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      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea star Kepa’s stunning Wag Andrea, who won Miss Universe Spain in 2020 and was an ex-basketball star

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      MEET Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s stunning new Wag Andrea Martinez.The Spanish beauty, 29, has been quietly dating the shotstopper for some time, but recently revealed they were an item on Instagram with a loved-up photo together.
      Meet Andrea Martinez, a former Miss Universe Spain winnerCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea goalie Kepa recently revealed he is dating MartinezCredit: Instagram
      Leggy model Martinez stands at 5ft 9inCredit: Instagram
      Fellow Spain shot-stopper David De Gea commented on the post by sharing a heart emoji.
      And several Chelsea players were also delighted with the news and showed warmth towards their team-mate.
      Kai Havertz commented: “Oh Kepinho” alongside a heart-eyes emoji.
      Jorginho wrote: “Kepinhaaa papi.”
      In 2020, Martinez won the crown of Miss Universe Spain in her homeland.
      The brunette is also a former basketball star who represented her country at U15 level.
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      Miss Universe
      Martinez’s crowning glory came at Los Olivos Beach in Tenerife two years ago.
      She beat rivals Andrea de las Heras from Madrid and Ainhoa Portillo from Malaga to win Miss Universe Spain, which allowed her to later travel to Las Vegas to compete in Miss Universe.
      Miss Universe Spain 2017 Sofia del Prado handed her the award as she beamed on the podium.
      Martinez later took to social media to express her surprise and delight with her win.
      “I still don’t believe that this has happened. I am Miss Universe Spain,” she wrote.
      Martinez was crowned Miss Universe Spain in 2020Credit: Instagram
      After winning the beauty pageant, Martinez expressed her surpriseCredit: Instagram
      Martinez is already accustomed to the high-lifeCredit: Instagram
      She’s a baller too
      Alongside her studies (she would eventually receive a diploma in Business Administration and Management), Martinez was an aspiring basketball player.
      She was a standout star at high school in Leon, northwest Spain where she grew up.
      Eventually she would represent the Castilla y Leon district team, travelling around the country participating in youth championships across Spain.
      Martinez was also selected for the Spanish U15 basketball team in 2006.
      Advocate for anti-bullying
      When she was a youngster, Martinez was bullied at school.
      She has said in the past it was an inner strength that got her through her formative years.
      Brunette beauty Martinez beams in a selfieCredit: Instagram
      Martinez has revealed in the past she was bulliedCredit: Instagram
      Before she won Miss Universe Martinez aspired to be a basketball star
      Now a Wag, Martinez will be enjoying living the high life with her footballer beau
      After winning Miss Universe Spain, she put her new found fame to advocate against bullying – joining several campaigns on the matter.
      She believes beauty is on the inside and not on the outside, something she learned competing in beauty pageants.
      Now, as a fully fledged Wag she will have a bigger voice to share her thoughts to the wider world. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Newcastle on red alert with Niklas Sule ‘set to leave Bayern Munich at end of season on free transfer’

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      NIKLAS SULE has told Bayern Munich he wishes to leave at the end of the season on a free transfer, German reports claim.The highly-touted defender has less than five months left on his Bayern contract and failure to extend it fuelled speculation over his future.
      Niklas Sule has reportedly told Bayern Munich he wishes to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      And now, according to Bild, Sule has informed club bosses he will refuse a new deal to instead leave on a free in the summer.
      It would come as a massive blow to the Bundesliga champions, who last season lost David Alaba, 29, to Real Madrid for nothing.
      Sule, who joined Bayern from Hoffenheim in 2017, has made 25 appearances this season, missing just four games following a bout with Covid and back problems.
      The centre-back has won four Bundesliga titles and made 37 appearances for Germany’s national team.
      As a result, the experienced yet ever-improving 26-year-old has drawn attention from across Europe.
      Chelsea and Newcastle, for differing reasons, have both been linked with Sule in the past.
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      The Blues have defender Antonio Rudiger, 28, Andreas Christensen, 25, and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, all out of contract in the summer.
      And while veteran Thiago Silva, 37, has committed his future for another year, his defensive team-mates are yet to strike a deal.
      Newcastle, who completed their £300million Saudi takeover in October, are desperately in the market for defensive reinforcements to boost their survival bid.
      They are believed to have had a bid for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, 28, turned down, following their failure to sign Lille’s Sevn Botman, 21.
      SunSport did reveal Newcastle turned their attentions to Burnley’s James Tarkowski, 29, and lead West Ham and Leicester in the race.
      But if Sule has indicated his refusal to renew his contract, Bayern could look to put him on the market on a cut-price deal to ensure he does not leave on a free.
      The defender joined Bayern Munich in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea transfer signing Dylan Williams moves from Derby with blessing of boss Wayne Rooney who gave him debut aged 16

      by

      CHELSEA have completed the signing of Derby left-back Dylan Williams for an undisclosed fee.The Blues have added the 18-year-old wonderkid to a depleted squad, with the belief he can add cover in the wing-back spot for long-term absentee Ben Chilwell.
      Dylan Williams has completed his move to Chelsea from Derby CountyCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
      Exciting full-back Williams has a burst of pace and loves to get forwardCredit: Rex
      It is a move that completes a remarkable rise for the teenager, who only made his debut for the Rams in 2021 aged 16 in a FA Cup tie against Chorley.
      Since then, he has appeared in Wayne Rooney’s first team and earned rave reviews.
      It was with Rooney’s blessing that Williams signed a deal with the West London giants, who couldn’t stand in the way of the youngster’s Premier League dream.
      But his story didn’t begin Derby… it started initially in the Black Country.
      Youth career
      Explosive defender Williams was on the books at Wolves and developed at their academy, before moving to Derby in 2020.
      In his first year at Moor Farm the teenager turned heads for his pace and versatility.
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      He linked up with the U18 side, starring in wins over Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn.
      Within months, he was promoted to the U23’s where he continued to develop and became a regular.
      Williams particularly impressed in matches against Premier League 2 academy teams Leicester City and Manchester United, which made Rooney sit up and take note.
      A first team debut was imminent.
      Cup debut
      When Derby County’s squad was decimated by a coronavirus outbreak last season, fourteen players from the club’s academy were forced to make their debut against Chorley in the FA Cup third round.
      It was no surprise the game ended in a defeat for the inexperienced Championship side, losing 2-0 to the minnows.
      But, it did give Williams blooding into the first team.
      And he was one of the few that did impress, not giving up until the final whistle after being thrown in at the deep end.
      Aged just 16 Williams made his debut for the Rams against Chorley in the FA CupCredit: Rex
      Williams continued to impress in the first team and made nine appearancesCredit: Getty
      He made his second appearance in the Carabao Cup tie against Salford City that Derby won 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
      Fans were certainly impressed by his performance, commenting on social media how he had grown into the game and wasn’t scared of bombing forward.
      Williams went on to appear a further seven times in the first team.
      ‘My decision’
      At a press conference before the Rams faced off against Nottingham Forest, Derby boss Rooney addressed the speculation about the future of Williams.
      The England legend admitted the club were in talks with a Premier League giant who wanted to buy him.
      Rooney revealed he spoke with Williams and made the decision for the club to allow his talent to pursue a dream opportunity.
      “We have agreed a fee with a Premier League club, still getting finalised as we speak, for Dylan Williams,” Rooney said.
      “It is one where I felt I couldn’t deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator’s decision.
      “It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn’t deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League.
      “I actually don’t know what the fee is, that has been agreed between the other club and the administrators.
      “I took control of it and said I wanted to speak to the player and see what his feelings are, and it is a massive opportunity for the player, which I understand.
      “Hence the fact I was happy for him to leave the club for a new venture somewhere else.”
      Williams is now expected to link up with Chelsea’s academy teams, where he will familiarise himself with the superb Cobham facilities.
      Wayne Rooney revealed he couldn’t deny Williams a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Williams is expected to be blooded into Chelsea’s academy teamsCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
      And he took to social media to document his next chapter.
      “Wow. I am absolutely delighted to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he wrote on Instagram.
      “Thank you so much for everything the staff and players have done at Derby County. I cannot wait to get started at Chelsea.” More

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      in Soccer

      Watch Hakim Ziyech score sensational opener for Chelsea as curling 20-yard effort nestles into the top corner vs Spurs

      by

      HAKIM ZIYECH took the roof of Stamford Bridge with a thunderbolt against Tottenham. The Moroccan wideman beautifully broke the deadlock in the London derby with an astonishing effort from outside the box.
      Hakim Ziyech curled in a stunning opener for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Hakim Ziyech, take a bow! 🔥The Chelsea man cuts in on his left foot and guides his shot past a rooted Hugo Lloris to give the hosts the lead! pic.twitter.com/uxyMWXzZpJ— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

      Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris could only stand and stare as the left-footed curler found the top corner.
      It is Ziyech’s second in as many games following his opening goal in Chelsea’s midweek 1-1 draw at Brighton.
      But for as good as that goal was, it does not even come closer to the forward’s stunner at the Bridge two minutes after the break.
      Former England defender Matt Upson said on BBC: “Hakim Ziyech deserves the standing ovation he’s getting and not just for his goal, it’s about his overall contribution today.
      “He’s been key to Chelsea today, he’s made clever runs, done really well coming inside on his left foot and some of his deliveries into the box have been brilliant.
      “He’s had a really strong game.”
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      Amazingly, Ziyech could currently be 3,500 miles away parading his sublime skills at the Africa Cup of Nations.
      But his publicised fallout with Morocco manager Vahid Halilhodzic meant he was exiled from the squad.
      Fortunately for Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, it has allowed Ziyech to come up trumps when Chelsea most needed him.
      Just seven minutes later Chelsea doubled their lead after Thiago Silva headed home from a free-kick.
      It wrapped up their THIRD win over bitter rivals Spurs in this month, having knocked them out of the Carabao Cup over two semi-final legs.
      And the Blues got a much needed first league win in four matches to give them some breathing space in third.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates with ZiyechCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech ‘would have run’ to join Roma and only completed transfer after Serie A club refused to pay up

      by

      CHELSEA star Hakim Ziyech was keen to move to Roma before sealing his Stamford Bridge switch last summer, it has been revealed.Morocco team-mate Medhi Benatia claimed that the attacker ‘would have run’ to the Italian capital when a move was discussed in 2019.
      Hakim Ziyech may never have ended up at Chelsea if Roma had coughed up the cash for himCredit: AFP
      At the time, Ziyech was off the back of a stunning run to the Champions League semi-finals with an Ajax team being poached by Europe’s biggest clubs.
      He ended up remaining in Amsterdam for another 12 months before a £36.5million move to Chelsea.
      The 28-year-old star made 62 appearances since signing for the West London side, finding the 11 times.
      Although things could have worked out very different had then-Roma president James Pallotta agreed to fork out for the playmaker, according to Benatia.
      The former Roma defender, now with Al-Duhail, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I had tried to get him to come to Roma, and he would have run to join this club.
      “I spoke to Francesco Totti and Edin Dzeko, telling them that this is the man they want.
      “As a director, Francesco did everything he could to get the deal concluded, but Pallotta said it would be ‘an excessive expense’ and nothing ever came of it.”
      Club legend Totti would famously quit the Stadio Olimpico later in the same summer, citing a lack of influence on transfers.

      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      He famously complained upon leaving: “They knew of my desire to offer a lot to this squad but they never wanted it.
      “They kept me out of everything. It’s a day that I hoped never would have come.”
      Unpopular owner Pallotta eventually sold up to fellow American businessman Dan Friedkin last year after almost a decade in charge of Roma.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ex-Roma defender Medhi Benatia says he recommended his international colleague to the GiallorossiCredit: Getty
      New Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech says he idolised current manager Frank Lampard growing up in first interview since transfer from Ajax More

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      Chelsea’s Champions League clash at Lille set to be moved to neutral venue after France’s Covid crackdown

      by

      CHELSEA’S Champions League game at Lille and England’s Six Nations showdown in Paris look set to be moved to a neutral country after the French government vowed a Covid crackdown.In a surprise move, French government sources have briefed that any athlete coming to compete in the country will have to be vaccinated to be allowed to enter a sports arena.
      Chelsea are set to travel to Lille in MarchCredit: AP
      But the match is set to be moved to a neutral venue due to a Covid crackdown from the French governmentCredit: REX
      That would immediately impact France’s scheduled Six Nations against Italy, Ireland and England.
      But it also would prevent Chelsea’s unvaccinated players from taking part in the Champions League last 16-second leg in March.
      And it means Novak Djokovic, who landed in Dubai yesterday after being booted out of Australia, faces being barred from the French Openas well.
      Uefa is currently drafting a new “Annex J” to the current Champions League regulations, to apply for the knock-out phase of the competition.
      That will be specifically designed to deal with ongoing Covid situations across Europe in a bid to ensure the tournament remains on schedule, with a final draft due before the end of this month.
      But precedent suggests that clubs will be entitled to select all eligible players and that local rules preventing them from doing so will see matches moved.
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      Chelsea are understood to have a handful of unvaccinated members of their first-team squad and the Stamford Bridge outfit will have the right to argue that being prevented from selecting them is a breach of regulations and natural justice.
      The law change would also impact the glamour tie between PSG and Real Madrid, with the French champions due to host the first leg on February 15.
      But there will also be an issue for England rugby union coach Eddie Jones.
      It is understood that at least five members of his likely Six Nations squad – including Exeter centre Henry Slade – remain unvaccinated and have indicated they will not be jabbed.
      That will put pressure on Six Nations organisers to step in, a situation which would be all the more pressing were March 19 showdown, due to be played at the Stade de France, a title decider.
      The change of heart by the French was a major surprise after it had been signalled the country was ready to lift its current strict Covid regulations and grant an exemption for sport.
      Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu hinted on January 7 that a “health bubble” would be created for major sporting events, although it was unclear how that would apply to individual sports such as the French Open tennis at Roland Garros.
      But the new clampdown would appear to apply to all sport, making a further blow to Djokovic after his Aussie Open visa row and eventual deportation.
      The French government’s decision could wreak havoc with the Six NationsCredit: AFP
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      Chelsea wonderkid Lewis Hall, 17, has been with the Blues since age eight and is club’s youngest ever FA Cup star

      by

      IT was a performance that belied his tender years.Lewis Hall, just 17, rightly earned the plaudits from fans, pundits and his manager for an impressive performance against Chesterfield in the FA Cup third round.
      Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall was star of the show in the Blues 5-1 win over ChesterfieldCredit: Getty
      Hall delivered an assist on his first team debut for the BluesCredit: Getty
      Playing out of position, the talented teenager was man-of-the-match in a swashbuckling display on the left side of defence.
      He made history by becoming the club’s youngest player to start an FA Cup game at the age of just 17 years and 122 days against Chesterfield
      He capped off a wonderful performance with an assist for Romelu Lukaku in the 5-1 win, and had boss Thomas Tuchel purring about him, although the German manager did offer some perspective.
      Tuchel said: “There’s no need to talk it down (Hall’s performance vs Chesterfield) but no need to get overwhelmed, because we played against a fifth division team.
      “The young boys have to step up and show what they’re capable of, and they did it again.”
      Blue is all he’s known
      Like many that come through the academy at Cobham, Slough-born Hall has been with the club since playing with the U8’s.
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      Over time, he has steadily risen through the ranks to shine for the U18’s, as well as the U23 side.
      Hall, who primarily operates at left-back or in central midfield at youth level, has particularly impressed during this campaign.
      At U18 level, he’s his team’s definitive playmaker – registering three goals and four assists in just six games.
      That prompted his coaches to promote him to U23 football, and he has shown he hasn’t been overawed playing at a higher age group scoring twice in seven games for the Premier League 2 side.
      The experience gave Hall the perfect platform to succeed in the first team.
      He’s modest
      What was most impressive about Hall’s performance was his level of maturity on and off the pitch.
      During the game he picked the right pass and always did the right thing.
      Afterwards, he showed a modest approach and total honesty when it came to describing how he felt about making his bow for the club he clearly loves.
      “It’s a dream come true,” he told Chelsea TV.
      Last summer Hall signed a scholarship deal with the clubCredit: Instagram @lewishall_10
      Playing at left-back or in midfield, Hall has excelled for both the U18 and U23 sidesCredit: Getty
      Hall’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed by England, who have called him up to U18 levelCredit: Rex
      “It’s something I’ve worked towards since a kid. To finally get the opportunity today… I’ve got to thank everyone. My family, the manager, the fans for making me feel so welcome.”
      Incredibly, Hall only signed scholarship terms with the club last summer, and alongside his FA Cup appearance has also appeared in the FA Youth Cup, UEFA Youth League and Papa John’s Trophy.
      It’s a progression, starting with seeing his name on the team sheet for the first eleven, that has surprised Hall as he continues his development.
      “When I saw my name it was just instant shock,” Hall revealed at full-time.
      “Nerve-wracking for a couple of hours. I just had to sit there for a bit and think ‘wow, this is the day’.
      “As soon as I stepped on to the pitch the fans were behind me and wanted me to do well. It gave me the motivation and confidence to do what I can do.
      A thankful Romelu Lukaku runs to Hall to celebrate his team mate’s assistCredit: Getty
      Hall has been integrated into Tuchel’s training sessionsCredit: Getty
      Hall appears to have a promising future at Chelsea after a breakthrough campaignCredit: Getty
      “I started off [the season] in the U18s and just worked my way up. I’ve finally achieved what my aim is at Chelsea. I’m lost for words really.
      “I’ve achieved my aims already and gone beyond what I wanted to achieve [this season]. When I get home I’m going to have to take a couple of days to take it all in and think about what’s next.”
      Given he has taken to first team football like a duck to water, and proved to his coach that he can be trusted, you can bet we haven’t seen the last of Hall this season. More

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      Tottenham 0 Chelsea 1 (0-3 agg): Rudiger earns Carabao Cup final spot as VAR rules out a Spurs goal and TWO penalties

      by

      AFTER more than two decades as a top-flight referee, Mike Dean finally got to feel the love.Three times, VAR Dean over-ruled referee Andre Marriner and denied Tottenham – chalking off two penalty awards and one goal – as Chelsea confirmed their place in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Chelsea celebrate their opening goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Harry Kane looks on in defeat after enduring a frustrating night vs ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And three times, thousands of Chelsea fans staged ecstatic wild-limbed celebrations.
      They might have preferred to celebrate a Romelu Lukaku hat-trick instead, but this is modern football and so they made do with celebrating the work of Wirral whistler Dean, who should have been awarded the match ball.
      Having dominated last week’s first leg and the first half-hour of this return match, the European champions could have chucked away all their good work had Marriner been working alone.
      Spurs boss Antonio Conte had made the bizarre decision to ‘rest’ his captain and first-choice keeper Hugo Lloris for this semi-final – and he saw stand-in Pierluigi Gollini gift Antonio Rudiger an early opener to extend Chelsea’s aggregate lead.
      But then it was down to Dean to rule out two penalties awarded by Marriner either side of half-time and then a Harry Kane strike which was scrubbed out for offside.
      It was a peculiar old night, with Conte seeming to have run up the white flag before kick-off, only for Spurs to stage a spirited, but unrewarded, fight-back.
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      Antonio Rudiger heads homeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Rudiger celebrateCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Conte had bemoaned the ‘gap’ in quality between Chelsea and Spurs after the first leg – and he only managed to widen that chasm by leaving out his World Cup-winning skipper.
      The Italian claimed he was resting Lloris for league matches, seemingly admitting he had written off this tie. Which, to be fair, was the view of all the rest of us who’d been at Stamford Bridge last week.
      But do keepers actually need resting? Don’t they just stand there most of the time?
      Perhaps it is simply the psychological strain of playing behind Tottenham’s defence.
      But Gollini had played against Morecambe in the FA Cup on Sunday, anyway.
      Tottenham’s wonky back-line had handed Chelsea both of their goals in the first encounter – with Lloris playing a major role in keeping the deficit down – and this time it was Gollini who dished out the generosities.
      Tuchel’s team had already gone close twice – Timo Werner lobbing wide and Lukaku having a shot saved after a masterful long pass from Rudiger.
      And on 18 minutes, they extended their aggregate lead when Mount swung in a free-kick and Gollini staged a kamikaze mission, flying off his line, missing the ball and allowing Rudiger to score with a back-header which did not look particularly intentional.
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg goes down from an Antonio Rudiger challengeCredit: Reuters
      The Chelsea fans were constantly chanting ‘Tottenham get battered everywhere they go’ – a song which has become such a national earworm that people with no affinity to any of Spurs’ rivals have taken to singing in the street.
      The opening half-hour had been every bit as one-sided, every bit as embarrassing for Spurs, as the first leg.
      But then, suddenly, Spurs woke up and joined in.
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had a curling shot deflected narrowly wide and from the resulting Giovanni Lo Celso corner, Davinson Sanchez headed on and Kane dived in at the post to poke wide.
      Kane, as is his wont, tumbled for a penalty shout which failed to sway Andre Marriner.
      But soon after, Marriner was pointing to the spot when Rudiger upended Hojbjerg.
      Dean took a long while to decide what was clear and obvious on the replay – that Rudiger had made contact outside the box and then thrown himself inside the 18-yard line.
      But eventually Dean did over-rule Marriner on the line call and Lo Celso’s free-kick was deflected over by the wall.
      Kepa wins the ball from Lucas MouraCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Twelve minutes after the break, Marriner – who seemed determined to make this tie interesting – was at it again, handing Spurs another erroneous penalty.
      This time, Kane surged clear from the halfway line, batting off Rudiger – no mean feat – and feeding Lucas Moura.
      When the Brazilian sprinted into the box, keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga met him with a sliding tackle which needed to be perfectly-executed.
      Marriner didn’t think it was but Dean did, sending the ref to his monitor, where he changed his mind.
      Kepa’s chief League Cup memory was his extraordinary refusal to be substituted in the 2019 final – but this was a crucial positive intervention from the Spaniard.
      Kepa soon pushed away an Emerson Royal header but then the Chelsea keeper played a dodgy pass, Hojbjerg intercepted, Moura fed Kane, who netted.
      But with Kepa off his line, there was only one Chelsea defender between Kane and the goal-line and so Dean completed his treble and the away section descended into joyous bedlam.
      Should Chelsea overcome Arsenal or Liverpool at Wembley on February 27, will anyone remember Dean’s outstanding contribution?
      Perhaps not but Dean himself would greet it with a knowing smile and a little punch of the air.
      This was the night he had been waiting for.
      Harry Kane fires home before VAR rules out the goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Harry Kane was just offsideCredit: Sky Sports More