortmund’

    CHELSEA have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens, according to reports.The Blues are looking to add a winger to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer and the Englishman is a top target.Chelsea are in talks over a deal for Jamie GittensCredit: RexSky Sports Germany claim the club have been in contact with Gittens’ representatives.The 20-year-old takes home £2.5million-a-year at Dortmund and Chelsea are said to be willing to double his wages.Gittens has been valued at £80m in the past but the latest report suggests a fee could be agreed between £43m and £51m.The England Under-21s international started the season in stunning form and has scored 12 goals in 44 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has fallen out of favour under Niko Kovac, who took over as Dortmund boss in January.Gittens could therefore decide to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and return to his homeland with Tottenham also interested.But staying put is not out of the question as the player’s reps have also been in talks with Dortmund chief Lars Ricken over his future.If Gittens joins Chelsea, it would see him return to the club he spent a short time with as a schoolboy.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Berkshire-born ace eventually decided to stay with Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy aged 14.He then moved to Dortmund two years later and made his senior debut at the age of 17 years and 251 days. The making of Tyrique George, who’s family made sacrifices to help Chelsea wonderkid with ‘dynamite’ shot live his dreamAs alternatives to Gittens, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams are being considered.AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly not seen as an option. More