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      Steven Gerrard facing sack from £15.2m job after embarrassing defeat and scheduling training around Liverpool games

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      STEVEN GERRARD is fighting for his job in the Saudi Pro League.Gerrard, 44, is facing the sack from his role as Al-Ettifaq manager after a string of poor form was compounded by a shock cup exit this week.Steven Gerrard is under huge pressure as boss of Al-EttifaqCredit: GettyThe former Liverpool and England icon is now 16 months into his whopping £15.2m-per-year contract in the Middle East.And things have got off to a torrid start this season with his star-studded side winning just three of their opening eight league games.While things got worse on Wednesday as Al-Ettifaq crashed out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition to a second division side.Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss choosing to bench star man Moussa Dembele.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Dammam based club are currently 10th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop, despite boasting a squad with players such as Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray.Pressure is mounting on Gerrard as fans and pundits are beginning to voice their concern over his ability to lead the team to success.Al-Ettifaq managed a sixth place finish under his guidance last season, finishing some 48 POINTS behind champions Al-Hilal.Fans online appear to have lost their patience with one writing: “I’ve been watching and following Al-Ettifaq since 2001 , honestly he’s the worst coach who came to the club.Most read in FootballAl-Ettifaq were knocked out of the Saudi Cup by a second division side this weekCredit: AFPGerrard’s side boasts players such as Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai GrayCredit: GettyGerrard dropped former Lyon and Celtic star Moussa Dembele to the bench for their cup exitCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I truly believe he’s not even a coach. He lacks everything, tactics, spirit, motivation, and even worse his press statements are awful. I’m wondering how he survived with Aston Villa.”Gerrard hasn’t exactly endeared himself to the Al-Ettifaq fans, admitting recently that he plans his team’s training sessions around Liverpool fixtures.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Speaking to The Redmen TV, he said: “John [Achterberg, goalkeeping coach] and I have got more than one eye on it. We put all our schedule around the Liverpool games.”The players are onto me now; we’ve been training at 9 or 10 at night.”Gerrard’s side are winless in five in the league, with their last victory coming against rock bottom Al-Fateh on September 14.They face fifth placed side Al-Qadisiyah on Saturday with Gerrard very much under the microscope for the home fixture.Gerrard lasted less than a year at Aston Villa where he was sacked after a run of games that saw Villa win just once in eight attempts and left the club 17th in the league.His replacement, Unai Emery, has guided Villa back into the Champions League since taking over at the Midlands club.Gerrard admitted to scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool gamesCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool legend has been in charge of the club for 16 monthsCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez SPLITS from mother of his two children to ‘live alone’ as she puts statement on Instagram

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has split from his childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two children.The Chelsea star’s long-term partner, Valentina Cervantes posted a message on her Instagram confirming their breakup.Enzo Fernandez has split from long-term partner Valentina CervantesThey have two children together, born in 2020 and 2023Fernandez is said to have told her he wants to ‘live alone’She has 1.4 million followers on InstagramAnnouncing the news, influencer Cervantes indicated the 23-year-old and her have had an amicable separation.Argentine journalist Julieta Argenta claimed that Fernandez told her he wanted to “live alone”.Cervantes, who has 1.4 million followers on Instagram, said: “With Enzo today we say distance from each other. “But we will always be family and support each other through everything. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because there are two kids in the middle that need a lot of our love for them.”I know the person and excellent father Enzo is, and the heart he has. And that’s enough for me. “They don’t want to create wars where there aren’t any.”They had met in their homeland of Argentina, with two children together born in March 2020 and October 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe had followed him firstly from River Plater to Benfica and then to Chelsea when he joined in January 2023 for a then-record-breaking £107million transfer.Only days ago the midfielder posted a picture to his Instagram page celebrating the birthday of his youngest son, Benjamin.Gary Neville slams Chelsea pair who ‘aren’t kidding anybody’ and look ‘worried to death’ Argenta’s full post on social media adding context, read: “He told her he wants to live life on his own. “They’re still family, but he feels the need to experience the stage he skipped by choosing family early on.”The major decision has come with Fernandez recently being dropped to the bench under Enzo Maresca, with Renato Veiga preferred in midfield in the Blues’ last two Premier League games.Fernandez captained Chelsea in the early weeks of the season and during Wednesday’s League Cup clash against Newcastle, but saw was on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.He came under fire in the summer following Argentina’s Copa America victory after posting a video of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Fernandez came under fire from his team-mates including Wesley Fofana for the “uninhibited racism” shown in the video.He issued a grovelling apology on social media following the vile act, but escaped an FA ban for the racism storm.Chelsea ratings vs NewcastleCHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.Filip Jorgensen – 6Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.Benoit Badiashile – 5Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.Marc Cucurella – 6Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.Enzo Fernandez – 6Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.Renato Veiga – 6Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.Joao Felix – 5Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.SubsNoni Madueke – 6Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block. More

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      Inside EFL club’s abandoned 40,000-seater stadium plan with ex-Premier League side now forced to rent ground

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      IT’S been a tale of rags to riches and back again.In the 80s and 90s a London club’s stadium was abandoned for seven years as they struggled to maintain second tier status.An EFL club once had ambitious plans to expand its stadium to 40,000 seatsCredit: GettyHowever, they would then turn things around after a move back home and work their way up to the Premier League.Seven uninterrupted seasons in the top flight would lead to stadium expansion plans, with the club holding the ambition of building a ground to accommodate 40,000 spectators.However, relegation in 2007 led to a slump in fortunes, spell after spell of unpopular ownership and ultimately a descent to the third tier.Last term they averaged crowds of just 13,000 in a stadium which boasts a 27,111 capacity, as they slumped to a disappointing 16th-place finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir current malaise is a far-cry from the heady days of the early-2000s under Alan Curbishley, when they became Premier League mainstays.Under Curbs, the Addicks were in the top-flight for seven consecutive years, which led to frequent sell-outs at South London’s biggest stadium.Charlton had been forced to abandon their traditional Valley home after more than 60 years in 1985, with the site falling into disrepair.After strong campaigning from fans, which even included standing in local council elections, the Addicks returned in 1992 following seven years spent primarily at Selhurst Park, and latterly Upton Park.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy this point Curbishley had already taken over, with the former Charlton midfielder transforming his side’s fortunes on the pitch.As the South Londoners rose, so did demand for tickets.World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second tier matches with no away end In November 2004, chief executive Peter Varney confirmed Charlton’s ambitious plans.He said: “The application will seek approval for the redevelopment of the east stand and the south-east corner of the ground to take the capacity of The Valley to 30,900.”Our intention is also to lodge an outline design for the remaining development of the stadium – principally the south stand – at the same time and to declare our intention to ultimately raise the capacity of The Valley to 40,600.”Permission was granted the following year, but after Charlton’s relegation in 2007, the plans fell by the wayside.Charlton boast the biggest stadium in South LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn the early-2000s they made ambitious expansion plansCredit: Charlton AthleticThe Valley lay abandoned between 1985 and 1992Credit: GettyFans campaigned to return home to The ValleyCredit: GettyDespite Roland Duchatelet selling the Addicks in 2020 following years of fan protests, the Belgian still owns their Valley home and training ground.In 2021, Charlton agreed a 15-year lease to rent The Valley, as well as their Sparrows Lane training facilities.Co-owner Charlie Methven, formerly of Sunderland, recently referenced the situation while appearing on the Business of Sport podcast.He said: “I think having a long-term resolution over the tenure of the stadium is really important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s a matter of commercial negotiation with the current landlord. Everything is possible, but it’s a commercial negotiation that is confidential.”If you are talking about things that keeps me up at night it is long-term security of tenure at The Valley. One of the great historic stadiums, one of the last remaining that feel like themselves.”Charlton averaged gates of around 13,000 last seasonCredit: RexCharlton co-owner Charlie Methven was previously at SunderlandCredit: Getty More

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      When will Ruben Amorim take charge of his first match as Man Utd manager?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to officially unveil Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.The Premier League giants activated the Portuguese coach’s £8.3million release clause to make the Sporting boss Erik ten Hag’s replacement.Ruben Amorim will be the seventh Manchester United manager of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson eraCredit: GettyUnited have also paid an extra £840k for an early release from his 30-day notice period with Lisbon club.Amorim will replace Ten Hag after the Dutchman’s two-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford came to an end on October 28.But when will the 39-year-old begin his new job as Man United manager?When is Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of Man Utd?Ruben Amorim will reportedly begin his role as Man United manager during the November international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe November international break runs from Monday 11th to Tuesday 19th.Amorim’s first game in the Man United dugout is expected to be the Red Devils’ trip to Ipswich town on November 24.Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.The legendary forward will also be at the helm for United’s Europa League tie against PAOK, with his final game as gaffer coming against Leicester on Novemeber 10.Most read in FootballAmorim will remain in charge for Sporting’s league match against Estrela Amadora and the Champions League clash against Manchester City, before his farewell against Braga.How to watch Ipswich vs Man UtdRuben Amorim’s first game as Man United manager will take place against Ipswich on Sunday, November 24 at 4.30pm GMT.The Premier League clash will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.SunSport’s live blog of the match will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of Amorim’s debut in the Man United dugout. More

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      Play Score Predictor ahead of Matchweek 10 and compete for £250 prize – read our top tips!

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      THIS week’s Score Predictor fixtures will test your football instincts to the limit.But there’s no reason to shy away from playing, seeing as it’s free to enter and takes mere seconds with another £250 up for grabs.Play now!Credit: Dream TeamIt’s the usual procedure, simply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and then sit back as you earn points for the accuracy of your forecast.Earn the most points and – ching ching – you’ll pocket the cash prize!In spirit of generosity, we’ve collated some key stats and facts for each of the Matchweek 10 fixtures…Bournemouth v Manchester CityThe first thing to note about this match-up is that it’s the most one-sided in Premier League history.Pep Guardiola’s side have won all 14 league meetings with the Cherries since the latter were promoted to the top flight in 2015.And City scored at least four goals in half of those games.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLast season’s corresponding fixture at the Vitality Stadium was a more competitive affair, a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors thanks to Phil Foden’s first-half winner.Most read in FootballThe historical record suggests a comfortable away win but the defending champions are in the midst of an injury crisis.Following Wednesday night’s loss to Spurs, Guardiola told reporters he has just “13 players” available; a situation that could destabilise any team.Although there’s still plenty of talent among those 13 players, including goal machine Erling Haaland and last season’s Player of the Year Phil Foden.Bournemouth upset Arsenal on the south coast two weeks ago and so a giant-killing is feasible for Andoni Iraola’s men but only bravest Score Predictor users bet against City.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Man CityCity have several key injuries to contend with ahead of Matchweek 10Credit: RexWolves v Crystal PalaceThe Eagles got a much-needed league win against Tottenham last weekend while Gary O’Neil’s men are still searching for their first of 2024/25.Wolves have mustered just two points this season and will be desperate to spark an upturn now their schedule appears more favourable – Palace have just six points to their name.The hosts will have been encouraged by their late comeback to salvage a draw at Brighton last time out but there’s no escaping the fact their back line is extremely vulnerable – 25 goals conceded makes for the worst defence in the top flight at present.However, Oliver Glasner’s side have scored just six league goals so far, the joint-lowest tally.It’s hard to predict what will happen when a blunt attack meets a leaky defence but we fancy Wolves to break their duck this weekend.Our Prediction: 2-1 to WolvesWolves are desperate for a winCredit: AFPTottenham v Aston VillaA potentially entertaining match-up between two sides who often adopt high defensive lines.Unai Emery’s troops came away from North London with three points last season but Spurs took their revenge in the form of a 4-0 drubbing at Villa Park in March. It’s not all that easy to gauge where Ange Postecoglou’s side are at heading into the weekend as they were horribly underwhelming against Palace last weekend but a Carabao Cup victory over Man City in midweek is a notable feather in the cap.The Villains are undefeated in their last seven league games but recent draws against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Ipswich revealed room for improvements.Villa have kept just one clean sheet in the league this term.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawDefeat at Palace was offset by a cup win over Man CityCredit: PAManchester United v ChelseaScore Predictor users will have to consider to what extent they believe in the power of a new manager bounce when weighing up this fixture.The Red Devils beat Leicester 5-2 in their first outing since Erik ten Hag’s departure but the Foxes fielded a second-string team in the Carabao Cup; Sunday’s game at Old Trafford will be a sterner test.The Blues haven’t beaten Man United away from home in the league since the 2012/2013 campaign but they did win the most recent meeting at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a Cole Palmer hat-trick back in April.Chelsea are a full nine places above their opponents heading into the weekend having scored more than twice as many league goals at this stage.However, their miserable recent record at Old Trafford is hard to look past.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawRuud van Nistelrooy is in charge for the Red Devils for the time beingCredit: GettyFulham v BrentfordThomas Frank’s side boast the best home record in the Premier League right now but have lost all four of their away games.Monday night’s trip is a short one with Craven Cottage just a few miles away but it’s simply true that the Bees have faltered when denied home comforts this season.Generally speaking, Brentford pack more of a punch in attack, led by the in-form Bryan Mbeumo, but Fulham are tighter at the back.These West London rivals are next to each other in the table, separated by just a point, and so the temptation is to back a draw but Brentford’s away form is a significant red flag.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to FulhamEnter your predictions for Matchweek 10 and put yourself in contention for the £250 cash prize!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Arsenal Invincible’s son, 17, training with Jude Bellingham and Co at Real Madrid after promotion

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      THE son of a former Arsenal Invincible has taken a huge leap in following in his father’s footsteps.The 17-year-old has been called up to train alongside the Real Madrid first team by boss Carlo Ancelotti.The son of an Arsenal invincible has been training with the Real Madrid first teamCredit: InstagramThe youngster has also represented Spain at youth levelCredit: GettyThe youngster is yet to make his professional debut, but is said to have impressed enough to mix it with the first team.While donning the famous Real Madrid white in a pro game would mean he has emulated his dad.That’s because the teen sensation is the son of former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Jose Antonio Reyes.Named after his dad, Jose Antonio Reyes Lopez is carving his own path in the game and was given a chance to show his skills in front of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Ancelotti.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReyes Lopez is normally part of the U17 setup at Los Blancos, but was promoted to first team training after Ancelotti wanted to make up the numbers ahead of Real’s trip to face Valencia on Saturday.Reyes Lopez has tied his future to Real Madrid too, penning a contract extension last week that will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2027.And he has also represented the Spanish national side at youth level throughout his development.His efforts in Madrid’s U17s this season have seen him score four times in seven appearances.Most read in FootballJose Antonio Reyes Lopez is the son of former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Jose Antonio ReyesCredit: GettyReyes Lopez signed a deal to stay at Real Madrid until 2027 last weekCredit: InstagramDad Reyes helped Real Madrid win the league in 2007Credit: ReutersJose Antonio Reyes’ careerA brief look into the career of Jose Antonio Reyes…1999 – 2000: Sevilla B2000 – 2004: Sevilla2004 – 2007: Arsenal2006 -2007: Real Madrid (loan)2007 – 2012: Atletico Madrid2008 – 2009: Benfica (loan)2012 – 2016: Sevilla2016 – 2017: Espanyol2017 – 2018: Cordoba CF2018 – 2019: Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard2019: ExtremaduraFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDad Reyes played 38 times for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win the 2007 La Liga title with six goals and two assists.He’s perhaps best known for his three-year stint at Arsenal, where he played a part in the Gunners’ undefeated campaign in 2003/04.Jose Antonio Reyes’ son wins MVP award after helping Real Madrid win La Liga Promises Across his time in North London Reyes made 110 appearances, bagging 23 times and setting up a further 26.He also spent two stints as Sevilla, as well as representing Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Epsanyol amongst other teams during his playing days.Reyes tragically passed away in a car accident in 2019 at the age of 35.According to reports at the time, Reyes’ car was travelling at around 116mph when his back-left wheel exploded.Reyes’ cousin Jonathon also lost his life in the crash.The star left behind son Reyes Lopez, two daughters and his wife.Reyes helped Arsenal during their invincibles seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe sadly passed away in a car accident back in 2019Credit: Instagram More

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      Bayern Munich and former £49.5m Premier League star’s younger brother impresses for Chelsea kids in EFL Trophy

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      CHELSEA fans are hopeful Richard Olise can emulate his older brother and become a Prem star. The 20-year-old caught the eye in a 3-0 defeat to Charlton in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday. Chelsea youngster Richard Olise has caught the eye this seasonCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old featured during the under-21s defeat at Charlton on WednesdayCredit: RexHe is the younger brother of Bayern Munich star Michael OliseCredit: EPARichard is the younger brother of former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.Michael, 22, joined Bayern Munich for £49.5million in the summer and has already netted five goals in eight games. And the future looks bright for his sibling, a right-sided defender in the mould of Reese James.Olise joined the Chelsea youth setup at the age of just 8.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has progressed through the academy and has been involved in England’s Under-18s.Olise picked up a valuable 90 minutes against the Addicks, almost setting up Jimmy-Jay Morgan with some neat interplay down the wing. It could be a pivotal year for the fullback, who signed a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge this summer. He is contracted with the Blues until next May, with the club having an option for a further year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlues fans are desperate for the 20-year-old to kick on this season in the Premier League 2.He has made four appearances so far this term, scoring against Fulham earlier this month. Chelsea vs Newcastle: Player RatingsOne fan wrote on X after Wednesday’s game: “Another Olise…Hope he will become as good as Michael.”Another said: “Richard Olise [is] having a great start to the season in a system that functions in a similar way to the first teams.”While a third commented: “Wasn’t sure Olise was gonna make the step up but this year, he’s been immense.”Richard hopes to emulate his brother’s remarkable rise from the EFL to the Champions League. Chelsea ratings vs NewcastleCHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.Filip Jorgensen – 6Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.Benoit Badiashile – 5Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.Marc Cucurella – 6Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.Enzo Fernandez – 6Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.Renato Veiga – 6Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.Joao Felix – 5Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.SubsNoni Madueke – 6Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Michael spent three years at Selhurst Park after signing from League One side Reading in 2021.During that time, the winger scored 16 goals and provided 25 assists in 90 appearances.In a club statement following his big-money move to Germany, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “We are hugely proud of what Michael has achieved at Crystal Palace, a club where he has developed greatly as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We respect his desire to further test himself at the highest level of world football.”I would like to personally wish him the very best for his next adventure with Bayern Munich in Germany which I’m sure we will all follow closely.” More

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      Alan Shearer reveals toughest opponent wasn’t Roy Keane but star who left him with ‘seven stitches and broken nose’

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      PREM legend Alan Shearer has revealed his toughest-ever opponent – and it’s not Roy Keane.The former Newcastle and England striker tormented defences for almost two decades before hanging up his boots in 2006. Alan Shearer has revealed the toughest player he ever facedCredit: X @RestIsFootballThe Newcastle legend famously clashed with Roy Keane in 2001 – but overlooked the Man Utd midfielderCredit: GettyKeane took a swing at Shearer in a bad-tempered bust-up at St James ParkCredit: GettyShearer enjoyed an ongoing battle with Man Utd legend Keane during his playing days.The pair’s on-field rivalry reached a crescendo in 2001 when Keane infamously saw red after a dust-up with the Toon striker. Shearer joined fellow Match of the Day colleagues Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on The Rest Is Football podcast to discuss his “toughest physical battle.”But the 54-year-old overlooked Keane in favour of Arsenal enforcer Tony Adams. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShearer recalled a brutal clash against the Gunners in the late 1990s where Adams busted his nose.He explained: “I remember walking off Highbury once and had seven stitches in my lip, right up the middle and a broken nose. “That was a decent battle, yeah.”He added to laughs from Lineker and Richards: “My nose is pretty straight now. Three times I had it broken.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAdams was known for his no-nonsense style and was a defensive colossus for both Arsenal and England.He played alongside Shearer 36 times for the Three Lions – but had the measure of the Toon goal machine at club level.Newcastle workers take blowtorch to Alan Shearer’s statue as it’s given facelift Shearer never netted at Highbury in 12 visits to Arsenal’s famous old ground.And in 21 meetings with Adams marking him, Shearer scored on just four occasions. Arsenal’s Tony Adams was named as Shearer’s toughest opponentCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe pair played together over 30 times for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdDespite his struggles against Adams, Shearer remains the Premier League’s most prolific ever striker.He retired 18 years ago but still holds the league record for most goals with 260. More