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      Bournemouth 1 Everton 0: Super-sub Brooks smashes home late volley as Toffees slip to just TWO POINTS off drop zone

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      DAVID BROOKS piled more agony on Everton’s beleaguered boss Sean Dyche with a wonder winner at Bournemouth.Wales star Brooks brought the house down 13 minutes from time when he struck home a delicious volley against the Toffees.David Brooks scored a splendid volley to win the game for Bournemouth.Credit: GettyEverton are now just two points above the relegation zoneCredit: PAAnd that goal gave Andoni Iraola’s boys a new club record Premier League run of eight unbeaten matches.But Everton are free-falling towards the Championship with Dyche’s job on the line as each week passes.Once again his team were toothless up front and would have left the south coast with sound thumping without the heroics of their goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.The Cherries kindly gave Chelsea loanee goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga a deserved rest by dropping him to the bench after becoming the dad of twins.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Evertonians were lucky not be crying like babies after eight minutes when Jordan Pickford denied the hosts the lead.Teenage sensation Dean Huijsen flicked on James Hill’s long throw for what looked like sitter for Dango Ouattara.But the winger couldn’t get enough impact on the ball and England No 1 Pickford just had enough time to grab it.Antoine Semenyo had the ball in the visitors’ net within six minutes when he volleyed home Ryan Christie’s cross but was clearly offside.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrooks scored a goal to remember with a stunning volleyCredit: GettySean Dyche can’t seem to get his Everton side tickingCredit: RexAnd it was Semenyo who threatened again when his low cross struck Jarrad Branthwaite and crashed into the side netting.There was little seen of Everton’s goal-shy attack but that’s not really a surprise going by last year’s effort.Bournemouth star Julian Araujo celebrates with fans in pub holding a pool cue after Southampton win despite not playingThe Toffees netted a Premier League low 31 goals throughout 2024 and this season alone have created a mere 27 big chances in all their previous league fixtures.And while they struggled in attack it was left to Pickford to keep them in the match as usual.This time the No 1 flung out an instinctive hand to keep out Kluivert’s effort after the Dutchman had been set-up by Semenyo.After yet after another delay for an injury to Armando Broja Cherries fans taunted the visiting supporters: “How can you watch it every week.”But this was no early time-wasting tactics by Dyche’s boys as the hobbling Broja was replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin on 33 minutes.That move hardly cheered up the travelling fans knowing their top striker had not scored for 14 games.Dyche made two changes at the break replacing Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindstrom with Harrison Armstrong and Nathan Patterson.Andoni Iraola’s side were dominant throughout the gameCredit: RexJordan Pickford was the main reason Everton weren’t on the receiving end of a batteringCredit: ReutersYet it didn’t stop the hosts from charging forward as usual with only Pickford’s brilliance standing and flying in their way.The ever-dangerous Semenyo once again tried his luck with a low drive which the Three Lions star just about clutched to his left.You could understand why the Everton fans have lost patience with their team’s tactics under Dyche.The Toffees arrived in Dorset having won only one of their previous 10 matches-and on this form you could see why.Still the one-man Pickford show continued just after the hour when he dived full length to his right to touch aside Ouattara’s low effort.In a typical effort to find a late winner as usual Cherries chief Andoni Iraola made a triple substitution 20 minutes from time.Bournemouth are the comeback kings of the Premier League making an amazing habit of notching late goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESDavid Brooks, Enes Unal and Tyler Adams were sent on for Ouattara, Kluivert and Hill in Iraola’s bid to continue the trend.And once again it worked a treat virtually straight away when Brooks side-footed home an exquisite 77th minute volley from Kerkez’s cross. More

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      Crystal Palace 1 Chelsea 1: Blues’ faltering Premier League title fight dealt another blow after late Mateta equaliser

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      A NEW YEAR but still the same frustrating Chelsea who could not wait to say goodbye to 2024.The past two weeks has seen them transformed from title-chasers to now up against it trying to stay in the Premier League’s top four.Cole Palmer’s cool first-half finish looked to be enough to earn Chelsea three pointsCredit: GettyThat was until Jean-Philippe Mateta struck late on to ensure the spoils were sharedCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca was eight minutes away seeing his rejigged side clinch a hard-fought victory that would have meant the Christmas period was not a total disaster.Instead they cracked late in the second half and paid the price for failing to finish off multiple chances to grab their first win in four games.Boss Maresca always talked down his chances of chasing down Liverpool during his debut season at Stamford Bridge. That would have been a stretch.But those above his head have set a high bar for their club to be playing Champions League football regularly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea remain fourth but are now only a point above Newcastle who piled the pressure on them in the early game by winning at Tottenham.The Italian’s team responded to the threat by taking the lead through Cole Palmer inside a quarter of an hour only to let it slip in the dying moments and allow powerhouse Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalise in the 82nd.It’s the new year but Chelsea look far from resolute and Maresca can see the weaknesses that are holding his team back. Jadon Sancho was restored to the starting line up as one of six changes imposed by the determined coach as he looked to plot a way out of Chelsea’s mini slump.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRecent defeats against Fulham and Ipswich have dented confidence in the camp. Combined with injuries to key defenders, the head coach rejigged his team to give it a fresher look.Maresca drafted in teenager Josh Acheampong for his first Premier League start – playing alongside Levi Colwill in a young partnership at centre back.Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely Acheampong, 18, is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge but a tough away game when the chips are down would not be the ideal circumstances to hand a young kid such an honour. Such is life at Chelsea right now.But winger Sancho settled the nerves for the visitors when he produced a piece of trickery to help get Chelsea off the mark.Collecting a low pass from Colwill, he sold Chris Richards a huge dummy and rounded the Palace defender to set himself free down the left flank in the 14th minute.Having bought time and space for his run, he then picked out Palmer inside the box, who in turn poked the ball home across the face of goal to claim his 13th Premier League goal of the season.It was a class move by Chelsea and equally unfortunate for Richards. The American had moments earlier produced a classy tackle to block the goalbound run of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson who was clean through. It was the sort of last-ditch but well-timed lunge with the back of his heel that underlines how defending is an underrated art form.Not long after putting his team ahead, Palmer was just inches away from a neat cut back from Pedro Neto that would have made it 2-0 and made the visitors a lot more comfortable.Josh Acheampong, 18, was handed a Premier League full debut by Enzo Maresca and impressedCredit: GettyInstead, Palace refused to buckle and Mateta went close with a shot that was touched just wide of the post by a Chelsea boot.He was also just too late to latch onto Ismaila Sarr’s header down into the box that left the goal gaping.For as well as in defence, Chelsea are showing signs of weakness in goal with neither Robert Sanchez nor Filip Jorgensen able to convince their manager to give them a regular run between the sticks.Sanchez is a clanger waiting to happen and duly obliged with a goal kick that barely cleared the grass tops and fell straight to Cheick Doucoure in the centre circle.Luckily the move failed to lead anywhere but it shows how Maresca’s view that his team is not ready for a sustained challenge at the top of the table yet is spot on. Chelsea’s erratic keeper then redeemed himself by tipping over a Richards header in the 56th minute.Jackson missed the target in the second half. Going so close as to bite his fingers in frustration at his narrow miss.And with Palace turning the screw, they nicked a late point when Sarr threaded a through ball to Eberechi Eze, who in turn squared for the advancing Mateta.READ MORE SUN STORIESPalace’s lead man rammed home a shot to show Chelsea how to be clinical when the pressure is on.Fifth place in the Premier League could well be enough to clinch Champions League football next season and right now that might well be a relief to Maresca. More

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      Tottenham 1 Newcastle 2: Gordon scores in front of England boss Tuchel as Toon fight from goal down at crisis club Spurs

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      THOMAS TUCHEL barely had time to take his seat here before his England hopefuls quickly showed just how much talent he has at his disposal.Dominic Solanke gave Spurs the lead within four minutes with a brilliant header, before Anthony Gordon levelled up with a smart finish just two minutes later.Anthony Gordon scored Newcastle’s equaliser on six minutesCredit: GettyHe did so in front of the watchful eye of new England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: AFPBoth players will be hoping to be included when new Three Lions boss Tuchel names his first squad in March – and be a big part of his mission to end our 60-year wait for silverware at the World Cup next year.At 29, Jacob Murphy is unlikely to be called up but even he put up a decent case with his assist here for Alexander Isak’s winner his sixth goal involvement in the last five games.Newcastle have won all five of those to motor up the league and put them in sight of the Champions League spots.While injury-hit Spurs, who were interested in Tuchel after Antonio Conte left, have now lost three of their last five home league games, winning none of them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe horror run has left the North Londoners nearer the drop zone and the top four and cranked up the heat on boss Ange Postecoglou, though his absentee list has been crippling.It was not just Solanke and Gordon on show for the baseball-cap-wearing Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry to keep an eye on from their seat up in the director’s box.Newcastle full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, along with Gordon, started November’s 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland and started here too.Murphy and Dan Burn, 32, have never been called up for their country but the way they are playing, and the short-term nature of Tuchel’s tenure, the German may have had them on his notes list too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs for Spurs, they fielded 18-year-old Archie Gray at centre-back again due to their injury crisis.While the obvious candidate for Tuchel to consider, James Maddison, was surprisingly left on the bench.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossThat was despite him being suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool and Postecoglou’s squad being stretched to breaking point.Maddison, 28, had been due to start Sunday’s draw with Wolves but was put on the bench due to illness, emerging as a second-half sub,He then went out to watch the darts at Ally Pally that night hours later, though Postecoglou on Friday said he had no issue with that, having given his tired team two days off.A sickness bug then hit Postecoglou’s team in the week, to the point where goalkeeper Fraser Forster – another player eligible for England – missed this game altogether.It meant Brandon Austin was handed his first-ever Spurs appearance, despite being at the club for nearly ten years and turning 26 next week.His last senior appearance came a whopping four years ago while on loan in the MLS at Orlando City.Livramento’s game looked like it might have been over inside the first minute after colliding into Lucas Bergvall, but he eventually picked himself up and carried on.Spurs were in need of a fast start and they got one thanks to Solanke expertly finishing off a brilliant move.Bergvall, the 18-year-old Swede starting ahead of Yves Bissouma, drove the ball forward and gave it to Brennan Johnson, who cut it back for Pedro Porro to swing in a cross.Solanke managed to hold off Sven Botman – starting his first game in nine months after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury – and headed into the far corner.The lead lasted all of two minutes though and, such has been Spurs’ season of late, it came in desperately unlucky circumstances for the hosts.They were breaking up the pitch when a Bergvall pass struck Joelinton’s hand, diverting the ball back towards their 18-yard box, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to tee up Gordon who slotted into the corner.Spurs protested but VAR agreed with on-pitch referee Andrew Madley that Joelinton’s hand was not in an unnatural position when the ball struck it.Which, as tough as it was on Spurs, was probably right by the letter of the law.Postecoglou was left incensed anyway – as were the Spurs fans when the already-booked Burn did not receive a second caution for what they felt was a deliberate handball midway through the half.Isak has been the man of the moment of the festive period with eight goals in his last seven before this game.He surprisingly let Spurs off the hook on 32 minutes when firing Murphy’s cutback just wide.But lightning does not strike twice, particularly for Postecoglou’s team right now, and six minutes later the super Swede diverted in a Murphy cross which had hit Radu Dragusin along the way.Amazingly, Spurs’ selection problems worsened as Dragusin was forced off at half-time, meaning Postecoglou was now without all FOUR of his centre-backs.Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies were already out injured and not expected back until the end of the month.It saw Sergio Reguilon come on and Djed Spence, presumably because he was a bit taller than the other full-backs, pushed into the middle of defence.The results may be dismal of late for Postecoglou but his players still appear to be giving their all for him on the pitch – and that was the same in the second half here.His knackered side pushed for a leveller, with Brennan Jonson striking the post and Maddison, who came on in the 63rd minute, whipping narrowly past the post after a short corner.Even Reguilon looked like he might score after an attacking frenzy from Spurs but the Spaniard’s wild shot ended up going out for a throw.Solanke had a brilliant chance to win it in ten minutes of stoppage time, but planted his header from Porro’s cross straight at Martin Dubravka. That did not take away from a superb individual display from Spurs’ centre-forward, giving Tuchel plenty to think about as he hot-footed it down to the South Coast to take in Brighton vs Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt could quite conceivably have been Eddie Howe sitting up in the director’s box as England boss had the Three Lions hierarchy gone for him.He will have to settle instead with Newcastle’s red-hot form, while Postecoglou was left to stew over another defeat during this painful period which shows no signs of easing up.Dominic Solanke headed Spurs in front in styleCredit: GettyGordon levelled with a neat finish into the bottom corner from an angleCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak touched home the winner at the back postCredit: GettyThe Swede has scored in seven consecutive Premier League appearancesCredit: GettyBrandon Austin was making his Premier League debutCredit: ReutersMore misery mounted on Ange PostecoglouCredit: ReutersGordon took a nasty whack to the face causing blood to pour from his noseCredit: Rex More

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      Inside Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd axe as it’s revealed November night out led to Ruben Amorim dropping star

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      THE explanation behind Marcus Rashford’s shock Manchester United axe has been revealed.Rashford, 27, scored three in Ruben Amorim’s first two Premier League games in charge.Marcus Rashford has been exiled by Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyHe has not featured in Manchester United’s last four Prem matchesCredit: PAHe grabbed the opener two minutes in against Ipswich before helping himself to a double as United thrashed Everton 4-0.But then Amorim dumped Rashford out of the starting XI for the defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.And he has not featured in the Premier League since.Rashford was left out of matchday squads entirely against Manchester City, Bournemouth and Wolves – plus the Carabao Cup exit at Tottenham – then returned as an unused sub against Newcastle on December 30.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTellingly, Amorim refused to bring the forward on despite United trailing 2-0 from the 19th minute. It means the academy graduate’s only start since December 1 was away at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League and he has played 118 minutes of football from a possible 720 under Amorim. And his prolonged absence looks set to extend with Rashford missing training due to illness ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Anfield. Now there is talk of a possible transfer exit away from Old Trafford, especially after Rashford admitted he was open to a “new challenge”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut according to The Athletic, there is a specific reason behind Amorim’s sudden change of tune.It is claimed in the aftermath of the win over Everton, Amorim was told Rashford had been on a night out in Manchester on Friday, November 29 – less than 48 hours before the Toffees clash on Sunday, December 1.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS The new manager has a strict rule on players not going out to bars so close to matches.When he spoke to Rashford about the matter, the £325,000-a-week star reportedly denied the suggestions and told his gaffer he had been misinformed.Nonetheless, Amorim dropped Rashford.Then two weeks later, Rashford was said to be slacking in United’s final training session before the Manchester derby on December 15 – with again claims he had been out on the Friday before a Sunday match.Again, Rashford’s representatives strenuously rebuffed the reports and there is a feeling within his camp that the England man and local hero gets extra scrutiny on his social life than team-mates.A year ago, Rashford phoned in sick for training on a Friday – two days before facing Newport in the FA Cup – and it transpired he had been on a bender in Belfast. On the Monday after the cup clash, for which Rashford was axed, Sir Dave Brailsford addressed the United squad in a pre-arranged meeting – but then spoke privately with Rashford for 90 minutes. Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.The attacker also angered Erik ten Hag in December 2022 by oversleeping and arriving late to a team meeting, prompting him to be dropped to the bench.Then in November 2023, Ten Hag slammed Rashford’s decision to go out partying for his birthday after a 3-0 hammering by rivals City as “unacceptable”. The 2024-25 season started off badly for the 60-cap international with two of his best mates at the club, Jadon Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both leaving.He has chipped in with four Prem goals and an assist and has improved his running stats – now averaging 10.2km and 21.33 sprints per 90 minutes of action. His Europa League goal and two in the Carabao Cup take his overall United tally to 138 – 15th on the all-time list and now just seven behind Cristiano Ronaldo in joint 13th. Whether he adds many to that list, though, remains to be seen.Only clubs in Saudi Arabia would realistically be able to match his mammoth wages – but he has turned down three bumper offers already. SunSport revealed a swap deal with Victor Osimhen of Napoli is being discussed after Juventus declined the option to strike a deal.The MLS remains another possible exit route should he fail to win over his new manager and regain his starting spot following his recent exile. Amorim’s current stance to sideline Rashford has been given the support of the boardroom hierarchy.The ex-Sporting chief, though, insists the ball is in the player’s court to get himself back into contention and reignite his United career – but only if he is willing to prove he is up for the challenge.Amorim said: “It depends more on him than me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has to want it really, really bad. “He’s here. He’s ready to play if I decide.”Rashford scored twice against Everton in a 4-0 winCredit: GettyRashford – pictured in New York during the November international break – allegedly went out less than 48 hours before the clashCredit: GettyAmorim is being supported by the club’s top brassCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Gordon left covered in blood after he’s caught in the face by Dejan Kulusevski in sickening collision

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      ANTHONY GORDON was left with blood streaming down his face after a collision with Dejan Kulusevski.In the second half of Tottenham’s clash against Newcastle, Gordon’s face planted into the shoulder of Kulusevski as he tried to cut back past his rival.Anthony Gordon bloodied after a collision with Dejan KulusevskiCredit: ReutersGordon was treated on the field as blood streamed down his noseCredit: RexGordon returned to play with a tissue up his noseCredit: PAThe Toon winger then fell to floor in the penalty area.Gordon, 23, was then seen with blood coming down his face before medical staff rushed on to the field to treat him.After a short delay, play was resumed with the Englishman returning to the fray with a piece of tissue stuffed up his nose to clean up further bleeding.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was yet to make any substitutions at the time of the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Gordon was eventually replaced by Harvey Barnes as the Magpies first sub in the 78th minute.But fans online had been left more concerned by how Gordon had not been awarded a penalty for the apparent foul by the Spurs star.Taking to social media, one fan said: “How was Kulusevski not sent off for that on Gordon? He knows exactly what he is doing.”A second said: “So we had to play with ten men because Kulusevski took Gordon out (and we should’ve had a penalty).”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “I am baffled how that isn’t a Penalty. Gordon beats him and Kulusevski takes him out.”Another said: “Accidental or not, Kulusevski doesn’t get a touch on the ball and smashes Gordon. How is that not a penalty?!”Jamie Carragher slammed as ‘really, really unfair’ in heated scenes live on Sky Sports after Liverpool thrash TottenhamInjury-depleted Tottenham took the lead in the fourth minute of the game through Dominic Solanke as he headed home a Pedro Porro cross.However, Gordon was on hand to level the scoreline just two minutes later as Spurs turned the ball over before Bruno Guimaraes played in his team-mate to shoot into the bottom corner past Brandon Austin.Alexander Isak then tapped home the Magpies second goal in the 38th minute.Gordon’s injury, paired with a host of other second-half stoppages, led to there being an incredible 10 minutes of stoppage time.And despite waves of Tottenham pressure, Newcastle escaped with a hard-fought three points in a 2-1 win.New England manager Thomas Tuchel was also in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium keeping tabs on stars such as Gordon before he picks his maiden Three Lions squad in March. More

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      Tosin Adarabioyo’s John Terry-like leadership skills played part in Chelsea pushing for defender’s summer transfer

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      TOSIN ADARABIOYO is the closest thing Chelsea have to John Terry as they look for a leader to end their mini-slump.Blues head coach Enzo Maresca insists he has plenty of inspirational figures in his dressing room that can help turn around their dip in form.Tosin Adarabioyo is the closest thing Chelsea have to John TerryEnzo Maresca insists he has plenty of inspirational figures in his dressing roomTerry remains a true blue symbol of Chelsea having played 717 games for the BluesDefender Tosin, 27, is part of a group of senior players charged with rallying the troops when times are tough like now.Reece James remains club captain and will wear the armband should he make it on to the pitch today at Crystal Palace following injury.But Maresca said: “We have  different profiles of players who are leaders in different ways.“We have different kinds of characters. The one that is most vocal in the dressing room is Tosin. He does that kind of job.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Sometimes you have different kinds of leaders. Leaders that don’t talk much but, when they do, the rest listen a lot.”Tosin is one of the oldest players in Maresca’s youthful squad and readily accepts the challenge of leadership.He joins forces to keep up morale and promote unity in the dressing room alongside vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Levi  Colwill and James when fit.The centre-back was part of a similar inner sanctum at Fulham alongside Harrison Reed, Tim Reem and skipper Tom Cairney last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was targeted by Chelsea co-director of recruitment Joe Shields for that reason among others.Maresca said: “We have Moises that behaves fantastically.Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea a long way from competing with Premier League’s best after loss to Ipswich “Enzo is improving a lot, Levi is improving a lot. Reece is one of them but in his own way.“We have Tosin that does that kind of job and Marcus Betinelli. We have different characters and with age they are going to be better and better. But they are different, all of them.”Legend Terry remains a true blue symbol of Chelsea having played 717 games for them over 17 years.And the highly-decorated former defender is still revered by the fans.Maresca needs everyone pulling in the same direction as he bids to end a run of three games without a win, including two defeats over Christmas.They are clinging to fourth spot by just three points from in-form Newcastle.There is more grim news for Chelsea’s Italian manager with him now predicting Tosin’s defensive team-mate Wesley Fofana may well miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.They had lost just one in eight games before the £70million Frenchman was hurt in a freak accident stepping on the ball to challenge Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins last month.Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season after pulling his hamstring against IpswichMaresca said: “Unfortunately he could be out for the season, we don’t know exactly.“We have been together here since I started, and every time you ask me about Wes, I have said many times that I’m in love with him because he is the kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and be aggressive. With Wes, we are a better team.”Chelsea are holding off on surgery but do not be surprised if Fofana goes under the knife in yet another disappointing episode for the player who missed almost a year with a knee problem.Fellow centre-half Benoit Badiashile is also out until mid-February, which is why Maresca has recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Argentine side Boca Juniors.Maresca will not rule out bringing back another defender from loan to ease his crisis.Chelsea have also been linked with Ipswich striker Liam Delap as they look for goals to get back on track.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Maresca said: “We have a young striker in Marc Guiu, who is doing very well in the Conference League. I haven’t given him enough minutes in the Premier League to prove it.“Hopefully we can start to give him some minutes very soon.”Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich as Blues defenders have a shocker and only ONE star can hold his head highCHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich.Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.But instead saw their title hopes take another massive dent after goals from Liam Delap and old-boy Omari Hutchinson.On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer…FILIP JORGENSEN – 6His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.Followed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.AXEL DISASI – 4Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.LEVI COLWILL – 6Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.Not his best game, but not his worst.MARC CUCURELLA – 5Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.Poor in attacking areas.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6A real mixed bag.Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.Controlled the game well from deep at times.NONI MADUEKE – 7Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.COLE PALMER – 8A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.JOAO FELIX – 6Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.SUBSNICOLAS JACKSON (for Felix, 55) – 6Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.JADON SANCHO – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.MALO GUSTO (for Disasi, 77) – 6Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.PEDRO NETO (for Madueke, 77) – 5Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’. More

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      ‘We unite in one heart’ gushes Brazil legend Hulk as he marries ex-wife’s NIECE in lavish wedding ceremony

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      FORMER Brazil star Hulk tied the knot to his ex-wife’s niece in a lavish wedding ceremony.The 38-year-old married beauty Camila Angelo in his hometown of Campina Grande yesterday.Hulk has married his ex-wife’s niece Camila AngeloCredit: instagram @dr.camilasousaThe couple have been together for four years and began dating just nine months after the player split from her auntCredit: Instagram @hulkparaibaHulk looked dapper in a brown suit and his bride dazzled in a sparkly white dress.The veteran forward posted snaps of the wedding on Instagram, with the loved-up duo seen walking down the aisle and sharing a kiss.Hulk captioned the post: “Before God and the promises of our love, we unite in one heart, beginning our eternity together, life! I love you.”A sea of roses, huge chandeliers and art work filled the church, named The Diocesan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, where the ceremony took place.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe couple are throwing a further party on Tuesday to celebrate getting married.Reports in Brazil say they have hired a luxury resort for the bash, with 500 people involved in the day from chefs, floral designers and sound technicians.Hulk was previously married to Iran Angelo de Souza for 12 years and they had three kids.But the couple went their separate ways in 2019 – only for Hulk to begin dating her niece Camila nine months later.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIran, right, with her niece Camila, leftHulk posted snaps on the lavish ceremony on social mediaCredit: instagram @hulkparaibaThey initially married in 2020 due to her needing a visa to stay in China where he was playing.Camila had a child with Hulk five months ago named Aisha.Watch ex-Brazil star Hulk incredibly miss from a yard out with chance that was easier to score for Atletico MineiroTheir relationship has caused controversy in the family, with his ex-wife Iran’s sister Rayassa taking to Instagram yesterday to hit out at them and their wedding.She wrote: “Today is a hard day to swallow, a day that reveals how far betrayal can go when it comes from the people we least expect.”It is sad to realise that Judas is not only in ancient stories, sometimes he sleeps under the same roof, eats at the same table and, at the right moment, stabs himself in the back.”Wanting what belongs to someone else, wanting to live the life of someone who trusted you, is a reflection of an empty heart, incapable of creating its own happiness.”Hulk has been capped 49 times for Brazil and spent his playing days with Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Shanghai SIPG.He now plays for Atletico Mineiro in his homeland.Hulk now plays for Atletico Mineiro in BrazilCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Prem latest as Chelsea travel to Palace, Tottenham LOSE to Newcastle, Man City in action

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action returns TODAY – and there are some huge matches taking place.In the early kick-off, out-of-form Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.The standout 3pm matches include Manchester City vs West Ham and a London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea.Later tonight, Arsenal travel to the South Coast to take on Brighton in a huge clash to cap off Saturday’s Premier League action.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThe less said about that abysmal 45 minutes the better.Leon Bailey is having a howler, with Luke Thomas all over him like a rash whenever he is on the ball, so Ollie Watkins has been starved of service.The first shot on target came from Matty Cash in first half stoppage time but Jakub Stolarczyk beat the ball away.At least the second half can’t be as bad …. can it?Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumJordan Pickford, watched by England goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario, kept shot-shy Everton in the match up until the break The No 1 was left screaming at his defence after making yet another great save from Justin Kluivert. Pickford instinctively flipped out his hand to keep out the Dutch striker’s shot after being set-up by Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Selhurst ParkCHELSEA holding firm but Palace have threatened.Out on the wing though, Jadon Sancho is putting in a solid performance which is just what The Blues need after losing their last two games.His creativity teed up Cole Palmer’s goal and he has also been back in his own box, defending and bringing the ball clear under pressure.Chelsea’s best player so far of this game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadCITY would have been flattered to go in at half-time one goal ahead – so to be two in front was a major bonus. The Savinho-Haaland axis that worked so well at Leicester last week was back in effect for City’s second goal just before the break. But it is some way from normal service being resumed for Guardiola’s men – West Ham could and should have had a few goals themselves as they opened the home side up far too easily. Copy linkCopiedHT: Southampton 0-1 BrentfordBrentford have dominated this game and should have scored more.Towards the end of the half The Saints seemed to wake up and start to ask questions for The Bees’ defence.Thomas Frank will be wanting his team to put the hosts to the sword after the interval.Copy linkCopiedHT: Man City 2-0 West HamThe Hammers are being made to pay for failing to take their chances in this game. Lopetegui’s side have created chances but his side have not capitalised and find themselves with a massive hill to climb.An own goal from Coufal opened the scoring before Haaland had an easy tap-in to double the hosts’ lead.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 ChelseaThe visitors have dominated the majority of the half.As we saw recently against Fulham, The Blues just do not seem able to put games to bed right now.You start to wonder whether they will suffer the same fate, The Eagles have started to create some good chances to get back into this game.Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 0-0 EvertonNot much to write home about at the Vitality Stadium.The Cherries have had the only chances of the half but have not managed to find a way past Pickford in the Everton goal.Everton are really lacking creativity and have done so for quite a while now, that could be an issue for the remainder of the season unless they address this.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 0-0 LeicesterIt has been a real snooze-fest at Villa Park so far.The Foxes will be content going in with their clean-sheet intact.Neither side has managed to create much in the final third.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-0 West Ham42. Savinho is starting to shine for Pep Guardiola’s side.He does well out wide and as he gets to the byline to cut it back and take Areola out of the game.It leaves Haaland a simple tap-in but that is two goals in two games for the Norwegian.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea33. The Eagles threaten for the first time in the game.Munoz does well to create the opportunity as he lays it off to Mateta.His first-time shot narrowly misses the post but it seemed to take a deflection off Caicedo on the way through.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadSAVINHO’S cross shot was deflected in by Vladimiar Coufal to give City the lead – but don’t be fooled by the scoreline. The champions were flattered to be ahead and in fact could have been a couple of goals down by the time the opener did come. The ease with which an out of form Hammers side carved the home side open will worry Pep Guardiola. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Justin Allen at St Mary’sChrist, Saints are the worst team I’ve seen this season … and that includes all the games I’ve watched in the Championship!Kevin Schade made no mistake by slotting Bees into a seventh-minute lead.Brentford fans mocked Saints by chanting: “How s**t must you be, we’re winning away!”Thomas Frank’s men have not won on the road in the Prem this season but they’re good value here so far at St Mary’sCould have been two or three too. Yoane Wissa saw an effort brilliantly saved by Aaron Ramsdale and Christian Nordgaard struck the bar with a header.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brentford25. This is exactly why the Premier League is a step too far for this Southampton team.Brentford, who are winless in five games, are being made to look like peak Galactico’s at St Mary’s.The Bees should be at least four-nil up even at this early stage, only saves from Ramsdale have kept The Saints in the game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkTalk about a slow-burner – this game hasn’t even started to smoulder yet!Matty Cash had a header easily saved by Jakub Stolarczyk and Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked by Conor Coady.But the only real noteworthy incident is  Villa skipper John McGinn limping off to be replaced by Jacob Ramsey – to join Diego Carlos, Jaden Philogene and Pau Torres on the Villa crocked list.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Selhurst ParkCHRIS RICHARDS has endured a topsy turvy first 25 minutes.The American produced an absolutely class back heel tackle to stop Nicolas Jackson in his tracks as the Chelsea striker burst through in the box.It was a last-ditch lunge with his back heel that underlined why defending is an underrated art form.But then he was completely mugged by Jadon Sancho for the move which led to Cole Palmer putting the visitors ahead.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumEverton were seeing a lot of the ball at Bournemouth but it was the hosts who were making the openings. And it was England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who came to their rescue on eight minutes when he grabbed Dango Ouattara’s close-range miss-hit shot on the line. The Cherries thought they had scored when Antoine Semenyo volley home Ryan Christie’s cross but the Ghana striker was clearly offside.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea22. Massive chance for The Blues to double their lead.Palmer clips a free-kick into the box and it is flicked to the backpost to an unmarked Jackson.On the volley, he sends it wide of the goal but really should do a lot better from that position.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Everton16. Let off for The Toffees on the south coast.Semenyo seemed to have broken the deadlock as he ghosted in to slot home as the ground erupted.The flag went up immediately and as the replay shows, he just set-off a little too early.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea14. Sancho does well on the halfway line as he dummies and spins to run onto the ball.He collects it and steams down the wing and he lays it on a plate for teammate Palmer.Chelsea have dominated the early stages and deserve to lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-0 West Ham10. No doubt Savinho will try to claim this one.It took such a huge deflection, his only chance of it being credited to him is if Stevie Wonder is now on the goals panel.It completely wrong-footed Areola and gives Man City the lead.To be fair, West Ham should have been in front themselves but Soucek could not convert the chance.Copy linkCopiedOwn goal – Vladimir Coufal (West Ham)Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brentford6. The visitors have dominated the early stages at St Mary’s.As a ball is threaded in behind the defence, Schade runs through on goal, waiting for Ramsdale to come charging out.He pokes it past him with the outside of his boot and there is nothing the keeper can do to stop him.Copy linkCopied More