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      Dortmund season begins in CHAOS as fans organise major protests and release furious statement

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      DORTMUND fans are planning major protests at their first Bundesliga match of the season.The German giants’ campaign has been thrown into chaos after supporters released a furious statement.Dortmund fans are planning a major protest at their opening Bundesliga match of the seasonCredit: GettySupporters have released a furious statement opposing a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers RheinmetallCredit: APFans of the club are set to voice their opposition to a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers Rheinmetall.Planned protests include unveiling a tank outside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday in club colours.Dortmund host Frankfurt in their opening Bundesliga fixture of the campaign.An activist is also set to be dressed as Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, with signs on display and flyers handed out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three-year deal with the ammunition maker was announced back in May, just days before the Champions League final.Fans and pundits alike slammed the deal, with Gary Lineker admitting it would be the “first time I’ll be cheering for Real Madrid”.Dortmund went on to lose 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back on June 1.Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke had defended the deal at the time, explaining: “When we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.”Most read in FootballThe deal was announced in May, just days before the Champions League final defeat to Real MadridCredit: ReutersHowever, Dortmund fans have now had their say in a statement from supporter association Sudtribune Dortmund.Released on behalf of over 90 fan groups, it reads: “We won’t allow ourselves to be hitched to your wagon.’Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football”We firmly reject the idea that management and its committees at BVB have agreed to use Borussia Dortmund’s appeal to improve the public image of an arms company and throw their own values overboard in the process.”The statement continues: “The timing (of the announcement) suggests reactions to this controversial decision were deliberately intended to be overshadowed by reporting on the Champions League final.”Negative effects on fans were consciously taken into account.”Fans were also told to make their feelings known and “express your criticism” against Frankfurt this weekend.Dortmund kickstarted the new season in German Cup on Saturday, beating fourth tier Phonix Lubeck 4-1.Dortmund begin their league campaign at home to Frankfurt on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Frank Lampard lands new job following BBC Euro 2024 role and 15 months after Chelsea exit

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      FRANK LAMPARD can’t stay away from football despite leaving his last role as a manager some 15 months ago.The Chelsea and England legend has landed himself a new job as a pundit for the Champions League.Frank Lampard has landed a role as a pundit for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageCredit: GettyLampard will join a whole host of other former players as part of Amazon Prime’s brand new coverage of the Champions League.The 46-year-old, who won the European competition during his career, will form part of a stellar cast for the global broadcaster alongside the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Clichy.While Gabby Logan is set to head up the coverage with Premier League legend Alan Shearer joining the team as a commentator.Lampard won’t be out of his depth in front of the camera, after playing a part in the BBC’s coverage in Euro 2024 this summer too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 106-time England international is yet to find a new managerial role in football after leaving Chelsea in June last year.Lampard took charge of just 11 games in his second stint as Blues boss after coming in as caretaker manager following the sacking of Graham Potter.Lampard, who has also held roles with Derby and Everton, has been outspoken about wanting a return to the dugout at some point.And BBC colleague Gary Lineker has even suggested he could be the right fit for the biggest job of all – the next England manager.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video Champions League TeamPresenter: Gabby LoganCommentators: Jon Champion, Alan ShearerReporters: Gabriel Clark, Alex AljoePundits: Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Josephine Henning, Laura Georges, Gael ClichyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Gareth Southgate’s replacement]. “I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.BBC pundit tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after Euro 2024″Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but if you’re going to go English you think who else? Eddie Howe maybe?”FA chiefs are still searching for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate following his decision to step down after the summer’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.Former U21s boss Lee Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis and will take charge of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.Lampard has already admitted he is “looking to get back” into management at some point in the near future.Speaking to TalkSPORT back in March, he said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.”Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Gareth Southgate vs Frank Lampard managerial recordFrank LampardDerby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%Gareth SouthgateMiddlesbrough June 2006 – October 2009P151 W45 D43 L63 Win percentage 29.8%England U21 August 2013 – September 2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage 72.97%England September 2016 – PresentP110 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage 60%Overall: P156 W81 D44 L71 Win Percentage 41.3% More

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      Raheem Sterling axed AGAIN by Chelsea after missing Premier League opener and asking for ‘clarity’ over his future

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      RAHEEM STERLING has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for a SECOND successive game.Just two days after being dumped from Sunday’s Prem opener against Manchester City, the England winger, 29, has been excluded for Thursday’s Conference League play-off with Servette.Sterling has been hit with another blowCredit: GettyThe forward was AXED from Chelsea’s Conference League play-off squadCredit: AFPThe Blues welcome the Swiss side to Stamford Bridge for the opening of a two-legged tie that will determine if they will play European football this season.And Sterling – who has three years left to run on his current Chelsea contract – will play no part.Defenders Ben Chilwell, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to Uefa.But four wingers have been named ahead of Sterling — Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSterling’s camp said in a statement before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by City they wanted “clarity” over his future.Chelsea have spent £185m on 11 signings this summer and their 43-man bloated squad sparked a series of hilarious memes on social media yesterday.However, striker Armando Broja has agreed a move to Ipswich.The Albania international will go on loan until the end of the season with a £30m option to buy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea’s initial ‘A’ list squad to face ServetteGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus BettinelliDefenders: AxelDisasi, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Renato VeigaMidfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Romeo LaviaForwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Christopher NkunkuChilwell dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a series of injuries over the last two campaigns.Boss Maresca said: “The reason he did not play in our pre-season game against Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement”We had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.”I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.”Chelsea currently have 43 first team players available for selection.Maresca admitted the squad has to be trimmed before the transfer window closes.Meanwhile, Reece James – who recently suffered a new hamstring injury – has been included in the list of available players to face Servette on Thursday night.Elsewhere, star-boy Palmer returned to Manchester to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.Sterling’s camp statement in fullA statement released before kick-off read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.”He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling’s stats from last season More

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      Premier League 2023/24 Team of the Year revealed with FIVE Arsenal players lining up and only four clubs featuring

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      THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners-up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points adrift of eight-time champs Manchester City.Arsenal stars dominated the PFA Team of the YearDeclan Rice was named in the midfield XI after a stellar debut season for ArsenalCredit: GettyGabriel got the nod at the backCredit: GettyPhil Foden claimed the most coveted prize on the nightThe Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded by their fellow pros by having no fewer than FIVE stars voted into the campaign’s best XI.While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson between the sticks.While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice at the back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PFA opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented – Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher make Prem predictions as Man Utd icon reveals why his club will come above Liverpool And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year, having already landed the Football Writers’ Association award three months ago.Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong at the Manchester Opera House.Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.Notable exemptionsSuperstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.While Bukayo Saka also failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.He still managed ten assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another notable exception.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah struck 18 times to take his overall Premier League tally to 155, a number since raised to 156 after striking at Ipswich on Saturday.The Egyptian star is a two-time recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award – in 2017/18 and 2021/22.Man Utd fan and rapper Aitch attends the PFA Awards 2024Credit: GettyJules Breach and Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet before the ceremony commencedCredit: GettyOllie Watkins and his finacee Ellie Anderson arrivaed to pick up his first mention in the team awardCredit: RexPep Guardiola wore a dashing suit to the awards night in ManchesterCredit: GettyFoden arrived with missus Rebecca Cooke and young son RonnieCredit: GettyThe Man City ace won PFA Player of the YearCredit: PA More

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      Premier League legend’s son, 19, set for £10m Liverpool transfer exit after agreeing to reunite with former coach

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      LIVERPOOL midfielder Bobby Clark has agreed personal terms with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.The 19-year-old is the son of Newcastle legend Lee Clark and will be reunited with Jurgen Klopp’s former No2.Bobby Clark is set to leave Liverpool for Red Bull SalzburgCredit: RexDad Lee Clark made 260 appearances across two spells with NewcastleLiverpool accepted a £10million bid for the teenager last week after initially rejecting RB Salzburg’s first two approaches.But Clark agreed to travel to Austria to put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract on Sunday.The midfielder will link-up with former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders, who was appointed RB Salzburg manager this summer.The Reds have also inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause AND a buy back clause option in the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSClark joined the Merseyside club from Newcastle’s youth team in August 2021 and made 13 senior appearances across all competitions last season.An England youth international, Clark made his Liverpool debut last season in the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at Anfield.He also stood out in Klopp’s last League Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in February. Lijnders, who assisted Klopp for eight seasons, has entered his second stint as a first-team manager after joining Dutch side NEC for six months in 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also oversaw much of the youth development during his time at Anfield, first working under Brendan Rodgers.Lijnders announced he’d be leaving with Klopp, and the rest of the coaching staff, at the end of last season.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossLiverpool won their first league title in 30 years during his reign as Klopp’s right hand man, and advanced to three Champions League finals, winning the second final against Tottenham in 2019.Meanwhile, teenage star Bobby scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 6-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague in March.Dad Lee, also a midfielder, made 260 appearances across two spells for the Magpies, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists.Liverpool boast a relationship with the Red Bull group, with Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai all Red Bull alumni prior to moving to Anfield.Jurgen Klopp with Bobby after February’s FA Cup victory over SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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      My dad won it all including three Champions Leagues – now I’m living my dream at LaLiga club

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      SAMUEL ETO’O’S son thanked his legendary dad for being the “best example” to him after he made Rayo Vallecano’s squad for the first time.Eto’o Sr, 43, played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea in a brilliant 22-year professional career.Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o celebrates scoring the second goalCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel’s son Etienne is now progressing quickly at Rayo VallecanoCredit: AlamyAmong his list of trophies includes three Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and one Serie A crown.Now he is watching his son Etienne, 22, come through the ranks with LaLiga side Real Vallecano.The young forward signed for the Spanish top flight club in the summer and was assigned to the B team.But he spent pre-season with the senior squad and was then named on the bench for their 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while he was an unused substitute in the match, dad Samuel took to social media to pay tribute to his son’s achievement.He said: “This August 18, the opportunity making the thief 🤭, I have the opportunity to tell you how proud I am of you.”When you opened up to life, and with the emerging maturity, I confided in you that my status as a father, with the authority and subsequent responsibilities will never vary.”We live in a world where selfish and fleeting battles are queens. You are the sole master of your destiny. Through your work, you will build your trajectory and your destiny alone. No one will give you gifts.Most read in Football”You must be impervious to their manipulations and instrumentalizations against your family and those who love you.”He went on: “Cutting yourself off from your family ties is the best way to weaken yourself. You must block them.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”No family is perfect, but you have the essential: my LOVE and my PRIDE as a father.”This day is full of symbols: it’s your birthday. And, you will probably play on this birthday, your first match in a first division club.”My emotion as a father cannot help but remind you that: you must keep this beautiful asset that is your strength of character, your magnificent smile, and this unalterable dream that you have nourished since your birth.”Things will happen, son. If not today, it will be tomorrow, if not, it will be the day after tomorrow… They will happen. Receive all the strength of my Love ❤️. Dad.”In response, Etienne, who has two caps for Cameroon’s U20s, said: “Thank you very much for everything dad, nothing in life is easy.”You are the best example, I fight and I will always fight for my dream, that dream that became a dream when I saw you. I love you dad.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Champions League draw 2024/25: Date, stream, TV channel and pots for NEW league phase format

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      THERE’S nothing quite like a Champions League draw to put football fans on the edge of their seats – and the 2024/25 edition will be historic.Jude Bellingham’s dream debut season at Real Madrid ended in glory as Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund in last season’s Champions League final.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid win the Champions League in his first seasonCredit: GettyAnd the most decorated team in the competition will be tipped to win it again having added French phenomenon Kylian Mbappe to an incredible attacking force.However, Madrid have a lot more work to do to get to that stage due to the huge Champions League format changes.But first up is the league phase draw, and SunSport have all the information on when it will take place.Find out about the Champions League 2024/25 league phase draw below.Read more on Champions LeagueWhen is the 2024/25 Champions League draw?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will take place on Thursday, August 29.A time is yet to be confirmed but Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco is the chosen venue for the draw.An automated system will now randomly select eight opponents for each team from four pots and allocate which teams play at home and away.This is due to the new league phase format.Most read in Champions LeagueWhat TV channel is the 2024/25 Champions League draw on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through Discovery+Amazon have purchased UEFA rights in the UK for the first time so the draw will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.Can I watch the 2024/25 Champions League draw for FREE?It has not been confirmed as yet but the Champions League draw is usually broadcast for FREE on TNT Sports’ official YouTube channel.What is the new Champions League format?Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.What are the 2024/25 Champions League draw pots?Pot 1: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, BarcelonaPot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, MilanPot 3: Feyenoord, Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven, CelticPot 4: Monaco, Aston Villa, Bologna, Girona, VfB Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, BrestREAD MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the Champions League fixture dates?Below is the full schedule for the 2024/25 Champions League:Matchday 1: September 17-19, 2024Matchday 2: October 1/2, 2024Matchday 3: October 22/23, 2024Matchday 4: November 5/6, 2024Matchday 5: November 26/27, 2024Matchday 6: December 10/11, 2024Matchday 7: January 21/22, 2025Matchday 8: January 29, 2025Knockout round play-offs: February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025Round of 16: March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025Final: May 31, 2025 More

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      Chelsea ratings: Cucurella continues resurgence but Jackson still well off boil

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      ENZO MARESCA’S first game in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan as his former boss Pep Guardiola got one over on him.Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead with a neat chip over Robert Sanchez after shrugging off Levi Colwill inside the box on the stroke of the 18th minute.Nicolas Jackson struggled against Man CityCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella was one bright spark for the BluesCredit: PANicolas Jackson thought he had levelled things up for the Blues just before half-time, only for the goal to be ruled out by the linesman’s flag. It was former Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic who put the nail in the coffin of the home side, as he lashed home an effort late on in the second half. It was a similar story to last season for the Blues, who struggled to break down a Manchester City side that didn’t really look challenged.As for the Citizens, they will be pleased by their start to the season, picking up three points and the Community Shield in their past two games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne impressed on his full return to the side, and Phil Foden got minutes in the tank too – Pep Guardiola will only be concerned by an injury to Savinho who was playing like something reminiscent of a certain Riyad Mahrez reincarnated.Find out how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMalo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games.  Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky SportsWesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Levi Colwill could improveCredit: PATough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5Enzo Fernandez captained the side against CityCredit: GettyA mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5Cole Palmer had a quiet matchCredit: ReutersIt was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:PEDRO NETO (CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.MARC GUIU  (NICOLAS JACKSON, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances. READ MORE SUN STORIESKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (ROMEO LAVIA, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.RENATO VEIGA  (MARC CUCURELLA, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More