Europa Conference League

A LITTLE RED DEVIL finally gave Manchester United a glimpse of European heaven after so many dark days – 383 to be exact.Amad Diallo at 5ft 8in was the smallest man on the pitch last night.Manchester United welcome PAOK to Old Trafford for their fourth Europa League match of the seasonCredit: EPAThe Greek outfit frustrated the Red Devils for the first halfCredit: EPAAmad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a brilliant headerCredit: GETTYPut the pocket dynamo of footballing excellence was the one using his head to loop the ball into the far side of the net in the 50th minute.Then in the 77th minute, the tenacity of the Ivory Coast international saw him wrestle the ball into his possession before he released a stunning drive for his second.The 22-year-old is a star and he is only going to shine brighter and brighter as the years go on.He decided this Europa League contest and gave Manchester United only their second victory in Europe in 12 games.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIn fact, it was just over a year ago that they had anything to shout about away from domestic football and then it needed a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save for a 1-0 win over Copenhagen.So this was something of an achievement given recent travails for a club that used to strike fear into the hearts of teams on the continent.This is a very different United, though. The fans visiting from Greece came with huge optimism.They had spent the afternoon enjoying Manchester’s City centre and were in full voice long before kick-off and throughout the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/AEven at 2-0 down they kept going but it was the home faithful who had the most to shout about.Having said that, the Greek Champions would produce the best effort of the first half when Mady Camara’s volley was toughed over by Andre Onana.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyBefore that, there was some exciting attacking play from Alejandro, Garnacho, 20, on the left as always, but even better was Diallo on the right.The 22-year-old was in for Marcus Rashford who was benched and he was going to take his chance with some eye-catching play for incoming boss Ruben Amorim to enjoy from Lisbon.He got an early whack from Abdul Baba but he will not be intimidated.He had a penalty shout when he was bundled over by Baba who failed to win the ball. Despite a VAR check, there was no spot-kick given.Amad was firing balls in from the right and when he found Rasmus Hojlund in the centre of the box his header was straight at the goalkeeper.Diallo puts the work in too and when he sprinted from his flank to the left to block a clearance the crowd roared.The two young wingers almost combined to break the deadlock when Garnacho raced to the byline to whip the ball across the face of the goal.Diallo could just not reach it at the far post. United began the second half on the front foot.Fernandes was running the show with his short and long-range passes.It was his deep ball to the far post that was met by the jumping Diallo who nodded an arching ball through the sky, over the goalkeeper and in.He may have been just trying to get it back across goal to Rasmus Hojlund, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.Off he raced to the corner flag, kissing the United badge, while a VAR check took place.Diallo bagged his and United’s second with a deflected strike in the 77th minuteCredit: GETTYDiallo proved to be a shining light in an otherwise drab night for the Red DevilsCredit: REXIncoming boss Ruben Amorim will no doubt be thrilled by Diallo’s performanceCredit: PANobody quite knew why, though, but it did give Diallo a second chance to celebrate when the referee confirmed the goal.He could have had a second soon after.With another searching ball, Fernandes picked out his run and after racing into the box his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski denying him with an outstretched leg.Garnacho dragged the spotlight across the pitch to him when he went on a wriggling run through three players in the box before hitting the deck.Again there were cries for a penalty again they were waved away.With a slender lead, United still had to be careful and they were caught napping in the 64th minute for what should have been the PAOK equaliser.Taison’s ball rolled unhindered past those in red and settled at the feet of Tarik Tissoudall.There was nobody near him and in football terms, he had all the time in the world, but shot straight at Onana.He held his head in his hands as did his teammates as The Stretford End breathed a sigh of relief.The sighs turned to roars when substitute Christian Eriksen launched a ball forward that PAOK’s Baba seemed to have under control.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Diallo was snapping at his heels, forced him off the ball, ran away with it and then from the edge of the area fired a curling drive home.What a goal, what a night for Diallo. 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FORMER Wrexham ace Blaine Hudson is preparing for life after he hangs up his football boots.Hudson, 33, spent two years with the Red Dragons and made 84 appearances before leaving for rivals Chester in 2016.Former Wrexham ace Blaine Hudson has completed a lorry driver courseCredit: Gatewen Training ServicesHudson now plays for The New Saints in the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyNow the centre-back plays for JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints and competes in the Conference League this season.But he is already looking ahead to life after football, which is why he completed his HGV lorry driver training.According to The Leader, Hudson has been following in his father’s footsteps by linking up with Gatewen Training Services.And the towering 6ft4in footballer is exploring exciting opportunities in logistics and transportation.Read More on FootballHudson told a group of young people from the WeMindTheGap ‘Gappies’ programme, which is an initiative designed to provide new opportunities and skills to young people: “Learning new skills outside of football has been an exciting and rewarding journey.”Gatewen Training Services and NEWSA offer incredible facilities here in Wrexham, and I encourage anyone considering a career change to explore the opportunities available.”The logistics sector is in high demand, and I’m grateful to everyone at Gatewen and NEWSA for helping me on this path.”Hudson started out his footballing career at Norwich before moving to Cambridge United, Wrexham and Chester.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he has been playing with The New Saints since 2017 where he is a key defensive figure.The Welsh outfit are set to visit Shamrock Rovers on November 7 in the League Phase of the Conference League.The Armenian football club FC Noah will be taking on Chelsea in the Uefa Conference League Craig Harrison’s side have fared well in the competition as despite losing to last season’s finalists Fiorentina they picked up an impressive 2-0 win over Astana. More

CHELSEA fans noticed an amazing interaction between Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Mykhailo Mudryk during last night’s clash with Panathinaikos.Enzo Maresca’s side won 4-1 in Greece to make it six points from two games in this season’s Europa Conference League.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall spoke to his team-mate Mykhailo MudrykCredit: TNT SportsThe pair appeared to clear the airCredit: TNT SportsJoao Felix was at the double for the Blues, with Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku also notching.Mudryk, 23, assisted Felix’s first goal on 22 minutes.Amid the celebrations, Dewsbury-Hall was seen putting his arm around the Ukrainian.It appeared that the pair were talking out their differences, having clashed a few minutes earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Leicester midfielder, 26, had been upset when Mudryk failed to pass to him on the edge of the box.Having ignored Dewsbury-Hall’s cries for the ball, the winger instead took a shot – which sailed harmlessly over the bar.The pair appeared to exchange furious words, with Mudryk seemingly defending his decision to shoot.All was forgiven a few minutes later, when Mudryk teed up Felix’s opener.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMudryk, 23, produced an improved performance in GreeceCredit: APAfter seeing Dewsbury-Hall put his arm around his team-mate, several Chelsea fans gushed on social media.One wrote: “I’m in love with this team.”Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A While a second commented: “What we love to see.”A third gushed: “Discipline, my club is so back.”And another added: “Class move by DH.”Following Mudryk’s improved display, boss Maresca assessed his start to the season – having not even named him on the bench against Liverpool last weekend.”We’re working with him and all the wingers,” the Italian began. “They need to arrive inside the box in the position where Misha [Mudryk] scored.”He’s struggled to arrive there, now he’s started to. That’s where we’re going to score goals. We want the best for Misha – since day one we’ve tried to help him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Probably he’s one of the guys that the learning process is more slow compared to the rest. But he’s improving.”I’m sure that slowly, slowly we’re going to arrive where he will score more goals and to be more important for us.”Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. 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CHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos. Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Chelsea eased to a routine win over PanathinaikosCredit: EPAJoao Felix got the goals flowing with a neat finishCredit: ReutersBefore kick-off, the Greek side paid tribute to former defender George Baldock in their first home match since his tragic death.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku. However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation. Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…READ MORE ON CHELSEAFilip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start. Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet. Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts. Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBenoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede. Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central. Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskFilip Jorgensen’s biggest challenge was dealing with the laserCredit: TNT SportsRenato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post. Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession. Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance. Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal. Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband. Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure. Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner. Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix. Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all. Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again – brilliant performance, best man on the pitch and one of his best performances for Chelsea.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in at the back postCredit: APChristopher Nkunku made no mistake from the spotCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home. Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on. Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.READ MORE SUN STORIESCesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday. Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had bags of energy in midfieldCredit: APJoao Felix found the net twice and won a penaltyCredit: AP More

CHELSEA stars Filip Jorgensen and Christopher Nkunku had lasers shone in their faces at PanathinaikosThe Swedish-Danish goalkeeper, 22, got a rare start between the stick for the Conference League trip in Greece on Thursday.Filip Jorgensen had a laser beamed on his face during the Conference League trip to PanathinaikosCredit: TNT SportsChristopher Nkunku was also targetedCredit: TNT SportsThe Frenchman kept his composure to score the penaltyCredit: TNT SportsBut when the hosts got ready to put a corner into the danger area after 14 minutes, he was distracted by a laser.The green beam could clearly be seen on Jorgensen’s face. An announcement was put out over the PA system at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. However, it was seemingly ignored by some as Enzo Fernandez also had his face lit up in green during the first half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen before Nkunku took his penalty to make it 4-0 on the night, he was blinded by the bright laser beams.The Frenchman had to cover his eyes with his hand and squinted while being targeted but kept his composure to slot home the spot-kick. And the offences could prompt a fine from Uefa as punishment to Panathinaikos for their fans’ behaviour.Chelsea fans took to X, outraged by the use of a laser pen – which is an all-too-familiar occurrence in Greek football.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fumed: “So Panathinaikos fans are doing laser in the face of Chelsea players? How classy.”Another wrote: “Why are Panathinaikos fans pointing laser pens at Chelsea’s players?? Why?”Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskAnd a third added: “Nothing says Conference League like laser pointers on the faces of Chelsea players!”Joao Felix rounded off a lovely team move to break the deadlock before Mykhailo Mudryk headed in for 2-0.Mudryk, who assisted the first, turned provider again for the third as Felix’s deflected strike bounced in.The Portuguese forward won the penalty from which Nkunku scored before ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation for the hosts. Earlier on, Panathinaikos paid an emotional tribute to their former defender George Baldock.Baldock died tragically in the swimming pool at his Athens home on October 9 aged just 31. A live band played a version of David Bowie’s Starman ahead of kick-off, the song Sheffield United used for his chant during his time with the club.Fans in both the home and away end held up cards with Baldock’s No32 on, while 32 flags bearing the number were waved pitchside.Supporters also displayed a homemade banner reading “George Baldock, Immortal” in Greek in the club’s first home game since his sudden passing.Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.Players from both sides, who took part in a minute’s silence ahead of the game, wore black armbands while the Chelsea squad also posed with a Blues shirt with “Baldock, 32” printed on the back.READ MORE SUN STORIESBaldock’s team-mates appeared close to tears during the minute’s silence, with manager Diego Alonso having said the club were still in a state of mourning.Panathinaikos players and staff plan to travel to England for Baldock’s funeral later this month, while the club are also considering honouring the remainder of his three-year deal to support his family. 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