Soccer

GRAHAM POTTER was back on familiar territory at Chelsea – to the extent of taking his old seat in the dugout.Recent changes at Stamford Bridge mean the away technical area was once the home one, and vice versa.Chelsea came from behind to beat London rivals West HamCredit: GettyPedro Neto equalised for Chelsea before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s own-goalCredit: GettyJarrod Bowen opened the scoring for West Ham in the first halfCredit: APWest Ham boss Graham Potter returned to Stamford Bridge after his Chelsea sackingCredit: ReutersApart from that things are pretty much the same as when he was sacked in 2023 after seven months, following a run of three wins from eight games and with the team apparently in turmoil.Last night’s fortunate win for the latest man to inhabit the home dugout is also only the third in the last eight games. An identical run of form almost two years since Potter was axed.Yet Enzo Maresca is still regarded as the man to take Chelsea forwards and the three points earned at vast expense against West Ham lifts them back into the top four.Whether they have the gumption to stay there is hugely questionable because at times Maresca had his head in his hands at some of the stuff that passed for football being played by his team.Read More on ChelseaChelsea went behind from a defensive clanger, faced an anxious wait for their equaliser to be cleared by VAR, then needed an own goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka to finally see off opponents who have been struggling for momentum all season.A win is a win but there are cracks under the surface and there is nowhere to go in the transfer market between now and summer.Maresca had a relatively quiet day ahead of the 11pm deadline.His boldest move was to ditch cock-up keeper Robert Sanchez for making one mistake too many and replaced him with understudy Filip Jorgensen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Dane’s name was read out pre-match, the loud cheers from the Matthew Harding Stand showed what the Chelsea fans thought of that decision.However, the joy was briefly cut short in just the eighth minute when the new man spilled a dangerous cross whipped in by Andy Irving, with Jarrod Bowen bearing down on him in the box.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury It was similar at the other moments later when Chelsea broke at speed and Noni Madueke whipped a curling shot just wide of the post.It’s always odd when two high-profile teams meet on transfer deadline day because half the crowd are wondering if there will be any breaking news between kick-off and the final whistle.Maresca has not enjoyed this window one bit, labelling it a “disaster” with all the “noise” – the speculation – that surrounds his players in particular as they play for such a busy club.But those who make the matchday squad know their futures are safe at least. So why Chelsea seemed so edgy in the first half is a question Maresca and his squad needed to answer during the break.They played the more stylish football of the two, but struggled to find range and direction when it came to the crunch.Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s deadliest marksman, had a pinpoint free-kick tipped over the bar that drew a cracking save from Alphonse Areola.Chelsea’s missed chancesBut he also smacked the strip lights at the top of The Shed with one shot and put another straight into the arms of the Hammers keeper.Madueke, Jadon Sancho, Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez also narrowly missed – but missed all the same.Potter’s West Ham have been shuffling along without a recognised striker this year with skipper Bowen out having fractured a foot.,Raring to go, the winger wasted no time and no chances – gobbling up a dreadful back pass by Levi Colwill to burst clear into the Chelsea box and bend a shot past Jorgensen’s dive at ground level.Maresca’s team was struggling physically, not just mentally. So much so that he was forced to take off struggling striker Nicolas Jackson and Sancho just six minutes into the second half.He had used four subs by the hour mark as the Italian desperately plotted to inject some stability into his team that was seriously under the cosh but as much by their own mistakes.An untidy derby riddled with errors even saw ref Stuart Attwell falling over on the job. And Chelsea’s equaliser was just as scruffy.Sub Pedro Neto’ cross dropped into the West Ham box and courtesy of the faintest flick on by a visiting defender, hit Chelsea left-back Cucurella virtually on the by line.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe managed to knock it back into the path of Fernandez who shot. It was blocked but Neto scooped up the chance from close range. A lengthy VAR check finally handed Maresca a lifeline. Chelsea sealed it with 16 minutes to go when Palmer burst forwards on the wing and squared a low cross which took a huge deflection off Wan-Bissaka and looped over Areola and into the net.CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta masterminded another brilliant win in the title race as they thrashed Manchester City on Sunday.The 5-1 scoreline might have flattered them but it was their impressive high press which set them on their way.Arsenal cruised to a 5-1 win over Man City on SundayCredit: GettyHere, Dean Scoggins — from SunSport’s Tactics Exposed show — looks at how Arteta’s “double press” baffled City.DOUBLE PRESSNOT just one press but two.Arteta sets up his Arsenal side in a 4-4-2 shape when they are defending, with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard as the furthest foward.Those two orchestrate and lead the press. But what Arsenal did against Man City, was force the visitors to play the ball into areas where they were ready to press again.Read More in FootballArsenal set up in a 4-4-2 when defendingThe Gunners then pressed high when City had the ball deepSo after Odegaard and Havertz block off one channel and the pass is played — Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice charge towards the player about to receive the ball.It worked perfectly as Manuel Akanji was robbed for Arsenal to score their first goal — with Trossard pinching it, Rice playing to Havertz and the German setting up Odegaard to tap in after two minutes.Havertz should have scored another when Rice swarmed all over City midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the first half. It made the visitors jittery in possession and was just one of the battles Arteta’s side won.CITY’S MISSING MENMAN CITY’S set-up basically made it seem like it was 11v9 at the Emirates.Most read in FootballArsenal decided early in the match that two City players were not going to be a threat to them.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal stars gave Matheus Nunes plenty of space on the rightThey were also not concerned about Manuel AkanjiMatheus Nunes failed to create much on the right, even when he was given plenty of space. Following his early error which resulted in Odegaard’s opening goal, the Gunners were also happy to let Akanji take the ball throughout. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City To Arsenal, those two players were not going to cause a threat or any harm – they were almost redundant.That made it seem like City were playing with just nine players.As a result, the Gunners were able to focus more on the likes of Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, nullifying any threat they could have produced.SIX & THE CITYCITY’S new set-up didn’t quite work out this week.The Prem champions had six attackers but they failed to phase Arsenal.Man City’s midfield area was too congestedIt significantly reduced space for Marmoush and FodenArsenal were also playing with six – but three pairsCity had three at the back with Josko Gvardiol dropping in because Nunes was high on the right.However, it proved to be a problem for Gvardiol – one of the club’s best attacking defenders – who struggled to move past the halfway line.As a result, Guardiola’s side appeared to play with six midfielders at times which took space away from new signing Omar Marmoush, who has looked very promising since completing his January move from Eintracht Frankfurt.In contrast, Arsenal also played with a six but through the centre with three pairs – an attacking duo, a midfield duo and a defensive duo.They were then able to control and dominate a specific zone of the pitch – one that they considered to be the most dangerous.Man City therefore were unable to create many good chances.A SURPRISE PARTEYARSENAL had a plan – and it was Thomas Partey.One of the midfielder’s key roles was simply to stand in front of Haaland, preventing the direct passes from Stefan Ortega.Partey hid behind the referee before intercepting Foden’s pass and scoringPartey quietly had a great game in midfield, stopping the ball from getting to the feet of Haaland.As for his goal, Partey was hiding behind the referee when Foden was about to make that pass across the centre.He was subsequently able to step out and intercept the ball before scoring Arsenal’s second.SMILES LEWIS-SKELLYMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY is playing two positions in one as that inverted full-back.He is physical and quick in those defensive positions but his tactical awareness of knowing when to go into midfield makes him stand out.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 18-year-old knows exactly when he needs to shift based on his team-mates’ positioning.His goal came as a result of his movement inside from the left, receiving the ball from Rice before firing his shot into the top-right corner.Myles Lewis-Skelly scored his first senior goal for the GunnersCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez has reportedly suffered a serious ACL injury.The 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages of United’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday after injuring his knee.Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace on SundayCredit: AlamyThe defender landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackleCredit: AFPMartinez has reportedly suffered a ruptured cruciate ligamentCredit: GettyWhile attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, the defender lunged forward before his left knee buckled.He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.The Argentina international then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.Speaking after the match, Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim admitted the injury to Martinez looked “serious”.Read More in FootballNow reports in Argentina claim he will miss the remainder of the season with a severe ACL injury.Tests carried out on Monday allegedly confirmed that Martinez ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee.He will now have to undergo surgery and will likely be sidelined for around eight months.”He is not only a great player but a strong character in the dressing room,” said Amorim after Sunday’s match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He felt it and when you are a player, you know when it is something serious. We are here to help him in this difficult moment like he has helped us.”Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceHe missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.Man Utd went on to lose 2-0 to Crystal Palace at the weekend.Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points at Old Trafford. More