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      Inside Jadon Sancho’s incredible Chelsea debut as ex-Man Utd star named Man of the Match after laying on assist for goal

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      JADON SANCHO marked his Chelsea debut with an impressive Man of the Match display against Bournemouth.Chelsea had been unable to conjure up a goal in the first half of their clash at the Vitality Stadium, with Robert Sanchez denying the hosts from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho put in an impressive Chelsea debutCredit: GettyHe provided the match-winning assist for Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyHaving been left unhappy by what he had just seen Enzo Maresca rolled the dice by bringing on Sancho for Pedro Neto at half-time.And it proved to be an inspired move, as the on-loan Manchester United winger provided the match-winning assist for Christopher Nkunku’s decisive goal after 86 minutes.Sancho was one of the liveliest players on the pitch as he put in a stunning display from left midfield.Indeed, for Nkunku’s goal, Sancho beat his marker by cutting back on to his right foot before threading a pass into his team-mate’s path before he slotted home a shot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSancho attempted two dribbles and completed 24 of his 26 passes.He also showed his defensive nous by registering four ball recoveries.Before the game, Maresca had said he did not consider the Sancho transfer a risk.And afterwards, he had a glowing review for the 24-year-old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I think we start second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him. “As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium (1)”Then also Christoph [Nkunku] was very good and not just because he scored but because he fought without the ball and Jadon was exactly the same. Tosin [Adarabioyo] was very good.”He added: “Very happy, very happy for him.”He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.”Sancho has often looked a shadow of himself since his return to England from Borussia Dortmund.The former Manchester City had a high-profile fallout with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag last season that saw him banished from first-team training.He returned to Germany with Dortmund on loan in January and had a mixed spell as he helped them reach the Champions League final.However, Maresca said he believes he knows how to get the best out of him.Maresca said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner.”This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. “Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. “This is the reason why they play. “They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf his first 45 minutes are anything to go by, Sancho looks set to get his career back on track.The win puts Chelsea seventh in the Premier League table before Sunday’s fixtures, with two wins, one draw and one defeat. 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      England star Raheem Sterling publicly declares his faith in God as he is baptised in tank of water

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      FOOTIE star Raheem Sterling was baptised in a tank of water as he publicly declared his faith in God — and “cleansed” himself of past sins.The England forward, 29, was filmed taking the plunge dressed in a white gown, with a congregation singing gospel songs.Footballer Raheem Sterling has been baptised after declaring his faith in GodCredit: The ceremony for the England footballer took place at a church in LondonCredit: Raheem Sterling has a new start in his career as well, recently joining ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Jamaica-born forward, on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, was fully immersed by two church elders at last weekend’s ceremony at a London Caribbean Baptist church.A source close to the star said: “Raheem said a few words which were incredibly powerful and moving. He understood this was a public declaration of his faith and an opportunity to cleanse himself of any ego, or bad habits of the past.”Sterling is preparing to make his debut for new side Arsenal today in the North London derby with Tottenham.READ MORE RAHEEM STERLINGThe winger joined Mikel Arteta’s side on deadline day after Chelsea made clear they were looking to move him on.A loan deal had to be struck, with Chelsea still paying a large percentage of Sterling’s wages.Arsenal are pushing to make up ground on league leaders Manchester City.And with key stars Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard out of action due to suspension and injury, the stage is set for new signing Sterling to step up.Most read in FootballHow Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonRaheem Sterling has been training with new side Arsenal ahead of his potential debutCredit: Getty More

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      Enzo Maresca phoned Jadon Sancho BEFORE Chelsea transfer to lay down law with major warning to Man Utd flop

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      ENZO MARESCA loves Jadon Sancho — but it is tough love.Chelsea’s boss revealed he called his final and most high-profile signing of the summer transfer window to lay down a few ground rules even before the deal was done.Enzo Maresca has revealed he called Jadon Sancho before his loan transfer to ChelseaCredit: InstagramMaresca said he wanted to lay down some ground rules before the deal was doneCredit: GettySancho joined the Blues on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyWinger Sancho is set to feature at Bournemouth tonight having joined on loan from Manchester United.It was there where the one-time England international, 24, fell out with coach Erik ten Hag amid criticism of the player’s attitude and effort.Maresca, 44, feels signing Sancho is zero risk but also warned him and fellow new man Joao Felix the hard work starts now — and will not stop.The Italian said: “Listen, we have Jadon, Joao, these kinds of players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Before they joined I had a chat with them and one of my messages was if you come here and don’t work properly you are not going to play.“Before they arrived the message was clear. For Jadon. For Joao.“But I said, ‘the reason I’m speaking to you is that I really like you. If you come here in the way that we want, we are happy. “But if you come there and don’t work hard, it’s better if you don’t come’.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSancho has not played a Premier League game since August last year. He was banished to train alone by fuming Ten Hag for the first half of last season thanks to their fallout.Sancho thrived on loan at his old club Borussia Dortmund from January as they finished runners-up in the Champions League. How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsMaresca will pick up the baton as he strives to make Chelsea a force once again.He added: “I don’t consider Jadon a risk because I consider Jadon as a player who can help us.“I don’t have any idea about what happened with Erik. I can just judge the player in the weeks he has been with us and he has been perfect.“If the players perform during the week then they have a chance. “This is for everybody, if they don’t work properly they are not going to play.“Jadon has been working well with us since he arrived. I love Jadon, I love the players we have. “I knew him in terms of a player and what I have seen in two weeks is exactly what I expected.“With the way we play he is that kind of player who can help us a lot, especially in the last third  — when we arrive there so many times and need more quality, more patience, more accuracy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESForward Cole Palmer is fit again after missing England’s Nations League games with a minor hamstring problem. Midfielder Romeo Lavia has also recovered from a knock. More

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      Watch incredible moment ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa starts BRAWL during U20s game as fans ask ‘what did they expect?’

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      DIEGO COSTA might hope he’s ageless but he certainly doesn’t rage less.The controversial former Chelsea striker, 35, sparked a brawl, grabbed an opponent by the NECK and saw red – all in an UNDER-20s match.Diego Costa dashed over to confront a Juventude rivalPlayers crowded in after Gremio veteran Costa reacted aggressivelyBrazilian club Gremio only fielded the ex-Atletico Madrid ace in what should have been a low-key junior match to help him rediscover his “rhythm”.But instead of finding harmonious high notes he found crash, bang, wallop.”What did you expect?” asked one fan upon seeing the astonishing clip of Costa flaring up in retaliation.”What could possibly go wrong?” wondered another, while a third posted: “This guy is nuts but I’m here for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCosta’s career in LaLiga and the Premier League was blighted by bans, bust-ups and bruises.Worst of all, he was suspended for eight games in 2019 after insulting a referee following his sending-off for Atletico against Barcelona.That took him past FORTY matches out banned during his career.Back in 2015 he picked up two three-game suspensions for Chelsea after high-profile dismissals for violent conduct against Liverpool and Arsenal. Most read in FootballCosta got up to chase after the offenderCosta has had previous clashed with refs since returning to GremioCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTh ex-Spain star retained his combative spirit since returning to his birth country Brazil with Botafogo in August 2023.But it was still a shock to see his animated exchange for his latest club Gremio in an U-20s fixture against Juventude.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeCosta took exception to a careless late challenge after he had passed the ball – and raced after the offender.He grabbed the player by the neck and shoved him back as both sides came rushing in.Both players were sent off.One fan wrote: “Bro didn’t last 60 minutes. Proper Chelsea.”Other disapproving verdicts included: “That’s so Costa”… “Never change”… and “He’s a clown”.But many viewers seemed amused and impressed by his continuing hothead attitude.Amongst such opinions were: “Cracking up”… “Absolutely here for it!!”… and Proper centre forward”.Meet North London derby WagsARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday.So with that in mind, SunSport has put together a piece looking at 10 of the players’ partners ahead of the game.One Arsenal man is with a woman who had a romance and daughter with Hollywood star Jude Law.Another Gunners player is married to a competitive twerker who goes by the stage name Redheaded.And one Spurs star convinced his partner to move to England from Los Angeles when they got together – before they went on to have three children.Click here to read the full story. More

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      Mikel Arteta reveals why it took him only TEN SECONDS to know for sure he had to bring Raheem Sterling to Arsenal

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta revealed it only took 10 seconds to convince him to sign Raheem Sterling because he saw immense “hunger” in the ex-Chelsea star.Sterling, 29, joined the Gunners on loan from the Blues during the final hours of transfer deadline day last month after he fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knew he should sign Raheem Sterling in just 10 secondsCredit: GettyArteta signed Sterling for Arsenal after seeing immense hunger in the wingerCredit: GettySterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline dayCredit: APThe winger and Arteta spoke on the phone and he knew almost right away that the Chelsea ace would be perfect for his squad.The Spanish tactician and Sterling worked together at Manchester City when the former was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager.And the 42-year-old coach is adamant that a reunion at the Emirates will be successful because the England international “really wants it”.Arteta said: “The first call I had with him, I knew in the first 10 seconds we have to bring him because he really wanted it. Read More on Arsenal”That was my only question mark: ‘What stage is he at in his career?'”After 10 seconds, I knew already before the next questions that we needed him here.”What I see is hunger. He’s a player that wants to play every minute of every game.”You can feel it walking through the door. We are better with him. He’s going to make us better.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling is in line for an Arsenal debut on Sunday in the North London Derby at Tottenham.Arteta will need the ex-Liverpool star to shine as he faces quite a few problems heading to the clash with Spurs.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionThe Gunners will be without the suspended Declan Rice and the injured Mikel Merino, while captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori pose as doubts. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ flop finally leaves club on loan after series of permanent £20m transfers collapsed

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      CHELSEA flop David Datro Fofana has finally sealed an exit after a series of deals collapsed this summer.The Ivorian striker, 21, only joined Chelsea from Molde 18 months ago.David Datro Fofana has finally sealed a move away from ChelseaCredit: GettyAnd after loan spells at Union Berlin and Burnley, Blues chiefs put him up for sale.Championship sides Sunderland and Hull attempted to prise Fofana from Stamford Bridge.While newly-promoted Leicester held talks before negotiations collapsed.Fofana’s latest saga saw him almost join Greek side AEK Athens this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster was set to join on loan ahead of a potential £20million transfer next summer.But the deal collapsed at the final stages following paperwork issues.However, Fofana has now finally sealed his switch away from Chelsea.Reports claim Turkish side Goztepe are signing him for the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd like Athens did, they too have the option to make the deal permanent for £20m in 2025.This time, Chelsea retain a recall option to bring Fofana back in January.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe move makes Fofana the 41st player to leave London this summer.He had been training with Chelsea’s “bomb squad” under loan coach Carlo Cudicini after returning from Burnley.The Blues managed to offload the majority of big names in the group, with Raheem Sterling, Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah all securing late moves away.Armando Broja, Angelo Gabriel and Djordje Petrovic were also offloaded.But Ben Chilwell is still with the group after failing to attract any interest.All 41 Chelsea exits this summerIan Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund (£37.5m)Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid (£35.5m)Lewis Hall to Newcastle (£28m)Romelu Lukaku to Napoli (£25m)Omari Hutchinson to Ipswich (£20m)Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr (£19.5m)Diego Moreira to Strasbourg (£1.5m)David Datro Fofana to Goztepe (Loan)Raheem Sterling to Arsenal (Loan)Lesley Ugochuku to Southampton (Loan)Armando Broja to Everton (Loan)Djordje Petrovic to Strasbourg (Loan)Trevoh Chalobah to Crystal Palace (Loan)Kepa Arrizabalaga to Bournemouth (Loan)Alfie Gilchrist to Sheffield Utd (Loan)Caleb Wiley to Strasbourg (Loan)Andrey Santos to Strasbourg (Loan)Bashir Humphreys to Burnley (Loan)Gabriel Slonina to Barnsley (Loan)Aaron Anselmino to Boca Juniors (Loan)Mike Penders to Genk (Loan)Eddie Beach to Crawley Town (Loan)Teddy Sharman-Lowe to Doncaster Rovers (Loan)Ted Curd to Hampton & Richmond Borough (Loan)Dylan Williams to Burton Albion (Loan)Luke Campbell to Hendon (Loan)Leo Castledine to Shrewsbury Town (Loan)Ronnie Stutter to Burton Albion (Loan)Hakim Ziyech to Galatasaray (Free)Malang Sarr to Lens (Free)Thiago Silva to Fluminense (Free)Tino Anjorin to Empoli (Free)Dion Rankine to Wigan (Free)Charlie Webster to Burton Albion (Free)Jamie Cumming to Oxford United (Free)Michael Golding to Leicester (Free)Mason Barstow to Hull (Free)Chinonso Chibueze to Stoke (Free)Saheed Olagunju to Wolves (Free)Billy Gee to Norwich (Free)Josh Brooking to Dorking Wanderers (Free) More

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      Arsenal ‘snubbed chance to sign Victor Osimhen after Gunners placed price cap on new striker transfer’

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      ARSENAL turned down the opportunity to sign star striker Victor Osimhen in the summer because they thought he was too expensive.Osimhen, 25, has put the whole world on notice the last four years thanks to some stunning performances with Napoli whom he led to their first Serie A title in 33 years.Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen in the summerCredit: RexArsenal opted against Osimhen because of his staggering release clauseCredit: GettyThe Nigeria international attracted immense interest this past summer transfer window and came close to Chelsea who made him their top target.The Blues made a final bid in the dying hours of the transfer market last month but did not hear back from the centre-forward, while there were even reports of club chiefs flying to Naples to hold talks.Osimhen ended up moving to Galatasaray on loan much to the surprise of everyone after he fell out of favour in Naples and new manager Antonio Conte gave his shirt number to Romelu Lukaku.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal also had the chance to land the Nigerian.Read More on ArsenalHowever, the Gunners opted against meeting his staggering release clause, which is said to have cost £109million.The North Londoners also decided against going for a striker altogether with manager Mikel Arteta placing his faith on Kai Havertz as a false nine.That is despite Eddie Nketiah moving to Crystal Palace and Gabriel Jesus still dealing with fitness issues.Arsenal looked determined to land a centre-forward from the top shelf in the early days of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta’s side was strongly linked with the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.But Gyokeres and Sesko ultimately stayed put at Sporting Lisbon and RB Leipzig respectively.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outAccording to The Times, however, Arteta looks set to sign a star forward in the next two transfer windows after penning a new deal at the Emirates which ties him until 2027.That could see Arsenal going back for Sesko, while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala have also been linked. More

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      Meet Wes Okoduwa, 16, who has already been on Wolves bench in Premier League and was Man Utd AND Chelsea transfer target

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      WES OKODUWA has already made a huge impression in the youth ranks at Wolves – and this is why Manchester United and Chelsea made a move for the defender in the summer. Both United and the Blues were told that there was no way the 16-year-old full-back would be allowed to leave as Wolves want their homegrown star to remain in the West Midlands.Wes Okoduwa is a teenage sensation hoping to break through at WolvesCredit: GettySunSport featured Okoduwa last season on the front of the Goals supplementHOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?Due to the fact he is so young, Okoduwa is still growing. But he is already a formidable right-back, with pace and power his biggest attributes. He is terrific at defending in one-on-one situations so the best comparison is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is now at West Ham.In March, Okoduwa was on the bench for Wolves’ Premier League game at Newcastle.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad he featured, he would have been the club’s youngest-ever player.The following month, he was also an unused substitute at home to Arsenal. On both occasions, the youngster was taken out of school to prepare for the game.He stayed on the bench for subsequent Premier League matches.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISEOkoduwa was born in New York to Nigerian parents but he moved to Wolverhampton at an early age and has been with the club since he was 10.He has played for England’s Under-16s and is now due to be part of the U17s set-up this season – although he has also been invited to train with the United States.His father, Emmanuel, made one senior appearance for Nigeria and also played club football in Ukraine. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very goodWolves boss Gary O’NeilWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? After the home game with Arsenal, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!“He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good. It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Okoduwa will have to wait until next May before he turns 17, which is when he can sign his first professional contract.He started playing for Wolves’ U21s aged 15 and will continue to remain with the group while training in and around the first-team.Maybe next summer – or in 18 months’ time – the teen sensation might look to be loaned to an EFL side for a taste of first-team action.Wolves obviously rate him highly, otherwise he would have not been allowed anywhere near the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he is incredibly young, particularly for a defender. So Wolves know it will be in their interests to handle him with care.There is no reason, however, why he could not get a glimpse of first-team action this season – maybe even as a sub in one of the cups.The defender warming up before a Premier League match against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyOkoduwa hard at work during a pre-season training camp in MarbellaCredit: GettyThe right-back playing for England Under-16s – but he could also represent the USA and NigeriaCredit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More