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    ‘Spider-Man: Can’t Win At Home’ – Baffled viewers spot Spurs fan in full Spiderman outfit before Rudiger’s Chelsea goal

    FANS were left baffled as a Tottenham supporter wore a full Spider-Man costume for their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea. And the superhero-loving fan had the perfect view to watch as Antonio Rudiger headed the Blues 1-0 up.
    A Tottenham supporter wore a full Spider-Man costume
    #CFC have one foot in the Carabao Cup final! 🦶Antonio Rudiger beats Pierluigi Gollini to the corner and gives the visitors a 3-0 lead on aggregate! 💙 pic.twitter.com/NwJy0yGLUA— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 12, 2022

    It extended their lead to 3-0 overall and gave Thomas Tuchel’s side one foot in the Wembley final.
    But just before the opener, fans on Twitter could not help but question the Spidey casually watching in the stands.
    One said: “SpiderMan – Can’t Win At Home.”
    Another said: “Just seen a spurs fan dressed in a spiderman suit so we deserve to get slapped tonight.”
    One added: “Spurs are that bad Spiderman can’t even help them lol.”
    Another added: “That’s exactly what Tottenham deserve for letting that grown man who is stood by the corner flag wearing a full Spiderman outfit but without the mask into the stadium.”
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    Perhaps connected to the bizarre match day attire, current Spider-Man actor Tom Holland is a huge Spurs fan.
    And while promoting the new ‘No Way Home’ blockbuster, Holland met PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.
    He cheekily asked Mbappe to join Tottenham – but was let down easy with a resounding no.
    Mbappe chuckled as he replied: “No, impossible. “That’s impossible!”
    Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Kylian Mbappe More

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    ‘I begged mum to change my name to Ronaldo’ – Meet Chelsea talent Harvey Vale, 18, who starred for Blues in Carabao Cup

    HARVEY VALE has crept into Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts during the club’s Carabao Cup run.The 18-year-old Chelsea wonderkid made his second appearance for the Blues in the 2-0 win against Spurs, just weeks after making his debut in the quarter-final against Brentford.
    Chelsea wonderkid Harvey Vale wanted to change his name to Cristiano Ronaldo as a kidCredit: Getty
    Vale played his second game for the Blues against Spurs in the League CupCredit: Getty
    But, if he had it own way, instead of having ‘Vale’ on the back of his shirt he would have preferred ‘Ronaldo’.
    The teenager begged his mum to change his name to copy the Man Utd legend when he was a kid.
    Vale has made his own name recognisable, though, with the Blues academy team – starring for the U18’s and U23’s.
    Ronaldo obsession
    Like many boys his age, attacking midfielder Harvey looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo.
    He so obsessed by the Portuguese superstar, he asked his mum if he could change his name to ex-Real Madrid forward.
    “In football, [my idol] was definitely Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told the Chelsea website.
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    “When I was younger, I begged my mum to let me change my name to Ronaldo, but looking back I’m glad she didn’t let me!”
    In stature, Vale is similar in height and physique to his hero.
    He joined Chelsea from Fulham – where he once played a game in goal – at the age of 13, and has risen through the youth ranks.
    This season, he has been a revelation for the U23’s – with Tuchel keeping close tabs on the talent.
    Because of his outstanding form and development this term, his coaches have raved about him.
    That’s led to the German tactician including the youngster in first team training sessions.
    Vale has been training with the Chelsea first teamCredit: Getty
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by what he’s seen of ValeCredit: Rex
    Born natural
    His flawless technique has already drawn plaudits from top performance coach Tom Joyce, who worked with Vale in 2021.
    “He’s a natural baller and makes it look easy,” Joyce revealed.
    “He’s dedicated and a really hard worker.
    “When I teach him something new, or get him to perform a drill, he won’t stop until he’s got it right. He’s determined, and I like that in an athlete. He’s got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too.
    “He’s a hard worker, so he just needs to stay consistent, put in the work behind the scenes and gain every advantage he can.
    “I believe Harvey will soon follow Tino in making regular Premier League appearances, as he (Livramento) has shown he is capable of making the transition from the U23s. It has been exceptional.”
    Vale is a natural baller, according to a former coachCredit: Rex
    Contract expiring
    Vale has 18-months left on his contract, with Chelsea hopeful his future can be resolved.
    According to reports, the reason why a deal has stalled is because of the on-going Covid crisis rocking the football world.
    Talks have been going on for some time, though, with neither party in a rush to finalise proceedings and a resolution on the cards.
    However, the West London side will be wary after promising youngsters Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento departed from the Bridge.
    They certainly won’t want to lose Vale, another gem from their famed academy set-up.
    Vale flies into the tackle on his Chelsea debut against BrentfordCredit: Reuters
    With his contract expiring in 18 months, Chelsea will be hopeful he signs a new dealCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta ‘wanted in Atletico Madrid transfer as replacement for Newcastle-bound Kieran Trippier’

    CHELSEA captain Cesar Azpilicueta is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The Blues defender, 32, will be out of contract in the summer and is stalling on a new deal.
    Cesar Azpilicueta is a target for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty

    And that has tempted boss Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who is said to be a big fan of the versatile Spanish international.
    Simeone likes that Azpilicueta can play as a centre back and right back, according to as.
    While his experience could only help improve Atletico’s already tight defence.
    The Argentinian manager is set to lose Kieran Trippier to Newcastle and sees Azpilicueta as the ideal replacement.
    The England full-back was the last player off the pitch as he appeared to say farewell to the Atletico fans after their 2-0 win against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
    After Atletico’s game, Simeone said: “We want him to stay – he’s a very important player.
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    “But nowadays, when a player wants to leave, you can’t force them to stay.”
    He also remarked: “We have always had to live with these situations – important and very good players within the team who have possibilities of leaving.
    “Then it will depend on what the footballer himself wants.
    “Consequently, we will try to follow what is happening and look for solutions.
    “He is an important player for our team and we coaches can’t do too much in terms of players’ decisions, we can only tell Trippier how important he is for the team.”
    The Magpies submitted a bid for a permanent move within hours of the transfer window opening on New Year’s Day, but a fee has yet to be agreed. More

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    Chelsea star Ben Chilwell reveals he played cricket until he was 14 and admits he was ‘maybe BETTER’ at it than football

    BEN CHILWELL revealed he played cricket up until 14 – and admitted he was ‘maybe BETTER’ at it than football. The Chelsea left-back made revelation while hitting a few balls with England cricket legend Kevin Pietersen, courtesy of Three.
    Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell and England cricket legend Kevin Pietersen
    Pietersen, a Blues fan, asked Chilwell about his cricketing past, and was left shocked to learn of the defender’s experience.
    Chilwell, 25, said: “Probably started at six or seven. Played until I was 14. I think at the time I was potentially, maybe better at cricket.”
    Pietersen, 41, responded: “Oh my gosh. I’ve got a problem here today.”
    Chilwell played county cricket at school in Bedfordshire, so it was no surprise he had an answer for Pietersen’s trademark spin bowling.
    KP remarked: “Are you sure you’re not playing often?” But Chilwell responded: “It’s been a while.”
    The full-back signed for Chelsea in 2019 from Leicester, and has since scored seven goals for the club.
    @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 Cricket.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);}
    His attacking ability impressed Pietersen so much, Chilwell was advised to push for a position further afield.
    KP joked: “You might want to just leave left-back. Can you get out of left-back or not?”
    Chilwell replied: “I’ll go into the managers tomorrow and have a word with him.”
    One thing the England international is sure of, is that choosing football over cricket was the right call.
    He said: “I think you’ve just showed me that I made the right decision not picking cricket.”
    Chelsea fan Kevin Pietersen and Ben Chilwell More

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    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
    Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
    And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
    It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
    But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
    He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
    It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
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    The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
    He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
    Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
    But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
    Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
    Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
    Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea’s fightback against Liverpool shows they still have guts for title race – with or without axed Romelu Lukaku

    CHELSEA proved they still have the guts for a title pursuit following their fightback against Liverpool. And they showed they can do it with or without Romelu Lukaku, who was dropped from the squad following his recent bombshell interview.
    Mateo Kovacic celebrates his goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Chelsea came into the game 11 points off champions Manchester City and really needed a win to keep any sort of pressure on the runaway leaders.
    And after going 2-0 down on the 26-minute mark, the Blues could have thrown in the towel on the match and their hopes of the league title.
    But they didn’t, and refused to quit even when the game and grasp on the title appeared to slip.
    Goals from Mateo Kovacic and then Christian Pulisic – in the space of less than five minutes – put Chelsea back level before the break.
    And a chance squandered by Kai Havertz before half-time and later Pulisic on the hour mark leaves the Blues celebrating only a come-from-behind point, opposed to three.
    Chelsea are now ten points adrift of City and needing help from elsewhere to keep their chances of topping the table alive.
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    But today’s result at Stamford Bridge was enough to say Thomas Tuchel’s side won’t shy away from the challenge.
    With big games against City and an ever-improving Tottenham to come, it’s another chance for Chelsea to show they are not giving up on their crack at adding domestic supremacy to the continental crown they won last season.
    Having started the season so defensively sound, keeping clean sheets for fun, the Blues rarely needed to come back from behind.
    But recent form has seen Chelsea leak goals and then struggle to turn it around.
    Today, against top opposition, they did it from two goals behind and will feel they should have capped it off with a win.
    And doing it without club record signing Lukaku, their most proven finisher, gives Tuchel’s side even more to feel confident about.
    Chelsea manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Trevoh Chalobah has mixed bag of mistakes and last-ditch tackles as Mateo Kovacic stars in draw

    CHELSEA showed their resilience to come from behind against Premier League rivals Liverpool. The Blues bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a draw at Stamford Bridge and arguably had the chances to steal all three points.
    Mateo Kovacic celebrates against LiverpoolCredit: AP
    Mistakes at the back, a wonderstrike and a bit of belief saw Chelsea avoid defeat and get back in the game.
    Here is how Jack Figg rated Thomas Tuchel’s players.
    Edouard Mendy- 7
    Left with little chance to stop Mane’s opener but was beaten at his near post from close range for Salah’s goal.
    Made a world class save as the Egyptian tried to lob him in the second half, acrobatically pushing wide and did the same soon after from a Sadio Mane effort.
    Edouard Mendy pulls off a save from a Sadio Mane effortCredit: Getty
    @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);}
    Trevoh Chalobah – 5
    Mixed bag for the defender after two mistakes early on, with one resulting in Mane’s opener.
    He did make amends with a last-ditch tackle to prevent Salah from making it 3-0 on 35 minutes. Without that, the game would have been 3-0 and over.
    Thiago Silva – 7
    Calmest of the back three playing in the middle and often starting attacks on the ball from deep.
    Always in position to cut out the through ball whenever Liverpool threatened with one in the second 45.
    Antonio Rudiger had a battle with Mo SalahCredit: Alamy
    Antonio Rudiger – 6
    Stuck tightly to Mo Salah for most of the first half but lost the Egyptian for a moment and before he knew it, the ex-Chelsea man slipped past the back line and netted for 2-0.
    Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
    Started wingback in the absence of Reece James and preferred to Hudson-Odoi to deal with Mane.
    Moved into the central three when Chalobah went off and helped keep a tight backline during the late stages.
    N’Golo Kante battles with Liverpool’s James MilnerCredit: AP
    N’Golo Kante – 8
    Workhorse as always in central midfield, carrying the ball and covering defensively. What a difference he makes when on the field for Chelsea.
    Mateo Kovacic – 8
    Selected ahead of Jorginho and his wonderstrike got Chelsea back in the game before the break.
    Battled really hard defensively in an area Liverpool like to dominate to cap off a great performance.
    Marcos Alonso – 6
    Involved heavily down the left to try and exploit attack-minded Trent Alexander-Arnold and often got in shooting positions.
    Was unable to contain Salah, who easily wrongfooted the Spaniard before scoring.
    Mason Mount – 6
    Was not given much time on the ball which nullified his creativity. Had a half chance which he failed to capitalise on at the end fo first half.
    Kai Havertz placed up front in replace of Romelu LukakuCredit: PA
    Kai Havertz – 5
    Often isolated up front and lacking the same physicality of Romelu Lukaku, who was dropped following his bombshell interview.
    Havertz missed a massive chance to make it 3-2 as he cut back on his left and lost the opportunity to finish just before the break.
    Christian Pulisic – 6
    Squandered a huge chance on six minutes trying to round Kelleher after a mistake from Alexander-Arnold.
    Made up for it with cool finish to turn game on its head, but again missed from close range on his left foot from a quick cross before the hour mark.
    Christian Pulisic makes it 2-2 for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    SUBS
    Jorginho (for Chalobah 68 mins) – 6
    Came on to steady Chelsea’s midfield after through balls were threatening their back line. Assured performance from the Italian maestro.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi (for Havertz 79 mins) – 6
    Lively from the get-go and produced an avenue for Chelsea with his pace.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi came on from the benchCredit: Getty More

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    Romelu Lukaku says Chelsea situation is ‘hot’ in message to Tim Howard ahead of showdown talks with Tuchel on Monday

    ROMELU LUKAKU described his situation at Chelsea as ‘hot’ and is due to meet with manager Thomas Tuchel on Monday.That is according to a text he sent ex-Everton team-mate Tim Howard, which the American former keeper, 42, shared live on air.
    Romelu Lukaku and Tim Howard at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    In the alleged message, Howard claimed it said: “I can’t talk too much about it. It’s very hot.
    “There will be another meeting on Monday. I have another meeting on Monday, then I can talk more.”
    It comes after Lukaku, 28, was dropped from Chelsea’s squad that host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this afternoon following his bombshell interview.
    Speaking to Sky in Italy, the striker admitted he wants to return to Inter Milan one day, would never have left had he been offered a new deal and named Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as the world’s biggest clubs.
    The words come less than six months after Lukaku re-joined Chelsea from Inter in a club record £97.5million move.
    He has since been omitted from Chelsea’s team completely, with Kai Havertz, 22, starting up front in replacement.
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    Lukaku had admitted he was “not happy with the situation” at Stamford Bridge, in the interview he gave three weeks ago, while out injured.
    But since then, he returned to the side and scored in his last two matches, in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa and 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.
    However, following the shock quotes, manager Tuchel criticised the impact it could have on his Chelsea squad.
    He said: “We don’t like it. It brings noise that we don’t need and it’s not helpful. We don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is.
    “It is easy to take lines out of context, shorten lines, make headlines and then realise later that it is not so bad.
    “We need a calm environment and focus and this does not help.”
    Romelu Lukaku has been dropped from Chelsea’s squadCredit: Rex More