More stories

  • in

    Chelsea player ratings: Thiago Silva looks his age as Raheem Sterling fires home Cristiano Ronaldo-esque free-kick

    RAHEEM STERLING’S stunning free-kick couldn’t save Chelsea from being overpowered as Mauricio Pochettino’s men dropped back into mid-table.Reece James’ needless red card summed up the Blues’ woe as injury-hit Newcastle returned to the top six with a 4-1 win.
    Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling hit a brilliant free-kick to make it 1-1Credit: Getty
    Thiago Silva struggled to get to grips with Anthony Gordon and CoCredit: PA
    Sterling cancelled out Alexander Isak’s opener on 23 minutes.
    But Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton fired home for a sturdier Toon side midway through the second period.
    And Anthony Gordon was handed too much space for their late fourth goal.
    Here’s how Chelsea rated on a dire afternoon for their defenders.
    READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
    ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5
    Had little chance with any of the goals as Chelsea crumbled on Tyneside. Pulled off a couple of decent stops but has now conceded eight in the last two games. 
    REECE JAMES – 4
    Terrible afternoon for the Blues skipper. Handed a first yellow for kicking the ball away before he was given his marching orders for pushing Anthony Gordon over losing the ball. 
    THIAGO SILVA – 3
    On the day he became Chelsea’s oldest ever outfield player at 39 years and 64 days, the Brazilian was looking supreme until he really did look his age for Newcastle’s third. 
    Given the ball by Cole Palmer, Silva turned to play back to Robert Sanchez but lost his head and scuffed the pass, providing a perfect assist for Joelinton to bury. Dreadful. 
    Most read in Football
    BENOIT BADIASHILE – 4
    Restricted the Magpies early on but at the heart of a Chelsea defence that fell to pieces in the second half. Nowhere to be seen for Jamaal Lascelles’ header and worryingly weak attempt at stopping Anthony Gordon for the fourth. 
    MARC CUCURELLA – 4
    The sleeping Spaniard went walkies for Newcastle’s opener, inexplicably leaving Alexander Isak free to finish. 
    Just the latest example of his lack of concentration and he offered nothing going forward. 
    Reece James saw red for a careless second bookingCredit: Rex
    LESLEY UGOCHUKWU – 5
    The French youngster, 19, relished the battle in the middle of the park on just his second Prem start but struggled to make any impact. Bizarre to see him start ahead of Moises Caicedo. 
    ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5
    Started well, ticking things over and driving Chelsea forward. Forced Nick Pope into a smart stop but could not handle the heat as Newcastle steamrollered them after the break. Newcastle’s 17-year-old Lewis Miley looked much better than the £106million World Cup winner.
    COLE PALMER – 4
    Upstaged by Raheem Sterling on the other flank. Quiet after his brilliant recent form, dispossessed numerous times and made life easy for Toon’s full-backs. 
    CONOR GALLAGHER – 4
    Butchered a golden chance after being gifted a golden opportunity by Pope to put Chelsea 2-1 up, scuffing horribly off his left peg. Proved a huge miss as the west Londoners were then blown away. 
    RAHEEM STERLING – 7
    Kept up his superb form with a stunning Ronaldo-esque free-kick to pull Chelsea back level. 
    Went down softly on the edge of the box but the strike was sublime, leaving Pope rooted to the spot as his fifth goal of the season flew into the top left corner. 
    Battered by Newcastle fans all afternoon. 
    NICOLAS JACKSON – 4
    Anonymous before being hooked. His goalscoring record is impressive but serious doubts persist over whether he is actually any good. 
    Blues’ striker Nicolas Jackson here fends off Fabian Schar but did little of noteCredit: Getty
    SUBS
    ARMANDO BROJA (for Jackson, 68mins) – 5MOISES CAICEDO (for Ugochukwu, 6mins) -5 MYKHAILO MUDRYK (for Gallagher, 68 mins) – 5LEVI COLWILL (for Palmer, 75) – 5NONI MADUEKE (for Sterling, 87mins) – 5 More

  • in

    Seven stars who desperately need January transfer to save Euro 2024 dream including forgotten Man Utd flop & Arsenal ace

    PLAYERS will have to consider their futures in January with some keen to keep their dreams of playing at Euro 2024 alive.Most of the nations that will compete in Germany next summer have sealed their spaces while others must still go through a round of playoffs.
    Aaron Ramsdale is one player that could seek out a transferCredit: Reuters
    Many players will be on the lookout for a move in the upcoming transfer window in an attempt to boost their hopes of a call-up to their national teams.
    This could be a concern for their clubs who may not want to lose certain players and the depth that they provide.
    SunSports have identified seven players who need to try and get a transfer should they want to play at the Euros.
    Aaron Ramsdale
    The Arsenal goalkeeper has struggled for game time this season thanks to the arrival of David Raya.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Aaron Ramsdale was one of the club’s best performers last season and earned himself a spot in the England set-up.
    It was expected that he would push Jordan Pickford for the starting role at the Three Lions, however, his place is now at risk in the team.
    Gareth Southgate may look at stoppers who have played more regularly than Ramsdale which could see the places handed to the likes of Nick Pope, Sam Johnstone or Jason Steele.
    Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Newcastle.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Kalvin Phillips
    Kalvin Phillips’ England spot is at riskCredit: Getty
    Kalvin Phillips is another England player who could lose their spot due to a lack of playing time at his club.
    The midfielder has only played four times in the Premier League this season.
    Phillips has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium with the likes of Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
    Donny van de Beek
    Donny van der Beek is thinking about his future at Man UnitedCredit: Rex
    Donny van de Beek has been a fringe player at Manchester United pretty much since his arrival at the club in 2020.
    The midfielder has since lost his spot in the national team, having not played for the Netherlands since 2021.
    The 26-year-old has admitted that he will be on the lookout for a new club should his playing time under Erik ten Hag not increase.
    Anthony Martial
    Martial has failed to produce for United this seasonCredit: Getty
    Sticking at Old Trafford, Anthony Martial is another player who could make a move in order to save his international career.
    Once hyped as the next Thierry Henry, Martial’s career has stuttered in recent times at Man United due to various reasons.
    The forward should look to make a move in the January window if he hopes to be in the French team alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe in Germany.
    Jorginho
    Jorginho is on the fringes at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Jorginho could be at risk of losing his spot in the Italy national team as they look to try and retain their title.
    The midfielder has become a back-up option at Arsenal following the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer.
    Jorginho has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with the likes of Barcelona interested.
    The Italian’s contract is up at the end of the season so Arsenal could look to cash in while they have a chance.
    Noni Madueke
    Noni Madueke has barely played for Chelsea this seasonCredit: Getty
    Noni Madueke arrived at Chelsea last January from PSV and a lot was expected from the exciting youngster.
    However, under Mauricio Pochettino, the winger has barely featured in the Premier League having only made five appearances.
    The Englishman has featured for the England U16, U17s, U18s and U21s so far in his career.
    A move to a different club, on loan or permanent, that would guarantee him game time could see him become a late contender for a spot in the England squad.
    Bryan Gil
    Bryan Gil was highly-rated before his move to TottenhamCredit: EPA
    Bryan Gil has never really had a chance to succeed at Tottenham since his £20million move from Sevilla.
    The wide midfielder has only played 15 times in the Premier League since 2021, twice this season.
    The once highly-rated Spaniard has played four times for the national side and a return to his homeland could boost his chances of a call-up for the Euros. More

  • in

    Chelsea legend’s daughter goes fully naked as she shares video filmed in bathroom that risks Instagram ban

    FORMER Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf’s daughter left little to the imagination with her latest Instagram post.The influencer and model risked a ban on the app as she shared a video of her naked in the bath with her followers.
    Jade shared a daring video of her getting into the bathCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade is a well known social media star in LuxembourgCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    She is the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeBoueufCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade is also a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade has become a celebrity in her own right in her native Luxembourg thanks to her appearances on reality TV.
    She has 230,000 followers on the Instagram app and is no stranger to sharing her fashion tips and daily routines with followers.
    She captioned her bath video with: “Weekend vibes. What have you got planned this weekend?”
    Her followers were quick to shower the influencer with praise as well as share their plans.
    READ MORE ON JADE
    One fan wrote: “Jade is classy and gorgeous 😍”
    Another added: “Beauty and class 🔥❤️😍”
    A third commented: “Unbelievable”
    A fourth wrote: “A wonderful woman 😍”
    Most read in Sport
    She is now a star in her own rightCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    And attends several designer eventsCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade’s father Frank was a Chelsea legend and made 203 appearances for the club.
    While in West London, he won the FA Cup twice, a league cup and a European Super Cup.
    He also won the World Cup with France in 1998.
    Since retiring, LeBoueuf went into the world of Hollywood and featured in the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything.
    Jade leads a jet-setting lifestyleCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagram
    Jade often shares fashion tips with her followersCredit: instagram @jade_leboeuf
    She boasts 240k followersCredit: instagram/jade_leboeuf
    Jade also advises followers on homewareCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeuf
    And makeup tutorialsCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeuf More

  • in

    I was playing barefoot six years ago after dropping out of school, now I’m starring for Chelsea in the Premier League

    CHELSEA star Nicolas Jackson is aiming to fire the Blues to glory this season – just six years after he was playing BAREFOOT football.That was back in Senegal, where he grew up with his mother working night and day on a farm to make ends meet.
    Nicolas Jackson has scored four goals in his last two Chelsea matchesCredit: Getty
    The star was playing barefoot in the street just six years agoCredit: Alamy
    These days it is Jackson that is providing for his family after he penned a whopping eight-year deal with the Blues this summer after signing for £32m.
    After a tricky start to life in the Premier League, the 22-year-old forward has scored four goals in his last two matches.
    But being Chelsea’s main striker seemed a lifetime away back in 2017 as Jackson’s footballing fairytale began without him even owning a pair of boots.
    And that led to him honing his skills by playing against his mates without any shoes on after he had dropped out of school.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    He told The Telegraph: “In Ziguinchor, it was playing on the streets, playing with your friends only.
    “No club, just playing because you love the game. Maybe playing, one euro each, against each other.
    “Having fun, playing without boots. Just barefoot or maybe you borrow someone’s boots to play.”
    He was signed by Casa Sports in his homeland before Spanish side Villarreal swooped to bring him to Spain in 2017.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Jackson was initially part of their B side, and had a loan at minnows Mirandes, before he finally earned his chance in the big time.
    He made his LaLiga debut as substitute in October 2021 – but he had to wait almost a year for his first goal.
    Jackson’s first top-flight strike came in a 3-0 win at Real Valladolid in August 2022, and that proved to be a key moment for the four-capped Senegal international.
    He went on to score 13 times in total last season, inbetween a failed transfer due to failing a medical in January, to catch the eye of Chelsea.
    Jackson’s Premier League dream move then came true – but he initially found things difficult out on the pitch this term under Mauricio Pochettino.
    He only scored three times, twice in the league, in his first 13 appearances for the WEst London club.
    Now both he, Pochettino and Blues supporters everywhere are hoping that he has now found top gear.
    Jackson grabbed a hat-trick in the 4-1 win at Tottenham earlier this month before following that up with another goal in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Manchester City that followed.
    He will be looking to continue his red-hot streak when Chelsea travel to Newcastle United this afternoon – only this time he will be wearing his Nike sponsored Mercurial Superfly 9’s on his feet. More

  • in

    Former Chelsea star’s gorgeous daughter puts on busty display in feathery crop top and shows off tattoo collection

    JADE LEBOEUF looked pluming marvellous in fashionable feathers and tasteful tattoos.The daughter of Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf changed her style yet again as she wore a feathery crop top and golden jewellery.
    Jade Leboeuf shimmered in her latest fashion statementCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    The digital creator looks seasonable in snow whiteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade believes less can be more, especially in the sea and sunCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf
    SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PICTURES OF GLITTERING JADE
    The model, 32, has previously been compared to Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts.
    While movie icon Roberts, 56, was in Ocean’s Eleven, Jade has been making waves herself – as a social media star.
    The influencer has an online shop for “fashion, beauty and interior design”.
    And her hordes of admirers are delighted she shows off so many of her ideas in her own photos.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Predictably, her white feathers tickled the fancy of her followers.
    It’s another reason why her Instagram fanbase has shot up from 172,000 back in August to 227k now.
    That’s enough extra followers to sell out Stamford Bridge – and then some.
    Dad Frank, 55, an ESPN pundit, was an elegant centre-back for Chelsea from 1996-2001.
    Most read in Football
    He won the FA Cup twice, League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup while at the Bridge.
    The 50-cap Frenchman played under huge Premier League names like Ruud Gullit, the late Gianluca Vialli and Claudio Ranieri.
    But daughter Jade is famous entirely in her own right.
    Fans call her “sublime” and “unbelievable” as she switches her appearance as often as her location – having recently returned to Paris from Bali.
    Earlier this month she posed in a see-through outfit on a girls’ night out.
    Now she has another feather in her cap – earning thousands of likes for snaps in a low-cut that also showcased an array of tattoos on her arms and shoulder.
    Jade makes beige look all the rageCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf
    Tattoos were almost the only thing on the model in this picCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade urged her followers to ‘stay hydrated’ when she shared this snapCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    This gear hinted at Flashdance-style leotards of the 1980sCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade asked her online followers ‘What do you think of this backless jumpsuit?’ when she posted this image from a showCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    This shadowy shot was called ‘too beautiful’ by fans on InstagramCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeuf
    Jade gave into peer pressure as she gazed out over huge specsCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade has seen her social media following soar in recent monthsCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf
    The social media star opted for what might be considered French chicCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    One pic of Jade in a one-piece of see-through white dazzled admirersCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeuf
    Another showstopping outfit as Jade posed outside a fashion eventCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagram
    Frank Leboeuf might think he snatched a draw with his daughter when it came to sleek style in this snap together in Los AngelesCredit: Rex Features More

  • in

    Paul Merson tells Pochettino three players who MUST start for Chelsea vs Newcastle but snubs potential debutant Nkunku

    PAUL MERSON has told Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino that he must stick with three stars for their upcoming trip to Newcastle this weekend.Chelsea go into the game off the back of a thrilling 4-4 draw with Manchester City before the international break.
    Paul Merson has urged Pochettino to stick with the same front three against NewcastleCredit: Sky Sports
    Pochettino has seen results improve for Chelsea in recent weeksCredit: Rex
    Starlet Cole Palmer continued his excellent run of form when his penalty earned Chelsea a point at the death against the Premier League champions.
    And Merson has called on Pochettino not to mess with a successful formula – particularly in regard to the front three.
    Writing in his column in Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is going to be another huge game.
    “It’s one of those games where the result will be dictated by the availability of players. If Chelsea can get through the first 30 minutes without getting conceding a goal, this could be an extremely interesting encounter.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “Chelsea are starting to adapt to Pochettino’s style. They are able to give any side a run for their money at this point. I think Chelsea have to stick with Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer in attack.
    Pochettino will be tempted to include £52million summer signing Christopher Nkunku, who is fit again for the first time this season – but he’ll have to make do with a spot from the bench according to Merson.
    Merson continued: “Sterling and Palmer have been in great form and they will be key here once again. Chelsea’s team, at the moment, is starting to pick itself and it’s a good thing. Earlier, we used to sit around wondering how they were going to line up.
    “But that’s changed now. Despite all that, Newcastle at home are always up for any challenge and I see this game ending in a draw. Predicted scoreline, Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea.”
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Nkunku would have been expected to come in for Jackson, but he too has found his shooting boots after a difficult start to the season.
    The Senegalese star netted a hat-trick against rivals Tottenham before scoring in the 4-4 draw with City.
    Newcastle come into the game with a mounting injury list with Callum Wilson the latest player to be ruled out – Kieran Trippier is available after pulling out of the England squad, however.
    Alexander Isak is back from injury and could start against The Blues. More

  • in

    Chelsea and Man Utd target wonderkid ‘with greatest name in history’ but Brazilian, 16, has £52m transfer release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have joined the bidding war for Brazilian wonderkid Messinho.Palmeiras starlet Estevao Willian, who earned the “greatest name in history” thanks to his love for Lionel Messi as well as his performances, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
    Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Palmeiras wonderkid Messinho
    The 16-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea and United have joined the transfer war for the winger’s signature.
    However, the Blues and the Red Devils will have to cough up some heavy cash once more as Messinho – who also goes simply as Estevao – carries a €60million (£52m) release clause.
    The forward signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras in April with a hefty asking price as his agent Andre Curry has claimed his client could win the Ballon d’Or one day.
    Read More on Football
    The rising star is turning heads in the ongoing Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia with three goals and four assists in four games for Brazil.
    Chelsea and United, though, are facing intense competition with Real contacting Palmeiras on Wednesday.
    Plus, a representative close to Messinho as well as Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior has offered to work as an intermediary.
    A bid will also prove to be tough for the West Londoners and United as the player has previously revealed his desire to play for Barcelona and emulate his idol Messi’s success at the Nou Camp.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    PSG recently made a €40m (£35m) offer which quickly rose to €50m (£43m).
    However, Messinho is waiting for a bid from Barca as he is adamant he prefers the Catalan giants.
    But the player will not be able to move abroad until he turns 18 due to Brazilian law.
    However, Messinho’s bidders can seal a deal that will see him making the move in two years when he becomes an adult, just like Real did with his Palmeiras team-mate Endrick who is currently 17.
    Estevao has yet to make his senior debut for the Brazilian giants but great things are expected from him, which is why he signed a sponsorship deal with Nike at the tender age of 10. More

  • in

    Man City missed out on inserting ‘Jadon Sancho clause’ into deal when they sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5m

    MANCHESTER CITY did not insist on a sell-on clause in Cole Palmer’s transfer to Chelsea, according to reports.City cashed in twice on Jadon Sancho after selling him to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, and then seeing him move to rivals Manchester United four years later.
    Manchester City do not have a sell-on-clause on Cole PalmerCredit: Rex
    Pep Guardiola’s side pocketed over £10million after United paid a whopping £73m for Sancho in 2021.
    But there will be no such repeat of that if Chelsea are to sell Palmer in the future.
    According to The Daily Mail, City were happy to accept the £40m up front for Palmer, plus the £2.5m in potential add-ons.
    As an academy product, the sale can be listed as profit in City’s books.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    And the deal was seen as good enough not to require further negotiation on a sell-on clause.
    City have reaped the benefit from other deals in the past, including when Spurs signed Pedro Porro from Sporting for £42million in January.
    They also had a 20 per cent clause on Romeo Lavia, who joined Chelsea this summer from Southampton for £58million.
    Chelsea were said to be pleasantly surprised that no clause was inserted in their deal for Palmer.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Especially after seeing the new England star make a fantastic start to life at Stamford Bridge, making the fee look like a bargain.
    Palmer has established himself as a regular in Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI, scoring four times in his six league starts for the side.
    The 21-year-old earned his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side this international break and made his debut against Malta.
    Palmer is expected to start again for Chelsea in tomorrow’s clash against Newcastle as Chelsea look to continue their good form following on from a difficult start to the season. More