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    Chelsea chief hails Blues ‘gutsy and aggressive’ FA Cup defeat of Manchester City

    EMMA HAYES quashed any ideas of leaving Chelsea after claiming her 11th major trophy at the helm with their FA Cup defeat of Manchester City. The jubilant Kingsmeadow boss paid tribute to her players after stating she was f**king happy with her team’s 3-2 victory.
    Emma Hayes and goalscorer Cuthbert helped Chelsea to their fourth FA Cup winCredit: �MI News & Sport Ltd
    An extra-time goal from Sam Kerr led to a 3-2 Blues defeat of Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    An Erin Cuthbert boomer and a brace from Sam Kerr saw Chelsea bring joy to Blues fans after their Prem side suffered FA Cup heartbreak against Liverpool on Saturday.
    And the team claimed their fourth trophy in the competition under Hayes in dramatic fashion in front of a contest record crowd of 49,084.
    A stunning extra-time solo effort from Kerr sealed the victory for her side.
    Hayes said: “That was so amazing for the women’s game, two teams that respect the crap out of each other going toe-to-toe…we were so gutsy.
    “I loved the game plan I thought it was really aggressive, but we had to grind, we had to work.
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    “I’m just so f**ing happy. I’m being dead honest! Those women will go down in history.
    “I will look back in 10 years’ time and will be like ‘that group was immense’.
    “They are the best team I have ever coached. We have a group of people that won’t be on the losing team. They will find a way.”
    The Kingsmeadow chief paid tribute to Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia and club chairman Bruce Buck.
    The duo reportedly expected to remain in their roles under prospective new owner Todd Boehly.
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    And she dismissed any notion of calling it day with the club having led them to double silverware triumph.
    Hayes added: “Everyone knows I have a contract at Chelsea so what is the speculation about?
    “Is there a job you guys are telling me I am going for that I know nothing about?
    “As far I am concerned, I don’t have to kill any speculation, I am under contract and there is nothing to talk about.”
    Ji So-Yun made her final Chelsea appearance ahead of her departure from the clubCredit: PA
    Hayes saluted outgoing players Ji So-Yun, Drew Spence and Jonna Andersson.
    The trio all played their last games in Chelsea shirts sealing their exits with a trophy double.
    The Blues chief said: “I’m so gutted to lose three brilliant people.
    “I’ve coached Drew since she was 19/20 years of age. I watched her grow up and I’m so proud of her and Jonna.
    “I said the same thing to all three of them at the end of the game, ‘this is your legacy’.
    Chelsea took the lead with Kerr heading them in front off the back of Millie Bright’s curled free-kick in the 33rd minute.
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    Man City levelled with Hemp walloping past Ann-Katrin Berger before Cuthbert’s second-half thumper restored Chelsea’s lead.
    But a late equaliser from Hayley Raso took the match into extra time before Kerr bagged the winner jetting down the wing before firing home a 99th-minute winner.
    Despite the loss, Gareth Taylor said he was proud of his team’s endeavours.
    The City boss said: “My feeling isn’t really one of disappointment. Of course, we have lifted the trophy before and wanted to do it again 
    Gareth Taylor is proud of his team’s recent performances the ‘disappointment’ of their FA Cup loss to ChelseaCredit: �MI News & Sport Ltd
    “But my feeling is pride in the way the team has played at times.
    “There are areas we have to improve on and there were mistakes made – the only thing of disappointment is that if you give Chelsea three goals you will have to do a lot to win the game.
    “We know we have areas to improve but we have a lot of good young talent coming through at the club so the future is bright.” More

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    Chelsea ace Andreas Christensen PULLED OUT of playing FA Cup final just hours before kick-off leaving team-mates stunned

    ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN pulled out of Chelsea’s FA Cup final squad just hours before kick off – leaving team-mates stunned.The defender told boss Thomas Tuchel that he was not ready to play.
    Andreas Christensen pulled out of Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat to Liverpool just hours before kick-offCredit: Getty
    Christensen had played the whole 90 minutes of the previous match at Leeds.
    Surprised Tuchel was forced into an emergency reshuffle of his Wembley plans and started rookie Trevoh Chalobah in the Denmark centre back’s absence.
    Chelsea went on to lose the final 6-5 on penalties to Liverpool after extra time.
    An hour after the final whistle Tuchel confirmed that Christensen is leaving Chelsea when the season finishes next Sunday.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Blues ‘line up £42m Casemiro transfer’ whilst being ‘in hunt’ for Lewandowski
    Head coach Tuchel said: “We are losing Toni, we are losing Andreas, so this is tough.”
    Spanish giants Barcelona have agreed a deal to take Christensen on a free transfer this summer.
    A source close to Christensen claimed the player had felt unwell in the days leading up to the biggest domestic match of the season.
    Fellow Chelsea stars were left bewildered when Christensen left the team hotel.
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    It now looks like the former youth team star has played his last game for Chelsea.
    They are at home to Leicester on Thursday and then Watford on Sunday and Christensen is unlikely to feature at all.
    Chelsea still need three points to guarantee third place in the Premier League.
    The sour end to Christensen’s time as a Chelsea player is a blow to Tuchel who is losing Rudiger and facing the uncertainty of new ownership taking over the club after it was hit by Government sanctions. More

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    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel demands investigation into Mason Mount abuse after star branded ‘bottle job’ by online trolls

    THOMAS TUCHEL called for an investigation into abuse aimed at Mason Mount after having his FA Cup final penalty saved.The 23-year-old Chelsea midfielder was subjected to four-letter rants and branded a ‘bottle job’ by online trolls on social media.
    Mason Mount was branded a ‘bottle job’ but brutal trolls after his penalty missCredit: Getty
    Thomas Tuchel has asked for an investigation into the abuseCredit: Getty
    Mount’s spot-kick was stopped by Alisson moments before Kostas Tsimikas stepped up to clinch a first FA Cup in 16 years for Liverpool in a 6-5 shootout win.
    Chelsea boss Tuchel said: “Nothing I can say will stop these guys doing it. I don’t understand social media anyway. It has a huge impact and I don’t get it.
    “I’m not on social media and it keeps me healthy, more healthy than I would be on it. It’s a very thin ice for everybody who is in such a spotlight to be out there. Abuse is not acceptable, be it here or on social media.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’CURSED’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mason Mount branded a ‘bottle job’ by trolls as star misses crucial pen in final
    “If someone thinks he has the right to write it, we will not be able to stop him — but maybe we can investigate.”
    Mount was told to f*** off and labelled a c*** by one sick moron and called a bottle job by others despite his efforts at Wembley over the 90 minutes and extra time, which ended 0-0.
    Mount also missed the decisive penalty in a Carabao Cup last-16 game at Tottenham in 2020 which sent Chelsea out. It now means he has an unwanted record of 0-6 when playing at Wembley.
    But Tuchel backed his young star who is awaiting contract talks with Chelsea once new ownership of the club is confirmed.
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    Tuchel said: “The penalty will not change my opinion about Mason. If you see the importance of games that he plays consistently for us, he is a key figure in this squad and club.
    “He is a super nice guy and we don’t start doubting now because he misses a penalty.”
    Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, who also missed in the shootout, offered support to Mount over his spot-kick trauma.
    Azpilicueta said: “We are all together here. We have the list.
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    “We all feel confident and we want to shoot. Mason will have a lot of chances. He’s a young player. It’s part of football. When you arrive to the penalty shootout you try to do the best you can. We were ready for it.
    “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. It’s football, it’s hard to take. For me, as well, I missed my penalty. We, as players, are the first ones to hurt.
    “We want to score the penalties. We want to make our fans happy. It didn’t happen. We have to put our heads up and go for the next one.”
    Azpilicueta hit the post while Mount’s effort was saved by Liverpool keeper Alisson.
    The Spain defender added: “This is the highest level. It’s a fine line where two centimetres can go to the post and out — or the post and in.
    “We have shown we can compete against one of the best teams in England and the world.” More

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    FA Cup star Kostas Tsimikas was always meant to be a Liverpool hero, many just didn’t know

    LIVERPOOL’S quadruple hopes are still very much alive thanks to an “unlikely hero” in Kostas Tsimikas.Tsimikas scored the winning penalty on Saturday’s FA Cup Final at Wembley after yet another goalless draw and sudden death shootout against Chelsea.
    FA Cup final star Kostas Tsimikas was always supposed to be a Liverpool hero since his arrival in 2020Credit: Reuters
    The left-back was the final hero who made it two out of four for the Reds – but there was nothing “unlikely” about him.
    The 26-year-old defender burst onto the scene in 2018 at Olympiacos following two successful loan stints at Esbjerg and Willem, who played a crucial role in his development.
    Loans rarely work for Greek youngsters as many mistake them for rejection and instead of making the most of it abroad they prefer to stay at home – but not Tsimikas who saw it as a great opportunity to hone his craft.
    Then aged 22, Tsimikas quickly won over the Greek giants’ manager Pedro Martins, who quickly established him as his starting left-back.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WINNER TAKES ALL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Liverpool & City may be forced into incredible title play-off – here’s how
    The Piraeus outfit may not be part of football’s elite but take themselves very seriously – only those with the right combination of talent and character can win over an extremely demanding crowd.
    Greek clubs prefer quick fixes, which is why they often turn to players from overseas instead of investing time on youngsters, meaning Tsimikas had to overcome even more obstacles.
    He played a critical role in Olympiacos’ stunning 2019-2020 season, in which they won the domestic double and eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League before taking Wolves to the limit in the last 16.
    It was obvious the Greece international was not just another flash in the pan like so many youngsters before him – he was hands down the club’s best left-back since the legendary Grigoris Georgatos.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It was only a matter of time until Europe’s elite came knocking and Liverpool splashed £12million in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
    Tsimikas’ departure left a huge void at Olympiacos, who are still struggling at full-back without his trademark forays down the wing and his pinpoint crossing.
    Switching the Superleague for the Premier League is always a huge leap for every Greek lad and his debut season got even tougher as he was stricken by injury and Covid-19.
    Tsimikas’ admittedly underwhelming first year at Anfield, which only allowed him seven appearances across all competitions, saw many hastily and mistakenly dub him a flop despite his limited pre-season.
    Liverpool ace Kostas Tsimikas scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup FinalCredit: Getty
    There were also times when he was dropped for Norwich full-back Dimitris Giannoulis in Greece’s national team.
    Few allowed for his lack of pre-season, the injury setbacks he suffered or his adjustment to life in Liverpool.
    On Merseyside he has continued to have a hardworking attitude and has formed a friendship with star man Mohamed Salah.
    Fortunately manager Jurgen Klopp continued to believe in the quality he showed at Olympiacos and gave him a second chance that included an injury-free pre-season.
    Tsimikas has managed to stand out this term, even though he is still just Andy Robertson’s backup, with six assists in 25 appearances so far.
    GREEK SCOUSER
    The Greek talent has earned a chant from the Reds’ fans and the Greek Scouser nickname, which he proudly carries with him just like NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo does with his Greek Freak tag.
    The former Panserraikos ace has proven to be a luxury backup that has lefte his mark on Liverpool’s quadruple bid – just as he did at Wembley.
    The Greek Scouser, and of course Alisson, stepped up when the former’s good pal Salah hobbled off with an injury, Luis Diaz missed a raft of chances and Sadio Mane wasted a crucial penalty.
    If there’s one person who isn’t surprised then that’s probably one of his biggest fans, Klopp, who asked him to take a penalty.
    Kostas Tsimikas proved his critics wrong after a poor debut seasonCredit: AFP
    The defender embraced the immense risk of sudden death that could have seen him become either a hero for the ages or the villain that ended the quadruple bid.
    The Greek ace has an important decision to make about his future no matter how the season ends: stay at Liverpool and remain Robertson’s understudy or become a starter – which he deserves – elsewhere.
    But until then he remains so loyal to Liverpool he even raised their Greek Scouser nickname by proudly calling himself the “Scouse Greek”. More

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    How Klopp masterminded FA Cup penalty shoot-out win while Tuchel spotted still making kicker decisions while in huddle

    LIVERPOOL beat Chelsea on penalties for the second time this season on Saturday afternoon to lift a first FA Cup trophy since 2006. And stunning analysis of the moments following the full-time whistle shows the two managers used the time before the shoot-out very differently.
    Jurgen Klopp spoke to each of his penalty takers individuallyCredit: Twitter / @Geir Jordet
    Thomas Tuchel was still making his selections while in the huddleCredit: Twitter / @ GeirJordet
    Football psychology researcher Geir Jordet analysed the sequence of events between the end of the game and Marcos Alonso’s opening kick.
    Just 60 seconds after referee Craig Pawson blew for the end of extra-time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp seemed to have already decided which of his players he would trust from 12-yards.
    The German gaffer approached each selected player and shared a few private words, before finishing off with a trademark hug.
    30 seconds later the process was complete and Klopp gathered his team into a huddle for a speech, breaking it up after 15 seconds.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA 0 L’POOL 0 (5-6 PENS) .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Liverpool win FA Cup after Mount misses penalty in shootout
    Jordet notes that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at that moment in time “was still revising his notes, and eventually making his way into the huddle.”
    Tuchel spent the first couple of minutes after full-time going over his selections, and Jordet suggests that he probably realised Liverpool had broken their huddle before the Blues have even started.
    He then moved into the centre of his players while still checking over his notes.
    It’s an almost carbon copy to Gareth Southgate before England’s Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy last summer.
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    The Three Lions chief gathered his players before he finished his selection.
    On Tuchel’s decision to do the same, Jordet says: “You’re late, not ready, become reactive, and what could have been a smooth final reminder to the team becomes erratic, rushed & stressed.”
    Klopp only spent a few seconds talking to his playersCredit: Alamy
    The German boss appeared to mastermind the victory through his calm and relaxed approachCredit: Alamy
    Upon entering the huddle Tuchel questions his players about their kicks in front of everyone, only succeeding in ramping up the pressure on each of them to respond in front of their team-mates.
    While that was going on a calm Klopp was mingling with his players with an air of calm around him, and even had time to share a chuckle with Virgil Van Dijk.
    As a result of Liverpool being ready first, they had the choice of which side of the halfway line to stand on for the spot-kicks.
    They selected to stand closer to the touchline, meaning they could continue to communicate with Klopp and his staff during the shoot-out.
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    Klopp appeared to mastermind the Reds to victory with his relaxed aura, laying the foundation for his players to perform under pressure.
    Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount then failed to convert from 12-yards, allowing Klopp and Co to tick off a second trophy of the season, with the prospect of more still to come.
    Liverpool forced Chelsea to line up on the opposite side of the pitch to the dugoutsCredit: Getty More

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    Sadio Mane’s brilliant movement caused major problems while Chelsea’s plan to play through pressure backfired in FA Cup

    IT wasn’t a classic – but the FA Cup Final was full of fascinating tactical details at Wembley.Sadio Mane’s movement and Chelsea’s narrow attack which led to them struggling to play through the Liverpool press made it an interesting tactical match – you know, for a 0-0.
    Sadio Mane caused major issues all afternoonCredit: Getty
    There are few domestic club competitions, if any, that have the same sense of history and occasion as the FA Cup. While the Champions League has the glitz and the glamour it does not come close to matching the FA Cup for the history around the competition. This means that FA Cup Final day is one of the most anticipated and watched days in the English football calendar.
    This year we saw Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool facing off against a Chelsea side coached by his fellow German Thomas Tuchel. This match also saw a repeat of the Carabao Cup Final from earlier in the season when Liverpool were winners following a penalty shootout – maybe we should have taken this as a sign of things to come.
    The biggest surprise in the starting line-up for the match for Chelsea was the start given to the Croatian international Mateo Kovacic who was thought to be a doubt after suffering a heavy challenge in their previous match. Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku retained his place from the start with Kai Havertz starting on the bench.
    For Liverpool, the team news was pretty much as expected. Fabinho missed the match due to injury and as such Jordan Henderson started in the midfield as the ‘6’ with Naby Keita coming into the midfield ahead of him. Virgil van Dijk was partnered by the impressive Frenchman Ibrahima Konate and in the attack, we saw Mane used in a central striking role.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}VERDICT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Wasteful finishing from Pulisic and Tuchel fluffing his lines cost Chelsea in final
    Mane’s movement causes problems
    Over the past few months, one of the most interesting aspects of Liverpool’s tactical approach has been the use of Mane as a central striker. He has been used in this role at times in past seasons, typically when Roberto Firmino was injured or suspended, but the position never seemed to really fit him. It always felt as though he was a wide player who did not quite understand the positioning of the role.
    In recent weeks, however, something seems to have clicked with the Senegalese international and now his movement when playing centrally is very, very good.
    With Mane dropping deep to pick up the ball he was consistently able to find time and space on the ball. This allowed him to get turned and find the runs of Luiz Diaz who was attacking the space between the Chelsea right-back and right-sided centre-back
    Now, Mane is a forward who is comfortable and confident when dropping back towards the midfield to receive the ball. This is, of course, the same kind of movement that we would have traditionally seen from Firmino in this role. As Mane drops back he forces the central defender behind him and the midfielder ahead of him to decide how they are going to defend his positioning.
    With Robertson in possession we see Mane drop back towards the ball. This forces the Rudiger to match the run and space is created that Diaz can make a run in to
    If the central defenders step out towards the ball and follow Mane’s run then the diagonal movements of the wide forwards will find space. If the central defender sits off then Mane is able to take possession of the ball and get turned.
    In the early stages of this match, the movement and positioning of Mane pulled the Chelsea defensive line apart.
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    Chelsea struggle to play through pressure
    When you are playing against this Liverpool side you have to expect that they will press and counter-press high up the pitch in order to try to win the ball back as quickly as possible. Playing through the thirds and moving the ball out from the back against Liverpool can be extremely difficult given the combination of fitness and tactical understanding of the Liverpool side.
    Throughout this match, we saw the Liverpool front three lead the defensive effort although it was the support of Naby Keita and Thiago from the midfield who would step out aggressively to support and join the press that prevented Chelsea from being able to play through.
    While Salah and Diaz are holding a wide position and covering the wide pass man to man we see Mane pressing aggressively. He is supported from the midfield by Thiago
    Typically when Chelsea look to build the attack they look to move the ball through the midfield unit. The likes of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in particular are key for the London side in terms of receiving the ball from the central defenders and then playing forward into the final third.
    The pressure that Liverpool applied to Chelsea throughout this game when they were looking to build up prevented the London club from being able to play through and into their playmakers in the centre of the pitch.
    When the ball moves wide we see Liverpool move to squeeze and press the ball. Normally in this position the next pass from Chelsea will be into the midfield
    Because the Liverpool press was aggressive we saw Chelsea forced to play more direct passes than they would have wanted to. We saw more passes that were played from the defensive line either into Lukaku on the highest line or into space. In effect, this was exactly what Liverpool were looking to achieve within this match as they back the likes of Van Dijk and Konate to be able to defend direct balls.
    Chelsea tried to play narrow in attack
    While Lukaku led the line for the Chelsea attack it was notable that Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic were also selected. Neither is a traditional winger as such and this showed in their positioning in this match as they tried to play narrow behind Lukaku. The position of these two attacking midfielders was intended to disrupt Liverpool and force them to adjust their shape.
    Tuchel seemed to want the two of them in the spaces either beside or behind the ‘6’ for Liverpool, in this game Jordan Henderson. The intention was for the ball to be played into the midfield for Chelsea and then progressed into the areas that these two players would be occupying.
    The ball is in the midfield for Chelsea here and the positioning of the two advanced midfielders, both are narrow, means that there is space for the ball to be switched over to the opposite side of the field
    There is a secondary aim with this narrow movement from two players who were looking to play in positions that we would typically be as a ‘10’. As they come narrow the wing-backs for Chelsea, Marcos Alonso and Reece James, in this match would look to move high. This would allow the ball to quickly be switched into the wide spaces.
    Mount and Pulisic are both positioned narrow here as the ball is being played forward. This movement has pulled TAA inside and we see that on the near side Marcos Alonso is making a forward movement to attack the space that has been created
    As the match wore on, and especially after Liverpool lost Van Dijk to injury, we saw Chelsea start to have more success with the central positioning of their players and the ball being moved through the thirds.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RY-LY CHARGED .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Rylan’s emotional Eurovision reaction airs around world as he leaps from seat
    Conclusion
    So, Klopp finally has the FA Cup in his locker. Liverpool have two out of four and a penalty shoot-out passed us by without Kepa getting the headlines.
    Liverpool’s Premier League dream is out of their hands, but even if they fail there, there is a Champions League Final to come.
    For Chelsea, plenty of Tuchel to consider over the summer.
    For more tactical analysis, scouting and stunning data visuals head over to Total Football Analysis – check out their monthly digital magazine which features 22 top articles in the May edition. More

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    Mohamed Salah provides huge Champions League final boost to Liverpool after worrying injury in FA Cup final

    MOHAMED SALAH will be available to play in the Champions League final despite picking up an injury on Saturday.The winger, 29, was forced off with a groin injury 33 minutes into the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
    Salah was forced off with a groin injuryCredit: Alamy
    Van Dijk also picked up an injuryCredit: Reuters
    While it looked very concerning for the Reds at the time, Salah has since confirmed that it is nothing serious.
    When asked if he was okay after the game, he replied: “All good” and reassured fans that he would be available for the Champions League final against Real Madrid later this month.
    Virgil van Dijk was also forced off late in the game with a knee injury.
    During a post-match interview with ITV Football, he said: “We’re going to check it out. I felt in the first half when I sprinted, I felt a twinge behind my knee, I played on.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}STREAM FURY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fury as coverage of Chelsea vs Liverpool on BBC and ITV keeps ‘freezing’
    “In the end, I can’t risk it for the team and I need to trust Joel (Matip). Hopefully it will be fine.”
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp provided an update on both players in his post-match interview.
    He said: “We had to change Mo early, which was not cool. It was my decision, it was pretty cautionary.
    “Mo said, ‘I feel something, I can carry on.’ I said, ‘No.’ A football game is not a perfect physiotherapist, it means it rarely gets better during a game.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “Then Virg stands with me and says, ‘I feel something but it’s fine I think.’ We make a decision together, so he stays on but was clear when we didn’t make it in 90 minutes he has to go off.
    “Obviously I spoke to both already after the game, both are really OK. All that we know is it’s not a big thing, we really came through.”
    The Reds defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to keep their quadruple hopes alive.
    They are still in a two-horse race with Manchester City for the Premier League title and will compete in the Champions League final on May 28. More

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    Hemp confident of ‘underdogs’ City’s chances of finishing season on a high in FA Cup clash with Chelsea

    LAUREN HEMP says her Manchester City side will relish their underdog status against Chelsea.City’s 20-goal leading scorer is confident they can shock the newly crowned WSL champs at Wembley and secure a cup double.
    Lauren Hemp and her team-mates are targeting a cup double triumph over ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Citizens beat the Blues 3-1 to win the Continental Cup in March and winger Hemp, 21, is confident.
    She said: “We’ve got the utmost respect for Chelsea and they deserve credit for winning the title.
    “But we won’t fear them and there’s no way we will be daunted.
    “They’ll probably be favourites but we’re relishing our status as underdogs as it will spur us on.
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    “We’re coming up against the best side around but we know we’ve got what it takes to win.
    “We’ve got world-class players and we’re in really good form so we’re in a confident mood.”
    Hemp helped City end the WSL campaign in style by opening the scoring in a 4-0 win at Reading which has secured a Champions League spot.
    She said: “I’m proud we’ve bounced back strongly after what was a really tough start to the season.
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    “Injuries took a toll and we struggled to get going at the start of the campaign but we’re determined to end on a high.
    “We’ve started dominating games, scoring lots of goals and keeping clean sheets so there’s a real feel-good factor across the squad.”
    England star Hemp (below) will be crucial in this summer’s Euros but is now focused on club glory.
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    She said: “The final is a real showpiece occasion and it’s games like this which create memories that last a lifetime.
    “I count myself fortunate to have come on as a sub in the final in 2019 when we beat West Ham 3-0.
    “That was one of the highlights of my career and it’d be great to write another chapter in our club’s history.
    “Wembley finals are the games that you dream of as a kid and it’s the same when you’re a professional.”
    Hemp is enjoying the freedom to roam in City’s frontline
    Hemp scored twice in a 4-1 semi-final win over West Ham which booked Gareth Taylor’s side’s Wembley date.
    She added: “The manager gives me freedom to express myself.
    “He lets me roam in attack which is a great but it only works because we work so well as a team.” More