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      Chelsea player ratings: Academy stars shine with trio of goals as Thiago Silva rock solid at the back yet again

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      CHELSEA smashed their way past Juventus to leapfrog the Italians to top their Champions League group. Goals from academy stars Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi as well as Timo Werner saw the Blues hammer Juve and jump to top.
      Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Christian Pulisic celebrate against JuventusCredit: Getty
      It was equally pleasant viewing at the back for Thomas Tuchel in his 50th game in charge, keeping yet another clean sheet.
      Here’s how Simon Phillips rated the European champions.
      Edouard Mendy – 8
      He was fairly quiet in the first half but did get lobbed by Alvaro Morata and had to be saved by Thiago Silva.
      He did have to make one very good save late on to keep his clean sheet.
      Edouard Mendy kept yet another clean sheet for ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      Trevoh Chalobah – 8
      Scored Chelsea’s opening goal and celebrated like a man that has just scored on his first start in the Champions League.
      Another mature and composed performance from the rising young star.
      Trevoh Chalobah scored on his Champions League debutCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Thiago Silva – 9
      His goal line clearance was absolutely superb.
      A 37-year-old had no right to get to that, but this emphasises just how good this man is and he is getting better with age if anything.
      Thiago Silva goal line clearance was absolutely superbCredit: Getty
      Antonio Rudiger – 8
      He was his usual self, a menace in the box and great at carrying the ball forward and joining the attack.
      Another assured performance from the man who could end up a free agent in the summer.
      Antonio Rudiger put in another great performanceCredit: AP
      Reece James – 9
      Once again, we are running out of plaudits for this guy,.
      He is easily one of the best young players in world football right now and he was very unlucky not to score twice in the first half if not for two great saves.
      He did score in the second half with an emphatic finish.
      Reece James hammered home a beautyCredit: Getty
      Jorginho – 8
      Dictating play and never giving the ball away, just another night for Jorginho playing football.
      He was always available for the pass and was Chelsea’s route out every time.
      Jorginho dictated play and never giving it away,Credit: Reuters
      N’Golo Kante – 7
      Unfortunately, he went off injured midway through the first half but he was having a good game until then.
      N’Golo Kante was forced off injuredCredit: Rex
      Ben Chilwell – 8
      Should have scored early on from six yards out, but it was another quality performance from a guy in top form.
      He was good at the back as well when he did need to make some good recovery runs and tackles.
      Unfortunately, he got what looked like quite a bad knee injury.
      Ben Chilwell also came off injuredCredit: Rex
      Callum Hudson-Odoi – 9
      A real lively menace and got Cuadrado booked early on with a good run.
      He perhaps should have scored as well in the first half but he was really Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker once again.
      He made no mistake with his chance in the second half to put Chelsea 3-0 up.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrated his goalCredit: Getty
      Christian Pulisic – 6
      He was relatively quiet to be honest in the first half and his first touch seemed to dessert him on occasions.
      But he was asked to play in a slightly unfamiliar position and he tried to be effective.
      Christian Pulisic played through the middleCredit: AFP
      Hakim Ziyech – 8
      His hit and miss season continues.
      One minute he was doing something excellent like taking the ball with a great turn and winning a free-kick, the next minute Tuchel was shouting at him for not finding Hudson-Odoi with a pass that would have left him one on one with the keeper.
      Much improved performance from him tonight though.
      Hakim Ziyech was much improved performanceCredit: AFP
      SUBS
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Kante (36 mins) – 8
      He took a while to settle in to it when he first came on. but he soon got in the swing of it and set up Hudson-Odoi to score the third.
      Cesar Azpilicueta for Chilwell (70 mins) – 7
      Slotted in at left wing back and helped Chelsea see the game out.
      Timo Werner for Pulisic (70 mins) – 7
      His pace was an instant threat and scored right at the death to make it four.
      Saul Niguez for Hudson-Odoi (75 mins) – N/A
      Mason Mount for Jorginho (75 mins) – N/A
      Tuchel breaks silence on Rudiger’s contract stand-off after starring in Leicester win More

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      Watch Chelsea kid Trevoh Chalobah net on Champions League debut vs Juventus… after doing same in Prem this season

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      TREVOH CHALOBAH scored on both his Premier League and Champions League debut after volleying home against Juventus. The defender was a shock start against Crystal Palace in August but fired in a stunner from outside the box.
      Trevoh Chalobah celebrates his goal against JuventusCredit: Getty

      With his family proudly watching on in the stands, Chalobah appeared to break down in tears as he celebrated.
      And he cut an equally emotional look after his first-half volley put Chelsea 1-0 up against Juventus.
      The goal opened the foodgates for the defending European champions who went on to win 4-0.
      Chalobah’s excellent performance helped Chelsea climb above Juventus to top the group and keep yet another clean sheet.
      The centre-half was also handed the man of the match award and opened up about the memorable moment.
      He told BT Sport: “It meant a lot, as I said, when I was a young kid I used to watch Champions League.

      “So now being involved and getting a goal, it’s been very emotional.
      “For me, it’s about consistency, keep playing well, the manager’s brought me in, it starts in training as well.”
      He was joined in celebration by defensive partner Antonio Rudiger, 28, who has helped mentor the young academy star.
      Chalobah, 22, said: “He’s been a massive part Rudiger, he’s always helping me every day, the same as Thiago as well.
      “Everyone around the club really, for a young player to play for a club like this, consistency is needed and that’s what I’ve tried to add to my game.”
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      Watch David De Gea make wondersave for Man Utd as even Villarreal players congratulate Spain keeper

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      DAVID DE GEA made an incredible wonder-save against Villarreal before Manchester United sealed a big win in Spain.The Red Devils were looking to make a statement after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday.

      David De Gea made an incredible save as Man Utd beat Villarreal 2-0Credit: Rex
      Villarreal stars including Manu Trigueros, who took the shot, congratulated De Gea on his stop
      And Michael Carrick saw his first game as caretaker boss end with a 2-0 victory thanks to late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
      But things could have turned out differently had De Gea not pulled off a heroic stop earlier in the second half.
      Europa League champions Villarreal, who beat United in last season’s final, created plenty of opportunities in the fiercely-contested group stage game.
      But their best chance occurred in the 58th minute when a loose ball fell kindly to midfielder Manu Trigueros… inside United’s penalty area.
      Lining up the ball for a volley as it came towards him, the playmaker unleashed a rocket at De Gea’s goal mouth.
      Fans held their breath as they waited for the ball to strike the back of the net.

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      But De Gea, making his 68th continental appearance for United, had other ideas.
      Somehow, the gloveman managed to react quickly enough to get down low, block Trigueros’ pile-driver AND turn the ball over the crossbar to safety.
      United fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as the Villarreal faithful tried to comprehend what had happened.
      And the save was so good that a number of Yellow Submarine stars, including Trigueros, congratulated Spaniard De Gea on his outrageous effort afterwards.
      Indeed, the stop proved pivotal as United took the lead 20 minutes later through talisman Ronaldo.
      The veteran lobbed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli with a succulent chip after some sloppy passing from Villarreal’s defence, and celebrated with his traditional ’Siu’ jump.
      Sancho then wrapped up the win with his first-ever United goal in the 90th minute, giving the club something to smile about at last while banishing the painful memories of Solskjaer’s exit.

      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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      Man Utd ratings: Cristiano Ronaldo shows he’s not the problem as David De Gea shines again vs Villarreal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED progressed through to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-0 win at Villarreal. It was a tale of two halves for United, playing under interim manager Michael Carrick for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
      Jadon Sancho celebrates his first goal for Man UtdCredit: AFP
      Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho saw United turn the game around following a dull first half.
      Here is how Jack Figg rated Carrick’s players.
      David de Gea – 8
      Made some good saves in the first half as the Spaniard faced some early tests.
      Pick of the bunch came on the hour mark as a volley from Manu Trigueros hit the ground forcing the keeper to finger tip it wide.
      David de Gea pulled off a string of big savesCredit: Rex
      Alex Telles – 6
      Produced a great cross on the half hour mark but Ronaldo’s header was saved and made some smart runs off the ball.
      With Martial offering little link up on the left, it saw the full-back unable to get forward and make use of his crossing abilities.

      Harry Maguire – 6
      Given a relatively quiet night at the back, something the defender would have been hoping for.
      Could only watch on at times as De Gea was forced to pull off heroics.
      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Made an important block to deny Moi Gomez’s effort just before the break, which resulted in a corner.
      Put in a disciplined performance alongside captain Maguire.
      Victor Lindelof put in a disciplined performance alongside captain Harry MaguireCredit: AP
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
      Almost cost United as he brought out possession from the back but managed to get away with it.
      Showed little interest in getting forward with Sancho but was competent at the back.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka started at right-backCredit: AFP
      Fred – 7
      Twisted his ankle on 35 minutes but saw the half out and continued playing.
      And he can count himself fortunate he did, as his interceptions put through Ronaldo and Sancho to score.
      Fred helped set up Cristiano Ronaldo’s winnerCredit: Getty
      Scott McTominay – 6
      Started as the deep-lying midfielder and played the occasional cross field or forward ball.
      The Scottish international did not get forward much but was solid in front of the back line.
      Scott McTominay led the charge in midfieldCredit: AFP
      Donny van de Beek – 6
      Looked energetic in the No10 role, making runs in behind but got too eager to win the ball back just before the break as he picked up a booking.
      Brought off with 25 minutes to go and will feel he did not get the ball in advanced areas enough.
      Donny van de Beek showed promise in midfieldCredit: AFP
      Anthony Martial – 4
      Looked far less of an impact out wide, opposed to his preferred position through the middle.
      Could have no complaints being substituted as the Frenchman failed to take his opportunity after being given a rare start.
      Anthony Martial failed to make an impact in what was a rare startCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho – 8
      Had largely quiet spells in the first half but showed promise when he did get on the ball, driving down the right wing.
      Great form continued into the second half and led to the forward scoring his first United goal, smashing home from inside the box.
      Jadon Sancho shined on the right wing for Man UtdCredit: AFP
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
      Had little luck in front of goal throughout the match – until a mistake at the back put the forward through and led to a beautiful chip finish.
      Again, Ronaldo proved he is not the problem and once more got United back on track.
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in SpainCredit: AFP
      SUBS
      Bruno Fernandes (for Van de Beek) – 6
      Almost immediately got involved and slid through Sancho smartly, but the winger’s effort was saved.
      Marcus Rashford (for Anthony Martial) – 6
      Produced a good save from Geronimo Rulli as he cut in from the left with five minutes remaining.
      Nemanja Matic (for Cristiano Ronaldo) – N/A
      Juan Mata (for Jadon Sancho) – N/A
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      How Chelsea could line up against injury-ravaged Juventus with Havertz a doubt but Lukaku involved in squad

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      CHELSEA can secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League by avoiding defeat against Juventus on Tuesday night.Thomas Tuchel’s side currently sit three points behind the Serie A giants in Group H with two rounds of group games remaining.
      How Chelsea are expected to line up against Juventus
      And while defending champions Chelsea are almost certainly through to the last 16 already – they sit six points above Zenit St Petersburg – they can move mathematically out of sight with a draw at Stamford Bridge.
      Tuchel has given an update on a number of his players’ fitness concerns ahead of the game.
      Romelu Lukaku will not start but could feature from the bench for the first time since he was injured during Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Malmo last month.
      Kai Havertz looks set to miss out due to a hamstring issue, with Mateo Kovacic also still sidelined.
      But Timo Werner is available for the Juventus clash after being included as an unused sub in the win over Leicester.
      And Jorginho also appears to be fit despite being hauled off at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

      Another way Chelsea could line up against Juventus
      Speaking about Lukaku in his pre-match press conference, Tuchel said: “He has, right now in the next minutes, an appointment with the doctors and physios right now to see about his reaction and the next training.
      “Maybe if we have the chance to bring 20 players into the squad, he has the chance to be in the squad (team) for the last minutes. That would be the absolute maximum that we could get out of the situation right now.”
      On Jorginho, he added: “Jorgi [Jorginho] is absolutely OK. Kai [Havertz] felt a bit of tension in the hamstrings and we took him off, and we have some doubts with him. We have to check and see if he can train without any problems. This is the question mark.
      “Timo [Werner] feels good and was in training yesterday and is in the squad again. Mateo Kovacic is out, and that’s it.”
      INJURY RAVAGED JUVE
      Premier League leaders Chelsea were handed their first defeat of the season by Juventus in September as Federico Chiesa’s goal handed Max Allegri’s side a 1-0 victory.
      But this time around the Serie A side are riddled with injuries coming into the huge European tussle.
      Giorgio Chiellini, Mattia de Sciglio, Federico Bernardeschi, Danilo and Aaron Ramsey are all sidelined with fitness problems.
      But one positive for the Italian giants is Paulo Dybala looks set to be available for the game.
      Juventus have won all four of their Champions League games so far this season, a feat only Liverpool, Ajax and Bayern Munich have been able to match.
      But their Serie A form has been nowhere near the results they have accumulated in Europe.
      Allegri’s men currently sit eighth in the Italian top flight with just six wins from their opening 13 games.
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      Man Utd flops arrive at Manchester airport to fly out to Spain for Carrick’s first game in charge against Villarreal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s flops have jetted off to Spain for Michael Carrick’s first game against Villarreal.The squad were snapped as they arrived at Manchester airport on Monday afternoon.
      Man Utd flew to Spain this afternoon for Michael Carrick’s first game against VillarrealCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Captain Harry Maguire flashed a grin after being sent off in the 4-1 defeat to WatfordCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to grimace in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sackingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      And all eyes will be on El Madrigal tomorrow when Carrick leads the team in place of sacked gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      The Norwegian was fired yesterday following Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing at Watford.
      And it will be down to Carrick to guide United past Unai Emery’s Europa League champions as club chiefs search for a new boss.
      Red Devils captain Harry Maguire is set to play after receiving a red card at Vicarage Road.
      And he flashed a grin as he made his way into the terminal before jumping on a bus to take him to the aircraft.
      But Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to grimace as he trudged to the plane.
      Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he arrived at Manchester airportCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Bruno Fernandes kept a low profile as he enjoyed a coffeeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Jadon Sancho will be hoping for a start in the Champions LeagueCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

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      Donny van de Beek scored the last goal of Solskjaer’s reignCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Ivorian duo Amad Diallo and Eric Bailly were snapped travellingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      United chief Darren Fletcher joined the travelling partyCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek kept a low profile as they arrived for their flight.
      However, Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he made his way to the plane.
      Phil Jones and Lee Grant also travelled, despite not being eligible to play after failing to make United’s 25-man squad list.
      But Jones is able to face Chelsea this weekend, and Carrick would be the SEVENTH manager he’s played under at United should he get the nod to fill in for suspended Maguire.
      Phil Jones and Lee Grant flew to Spain despite not being registered to playCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Anthony Martial is looking to force himself back in the sideCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Mike Phelan is still in his job despite seeing Solskjaer leaveCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Other players seen arriving at Manchester airport were Alex Telles, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo.
      As for Carrick, he entered the building alongside club chief Darren Fletcher, who looks set to assist him tomorrow night.
      Long-serving coach Mike Phelan also travelled after keeping his job following Solskjaer’s exit.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Scott McTominay kept to himself as he entered the terminalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Victor Lindelof wrapped up to keep the cold at bayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Alex Telles could get a rare outing against Unai Emery’s Europa League champsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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      How Man Utd could line up for Carrick’s first game in charge with Van de Beek and Sancho given chance against Villarreal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED begin life without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when Michael Carrick takes charge against Villarreal on Tuesday.Less than 48 hours after the Norwegian’s sacking, the Red Devils face a crucial Champions League clash as they look to avoid a group stage exit for the second season in a row.
      How Man Utd are expected to line up against Villarreal on Tuesday night
      Carrick takes over from Solskjaer as Man Utd bossCredit: AFP
      Caretaker manager Carrick will take charge for their trip to the LaLiga side with Man Utd currently top of Group F, level on points with Villarreal and two above Atalanta.
      It is difficult to know how Carrick will choose to line up for the game, but he did indicate in his pre-match press conference that there will not be wholesale change.
      When asked what alterations can be expected on Tuesday night, Carrick said: “We will have to wait and see really.
      “I worked with Ole closely, similar beliefs as a coach and manager. Got my own personality but it is very similar because that is why we worked together.
      “I’m not giving my plans away but I am very clear in my own mind.”
      Despite the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday afternoon, there were one or two positives for United to take away from the game.

      Another way Carrick could choose to line up in his first game in charge
      Outcast Donny van de Beek produced his best 45 minutes in a red shirt as he came on at half-time and scored their only goal of the game.
      He also provided a couple of sumptuous passes in the build-up to United’s best chances.
      Jadon Sancho also appeared to be finding his feet for the first time since arriving in the Premier League.
      The ex-Borussia Dortmund man crossed for Cristiano Ronaldo to nod down for Van de Beek in what was a well-worked goal.
      Van de Beek and Sancho could be rewarded for their impressive performances with a starting place in Europe.
      Alex Telles is also expected to start as an out-of-form Luke Shaw takes a step away from the starting XI following another poor display.
      Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Mason Greenwood all remain unavailable for selection.
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      Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof will fight for the place alongside Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.
      Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay will all be hoping to play with Van de Beek in midfield if the Dutchman is trusted by Carrick.
      And then the interim boss also has to decide whether Jesse Lingard is an option ahead of Marcus Rashford – or whether he comes in for Sancho despite the £73million man’s positive display at Vicarage Road. More

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      Arsenal 3 HB Koge 0: Wubben-Moy pays tribute to Williamson as Gunners move closer to Champions League quarters

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      LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY dedicated her Champions League goal to injured team-mate Leah Williamson after Arsenal trounced HB Koge.It was back to winning business for the Gunners after their dramatic draw with Tottenham with the England ace’s near-post header among the efforts in a 3-0 victory.
      Lotte Wubben-Moy netted late in the game to put Arsenal 2-0 up against KogeCredit: Getty
      Wubben-Moy says the Gunners will “deeply miss” having Williamson in the sideCredit: Reuters
      And the result saw the North London giants move six points clear of Hoffenheim days after Williamson’s hamstring injury blow with the defender out for the rest of the year.
      Wubben Moy said: “That was a goal for Leah, we’ll deeply miss her.
      “That’s her speciality at the near post, if I can do anything it’s to get that goal.
      “To score in a Champions League game is a dream come true.
      “To make it a reality today is cool and to help the team to an important win.
      “We know the goal difference could be important in pushing to get out of the group.”
      Jonas Eidevall shuffled the deck with his starting 11 making six changes to the side that nabbed a point at Spurs.

      The Gunners had a decent chance of scoring in the tenth minute with Beth Mead latching on to a Lia Walti through ball before Koge’s defence snuffed out the threat.
      The visitors came close to conceding moments later.
      This time via Nikita Parris dinking a ball into the penalty box for Caitlin Foord before Koge stopper Kaylan Marckese came off her line to claim it.
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted until the 16th minute with Foord putting the hosts ahead after tapping in a Beth Mead cross from close range.
      Caitlin Foord opened the scoring for Arsenal in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Eidevall’s aces had a chance to double their lead with Mead unleashing a fierce shot near the half-hour mark which Marckese did well to claim.
      And Jen Beattie came close to netting with her far post header following a free-kick flashing narrowly wide of the far post ten minutes before halftime.
      The second spell saw the visitors, who are winless and bottom of Group C, attempting to push further forward.
      And Koge’s Kyra Carusa made a nuisance of herself in the opening minutes attempting to cut a pass inside the penalty box before Kim Little hoofed the ball out of danger.
      A triple Arsenal substitution saw Frida Maanum, Steph Catley and Vivianne Miedema enter the fray in the 60th minute in place of Beattie, Parris and McCabe.
      Vivianne Miedema netted Arsenal’s third and final goal of the eveningCredit: PA
      Miedema had a couple of solid chances to net including a 67th-minute shot that was blocked before Maddie Pokorny forced a close-range stop from Lydia Williams near the 80th minute.
      However, the Gunners put the game out of sight with Wubben-Moy’s late header and Miedema’s delightful dink over the keeper in the 85th minute.
      The 3-0 win sees Arsenal remain second in their group with Koge on the verge of a Champions League exit.
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