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      Sonia Bompastor praises ‘brave’ Chelsea display as WSL leaders extend winning run with defeat of Brighton

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR hailed Hannah Hampton for helping Chelsea snuff out Brighton despite a clearance leading to an Albion goal.The Blues goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves as Sjoeke Nusken’s brace contributed to a 4-2 defeat of the Seagulls on Sunday.Chelsea’s win enabled them to maintain their five-point lead at the WSL’s summit following Man City’s 4-0 defeat of LeicesterCredit: PASome well-executed saves from Hannah Hampton helped Chelsea protect their advantageCredit: GettySjoeke Nusken bagged her first two WSL goals for this season netting twice for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBrighton had nine shots on target including one from ex-Blues ace Jelena Cankovic who scored their first-half equaliserCredit: PAThe hosts registered their ninth win in nine games to maintain their flawless run and five-point lead at the summit. Bompastor’s side also equalled Arsenal’s record of nine straight victories in the top-flight set during 2018 to 2019 campaignAnd the six-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow included two goals conceded by Chelsea and Albion following wobbly moments at the back. This included Hampton’s 71st-minute attempted clearance paving the way for Kiko Seike netting Brighton’s second goal. Read More Football StoriesBlues boss Bompastor said: “Hannah had a great game even when you analyse her performance and you can also see the (second) goal we conceded. “But I don’t care about that when we get a win. “For me it’s more important for my players to try even if they don’t succeed. I want them to be brave and confident enough to try again. “And when you look at her performance the balance is more positive.Most read in Football”She made some great saves that allowed us to stay in the game and that’s what I focus on.” The Seagulls, who had forward Fran Kirby absent due to a calf injury, pushed their hosts all the way as they mounted a late fightback. The visitors had nine shots on target during the match and prompted some quality saves from Hampton, including a close-range stop from a Seike strike late on. Bompastor added: “Before the game in the press conference, someone told me you are dominating the league and it was not good for the league “This game showed we have a competitive league. “We were expecting a difficult game with players returning from international duty. “And at this time of the year they are fatigued and at these times it’s important to focus on performance and having good energy to win”Ex-Blues midfielder Jelena Cankovic had a ninth-minute strike cleared off the line in a frantic first half. Jorelyn Carabali forced Hampton to save her headed effort with an outstretched leg at the half hour point. And the deadlock was broken when Nusken exploited Brighton’s attempts to pass out from the back, easing the ball across the line in the 35th minute. Albion goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was caught dawdling by Aggie Beever-Jones as Chelsea took a 2-0 lead in 40 minutesBut the Seagulls rallied with Cankovic pulling a goal back with a swept-in effort close to half-time. The second half saw highly-rated forward Michelle Agyemang come on for the visitors.But their hosts took a 3-1 lead with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netting after Baggaley’s 51st minute save of Lucy Bronze’s shot deflected off herBut Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, gave Brighton hope of a possible draw as her charge down of Hampton’s clearance teed up Seike’s walloped finishThe Japan striker had a late shot stopped by Hampton before Chelsea put the game to bed with Nusken’s injury-time header. And the result saw Albion drop to fifth before their league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, as Arsenal moved up to third spot with Manchester United sitting fourth. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said: “We knew we had to come out and we wanted to try to win. “We probably could have scored five or six. “We made a few little mistakes that we normally don’t make, but that’s all part of the process.”But I’m really proud (of the players’ performance) after a short period with disruptions leading into this. Kiko Seike netted her fifth goal in eight WSL appearances when she scored Brighton’s secondCredit: Getty “We lost three players in Fran (Kirby), Maisie (Symonds) and Madison (Haley to injuries) during the international break. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To put in the performance we did it would have been just that we got something out of it.”We didn’t but we’ll learn from this and we’ll be ready to go again on Wednesday night (in the League Cup against Bristol City).” More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez has best game in Blues shirt as Badiashile plays team-mate into trouble

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      CHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 and closed the gap on Prem leaders Liverpool to four points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The Blues were 2-0 down within 11 minutes, before Jadon Sancho scored his second goal in five days to bring them back into it. Enzo Fernandez established Chelsea’s leadCole Palmer levelled the scores with a calm penalty in the 61st minuteYves Bissouma conceded the pen after bringing down Moises CaicedoJadon Sancho had got one back five minutes after going 2-0 downCole Palmer’s first penalty cancelled out both Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski’s early strikes to leave many questioning what’s next for Ange Postecoglou?Captain Enzo Fernandez completed the incredible comeback with a brilliant volley with his left foot from a bouncing ball in the 73rd minute.A ridiculous shove from Pape Matar Sarr saw Anthony Taylor point to the spot again – with Palmer offering up a cool Panenka. After missing untold chances, Son Heung-Min grabbed a consolation in 96th minute, but Spurs remain winless since their 4-0 victory at Man City.READ MORE CHELSEAWith Arsenal losing ground after Fulham held them to 1-1 draw, Chelsea now enjoy a two point cushion over Mikel Arteta’s men.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on. Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half. Most read in FootballMoises Caicedo –  6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again. Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half. Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back. Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal. Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved. Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead. Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half. That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals. Marc Cucurella had Cole Palmer to thank after gifting Spurs their first two goalsRomeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too. Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield. Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch. Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions. His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort. A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical. Cole Palmer  – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later. Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot. Cole Palmer scored twice and provided an assist for Enzo’s goalJadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser. Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion. Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku. SUBS:Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank. However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered. Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.READ MORE SUN STORIESRenato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball. Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. 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      Chelsea fans escorted out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after celebrating Jadon Sancho goal

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      UGLY scenes erupted in the stands in Tottenham’s heated home derby with Chelsea.Some Blues’ supporters were escorted out following their exuberant celebration of a Jadon Sancho goal.Jadon Sancho sparked unfortunate crowd scenes when he cut Chelsea’s deficitCredit: RexSome spectators were guided out following their reactionMeanwhile, Chelsea heroes Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez were pelted by objects thrown from home supporters.Tottenham fans reacted furiously to the antics from a few of their Chelsea counterparts after Sancho cut the visitors’ deficit to 2-1.Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulesvski had netted inside the first 11 minutes to leave Spurs flying.But Sancho cut in from the left to fire home a low shot in off the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the loanee from Manchester United continued to menace Spurs down the same flank.Only Fraser Forster denied him early in the second period.Palmer and Fernandez earlier had to delay taking set-pieces as missiles rained down.Tottenham stewards intervened to quell the troublemakers in the stands.Most read in FootballEngland attacker Palmer was happy to laugh off the animosity.And he later ignited more wild rejoicing – with a penalty equaliser on 61 minutes.Marc Cucurella charges over to Chelsea bench and changes boots after being totally at fault for Tottenham’s second goalFernandez too then took his own revenge – putting Chelsea in front with a screamer.Palmer scores his second penalty of the game with a cheeky Panenka on 84 minutes for 4-1, before Son scored Tottenham’s third as it ended 4-3 to the visitors.Supporters of the two clubs have clashed in the past.And that apparent acrimony has at times also extended to the dugouts.Two years ago then-Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte, who managed Spurs three years after bossing the Blues, were caught up in an unsightly exchange over a handshake. Cole Palmer went on to slot a spot-kick leveller for ChelseaCredit: Reuters More

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      Marc Cucurella posts hilarious picture of calamitous boots in BIN after Chelsea star slipped to gift Spurs two goals

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      CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella endured a horror first 10 minutes in the London derby against Tottenham.The Blues were taking on Spurs in a crucial Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Cucurella binned his boots after the match and apologised to Chelsea fansChelsea ace Marc Cucurella was at fault for both of Tottenham’s goals as he slippedCucurella charged the Chelsea bench after his second slipCucurella decided to change his boots at the Chelsea benchThe sight of Cucurella changing his boots went viralAnd Cucurella, 26, was at fault for both of the North Londoners’ goals as he slipped.The full-back lost his balance after just five minutes when Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Tottenham.And the Spain international did the same just six minutes later, leading to Dejan Kulusevski’s strike.Cucurella was then seen storming towards the Chelsea bench to change his boots.Read More on ChelseaIt seems like the ex-Brighton star no longer had faith in his gear as he kept falling on the wet surface.The versatile defender appeared to have regained his footing as he helped Chelsea reduce the deficit with Jadon Sancho’s strike on 17 minutes.Fans were left stunned by that peculiar sight as they took to social media.One fan tweeted: “Like Cinderella, Cucurella needs slippers that fit – Peter Drury.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “How can he had not realised from warm up how wet it is.”A third wrote: “What a nightmare.”How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemAnd that one stated: “Nightmare is right.”It seems it all worked well at the end for Cucurella as Chelsea turned the game on its head and won 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.The Spaniard then decided to poke a little fun on the situation as he shared a snap of his initial pair going in the bin.Cucurella added the following caption: “Sorry Blues.” More

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      Cole Palmer’s incredible off-field earnings revealed after Chelsea star sets up his own company to handle sponsor deals

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      FOOTIE hotshot Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – ON TOP of his wages for playing.The England star, 22, who became the second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals this week, has seen cash in his image rights company Palmer Management Limited shoot up.Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – on top of his wages for playingCredit: AlamyPalmer netted lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of fashion brand BoohooCredit: BoohooHe also starred in a Burberry advertCredit: BurberryThe Chelsea and England attacking midfielder makes more than £30,000 a week from sponsorship deals.The windfall comes in addition to his Stamford Bridge salary.Accounts filed this week show he had assets of £2,149,409 at the end of October 2024 – compared to £563,475 a year earlier.Assets include £1,698,821 cash in the bank.READ MORE IN football They cover the period when Cole – who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 – netted lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and fashion brand Boohoo.Cole set up the company three years ago to handle his off the pitch earnings, with it described as a “media representation services” company.After paying bills, Cole was left with net assets of £1,271,616.The star paid £318,421 corporation tax and a further £189,643 in tax and social security.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCole, 22, banked a substantial pay rise over the summer, taking his salary from £80,000 to £130,000 a week, after penning a fresh nine-year deal with the Londoners.The former City man recently revealed he is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or and being crowned the world’s best player. He told the Men In Blazers podcast: “Ballon d’Or, that’s what everyone wants to win. I wish.” Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedy More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star could hand Enzo Maresca huge boost in title bid this weekend… without even playing for Blues

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      ARMANDO BROJA is desperate to cement his name in Everton’s history in a game he “dreamed” of playing in as a boy.The Albanian striker moved to Goodison on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August but was soon sidelined with an Achilles injury.Armando Broja always wanted to play in derbies like Everton vs LiverpoolCredit: RexEnzo Maresca’s Chelsea are seven points behind leaders LiverpoolCredit: GettyFans finally got to see him in an Everton shirt for the first time on Wednesday as he came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wolves.And after sampling Goodison for the first time as a Blue, the somewhat forgotten Chelsea loanee wants to play his part in the famous stadium’s last top-flight derby against Arne Slot’s Reds.Broja, 23, said: “It’s a massive win for us and we go three points clear of the bottom three. But  the games come thick and fast and we have a massive derby, so we’ve got to be ready for that.“I used to watch it when I was a kid, so it’s one of the ones that you dream of playing in.READ MORE FOOTBALL“I can’t wait to be a part of it and just see the atmosphere in the game.”Broja, who had loan spells with Southampton and Fulham, is ready to make a big impact.He continued: “I have come back from a long injury, so there’s more to come from me.“I can get even sharper, I can get even better.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I felt really good to be back out there. I really enjoyed it. I played with a smile on my face.“I can still keep going forward and giving more.”Maresca slams Madueke’s ‘ambition’ and fumes ‘I do not like the way he trained’ after Chelsea star’s goal and assistShould Broja make an impact on the game, he could help his parent club’s surprise title push.Chelsea are Liverpool’s nearest challengers heading into the weekend’s action, trailing by seven points.Enzo Maresca’s side could do with a favour from Everton before they face Tottenham on Sunday.Ex-Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, 26, cannot wait to face Liverpool.The Toffees ace said: “I have had some crazy derbies in Germany. This type of atmosphere is very good . . . I love it.“But this is definitely a bigger game. We will  give everything to get the three points.” More

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      Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

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      CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More

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      Postecoglou’s Tottenham were clapped off the pitch after 4-1 loss to Chelsea – if it happens again he’ll be in crisis

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      REWIND the clock just over a year and Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs were being applauded off the pitch by supporters, despite losing 4-1 at home to Chelsea.This Sunday, Tottenham host the Blues again and if it goes badly for the North Londoners, you fear for the Aussie boss and the reception he might get from the terraces.Ange Postecoglou must be as frustrated as any Tottenham fanCredit: GettySon Heung-min and Co were outplayed in losing 1-0 at BournemouthCredit: ReutersIt has been a marked turnaround in 13 months.From fans serenading Postecoglou with their twist on Robbie Williams’ classic ‘Angels’ of “I’m loving Big Ange instead”.To many of them falling out of love with the 59-year-old due to the wild inconsistency of his approach and some even wanting him gone.The fact that Spurs pulled off one of their greatest Premier League results ever with the 4-0 win at Manchester City just 13 days ago but now we are in this situation is remarkable.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a way that landmark victory at the Etihad only heightened the frustration felt by fans because it showed just what this team is capable of… yet are regularly failing to reproduce against so-called smaller teams like Crystal Palace, Ipswich and last night, Bournemouth.Andoni Iraola’s Cherries completely outclassed Spurs and were it not for some horrendously wasteful finishing from their forwards, it would have been 3-0 or 4-0 rather than 1-0.So what has sparked this reversal in fortunes for Postecoglou’s Spurs?There is an argument to say it all began with that Chelsea game in November last year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpurs had made an electric start to his tenure, going unbeaten in their first ten league games and flying high at the top of the league.Things were going so well that Postecoglou had won a hat-trick of manager-of-the-month awards for the first three months of the campaign.Ange Postecoglou ‘determined to get it right’ after Tottenham lose at Bournemouth But then disaster struck against the Blues.Spurs went down to nine men due after Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were sent off, but more significantly they lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to long-term injuries.Amazingly, Postecoglou persevered with a high line and an attacking approach which led to Son Heung-min coming very close to a 90th-minute leveller for 2-2.He missed, and after that Nicolas Jackson went on to complete a hat-trick.The scenes afterwards were unforgettable though as fans belted out songs of praise for their brave team and their fearless manager for continuing to take the fight to the opposition despite their two-man disadvantage.But since then, that passion has dwindled due to how enormously patchy Postecoglou’s side have been.Their league record since Chelsea has read 17 wins, six draws and 18 defeats.The collapse towards the end of last season cost them a Champions League spot.While this term the dismal nature of displays at Selhurst Park, the second half at Brighton and the Vitality on Thursday night has irked supporters no end.Swedish attacker Dejan Kulusevski played the whole game at the Vitality Stadium but couldn’t inspire an equaliser from misfiring TottenhamCredit: RexSon shows his anguish after the sub had a goal ruled out at BournemouthCredit: GettyAt Bournemouth, Postecoglou even exchanged words with angry supporters seemingly calling him names and shouting expletives from the stands at full-time.Just over 12 hours on at Friday morning’s press conference back in Enfield, Postecoglou said he had no issue with the fans’ venting their fury.That what matters is that they are behind the team – not him.He said: “They’re not behind me, they’re behind the club. I’ve got no interest in who’s behind me.“You got to figure the ones who travel to Bournemouth are pretty hardcore supporters.“They weren’t happy with what they saw, they felt like they needed to give me some feedback, I took the feedback on board and we move on.”Injuries have been killing Postecoglou’s side over the last year.Maddison and Van de Ven getting crocked in the 4-1 against Chelsea last term derailed their progress completely.While right now he is without his first-choice centre-back pairing of Romero and Van de Ven, his No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and is light up top with Richarlison and Wilson Odobert out injured. Ben Davies also injured his hamstring against Bournemouth.Barring the £65million purchase of Dominic Solanke – the most a Premier League club spent on a player this summer – Spurs opted for youth in the last window.The decisions we made around signing young players are the right decisions for where we are at right now and will bear fruitAnge PostecoglouArchie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, both 18, 19-year-old Odobert and Yang Min-Hyeok, also 18 and who will join next month, were all brought in.While experienced pros like Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso were let go.The injury to Odobert in particular has hit hard because Spurs looked in desperate need for more strength in the attacking areas.But the teenage kicks approach has left some fans thinking the club were too focused on building for the future, rather than the here and now.Yet Postecoglou defended the transfer policy today, commenting: “It is still the right decision and I own them [transfers] because I believe they are the right decisions for this club.“I have said numerous times, I make these decisions with the kind of background that I’m going to be here for a while to see this through.“To be honest, if I was worried about my own existence I would have fought tooth and nail to block Harry Kane leaving but it wasn’t the right decision for the club because he was in the last year of his contract. That is not what drives me.“The decisions we made around signing young players are the right decisions for this club for where we are at right now and they will bear fruit.”That may be the case further down the line, but whether Postecoglou will still be at the club in time to see it seems in jeopardy right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis Spurs are capable of beating the best, as they have proven in the past, so seeing off Enzo Maresca’s in-form Chelsea is doable.Lose, though, and the ex-Celtic boss could have a crisis on his hands – with a hostile trip Rangers in Glasgow coming just days after. More