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      ‘Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan.. that game changed his career’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career changed forever and put him on the path to superstardom after a disastrous performance against AC Milan in 2005.Ronaldo, 39, joined United in 2003 at the age of 18 from Sporting Lisbon and struggled to adapt to the Premier League due to his lack of physicality and end product.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career turned after a disastrous display at AC MilanCredit: GettyMan Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were frustrated with Ronaldo at firstCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut Scholes and Butt insist the Milan humiliation is what put Ronaldo on the path to superstardomCredit: GettyFellow Man Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt still remember CR7’s rough start to life at Old Trafford that “frustrated the life” out of them and other esteemed team-mates.And there was one Champions League match against Milan at the San Siro that saw the star forward getting dominated by Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini so much that his peers lost their patience.The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking elimination in the Last 16 as they lost 1-0 across both legs.According to Scholes and Butt, though, one good thing came out of it was the wake-up call Ronaldo desperately needed to turn things around.Read More on Man UtdThe Portugal captain got bigger, quicker, stronger and smarter, which eventually led to him winning the Ballon d’Or with United and four more at Real Madrid.Scholes told Butt on the Football’s Greatest Eras podcast: “I always remember a game at AC Milan and he frustrated the life out of me.”We were playing them away. But Gattuso kept running over to him and taking the ball off him and it was doing my head in. “He was playing against Maldini anyway, but Gattuso just kept coming over, taking the ball off him, taking the ball off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We were having a right go at him. ‘Look, you’ve got to pass the ball, pass the ball before he gets to you. It’s quite obvious what’s happening’. “And I think it was after that game that he realised and he thought, ‘Right, that’s the game, that’s the biggest stage, and I wasn’t quite up to speed’.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor “Now, whether he thinks that or what, I don’t know, but he wasn’t game intelligent enough. “But I think from that point on, he just excelled. He got bigger, he got quicker, he got stronger and he learned more.” More

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      Fans say ‘he liked that goal a bit TOO much’ as commentator goes full Gary Neville with epic ‘goalgasm’

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      FANS declared “he liked that goal a bit TOO much” after a commentator suffered a Gary Neville-esque “goalgasm.”The moment occurred across the pond in an American college match between Notre Dame and Stanford.A commentator went wild after an amazing late goal in a US college matchA player’s long kick from his own half soared into the back of the netA dramatic game saw the latter leading with just minutes to go.But they were left stunned when Notre Dame fired home an equaliser for 2-2.With seconds remaining on the clock, both sides looked set to share the points.Yet there was still another twist in the tale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Stanford defender used the final kick of the game to launch a ball high and long from his own half towards Notre Dame’s goal.Players on both sides watched as the ball sailed over their heads.And as it approached the net, it amazingly dipped down before sailing over the keeper’s hands and into the mouth of the goal.Stanford’s incredible strike sparked wild celebrations among players and fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut nobody appeared as jubilant as the commentator.As the ball hit the target, he let out a huge groan which continued on for many seconds before dwindling as he finally took a breath.Kate Abdo left in disbelief as she hides face after Thierry Henry’s controversial comment live on CBS Sports Gary Neville made a similar noise 12 years ago and hasn’t been able to live it down ever sinceCredit: AFPNeville’s ‘goalgasm’ came after a late Chelsea strike vs Barcelona in the 2012 Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe noise was similar to the one famously produced by ex-Man Utd star Neville, who was on punditry duty for 10-man Chelsea’s famous Champions League semi-final win against a peak Barcelona side at the Nou Camp in 2012.As the Blues clung on to an away-goal lead, a long ball saw Fernando Torres go one-on-one with Victor Valdes.The Spaniard rounded his compatriot before firing into an empty net, sealing Chelsea’s place in the final and allowing Neville to utter the “goalgasm” noise that has stuck with him ever since.Fans were certainly tickled by the American commentator’s version.One said: “He liked that goal a bit TOO much.”Another noted: “UnbelieveEeEeAaable.”One bemoaned the lingering whimper at the end, adding: “Can’t be letting it trail off like that into a whimper, sounds so much worse.” More

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      Arsenal ‘target two former stars to replace Edu as sporting director’ and one is already in the building

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      ARSENAL have reportedly identified two potential candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Edu Gaspar – and both are ex-Gunners.The club officially announced Edu’s resignation and imminent departure on Monday.Edu Gaspar resigned as Arsenal’s sporting director this weekCredit: GettyArsenal’s academy manager, Per Mertesacker, is one candidateCredit: GettyTomas Rosicky is another candidateCredit: Getty Images – GettyA statement read: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.”The Brazilian is expected to join Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club group in a senior role at the end of his six-month notice and gardening leave period.Jason Ayto has temporarily stepped in while Arsenal chiefs scout Edu’s permanent successor.And according to French outlet Foot Mercato, two potential candidates have already been identified.Read More in FootballFormer Gunners Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky are said to be “highly appreciated” by club officials.Mertesacker already works for Arsenal as manager of the club’s academy.He previously made 221 appearances for the Gunners across seven years before hanging up his boots.Meanwhile, Rosicky is the sporting director of Sparta Prague.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaving previously worked as an assistant to ex-chief Zdenek Scasny, he was promoted in December 2018.The midfielder spent 10 years with Arsenal as a player and made 246 appearances.Edu’s exit is a huge loss for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will feel very different without him, says SunSport’s Jack RosserClub officials are said to be open to different options in their search for a new sporting director.They are not insistent on replacing Edu like-for-like with an ex-player.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu. More

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      Cole Palmer enjoys lemon sponge and custard during Chelsea vs Noah before testing knee injury ahead of Arsenal clash

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      COLE PALMER will road test his knee injury tomorrow in the hope of being ready for club and country.Chelsea’s star forward is recovering after taking a whack during last Sunday’s match at Manchester United and underwent a scan.Cole Palmer sat out Thursday’s 8-0 win over NoahCredit: GettyThe Chelsea and England star is hoping to be fit for this weekend’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyHe is already walking comfortably and enjoyed dinner in the Stamford Bridge press room while watching his team-mates destroy Armenian minnows Noah 8-0 in the Conference League last night.Chelsea face a crunch clash with top-four rivals Arsenal on Sunday with Palmer also in a race to be fit for England’s Nations League double-header next week.Blues boss Enzo Maresca said: “He’s better. He’s getting better. “If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He’s getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision.”Palmer was in the press room for Thursday’s match, alongside teammate Levi Colwill.The pair tucked into complimentary lemon sponge and custard as the Blues racked up the goals. Chelsea and Arsenal face each other level on points but with Maresca’s side one place above the Gunners in the Premier League table on goal difference.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFourth-placed Chelsea have lost only twice in the league this season – against current leaders Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City.Maresca thrives on the pressure of taking on the title challengers with his team now firmly in the mix at the top end of the table after two years in the doldrums.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeArsenal finished second to City last year and new Chelsea boss Maresca says it is no coincidence because both clubs have long-serving managers.The Italian said: “I like to get pressure from these kinds of games. The pressure is also for us. For sure, Arsenal are the closest one with City.”I consider both of them better than the rest. “The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager for five years, and this is a big, big, big advantage compared to the rest. So for me, that’s why they are better than the rest.“But we’re going to try on Sunday to make life difficult for them. We’re going to try our best.Chelsea ratings vs NoahSUNSPORT’S Dan King rates Chelsea’s young guns after their flood of goals against Noah.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in 2nd half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.TYRIQUE GEORGE – 8Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.”We’re always looking for something different, no matter if it’s Arsenal or another team, to see how we can attack and defend in the right way. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did that this season against any team. For sure, Arsenal is the closest one to the best team in England, that is City. “But we’re going to try to do our game, prepare in the best way we can and try to win.” More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy makes change to Man Utd preparations that caught out Erik ten Hag before his sacking

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has made a major change to Manchester United’s preparations from their days under Erik ten Hag.The Dutch interim boss has overseen three matches in the Red Devils’ dugout after Ten Hag was sacked last month.Ruud van Nistelrooy has overseen a major change to Man Utd’s game preparationsCredit: GettyThe interim boss has won two of three games following Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: RexVan Nistelrooy led United to victory in the Carabao Cup against Leicester before sealing an impressive draw in the league versus Chelsea.The former striker’s latest game saw United clinch a 2-0 win over PAOK in yesterday’s Europa League clash.And Van Nistelrooy now has one more game in charge before Ruben Amorim departs Sporting Lisbon for his new life in the north west.United once again face Leicester this weekend, this time in the league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Van Nistelrooy left his mark by making a major change to preparations.In Ten Hag’s day, he would have held his pre-match press conference immediately after United’s Thursday night European fixture.By killing two birds with one stone, he was able to asses his side’s latest result before immediately discussing the upcoming weekend game.But Van Nistelrooy only discussed the result against PAOK yesterday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd instead, he scheduled another press conference on Friday to preview the next match with Leicester.It remains to be seen if Amorim continues in this style or reverts back to Ten Hag’s previous format.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanVan Nistelrooy is preparing for his last game ahead of Ruben Amorim’s arrivalCredit: PAWith the games coming thick and fast for United, it may be more convenient for the Portuguese tactician to opt for the latter.It is sure to be low on his list of priorities too, with Amorim’s new side languishing in 13th place in the table.They have picked up just three wins from 10 league matches this season.And defeat to Leicester would actually see them leapfrogged by the Foxes, who are only five points above the drop zone. More

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      Brazil ‘making major play to bring in Pep Guardiola as next manager’ and have ‘called Man City boss multiple times’

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      BRAZIL are “making a major play” for Pep Guardiola to become their next manager.The Manchester City head coach, 53, could leave the Etihad when his contract expires at the end of the season.Pep Guardiola has always made clear his desire to coach an international sideCredit: APIt is still possible a new deal could be struck with the Premier League champions – who he joined back in 2016.But according to The Athletic, Brazil are hoping to tempt him away and into international management.Guardiola has made no secret of wanting to coach a national side at some stage during his career.He was approached for the England job but gave no indication to the FA that he would be available, before they appointed Thomas Tuchel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose close to Guardiola understand he likes the idea of managing Brazil – a position he was linked with two years ago.The five-time world champions’ current coach is Dorival Junior – who has won just four of 10 matches in charge.In the summer, they were beaten by Uruguay in the quarter-finals of the Copa America.If Guardiola takes the Brazil job, the hope would be for him to end their 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup in 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut reports claim the more likely scenario is for him to stay at Man City for one more year and then look towards coaching a national side at the 2030 World Cup.When asked about the Brazil job following Man City’s heavy loss to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, Guardiola joked: “After a 4-1 defeat, I’m no longer an option.”Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was heavily linked with taking over at Brazil before he signed a new contract to keep him at Los Blancos until 2026.However, he is coming under increasing pressure at the Bernabeu following back-to-back defeats against Barcelona and AC Milan. More

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      Tottenham suffer injury blow with Richarlison set to miss significant time after hurting himself assisting Solanke goal

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      TOTTENHAM star Richarlison is set to be sidelined for a “significant amount of time” after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa.The versatile forward appears to have been hurt after producing the assist for Spurs star Dominic Solanke’s second goal on 79 minutes during Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Tottenham star Richarlison is set to be sidelined for a ‘significant amount of time’Credit: RexTottenham star Richarlison got injured again after providing an assistRicharlison suffered a ‘significant’ injury, stated Tottenham boss Ange PostecoglouCredit: RexTottenham boss Postecoglou doesn’t know when Richarlison will returnCredit: RexThe Brazil international passed the ball to Solanke from the left flank and the North Londoners’ striker smashed it behind Emiliano Martinez’s net to make it 3-1 and seal three important points.But it was evident that Richarlison was in pain after that assist as he hobbled off just three minutes later when he was replaced by James Maddison.The 27-year-old looked distraught as he was embraced by both Maddison and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou confirmed that the Brazilian has sustained a “significant hamstring injury” shortly after returning from another recent issue.Read More on FootballAnd the Aussie head coach admitted the ex-Everton star will be back in the sidelines for the foreseeable future without issuing a timeline.Postecoglou said: “He was very disappointed. I think I said in the lead up, we tried to take a different approach, he worked awfully hard on his rehab but also his general fitness.“He’d really trimmed down in terms of his conditioning. He was doing everything right, we eased him back into playing, we didn’t want to overload him and unfortunately he broke down again.“He’s disappointed but ultimately, we’ve just got to keep getting him back in there and work with him to get him back up because he’s an important player. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You saw last week the impact he had coming off the bench and setting up the goal for him.“Disappointing for him, disappointing for us because we haven’t really had him at our disposal this year. Richarlison breaks down in tears as he reveals he wanted to quit football and would always Google ‘rubbish about death'”But we’ll just keep working with Richy and try to get him back.”I’m reticent to put [a time on] it but he’ll be out for a significant amount of time. It’s a significant hamstring injury.”Richarlison spoke of his frustration at sustaining yet another injury in a heartfelt post on social media.The ex-Watford star posted on Instagram: “It’s a difficult moment, again. “I was very happy working hard and playing, but now I am injured again.“It’s difficult to say what I’m feeling in this moment, just pray for me… I hope God will protect me”. More

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      ‘What did you expect? They’re not supposed to be here’, say Noah in hilarious statement after 8-0 drubbing vs Chelsea

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      FC NOAH asked the world “what did you expect?” after they were destroyed 8-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Transfermarkt puts the value of the entire Noah squad at £6.5million – compared to Chelsea’s £1.4 BILLION-rated assembly of stars.Chelsea ran riot against Noah in the Europa Conference LeagueNoah’s keeper Ognjen Cancarevic conceded eight goals on ThursdayBut Noah have since released a brief statement on XNo wonder Chelsea are favourites to win the competition – their squad is worth just £83m less than the other 35 teams COMBINED.Meanwhile hapless Noah were named after the biblical ark, which came to rest on Mount Ararat, a national symbol of Armenia.And the floodgates soon opened as the Chelsea lions came roaring first through Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu inside 13 minutes.Goals from Axel Disasi, misfit Mykhailo Mudryk and a double from Joao Felix, who is yet to start in the Prem, made it 6-0 by half-time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTop striker Christopher Nkunku, who can’t get a blip of Prem action either, scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season, through a rebound and a harsh penalty to cap off a historic night.But Armenia’s fourth best team were hilariously realistic in their post-match response.Noah posted on X: “What did you all really expect to happen against one of the best teams in the world.”That’s not supposed to be in the Conference League, and has a squad value 124 times bigger than ours?”Most read in FootballFormer Champions League regular Joao Felix bagged twoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNeither team belongs in this competition with twice Champions League winners Chelsea slumming it after a couple of crazy seasons following a takeover in 2022.Minnows Noah have only been in existence for seven years and had to scrap all the way through three qualifying rounds and a play off just for a chance to play under the lights in West London.Chelsea’s Dominant Victory over Noah: Player Ratings BreakdownTop five squad values in Conference LeagueChelsea (England): £1.4billionFiorentina (Italy): £268millionReal Betis (Spain): £170millionCopenhagen (Denmark): £85millionGent (Belgium): £80millionThursday night’s 8-0 victory broke the previous Conference League record win.The old record for the highest victory was Norwegian side Nordsjaelland’s 7-1 triumph over Bulgarian outfit Ludogerets in October 2023.After three games Chelsea have scored 16 goals, twice the total of the next-best team Legia Warszawa.Europe’s third-tier competition is the only title missing from Chelsea’s trophy list and it already seems a matter of time before they put that right.Chelsea have now scored 16 goals in the competitionBlues supporters may as well book their flights and hotels in the Polish city of Wroclaw for next May because it seems inconceivable that Enzo Maresca’s B team will not make it to the final.But it’s not an entirely foregone conclusion – Tottenham failed to win it in 2021 and Aston Villa were sunk by Olympiacos in last season’s semi-final.Meanwhile Cole Palmer isn’t even in the League Phase squad.He was spotted standing in a tracksuit pitch-side with Prem regular Levi Colwill, as the pair took pictures and signed autographs for fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea supporters saw Palmer’s presence as a boost ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash against Arsenal.The 22-year-old was considered a doubt, after picking up a knock during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend.Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer watched on as Chelsea thrashed NoahChelsea ratings vs NoahSUNSPORT’S Dan King rates Chelsea’s young guns after their flood of goals against Noah.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in 2nd half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.TYRIQUE GEORGE – 8Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping. More