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      ‘Build him a statue’ – Man Utd fans stunned as they realise £70m ‘flop’ single-handedly saved the day in Lyon clash

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      IN all the chaos of Manchester United’s thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, one star was initially overlooked for his huge role in the comeback.Bruno Fernandes spearheaded the fightback with a perfect penalty before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scored injury-time goals in extra time to seal a 5-4 win on the night and send Old Trafford into meltdown.Casemiro was the unsung hero of Man Utd’s win over LyonCredit: GettyThe Brazilian midfielder was labelled ‘the godfather’ for his displayCredit: GettyHowever, one star played an overlooked part in all three goals, Casemiro.After a strong start to his Man Utd career, the £70million Brazilian midfielder has rightly been criticised for many of his displays over the past two seasons, often looking leggy and making some high-profile errors to give away goals.But against Lyon, the 33-year-old showed off his class and guts by having a hand in all three of the Red Devils’ extra-time goals.Casemiro was firstly involved with the score at 4-2 to Lyon when he found his way into the box and was all set to score before he was fouled for the penalty, which Fernandes then duly converted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Real Madrid midfielder was then involved again as the ball was played into him on the edge of the box before he laid off a pass to Mainoo.The academy graduate, who turns 20 this weekend, then produced a deft touch to move inside his marker before curling a shot into the bottom-right corner and past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.And mere seconds after the restart, Casemiro picked up the ball in the left half-space, turned and started dribbling towards goal.He then lifted a perfectly weighted cross to the far post where Maguire had peeled away from his marker, which saw the centre-half nod home the winner.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs well as his assists for the three late goals, Casemiro also had an excellent game in his less glamorous duties.He won the most duels (nine) and created the most chances out of any Man Utd player against Lyon, as well as racking up three tackles, winning possession seven times and making eight clearances.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd Following the thrilling clash, fans highlighted Casemiro’s efforts during the emotionally draining 120 minutes of action.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Build Casemiro a statue, I didn’t even realise he assisted all three late goals.”A second said: “Two assists and a penalty won all in extra time. Casemiro, ladies and gentlemen.”A third added: “Never doubt the goat.”Another said: “Man United really did what we wanted to see from Real Madrid yesterday. Casemiro two assists in the Remontada, he still got the Real Madrid clutch DNA.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordA fifth said: “Uncle saw Rice against Real Madrid & wanted to remind everyone that the Godfather is still around.”A sixth said: “Genuinely thought I was watching 2017 Casemiro in the UCL tonight. That was a monumental performance from him, 120 mins of just excellence and then ends it with two assists and a penalty won in seven minutes?! Genuinely, wow.”Casemiro’s heroics to get Man Utd to the semi-finals will see him return to Spain to face a familiar foe in Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate in their own quarter-final.However, he and his team-mates will be fighting against history, with Man Utd having not beaten the Spanish outfit since the Busby Babes graced the Old Trafford turf in 1957.Man Utd have played the Basque outfit four times overall, losing their most recent two encounters in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on The SunIn general, they have a poor record against Spanish opposition, with only 23 wins from a total of 76 games – a win rate of just 30.26 per cent.The semi-final clashes will take place on May 1 and May 8, with the latter fixture once again coming at Old Trafford.Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. 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      Chelsea 1 Legia Warsaw 2 (agg 4-2): Enzo Maresca’s bafflingly strong XI stumbles into semi-final with embarrassing loss

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      ENZO MARESCA’S bid to win over the Chelsea fans went up in smoke.The Italian head coach packed his team to the hilt with A-List stars in an attempt to deliver a display of determination and re-energise Stamford Bridge after a series of turgid performances.Steve Kapuadi celebrates heading Legia’s winner on the nightCredit: RexTyrique George had a goal ruled out for the below-par BluesCredit: GettyLegia Warsaw fans let off flares while their team troubled ChelseaCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho put in a stellar performance – but was the only Chelsea star to do soCredit: AFPBut even though the Blues are through to the semi finals of the Conference League they were beaten on the night by the fifth best team in Poland.It marks their first home defeat of 2025 and the first in the main draw of UEFA’s C-List tournament – which Chelsea are expected to win comfortably.Plumes of smoke from flares ignited in the away end covered the pitch during the second half. But there was no hiding place for Maresca’s £1 billion squad as they were humbled.Even though they are comfortably into the last four on aggregate, the result has done nothing to ease the growing tension on the terraces from fans sometimes angry but mainly bored by Maresca’s tactics.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe sluggish tempo and tip toeing around their own box led to jeers from a crowd demanding more gusto – and not Malo the right back.Were it not for the constant throb of chanting from 1,000 shirtless Poles, the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge would have been flat at best, angry at worst at another let down of an evening out.Maresca went for it with his line-up. Skipper Reece James, England star Cole Palmer, lead striker Nicolas Jackson, Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella. All included in the starting XI and nobody was quite sure whether it was for target practice ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham, or as punishment for last Sunday’s dismal showing against Ipswich.Most read in Europa LeagueChelsea boss Enzo Maresca didn’t look too pleased with what he sawCredit: GettyBlues’ keeper Filip Jorgensen let in Tomas Pekhart’s penalty openerCredit: APBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut while Chelsea are struggling for conviction in the Premier League, Europe is a different matter entirely.The level of opposition has enabled Maresca to make drastic rotations to his squad and mainly use his second string.Marc Cucurella made his Chelsea equaliser look easyCredit: GettyThat all changed last night with the more heavyweight line up. And it quickly became apparent that Maresca’s main driver was a bid to sharpen up his troops for the run in to the domestic season.After just a minute, Palmer was through one on one yet skewed his shot to the left of goal and should have done better.Four minutes later he missed again with a stooping header, although this was more the fault of team-mate Jadon Sancho for squaring the ball instead of shooting when within range of goal.And Chelsea’s problems this season were soon evident again in microcosm. Having been totally in charge for the opening ten minutes and created two chances, they fell behind.Warsaw’s first foray into the home area saw keeper Filip Jorgensen haul down midfielder forward Tomas Pekhart, with the Spanish ref awarding a penalty.The former Southampton player calmly thumped the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards.Away fans had a cracking night despite going out on aggregateCredit: GettyPekhart hails his 10th minute spot-kick breakthrough for LegiaCredit: PACucurella celebrated his goal with provider Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyWith Chelsea enjoying a commanding 3-0 first leg lead, there was no panic and even subdued celebrations from the boisterous visiting fans.Sancho finally threaded a perpendicular ball through in the 31st minute when he squared through the box for Cucurella to divert the ball in from seven yards out to get Chelsea back on level terms on the night.Yet there is something fragile about Maresca’s team – even his first choice one. And with the fans getting on the players’ backs like they did on Sunday, they wilted again.And that gifted Warsaw a golden chance to regain the lead eight minutes into the second half.From a corner, Chelsea failed to clear their lines and a rebounding shot into the danger area from Claud Goncalves found its way to the head of unmarked Steve Kapaudi to simply nod past Jorgensen.The goal was the cue for dozens of flares to light up the away end.Sub Noni Madueke injected some life on the flank and had a shot cleared off the line, fellow sub Tyrique George’s follow up squirmed under the keeper but was hooked off the line by goalscorer Kapaudi.Read More on The SunFor a while the pitch was shrouded in choking white mist, shrouding the action as Maresca’s team tried to up the ante against the grey clouds of frustration overhanging the home fans.When it cleared Chelsea were still labouring against far inferior opposition as they have done too often  this season in all competitions. More

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      Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans and spits water after Arsenal win as fans say ‘going straight to the top’

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was spotted winding up Real Madrid fans during Arsenal’s famous victory in the Bernabeu.The Gunners wrapped up their Champions League quarter-final victory over Los Blancos with a 2-1 win in the second leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly wound up the Real Madrid fans at the BernabeuCredit: XHe was filmed shouting ‘vamos’ towards the home crowdCredit: XIt followed on from the stunning 3-0 romp at the Emirates in the first leg to boost Arsenal’s credentials to go all the way.Mikel Arteta’s side included remarkable performances from the likes of Declan Rice and Jakub Kiwior across the two legs.However, Lewis-Skelly, 18, was also a standout performer despite his tender age.He had already proved himself in the Premier League this season and has confirmed himself as one of the top prospects in Europe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe defender has clearly seen his confidence rise due to his success on the pitch, as he proved in the Spanish capital.During the match, Lewis-Skelly was filmed from the stands goading the home support.A video on social media shows him shouting “vamos” to the crowd while taking a drink. Arsenal supporters have loved seeing the confidence in the teenager as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “This is the man I love.”A second commented: “MLS is him. Going straight to the top.”Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command A third wrote: “I love footballers with personality who more than back it up with ability – obscenely talented young man.”A fourth said: “Absolutely love him.”Another added: “Love this. What a player he will be.”Lewis-Skelly played the full match in Spain and put in a top job to keep Rodrygo under wraps.It was not just the fans that he trolled either, as after the game he took aim at Madrista Antonio Rudiger.The former Chelsea star stepped on the Arsenal man during the match, and the defender included a picture of the incident on Instagram.Read More on The SunLewis-Skelly and co will be hoping for the same success in the Champions League semi-finals.The North London outfit will be taking on Paris Saint-Germain, who have already dumped out Liverpool and Aston Villa.Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command

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      DECLAN RICE inspired Arsenal to a stunning Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid both on and off the pitch.The 26-year-old was man of the match in both legs of the last-eight clash.Declan Rice had some words of inspiration for his team-matesCredit: MovistarRice was named man of the match for both legs of the quarter-final clashCredit: GettyHis outstanding free kick double helped the Gunners to a 3-0 win at the Emirates last week.And a midfield masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday saw them secure a spot in the semi-finals.Real Madrid stars were confident about completing a ‘remontada’ in the build-up to the second-leg.As a result, Mikel Arteta and Co found themselves under an increased amount of pressure heading into the match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Rice showed his leadership qualities before kick-off by sending a strong message to his team-mates.Prior to Arsenal’s warm-up, the midfielder said: “Nothing to fear, let’s go!”Gunners’ captain Martin Odegaard also said: “This is on us, guys! It’s f***ing today! Ignore the whistles now.”Footage of the pre-match message was shared on social media hours after full-time.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesFans were quick to comment, with one person writing: “Rice is the real leader.”Another said: “LEADER RICE LEADER LOVE THESE DETAILS.”Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans as Arsenal knock Los Blancos out of Champions League A third wrote: “Declan Rice is the true king.”While a fourth commented: “Rice was made for the big stage.”Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.The first leg will take place on April 29 at the Emirates Stadium. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up under Jurgen Klopp with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and RB Leipzig stars

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      JURGEN KLOPP has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid after it was reported that manager Carlo Ancelotti will soon depart.According to Sky Sports, Ancelotti, 65, is set to walk away from Real after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 following Wednesday’s Champions League elimination to Arsenal.Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid a year after leaving LiverpoolReal manager Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a departure this monthKlopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold and another Liverpool star at RealAnd UOL Esporte report Klopp, 57, is “ready” to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu a year after leaving Liverpool.The same source claims the German tactician is “unhappy” in his new job at Red Bull as Global Head of Football.Thus, the Liverpool legend is open to talking to Madrid, with the intention of returning to coaching as early as July.The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss reportedly has a special clause that could see him cut his contract short for a return to the dugout.Read More on FootballIf he succeeds Ancelotti then the German may go back to his Liverpool contacts book to lure some fresh talent to the Spanish capital.The famous gaffer could also bring in some of the players he is currently dealing with at Red Bull.For starters, Klopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold who turned down a new contract with the Reds and is close to moving to Real as a free agent in June.It’s understood he’s already agreed terms on a £240,000-a-week deal at the Bernabeu. Most read in FootballLos Blancos have also been previously linked with Alexander-Arnold’s team-mate Ibrahima Konate.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKonate joined the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig in 2021 under Klopp and his contract runs out in 2026. That means the Premier League champions-elect may have to sell the centre-back this summer to avoid losing him for free, like they’re doing with TAA.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Therefore, if Klopp moves to Madrid then the Spanish champions could have Trent at right-back with David Alaba on the other side, while Konate could team up with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in front of star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga – already at Real Madrid – may link up in midfield.Alexander-Arnold’s England team-mate Jude Bellingham could start at No10 with Vinicius Jr on his right and Kylian Mbappe on the other side.And when it comes to the man that would lead the line, that is where Klopp’s Red Bull contacts would come into play.The ex-Mainz boss could call on Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who has also been linked with Arsenal.Real have so much quality that they wouldn’t need much tweaking, but Klopp would be able to attract some of Liverpool and Red Bull’s best players. More

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      Get Arsenal to win Champions League at 100/1 after Real Madrid heroics with talkSPORT BET

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      JUST four remain in the Champions League with Arsenal and their supporters dreaming of continental glory.The 5-1 thumping of Real Madrid – including winning at the Bernabeu – was a statement result in the competition and they’ll be feared by semi final opponents PSG and potential finalists Barcelona and Inter.Despite being in the semis, talkSPORT BET have a sensational boost live until Sunday evening – offering brand new customers a whopping 100/1* on the Gunners winning the Champions League!Get Arsenal to win Champions League at 100/1Arsenal to win Champions League – 100/1 HERE*They’re set to finish second best in the Premier League behind runaway leaders Liverpool.So it’s now all eggs into the European basket, with Mikel Arteta and co on the brink of something special in the premier competition.Taking a 3-0 lead to the Bernabeu is one thing but winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital showed a ruthlessness in this Arsenal side that has been missing in recent seasons.Despite Gabriel’s absence, Arsenal defended strongly, keeping Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to a minimum on the big stage.They’ll need to keep that up when the PSG double-header comes around later this month and a formidable opponent will await them in the final in either Barcelona or Inter.But there’s no reason why the Gunners should fear any of them and make a mockery of the third-favourites tag they’ve got heading into the semis.Heading into the games, their usual price is 11/4 to win the Champions League.But talkSPORT BET have boosted it massively, offering new customers a whopping 100/1* to lift the trophy at the end of the season!Get Arsenal at 100/1 to win Champions LeaguetalkSPORT BET specialCreate your talkSPORT BET account HERE*Opt in to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign-Up page. Make your first deposit of £5 minimumPlace a max £1 bet at the normal price on Arsenal – Champions League Winner 2024/25, before 23:59 on 20/04/2025You must do this between 08:00 on 16/04/2025 and 23:59 on 20/04/2025.If the bet wins, you’ll be paid at the normal price.You will have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 100/1.Arsenal to win Champions League – 100/1 HERE*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Arsenal – Champions League Winner 2024/25 by 23:59 on 20/04/2024. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly More

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      Arsenal’s shockingly low chance of winning Champions League revealed by supercomputer despite Real Madrid thrashing

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      ARSENAL’S odds of winning the Champions League have been slashed despite their impressive quarter-final victory, according to a supercomputer.The Gunners booked their spot in the semi-final following a convincing 5-1 aggregate win over holders Real Madrid.Arsenal’s odds of winning the Champions League have been slashed by the supercomputerCredit: EPAParis Saint-Germain have been backed as favourites to win the tournamentCredit: ReutersInter Milan are backed as second favourites to win the lotCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Barcelona have the lowest chance of winning the tournament this season according to the supercomputerCredit: ReutersIt is the first time the club have made the last four of the competition since 2009, when they lost to Manchester United.They will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals this time around, looking to get to their first final since 2006.The North Londoners have a stunning omen on their side with each of the previous four Champions League finals being held in Munich, Germany, crowning a new first-time champion.That omen naturally extends to the Parisiens, who are looking to make the final for the first time since 2020 – losing to 1-0 to Bayern Munich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe other side of the tournament tree sees Inter Milan taking on Barcelona in a true European heavyweight tussle.However, the AceOdds supercomputer – which ran its simulation 10,000 times – predicts Arsenal have the second lowest chance of winning the competition outright and the lowest chance of making the final.According to the supercomputer, Arsenal have a 42.9 per cent chance of making the final, while there chance of winning it for the first time in club history are down at 22.8 per cent.Meanwhile, PSG are now the most-likely team to win the tournament, being given a 57.1 per cent chance at making the final and then a 32.3 per cent chance of winning the competition.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe computer predicts that Arsenal will lose the Emirates first leg in a thrilling 4-3 clash, before the second leg at the Parc des Princes ends 1-1.Italian giants Inter rank second overall, with a 51.6 per cent chance of making the final ahead of Barcelona and having a 23.7 per cent chance of winning the tournament outright.Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeSemi-final opponents Barcelona are narrow outsiders for the final at 48.5 per cent, compared to having the lowest chance of winning the competition at 21.2 per cent.It is predicted that Inter will claim an incredible 5-0 win over Barcelona at the San Siro, before a 1-1 draw is played out at the Camp Nou.The first leg clashes will take place over April 29 and 30, with the second legs then commencing a week later on May 6 and 7.Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More

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      Chelsea name 17-year-old son of former club chief in Conference League squad to face Legia Warsaw

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      ENZO MARESCA has named the 17-year-old son of a former club director in Chelsea’s Conference League squad for Thursday’s clash against Legia Warsaw.Landon Emenalo, son of Michael Emenalo, could get his first minutes in the Blues’ quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Landon Emenalo has been named to Chelsea’s squad to face Polish side Legia WarsawCredit: GettyThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with Enzo Maresca for the first time this weekCredit: GettyChelsea have one foot in the semi-finals after beating Legia 3-0 last weekThe Premier League side were dominant in the first leg in Poland, with a first senior goal from Tyrique George, 19, and a brace from Noni Madueke giving them a 3-0 lead.The Conference League has provided a chance for a number of youngsters to make their senior debuts for the club. As well as George, Shumaira Mheuka, 17, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, 20, have seen nearly all of their minutes come in this competition.And Emenalo is the latest name in that list after being added to Chelsea’s first team squad for the first time ever.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with the first team this week for the first time and was registered with Uefa overnight.Emenalo is the son of former technical director and Nigeria international Michael Emenalo. Landon has impressed for the U18s this season, scoring once in 12 games.The youngster initially joined Chelsea through the Under-8s development centre.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAlthough he spent time with Monaco, the defensive midfielder returned to Cobham during his Under-13s season.Emenalo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea after celebrating his 17th birthday in January. Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis He was born in Arizona and has a US national mother that allows him the option of representing the United States or England.Landon, who was reportedly raised as a Chelsea fan, is highly thought of at Cobham.His dad Micheal played for clubs such as Notts County and San Jose Clash during his career before hanging up his boots to venture into coaching and board-level roles.The 59-year-old worked as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea between 2007 and 2011, before taking the role as technical director for six years.During his time in SW6 he worked alongside managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, while he was also part of the team that brought in players such as Kevin De Bruyne, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.Since then he has held the same position at AS Monaco and is now the president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out. More