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      Chelsea fans cheer when flop is subbed off as he endures Christmas Eve to forget against Wolves

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      CHELSEA fans cheered with joy after Nicolas Jackson was subbed off during the 2-1 loss at Molineux.The Blues endured another miserable defeat following goals by Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty, despite Christopher Nkunku scoring his first ever goal for the West Londoners.
      Chelsea fans cheered after Nicolas Jackson was subbed against WolvesCredit: Alamy
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino took Jackson off following a poor performanceCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring stars wasted another raft of opportunities, with Jackson specifically failing to beat the hosts’ goalkeeper Jose Sa in three different one-on-one situations.
      The striker should have scored in the eighth minute when he found himself in front of Sa but took way too long.
      The Senegal international then failed to get a touch in the penalty area on 21 minutes that would have set him up against the Wolves goalkeeper again.
      The 22-year-old also took ages after 55 minutes when he only had the Portugal international to beat.
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      Jackson’s frustrating performance came to an end in the 80th minute when he was subbed for Noni Madueke.
      And the Senegalese ace’s exodus was greeted by Chelsea fans ironically cheering as they were happy with Pochettino’s decision to take him off.
      Fans also took to social media to congratulate the Argentinian tactician’s move.
      One supporter tweeted: “Did the Chelsea fans just cheer Jackson getting subbed off there…? That would be deserved. He’s actively hurt the team today.”
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      Another commented: “For sure they deserved to cheer.”
      A third posted: “Nicolas Jackson exits the field, greeted by cheers from Chelsea fans.”
      And that one wrote: “CHEERS FROM THE CHELSEA SUPPORTERS AS JACKSON IS REMOVED.” More

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      Where teams who were top of Premier League at Christmas finished and what it means for Arsenal

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      THE Premier League title race is hotting up and Arsenal have put down a marker by guaranteeing their spot on top of the tree for Christmas Day.Each team will have played at least 17 matches by the time fans tuck into their turkeys – a near half-way point in the season.
      Man City didn’t top the festive table last year but ended up winning the title by four pointsCredit: AFP
      Arsenal’s draw at Anfield means they will be top at Christmas for the second year in a rowCredit: Reuters
      It is of course all about being top of the table in May – but leading the way at the festive time of year is often a good omen.
      In 30 Premier League seasons, the team top at Christmas has ended up lifting the title 16 times.
      That means 51.6 per-cent of the time the side maintain their spot in the new year.
      No team has been top on December 25 more than Manchester United, who have done so seven times but not since 2013.
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      Eleven teams in total have been first at Christmas, including four who have never won the league such as, Norwich, Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
      And only Villa have not managed to finish in the top four when top, coming sixth in 1998/99.
      The biggest advantage ever at Christmas was Man City in 2017/18, who sat 13 points clear at the top while Pep Guardiola opened his presents.
      They did win the league that season with 100 points.
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      Top of the Premier League at Christmas
      1992: Norwich City – finished 3rd1993: Manchester United – finished 1st1994: Blackburn Rovers – finished 1st1995: Newcastle United – finished 2nd1996: Liverpool – finished 4th1997: Manchester United – finished 2nd1998: Aston Villa – finished 6th1999: Leeds United – finished 3rd2000: Manchester United – finished 1st2001: Newcastle United – finished 4th2002: Arsenal – finished 2nd2003: Manchester United – finished 3rd2004: Chelsea – finished 1st2005: Chelsea – finished 1st2006: Manchester United – finished 1st2007: Arsenal – finished 3rd2008: Liverpool – finished 2nd2009: Chelsea – finished 1st2010: Manchester United – finished 1st2011: Manchester City – finished 1st2012: Manchester United – finished 1st2013: Liverpool – finished 2nd2014: Chelsea – finished 1st2015: Leicester City – finished 1st2016: Chelsea – finished 1st2017: Manchester City – finished 1st2018: Liverpool – finished 2nd2019: Liverpool – finished 1st2020: Liverpool – finished 3rd2021: Manchester City – finished 1st2022: Arsenal – finished 2nd

      And the biggest lead to not end in glory was Newcastle in 1995/96, who eventually failed to end their wait for a title and were pipped by Man Utd.
      Arsenal topped the table by two points last season but ended up throwing it away to City as they clinched glory by four points.
      And they’ll be hoping that something similar doesn’t happen this term with Mikel Arteta’s men sitting pretty in first place.
      The Gunners are just one point above Liverpool this year after the two heavyweights played out an enthralling 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday night.
      But Arsenal fans might not be too pleased to see their team in first place with history suggesting that it is in fact bad luck for the North London outfit to be top at Christmas.
      All of the last five times they have been in first on the 25th, they’ve ended up not winning it in a horrid run that stretches back to 1986/87.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can change their luck this season with a Christmas miracleCredit: Alamy More

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      Arsenal fans wind up rivals the most by gifting merch from their own club for Christmas – where does your club rank?

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      MORE than half of Premier League fans wind up rivals with merchandise gifts from their own club for Xmas.Arsenal supporters topped the table in buying friends the wrong scarf or cap a poll found.
      Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City fans topped the list of fans getting ready to wind up their mates on Christmas DayCredit: Getty
      Sixty-five per cent of them gave Gunners gear to mates who follow Spurs.
      Next were Liverpool supporters, with 62 per cent buying Everton pals merchandise from Anfield.
      Man City fans came third, with 60 per cent winding up United muckers.
      At the bottom end, Fulham were 18th with 30 per cent admitting joke buys, and Brentford 19th on 28 per cent.
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      Bournemouth fans on 26 per cent were least likely to prank their pals, according to a poll of 2,200 supporters by BettingTips4You.com.
      Spokesman John Pentin said: “Our survey brings to light the lighter side of football fan culture.” More

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      Fans convinced Liverpool star Van Dijk asked referee very cheeky question after fuming with decision against Arsenal

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      FOOTIE fans are convinced Virgil van Dijk asked referee Chris Kavanagh if he’d “BEEN DRINKING” during Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal.The Kop defender was far from happy with the official’s decision to award the Gunners a free kick in the 52nd minute of the Anfield clash.
      Virgil van Dijk was far from happy with referee Chris Kavanagh in the second half of Liverpool’s clash with ArsenalCredit: EPA
      The Reds star appeared to ask the official if he’d been drinkingCredit: SKY SPORTS
      And he appeared to ask Kavanagh if he’d a pre-Christmas beverage after the call had gone against him.
      The Dutchman made a drinking gesture with his right hand before seemingly asking the ref if he’d had a cheeky tipple.
      One footie fan said: “Van Dijk has just asked the referee if he’s been drinking?”
      Another said: “Van Dijk has definitely had enough of this ref.”

      And another said: “Has Van Dijk just asked if the refs been drinking.”
      One remarked: “Virgil van Dijk to the referee – ‘Have you been drinking?’
      “Complete with hand gestures and all.
      And another said: “Captain Van Dijk asked the ref if he’s been drinking and got no booking.”
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      Mohammed Salah rescued a point for Liverpool in the 72nd minuteCredit: ALAMY
      The crunch Anfield clash ended in a 1-1 draw – which meant the visitors will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
      Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the fourth minute with a well-placed header into the far corner.
      Mohamed Salah drew the Merseysiders level in the 29th minute with a sumptuous near-post finish after jinking past Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Jurgen Klopp’s troops should have sealed the three points in the 72nd minute following a breakneck speed counterattack.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold had the goal at his mercy after being put through by Salah.
      But the fullback somehow managed to hit the crossbar – much to the frustration of the Anfield faithful.
      Mikel Arteta will have no doubt been happy to leave Merseyside with a point as it’s ensured his charges will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
      Arsenal will be back in action on Thursday, welcoming the in-form West Ham to the Emirates.
      Liverpool, meanwhile, will travel to Turf Moor on Boxing Day to take on Burnley. More

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      Arsenal star picks up avoidable yellow card in Liverpool clash to become fourth Prem star suspended for Christmas

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      ARSENAL ace Kai Havertz has been suspended after picking up a yellow card against Liverpool.The Gunners and the Reds were embroiled in an intense encounter that saw them draw 1-1 at Anfield.
      Arsenal ace Kai Havertz committed a needless foul on Liverpool’s Wataru EndoCredit: Alamy
      Arsenal will be without Havertz in their next Premier League match against West HamCredit: AFP
      And it seems like Havertz may have got a little overexcited in the first half as he was booked for a foul on Wataru Endo.
      Endo and the Germany international fought for the ball and the versatile midfielder fouled the Liverpool ace by putting his arm across him in a needless manner.
      The 24-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss Arsenal’s next Premier League match amid a busy holiday schedule.
      The North Londoners are set to host West Ham on December 28 at the Emirates.

      And Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now facing a difficult tactical decision with other midfielders Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira also injured.
      Havertz became the fourth Prem star to be suspended during the festive period.
      Aston Villa’s Matty Cash and Sheffield United’s Jayden Bogle have also been banned after picking up a yellow card during Friday’s 1-1 draw.
      Cash committed a tactical foul at Villa Park during a counter-attack by the Blades, whereas Bogle went to the book for a strong challenge on Jacob Ramsey.
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      Willy Boly, on the other hand, was controversially sent off with a second yellow card against Bournemouth at the City Ground.
      Boly went for a tackle and got the ball before Adam Smith stepped on his opponent’s ankle and went down to the ground.
      The Cherries went on to win 3-2 in Nuno Espirito Santo’s first match in charge of Forest after replacing Steve Cooper. More

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      Harry Redknapp: Klopp and Guardiola would struggle to keep this Luton team up… Rob Edwards could be a miracle worker

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      THERE have been some classic Christmas hits over the years… and a few no one would have predicted.I’m reliably informed that Mr Blobby, Bob the Builder and Lily the Pink were all No 1s — and I don’t think too many saw them coming.
      Rob Edwards in Harry Redknapp’s Christmas No1 this season for his heroics with LutonCredit: Reuters

      Andros Townsend scored the winner as Luton got a huge win over NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Harry has picked out his Christmas chart toppersCredit: Rex
      So with the Big Day tomorrow, I thought I’d pick my chart toppers.
      Maybe not in terms of a place in the table but definitely so when it comes to the job they’re doing.
      Of course, if silverware and success were the only criteria, Pep Guardiola is streets ahead.
      Five trophies in one year for Manchester City. That will never — can never — be bettered.
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      And Friday’s disappointing draw with Sheffield United doesn’t mean Unai Emery has been anything but an absolute star at Aston Villa.
      I know that blew Villa’s chance to go top but don’t go overboard — they are still right in the mix. I’ll come back to him, though.
      Because the one who has really worked a water-into-wine miracle is Luton boss Rob Edwards. In so many ways.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. Let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.
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      I always say the best teams have the best players and Luton haven’t got too many stars, didn’t spend any money and have a small squad.
      But that doesn’t mean Edwards is a poor manager. For me, it’s the total opposite. And he’s certainly put the hard yards in to get there, from a less than glamorous starting point.
      Forest Green to be exact, where he won the title and took them into League One for the first time ever — and got the Watford job.
      He never had a chance there — you’re in a long list, Rob — so fair play to Luton for giving him a crack. That’s what you call a punt paying off, as well.
      Tenth in the Championship when he was appointed, third by the end and a day they’ll never forget at Wembley in the play-off final.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.Harry Redknapp
      A one-season stay it may be but the memories keep on coming. And what a bond he has built.
      Getting the best out of what you’ve got is vital for any manager, even more so when there are no superstars. Well, you won’t find many at Luton but they can match anyone for spirit.
      Yesterday’s win over Newcastle, a draw with Liverpool and pushing City and Arsenal close proves that.
      As much as I’d love to see them survive, that would be the biggest miracle of all. And highly unlikely.
      But it still doesn’t take away from how good Edwards has been — and how impressively he handles himself, too, because there’s been a lot to cope with outside of football.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.
      Harry has been very impressed by Sean Dyche’s work at EvertonCredit: EPA
      Jude Bellingham has been tearing it up for Real MadridCredit: AP
      He’s not the only boss who’s stood out, though, and Emery has been magnificent at Villa. Disappointing against the Blades, for sure but everyone has the odd blip.
      I’m not the only one who didn’t think Villa would be above both Manchester clubs, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle — not by chance, either.
      I’m not saying they’re going to win the title — I fancied United in August, so you wouldn’t back my tips anyway — but Emery’s certainly making it a season to remember.
      It’s turned out that way for Everton, too, although not in the way they hoped because of that ten-point penalty.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. But let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.Harry Redknapp
      But if there’s one man you’d want in charge when things are going against you, it’s Sean Dyche, who’s always got the best out of people and is doing so again at Goodison Park.
      Wolves manager Gary O’Neil needs a mention as well and Newcastle fans idolise Eddie Howe for a reason — they know they’ve got a diamond.
      I love the way he has given the kids a chance and wasn’t scared to play 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in France against Paris Saint-Germain. That’s what it’s all about.
      Talking of players, by the way, there’s a good argument that the best two in Europe right now are both English. Just a shame that they’re playing abroad.
      Read more on The Sun
      Harry Kane, with 25 goals for Bayern Munich, and Jude Bellingham tearing it up every week for Real Madrid.
      It would be great if they were playing in the Premier League. Fingers crossed they’re both fit for the Euros next summer. More

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      Fans say ‘even in retirement it’s still Mike Dean’s world we’re living in’ after hilarious wardrobe choice on Sky Sports

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      FANS have been left in hysterics after Mike Dean’s wardrobe choice on Sky Sports.The former referee is now working for the broadcaster as an expert on Soccer Saturday.
      Mike Dean wore a hilarious Christmas jumper on Sky SportsCredit: SKYSPORTS
      Dean, 55, got into the festive spirit for the Premier League fixtures with his jumper.
      He wore a green top that was football and Christmas themed.
      The jumper featured the Premier League logo lion with a Santa hat on it.
      It also featured a text saying “VAR Humbug”, as a play on the Xmas phrase “bah humbug”.
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      Fans spotted the jumper as they flocked to social media to comment.
      One fan posted: “Even in retirement it really still is Mike Dean’s world we’re all living in.”
      A second wrote: “Var is the kind of thing Scrooge would come up with tbf.”
      A third commented: “Credit where credit’s due, that jumper is hard.”
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      A fourth said: “No matter what you can say about him, or about VAR, or the PGMOL, this is a hilarious jumper.”
      Another added: “WHERE CAN I GET THIS.”
      Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
      He then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.
      But that switch has not panned out as expected and he did not receive a top-flight appointment from February leading to his career switch to Sky Sports. More

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      Man Utd fans left pining over Louis van Gaal years and threaten to ‘switch over to Xmas movie’ in ‘dire’ West Ham clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have threatened to put on “Christmas films” and been left pinning for the Louis van Gaal era.The supporters’ complaints came after a flat first half during their Premier League clash against West Ham.
      Fans have threatened to switch off Man United vs West HamCredit: Alamy
      Some even claimed that they missed Louis van Gaal’s footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      United faced the East London side as they looked to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last three games.
      However, the Red Devils looked unlikely to manage that feat after a poor opening 45 minutes.
      Alejandro Garnacho had the best chance, but Alphonse Areola saved his tame effort.
      Fans flocked to social media to complain about the lack of exciting football.
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      Many even pined for the days when Van Gaal was in charge when he was often criticised for his boring tactics.
      One fan posted: “This is so drab…I’m digging out my season review DVDs of the Louis van Gaal seasons…!”
      A second wrote: “This is so dire from Two teams in the most ‘exciting’ league in the world.
      “Two very average mid table teams producing nothing so far. Think I’ll have switched over to a Xmas movie by half time.”
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      A third comented: “Man Utd are like legit the most boring team to watch now.”
      A fourth said: “I’m being dead serious this current Man Utd team make it their main aim to make games mind-numbingly boring.”
      Another added: “Enough of this West Ham Vs Man Utd, it’s boring.”
      It got even worse in the second half as Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus scored for the hosts to hand United their 13th defeat of the season.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled this season and find themselves outside the top four.
      The club was even voted the most boring in the Premier League.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have been voted as the most boring in the leagueCredit: Getty More