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      Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0: Blues take huge step towards Champions League as Cucurella header sees off United

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      MARC CUCURELLA does not drink beer but he was the toast of Chelsea last night for salvaging their Champions League dreams.The Spanish defender produced a dazzling headed finish to a spectacular move to fire Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top five.Marc Cucurella was the hero as he notched in Chelsea’s winnerCredit: GettyThe defender stole in at the back post to head in Reece James’ crossCredit: ReutersChelsea have maintained their place in the top fourCredit: GettyHarry Maguire found the net but his strike was ruled out for offsideCredit: PAIt was another frustrating evening for Manchester UnitedCredit: PAChelsea’s ambitions of getting back among the big boys in Europe is now back in their own hands after an almighty wobble.They were struggling to break down Manchester United and with top five rivals Aston Villa winning earlier, had dropped out of the reckoning.But then the curly-topped full-back flew through the air, bulged the net and triggered a rousing chorus of the song the fans sing in his name about his massive hair and that he drinks Estrella – the famous lager from his homeland.Cucurella actually prefers a nice glass of wine but nobody was listening as Stamford Bridge went wild following his goal 18 minutes from time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChelsea are now up to fourth and if they win at Nottingham Forest next Sunday they will be back in the Champions League after a two season absence.And his goal was of fine vintage if only for the superb turn and floated cross performed by skipper Reece James for the assist.The full-back spun on a sixpence and chipped a ball from the edge of the box with Cucurella’s trailing barnet blowing in the wind before he beat Manchester United keeper Andre Onana with a bullet header.It was the perfect rebound from last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle which seemed to have inflicted serious damage on Chelsea’s hopes.Most read in FootballLosing the game and striker Nicolas Jackson to a three-game ban for his sending off meant boss Enzo Maresca had to send rookie striker Tyrique George into battle for his first Premier League start on a huge night for the club.It should have been a far more comfortable night for the home side.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itNoni Madueke missed a golden chance to volley Chelsea ahead in only the fourth minute from Cole Palmer’s cross.And James is such a servant for his boyhood club. Coming back from a run of hamstring injuries and surgery he has provided that cool head when needed most.He was also on hand to smack the outside of the post with a ferocious shot in the first half.Palmer came close to scoring with a cheeky curling shot from the edge of the area that also brought a diving save from Onana.Boss Maresca is convinced his team has made progress this season even though they made hard work of this victory before finally showing up late in the second half.For United boss Ruben Amorim it is now eight Premier League games without a win despite a marginally improved performance from last weekend’s abject surrender at home to lowly West Ham.Next week’s all-Premier League Europa League final against Tottenham will grant one of them access to the Champions League alongside the greats of Europe.It’s come to something when it’s a positive to only lose 1-0 while your next opponents lose 2-0 as Spurs did at Villa earlier in the evening.When it comes to it, neither Chelsea, United nor Tottenham possess much to suggest any of them belong at the top level.Read More on The SunUnited had a goal ruled out for a narrow offside against Harry Maguire and for the first 20 minutes of the game looked as if they had responded to criticism by boss Amorim over their poor attitude.Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was guilty of missing a glaring chance to score against his old club before being subbed to a chorus of boos. More

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      Chelsea vs Man Utd interrupted as Rasmus Hojlund left in hysterics after referee takes issue with his smart wath

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      CHELSEA’s Premier League match with Manchester United was temporarily stopped due to an unexpected kit violation. Red Devils hitman Rasmus Hojlund was the guilty party in the second half of the Stamford Bridge showdown on Friday night, which Chelsea won 1-0.Rasmus Hojlund appeared to be wearing a fitness tracker in the second half of Manchester United’s trip to ChelseaCredit: ESPNReferee Chris Kavanagh orders the Norwegian to remove the strapCredit: REUTERSThe Denmark international returned to the pitch after the second-half interval wearing what appeared to be a fitness tracker. Hojlund’s wearing of the device didn’t go unnoticed, with the referee Chris Kavanagh briefly halting the game and instructing him to remove it. And the Dane couldn’t help but laugh as he made his way to the touchline to hand over the device. The bizarre incident stunned footie fans, who flocked to X to give their thoughts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne wrote: “Hojlund really came on the pitch with an Apple Watch.” Another said: “[He was] counting his steps.”And another said: “Counting his steps cos (sic) he knows he won’t score.” One remarked: “Bruv just wanted to get his steps in.” Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMarc Cucurella broke the deadlock in the 71st minuteCredit: GettyUnited thought they’d taken the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a neat finish from Harry Maguire. But the defender’s strike was ruled out for a marginal offside. Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal Many of the Old Trafford faithful were adamant that Blues defender Marc Cucurella played Maguire onside and that the goal should’ve stood. And Spain international Cucurella rubbed salt into their wounds by breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute, with his strike proving to be the only goal of the game. More

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      Man Utd and Tottenham will deserve a Champions League place if they win Europa League, whatever whinging Wenger says

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      IF I was asked for my favourite moment in over 30 years in football, I wouldn’t need to phone a friend, ask the audience, go 50-50 or even ask Jeremy Clarkson.The day West Ham lifted a European trophy will always be a treasured pinnacle.Former Arsenal boss Wenger has said neither Man Utd or Spurs deserve Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyMan Utd will face Spurs in Bilbao to contest the Europa League final after a league season to forgetCredit: ReutersSpurs are also desperate to qualify for the Champions League by winning in BilbaoCredit: ReutersThat win over Fiorentina in Prague in the Europa Conference League final ended 43 years of hurt at West Ham.For me and all our supporters it was something very special — a day to tell the grandchildren. You just cannot beat the feeling of winning silverware.So Wednesday’s Europa League final — the ‘British battle of Bilbao’ — is a clash which means the world to fans of Spurs and Manchester United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOnly this one comes with a big, fat, juicy cherry on top of the cake.Victory means Champions League qualification next season and that comes with a cheque for £100million, and possibly a lot more.In a way, this is a final bigger than a trophy.But now the argument begins. Look at the Premier League table and you can’t fail to notice that both clubs are nearer the floor than the ceiling.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFor both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itHere is the question — and it’s worth a lot more than the £1m on offer to contestants in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?Is this a case of Champions League via a sneaky short cut? Or has it been truly earned?Fifa’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, revealed his distaste for this back-door route into the Champions League.When asked if it was ‘right,’ Wenger said: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.“Especially when you are in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. It is something to think about and to review.”West Ham won the Europa Conference League in 2023Credit: GettyCritics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly.Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering!Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all-final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.If supporters love it, who are we to criticise?While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table.Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal.For Spurs and Manchester United this game effectively decides their summer spending budget. Will it be Harrods or Peckham market?So are league positions no longer the true barometer of a team’s season? Wenger wants it to change so we shall see.Read More on The SunWhether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season.It could define the future of European football. More

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      Man Utd fans accuse VAR of drawing line next to WRONG PLAYER after disallowed Harry Maguire goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced VAR drew the offside lines on the WRONG PLAYER when they ruled out Harry Maguire’s goal against Chelsea.The England international thought he’d given the Red Devils the lead in the 16th minute of their trip to Chelsea with a beautiful right-footed finish inside the box.Harry Maguire thought he’d given Manchester United the lead against ChelseaCredit: REUTERSBut the goal was ruled out for the most marginal of offsides, much to the annoyance of Red Devils fansCredit: SKY SPORTSBut the goal was ruled out as part of his right knee and a small portion of his foot were marginally offside.The Old Trafford faithful weren’t happy when they saw a graphic of the offside and vented their frustration on X.One wrote: “Why didn’t they use Cucurella. VAR at it again?”Another said: “Wait, they drew the line on the wrong person!!!! Cucurella was the last man.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”But it still looked off sha, but still!!!And another said: “Premier League, that’s fraud. Cucurella kept him onside.”One remarked: “That’s not even offside! So f***ing rigged. “The animation showed the defender closest to Maguire.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Yet it was the defender on the far side who had his arm wide out, playing Maguire onside!! Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash”They didn’t show that!”Another chimed in: “That is not even offside ref.”Had the goal stood, it would’ve been Maguire’s fifth of a mixed season for Ruben Amorim’s side.His fourth of the campaign came in the Red Devils’ sensational Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon. More

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      Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0: Villans brush aside Spurs ‘bomb squad’ as Konsa and Kamara boost Champions League hopes

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      UNAI EMERY had unlikely heroes Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to thank for three crucial points as Villa turned the heat on their Champions League rivals.The Spaniard celebrated his 100th Premier League game in charge of Villa with a hard-earned 54th win.Ezri Konsa puts Aston Villa 1-0 upCredit: GettyVilla celebrate taking the leadCredit: GettyKonsa pounced to grab his third goal of the season but it was Kamara who supplied the cherry on the top of the cake with his first Premier goal – at the 69th attempt!The win saw Villa leapfrog Manchester City and move to within two points of second-placed Arsenal as Villa set a new club record with their 32nd win of the season in all competitions.Emery’s men came into this game brimming with confidence…. and a burning sense of injustice.They were unbeaten in 20 home games across all competitions – their best run for 48 years – and had won their last seven on the spin at Villa Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there were empty seats as many fans couldn’t make the hastily re-arranged date after the Premier League allowed Spurs more time to prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final. Ange Postecoglou wrapped his stars up in cotton wool ahead of their midweek trip to Bilbao. Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were all on the bench, while Sergio Reguilon started a Premier League game for Spurs for the first time since April 2022.That meant the spotlight fell on Son Heung-min who faced a final audition ahead of Wednesday’s cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoubacar Kamara fires Villa 2-0 in frontCredit: PAThe Spurs skipper only returned from a foot injury for the last half hour of his side’s 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.With just five days to go, this was his last chance to stake his claim for a starting place in Bilbao.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAnd he certainly gave Matty Cash a torrid time of it.He burst past the startled full-back after five minutes but lacked that vital match sharpness and allowed the Villa man to recover and take the pace off his shot.At the other end Antonin Kinsky got a vital touch to divert a cross away from Ollie Watkins’ waiting head before John McGinn fired just over after dispossessing Djed Spence.Villa were finding Spurs a tough nut to crack and Son was beginning to find his feet.He chopped inside Cash before rifling a ferocious effort just over, then produced a fine pass to set Wilson Odobert clear.The ball was worked wide to Mathys Tel who drilled in a low cross which Odobert turned goalwards with a cute Cruyff-flick but Emi Martinez reacted superbly to block with his left boot.It was end to end stuff and Kinsky surpassed himself with a full-length save to prevent Morgan Rogers’ delicate flick from finding the far corner of his net.Villa’s frustration was growing and Cash was booked for waving an imaginary yellow card at Pape Sarr, before Archie Gray joined him for clattering Ollie Watkins.Ange Postecoglou rested several key playersCredit: ReutersMarco Asensio then came close with a shot which flashed inches wide of the far post.But at the break Postecoglou would have been the happier boss with the stalemate.Ezri Konsa and Tel got the second half off to a bad-tempered start when they clashed and both captains were called in to have a word.Tel escaped with a warning despite flashing an elbow at Konsa and Emery tapped a finger to his temple to warn his players to think about who was benefitting from the disruption.But the tension was suddenly lifted just before the hour as Villa broke the deadlock with their 16th set-piece goal of the season in the Prem.McGinn’s deep corner was headed down by Watkins at the back post and Ezri Konsa spun to steer the ball beyond Kinsky from inside the six-yard-box.That goal lifted a weight off Villa and Kinsky did well to deny Watkins before McGinn fired just wide as Emery’s men pushed for the second goal needed to kill-off Spurs.Read More on The SunIt finally arrived after 73 minutes from the unlikeliest scorer as Kamara broke his Villa duck.Rogers fed him at the edge of the Spurs box and Asensio created space with a clever decoy run and Kamara cashed in to slam the ball beyond Kinsky from the edge of the box. More

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      How Crystal Palace can use Erling Haaland to their advantage to topple Man City in FA Cup final

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      ERLING HAALAND could be key to winning the FA Cup final… but not necessarily for Manchester City.Crystal Palace head to Wembley looking to win their first-ever trophy having reached the final in 1990 and 2016.Erling Haaland’s return may pose as much of an issue as it does a solution for Man CityCredit: PAEberechi Eze is unquestionably Crystal Palace’s star man – and Erling Haaland’s return could play into his handsCredit: PAOn both occasions they lost to Manchester United in nail-biting games.But they’ll be hoping to use their late-season form to snatch glory from another Manchester side, this time City, amid their worst-ever season under Pep Guardiola.The eight-time Premier League champions have been boosted by the return of fit-again Haaland.But could that be more of a problem than a solution for Guardiola?READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport’s Dean Scoggins runs through why Haaland’s comeback in the capital could be to the Eagles’ advantage.Will Man City be forced to change their shape for Haaland?Yes, they will.When you play with a false nine, whether that’s Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush or whoever, Pep plays in just a different way.What I expect to see is Haaland as the target man and City trying to create a triangle off him.Most read in FootballHaaland’s presence will be a boost for City, but could also play into Palace’s handsCredit: GettyGuehi and Lacroix will have a tough time up against Haaland, but if they do their job it could allow Eze to shineCredit: GettyWe’ve talked about this in previous shows, where you’ve got Marmoush one side and maybe Foden or De Bruyne in an area where they’ll go then beyond Haaland.This is actually where Palace might hope that City change their formation in order to suit Haaland.It will benefit them because their defenders are going to be a little bit more free.The right centre-back, maybe Maxence Lacroix and the left centre-back being Marc Guehi, they might be a bit more free off and on the ball if the midfield players do their job.So therefore, if City push their wingers on, those centre-backs can cover and the rest of the team get the freedom going the other way.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEberechi Eze key for Crystal PalaceThat’s when they’ll be trying to free up Eze… and, It sounds ridiculous, but I think it might actually suit Palace if Haaland plays.Yes, he’s a goal threat, but in open play, it gives you that option to get the game forward.In the game at the Etihad earlier this season, Palace pushed their full-backs right up on Man City… if they do that in this game, they’re going to end up getting Eze in areas where he’s most dangerous.And if the ball goes in direct to him, he can cause a real problem going the other way.Oliver Glasner and Pep Guardiola have some huge tactical decisions to contend withCredit: AlamySo, what’s the verdict?It’s a difficult one because in one way, obviously you’ve got to defend against Haaland and he’s the best striker in the Premier League…But from a tactical perspective, if you can trust a centre-back to do a job on him 1v1, it actually gives you the option to overload going the other way.We’ve seen it in games against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk has done it and Ibrahima Konate has done it – and we’ve seen it in a Manchester United game where Harry Maguire did it because he wants to play that combative way.Read More on The SunI’m not saying that Haaland’s not going to score and Man City aren’t going to be ridiculously dangerous.But if Palace get their transition right from defence into attack, they could end up getting Eze in the position they want him. More

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      Ex-Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew reveals how chess champion Eberechi Eze can checkmate Man City in FA Cup final

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      ALAN PARDEW says Eberechi Eze can spark a great knight by becoming a Crystal Palace king.The winger is a symbol of how the club from the mean streets of South London has been transformed.Former Palace boss Pardew believes Eze is the key to unlocking an FA Cup final victory for his former sideCredit: GettyEberechi Eze has performed on and off the pitch this season, winning football and chess matchesCredit: GettyEze, 26, is a chess champion and an England international.A deep-thinking member of a polished Palace squad that is a far cry from when Pardew played and managed there.Today is the third FA Cup final for a club yet to win a major trophy.Pardew played in the first, managed the Eagles for the second and reckons this is the best shot ever his beloved ex-team has of finally landing silverware.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSPardew, 63, told SunSport: “Palace is an ‘edgy’ club. Always on the edge, whether relegation or the cusp of winning something.“We get more street-type players like Wayne Rooney at our academy, who just love the ball at their feet. The area around the ground is ‘edgy’.“We get more of that type than we do structured midfield players or centre-halves or sensible right-backs. We get right-backs who just want to fly down the wing.“The current squad has now been internationally sourced and scouted.”Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSStar player Eze won Chess.com’s four-day PogChamps tournament this month — beating YouTuber Sapnap in the final.And Pardew said: “It’s brilliant Eze won that chess tournament.“He is actually a neighbour of mine.Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’“He is a humble guy, he was very respectful to me when we met. Such a lovely person and to have that talent is a blessing.“It’s nice to see him win a chess tournament — brilliant. And it doesn’t surprise me, because when he plays the game, everything he does is strategic.“He passes the ball when he should and he crosses the ball when he should.“And he shoots when he should and defends when he should. And he does that all of the time. He gets the mixture just right.“The 1990 team was Steve Coppell doing the best job he could with the least amount of money.“Non-league players like myself, Ian Wright, Andy Gray. Geoff Thomas came from Crewe, as did John Pemberton.“We were a band of brothers from all corners of the football world. With 12 years of Premier League money, they have invested much more wisely.“It has taken them up a level. I would go as far as saying this is the best team I’ve seen at Palace.“I remember Gareth Southgate, when he went to the 1990 Cup final as a young player. He was teased as he was the only one in the squad who had any O-levels.“But our centre-half Eric Young, did go on to pass his accountancy exams after retirement, so there was some room for intelligence.”Pardew wants a Palace win as a reward for the supporters.He said: “I hope they get this one over the line for the fans. They are brilliant. They’ll sing the whole game.“A lot of those people are in jobs where money is tight, so getting to this final would be a big expense.“But they’ll still go the extra mile to be there.”Read More on The SunALAN PARDEW now leads his own strategic football consultancy, channelling years of experience to support clubs at every level, from recruitment to coach mentoring. Find him at www.apardew-consultancy.com More

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      Tottenham could face ANOTHER Europa League final injury blow as star ‘escorted down tunnel by medical staff’

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      TOTTENHAM have been hit by another injury blow after Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel by medical staff.The midfielder was taken off in the 53rd minute and replaced by Yves Bissouma.Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel after coming offCredit: GettyHe was immediately seen to by medical staff and gingerly walked straight down the tunnel at Aston Villa.Sarr, 22, is now an injury doubt for the Europa League final next Wednesday although Postecoglou said he was taken off as a precaution.He said: “Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back and I think Mikey (Moore) was okay.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is yet another blow for Spurs, who have lost James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to injury in the build-up.That means Ange Postecoglou will be scratching his head over who to start in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also out.Postecoglou made sweeping changes for the visit to Villa Park with the crucial trip to Bilbao on the cards.But Spurs could not avoid another injury, which has been the case all season long.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt comes after Postecoglou said his side “could not afford to lose” any more players to injury.He said ahead of the Villa clash: “The reality of our existence at the moment is we can’t lose another player to an injury. It’s just too finely balanced for us considering what’s at stake.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we’re not living in a normal world.”Even with the best planning we’re still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I’ve got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game.” More