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      Leicester 1 Bournemouth 0: Foxes secure first win of Premier League season to pull clear of relegation zone

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      LEICESTER won their first Premier League game of the season after their return from the Championship.The Foxes were relegated two years ago but came back to the top flight immediately under former boss Enzo Maresca.Leicester won their first Premier League match of the seasonCredit: GettyFacundo Buonanotte scored Leicester’s winner against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe 2016 Premier League champions struggled to hit the ground running under new manager Steve Cooper as they lost three of their first six league matches heading to Saturday’s encounter.However, Leicester finally broke their duck this term with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.And it was Facundo Buonanotte who netted the winner for the hosts after just 16 minutes.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Leeds goalkeeper Ivan Meslier breaks down in dressing room after Sunderland howler cost his team crucial win

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      DANIEL FARKE revealed Illan Meslier was in tears after his howler at Sunderland.The Black Cats took an early lead through Chris Rigg but found themselves trailing in stoppage time after strikes from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo.Illan Meslier was left distraught after his howler gifted Sunderland a pointThe home side were ecstatic to score an unlikely equaliser at the death in the 97th minuteThe hopeful ball bizarrely bounced under the French keeper to leave Leeds thirdThat looked to be enough to take Farke’s side level on points with Sunderland but that prospect was thrown away right at the death.French goalkeeper Meslier let a hopeful, deflected ball from Alan Browne into the box squirm through him to give the hosts a point.And afterwards his manager admitted: “He is the saddest person in the dressing room, he’s more or less in tears.”Farke then claimed that captain Pascal Struijk saw the ball bounce unnaturally in front of Meslier, which caused it to spin past him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, the Leeds boss says he was unable to confirm if there was a rogue divot at fault or not. He said: “After such a situation, you don’t need to speak about it – no-one wants to hear any words.“Pascal came over and said he had never seen anything like this. He said it bounced and jumped in the other direction because there was a mark on the pitch.“I can’t tell you if that was the case because I wasn’t on the pitch, but Pascal was probably in the best position to see. If it was this, it was unbelievably unlucky.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA win would have taken Leeds level on points with Championship leaders Sunderland, but instead they remain three points behind in third, with Burnley in second.Browne’s ball in went down as an Firpo own goal, but the Republic of Ireland international said he’s “almost embarrassed” to claim it as his own.Ex-Man Utd star Hannibal Mejbri dubbed ‘epic s—house’ after outrageously taunting Leeds fans in tense Burnley winSky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman described the howler as “right up there” in terms of all-time errors.Goodman added: “It’s a gift, it’s a present. You cant legislate for it. If you are Leeds, how on earth can you legislate for something like this?”Sunderland’s manager Regis Le Bris was a little more sympathetic to Meslier, who he coached back in their respective homelands at the Lorient academy.He was spotted speaking to his compatriot on the pitch at full time and said afterwards: “I’m disappointed for him because I like this boy and anyone can make a mistake.“For a goalkeeper, when you make a mistake, the consequences are very important. It happened and we are happy for the final result.” More

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      Sunderland 2 Leeds 2: Watch ‘worst goalkeeping error ever’ by Illan Meslier as opponent left ’embarrassed’ to score

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      ILLAN MESLIER dropped an almighty clanger as Leeds blew two points at the death against Sunderland.Daniel Farke’s side looked set for a comeback victory thanks to Junior Firpo’s first goal in 18 months.Illan Meslier didn’t know where to look as Sunderland celebrate their giftCredit: PAMeslier somehow let Alan Browne’s gentle flick squirm inThe keeper couldn’t believe his mistake, nor could fans or playersCredit: PAThe Black Cats celebrated as Meslier reacted to his errorCredit: RexHis last strike was in the Premier League, and this looked like going a huge way towards helping them return to the top flight.That was until disaster struck for the French stopper in the 97th minute after sub Alan Browne’s tame headed flick from a long punt forward from Anthony Patterson.It bounced straight towards Meslier, but amazingly he allowed it to go straight through his hands and legs to gift his former Lorient coach Regis Le Bris a point.Fans on social media mocked the blunder – labelling it “the worst goalkeeping error ever” and “atrocious”.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd Browne said: “I’d turned away, I thought the lads would be going mad then the keeper chucked it in the net.“I’m almost embarrassed but I’ll still claim it, too right.“Whether we deserved it or not I’m not sure. They really came at us after we scored but we had a couple of spells in the second half.“We didn’t really create the chance that we needed but luckily I came up with the goods.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe power of Sunderland’s own promotion push had threatened to go off the Rigg-ter scale as they exploded into life and took the lead inside the opening ten.Jobe Bellingham, whose rocket on Tuesday downed Derby, had already come close before another talented teen made the breakthrough.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew FANS’ VERDICT ON MESLIER ‘HORROR SHOW’FANS were as stunned as players by Illan Meslier’s costly last-gasp cock-up.The Leeds keeper was lambasted after Alan Browne’s soft headed flick crept in off the Frenchman’s hands to rescue a 2-2 home draw for Championship leaders Sunderland.One viewer posted: “Oh wow that is atrocious.”A second fan dubbed it the “worst goalkeeping error ever”. More jibes followed, including: “What a horrible show from Meslier” and “wopper”.Amongst the cruellest verdicts was: “They need to send him to League Two.”  And one observer recons he knows how Meslier made his terrible slip-up.He wrote: “You can see he was planning to fall on the ball once he’s caught it and takes his eyes off it.”Trai Hume’s cross from the byline was eventually met by Dennis Cirkin at the back post.Meslier made a brilliant flying save to deny him, but the goalie could do nothing to stop 17-year-old Rigg from slotting home the rebound.It was a roar as loud as that from the red end of Wembley 51 years ago when Ian Porterfield famously secured the FA Cup for the Black Cats against the same opposition.But just like Don Revie’s great side back then, going on to win the First Division title the following year, Daniel Farke’s current crop were far from down and out.Leeds looked shattered after Meslier handed Sunderland a pointCredit: PAThe German opted for Joel Piroe, who had two goals in his last three outings, he repaid that faith as Sunderland’s lead lasted barely 13 minutes.A block from the unfortunate Bellingham fell to Wilfried Gnonto out right, and Piroe managed to peel off his marker to nod in, albeit with a hint of offside.Regis Le Bris’ young guns had not conceded at home all season and they were no longer rocking, instead they were creaking, as the visitors began to turn the screw.Largie Ramazani almost headed Leeds ahead but Sunderland retaliated.They appeared to be getting their second wind as Bellingham was denied a certain goal when his strike was deflected wide but the momentum was halted by the half time whistle.And the wind was knocked well and truly out of their sails only 11 minutes after the restart.Ramazani started it, amidst screams for handball, by teeing up Junior Firpo to charge forward.The defender played a one-two with Gnonto and swept home like a seasoned striker for what looked to be the winner – until Meslier’s howler kept them three points behind the leaders. Sunderland boss Le Bris said of Meslier: “I’m disappointed for him because he’s a nice boy. Anyone on the pitch can make a mistake.”And Leeds’ Daniel Farke commented: “I’ve worked in professional football for 30 years but it’s the first time I’ve experienced that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Normally the goalkeeper takes the ball, clears it and the referee blows the final whistle and the game is won, but not this time.”You don’t have to speak to him [Meslier] about it right now, you wait until the dust has settled but we were fantastic in the first half after going behind.” The Black Cats celebrate as Meslier reacts to his errorCredit: RexJunior Firpo rejoices after putting Leeds 2-1 up, only to suffer late anguishCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester fan’s fury after cheeky players message daughter-in-law.. even before big games

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      A LEICESTER City fan has complained to the club after some of its stars cheekily contacted his pretty daughter-in-law on social media.The woman, 29, told friends one player who got in touch just before a big game “should be training” rather than messaging her.A Leicester City fan has complained to the club that some of its stars are getting a kick out of contacting his pretty daughter-in-law on social mediaCredit: TwitterThe Foxes are winless after last season’s promotionCredit: PAThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester stripThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester kit.Winger Abdul Fatawu, 20, sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the Prem.His team, without a win so far this season, went down 4-2 after conceding two late goals, with the Ghana star making a late substitute appearance. It led to the woman, who we are not identifying, asking her pals: “Why is he messaging me this? He should be training.”Read More on SportThere is no suggestion anything inappropriate has occurred but the scale of the friend requests has irritated the fan. She fears Leicester’s millionaire aces have shared her online profile and are seeing who can befriend her first as some sort of “dressing room banter”.The woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, also on the bench last Saturday, has contacted her on Instagram four times.She has also been approached online by two who recently played for the club but are now elsewhere. Most read in FootballHarry Souttar, 25, on loan at Sheffield United, and Man City ace Callum Doyle, 21, loaned to Leicester last season, are thought to be among a number of players to send her a single friend request.The woman — a teacher — even claims that on one day in May, she received four friend requests in the same minute from four players linked to the club at some point.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing FanShe told pals on social media: “Honestly wtf”. And a friend replied: “You’re the talk of the dressing room.” A family source said yesterday: “There’s obviously no problem with attempting to follow someone; that’s social media. But she is clearly the subject of conversations among the players.“Seeing as they haven’t won all season, you’d hope they’d have better things to do.“We love Leicester City and don’t want them to become Pester City.”The Sun is aware of correspondence between the woman’s family and the club — promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season.Her father-in-law said: “She’s a massive Leicester fan, so I can only assume she has caught the eye through that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s making her pretty self-conscious, especially as she’s in a relationship with my son.”It is understood that Leicester City are happy there has been no inappropriate messaging.Harry Souttar is understood to be among a number of players to send her just one friend requestCredit: GettyAbdul Fatawu sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the PremCredit: GettyCallum Doyle is also understood to have sent her a friend requestCredit: GettyThe woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury has contacted her on Instagram four timesCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney signs Leigh Anne Pinnock’s husband in Plymouth free transfer after Little Mix star’s ‘it’s been hell’ swipe

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      ANDRE GRAY has signed for Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on a short-term deal.The striker, 33, has penned a contract until January at Home Park.Andre Gray has signed for Plymouth Argyle on short-term dealCredit: Instagram / only1argyleWayne Rooney has added the striker to his squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with BlackburnCredit: RexHe had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh in the summer.Gray, who has three goals in 13 caps for Jamaica, could make his debut at home to Blackburn on Saturday subject to international clearance.The Pilgrims moved for the former Watford man with Muhamed Tijani likely to be out until the New Year following a hamstring injury sustained at Burnley on Tuesday.Reacting to the signing, Rooney said: “Once we knew the severity of Muhamed’s injury, we moved quickly to bring in a striker to replace him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Andre is a striker of real quality and has played and scored goals at the highest level.”He will provide competition in forward areas as we head into a busy period of the season and I am really happy to have him here.”Gray, who is married to singer Leigh Anne Pinnock, returns to England for the first time since leaving Vicarage Road two years ago.During his time 10-month spell in Saudi Arabia, he and Leigh Anne were forced into a long-distance relationship which she described as “hell”.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple would only see each other for a few days a month during his time in the Middle East.Back in May, she explained: “We have a long distance relationship. He lives in Saudi, he plays football there.’Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strike”So for the last two years we’ve been apart, basically, seeing each other for maybe two days a month. It’s been hell to be honest.”And Pinnock appeared to give Gray an ultimatum to move back to the UK once his contract in Saudi Arabia was up.When asked if the striker would remain abroad, she said:  “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t do it. I think we have to wait and see.”The former Little Mix star also referenced their struggles with the distance again at her first solo gig in June.Gray had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-RiyadhCredit: Instagram / only1argyleHis wife Leigh Anne Pinnock described their long distance relationship as ‘hell’ during his time in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyColeen Rooney, who still lives in Chester while husband Wayne coaches in Devon, has also opened up on the difficulties of a long-distance marriage.Gray previously scored 56 goals in 146 Championship appearances for Brentford, Burnley, Watford and QPR.Those came either side of more than 100 Premier League matches for the Clarets and Hornets. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s former coach reveals catch-up with Man Utd title-winning duo as they prepare to go head-to-head

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      TWO STARS of Manchester United’s final title-winning side go from midfield partners to Championship rivals on Saturday.Red Devils legend Michael Carrick, 43, and Tom Cleverley, 35, go head-to-head nearly 150 miles away from the Old Trafford pitch they graced under Sir Alex Ferguson.Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick (right) were midfield partners for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: PAThe two will come face-to-face in Championship when Boro travel to WatfordCredit: GettyEric Steele was United’s goalkeeper coach during Fergie’s last few seasons in charge and got to know both the current Middlesbrough and Watford managers both on and off the pitch.The 70-year-old, who also worked for Man City and England during his time at the FA, says he always felt that Carrick was destined for the dug-out.He told SunSport: “If you looked around the dressing-room then I’d have said you could see Darren Fletcher going into it, certainly Michael. The way he played, top player, the way he thought and cared about the game – so Michael more so than Tom.“The nice thing about working where we worked at Manchester United is that you got to meet a lot of good and nice people and Michael, as a Geordie, is naturally going to be a good lad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I know his family well and his dad, Vince, all the way through Wallsend Boys Club for years. “They are good, genuine people who care and the thing that I like is that they have a love for the game or they wouldn’t be doing it.“Michael is very much inclusive with his staff, the decision-making, and has good people around him. He takes precedent when he’s going to step in.“He’s still very much a young coach finding his way. It’s been a tough upbringing so far at Middlesbrough but all credit to him.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSteele now works as a radio pundit covering Derby County and that has led to him catching-up with both men recently.He said: “I met up with Tom before Derby played Watford in August and it was brilliant. My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi”A great insight into how he wants to play, coach and it was a lovely surprise because he is a good guy. He’s got the game at heart and wants to do it his way.“I was really impressed with how he set the team up and changed things tactically in the second half.“Then, a week later I met up with Michael before Derby hosted Middlesbrough, so I’ve been in touch with both of them this season.“They’ve probably both been real students of the game which I perhaps didn’t realise just how much so at the time.”Carrick is, remarkably, the third-longest serving boss in the Championship having taken charge of Boro just under two years ago.He led them from fighting relegation to the play-offs during his first season but missed out on the top six last term by six points last term.Cleverley, meanwhile, took over permanently after a short stint as interim in the summer.His team go into this clash sitting eighth, a point and a position behind Boro.It was a brave move by him to accept the job as the Hornets’ 11th permanent boss since Javi Gracia departed in September 2019.Steele said: “Watford’s actual success, or failure, whichever way you want to look at it, the number of managers they have had is quite large. You must be constantly looking over your shoulder.“But when I spoke to Tom he was very much determined to do things his way. He knew the squad and he has a good blend of pace, power, and very fit physically.”Former Man Utd goalkeeper coach Eric Steele recently caught up with both menCredit: PA:Empics SportCarrick is eight years older than the man who will be in the opposition technical area today, but the combined ages of the pair is still short of the man that shaped their careers at the Theatre of Dreams.And the two former England internationals both know that the 82-year-old legendary Fergie is never far away if they need some more of his guidance.Steele said: “The great man is always there to support any of the players. Any of them that have gone into management or coaching know they always have the support of Sir Alex.“I’m sure he’ll have spoken to both of them when they got their jobs.“It’s unbelievable for them both. If they have any problems or any doubts, they know they can pick up the phone to one of the very greatest that the game has known.”Steele refuses to risk upsetting either one when pressed for a prediction, but he is just as intrigued as Sir Alex will undoubtedly be to see who comes out on top.He added: “It will be a really good contest when they face Boro. I just hope that it will be a good game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Isn’t it great that you have two ex-Manchester United midfield players going head-to-head tactically.“It’s refreshing for me seeing these young managers coming in and I think it will be a great contest and may the best coach win.” More

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      Man Utd legend jokingly blames himself for losing Villa sensation Morgan Rogers after watching him down Bayern Munich

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      MICHAEL CARRICK revealed he congratulated Morgan Rogers on his Champions League success – a year after benching him.Boro took a punt on the then Man City youngster when paying £1.2 million for him in July 2023.Morgan Rogers starred as Aston Villa downed Bayern Munich on WednesdayCredit: AlamyMichael Carrick named him on the bench a year ago for Boro against CardiffCredit: RexAfter initially taking a few weeks to find his feet at the Riverside, the 22-year-old attacker’s form soon picked up and he left the North East club after just six months.Aston Villa snapped him up in February in a deal that could rise to £15m and he instantly shone on the Premier League stage to help Unai Emery’s side finish fourth.Now Rogers is starring in the Champions League and was one of Villa’s best performers in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich.It marked a huge 12 month turnaround for the England U21 international as exactly one year to the day earlier he only appeared for the final three minutes of a 2-0 Boro win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter watching his display against Bayern, his former Boro manager Carrick said: “I actually messaged him and said this time last year you were coming on as sub against Cardiff. It’s probably my fault [he left] for not starting him.“It’s fantastic to see. We’d have loved to have kept him longer, and I told him that at the time, but the way that he’s kicked on is a credit to him.“He was a joy to work with and try and help and he’s gone to a whole new level now. Just watching him on Wednesday, he looks so at home and comfortable in them surroundings.“He’s not fazed by it and he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs part of the deal that took him to Villa, Boro would receive a further payment if Rogers makes an England appearance.And Carrick backed him to achieve that, saying: “If he keeps doing the right things, for sure.Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich “I do think that to get in the England squad you have to earn that over time and he’s certainly on track to take that next step as long as he keeps doing the right things. And, at the moment, he’s doing just great.”Carrick is hoping he can lead his current Boro players to the top-flight to play against Rogers.They travel to Watford on Saturday, managed by his ex-Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley, on the back of successive victories over Stoke and West Brom.Carrick said: “Of course it’s a test. Every game is a test. I know Tom very well. The work that he’s doing is good.“They’re a good team and we know we’re in for a tough game. But we’re going there confident within reason and we need to be near our best again to try and get the right result.” More

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      EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

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      EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More