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      Crystal Palace 2 Brighton 1: Eagles cling on for win in chaotic final ten minutes with three sent off and horror injury

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      CRYSTAL PALACE clung on to earn a double over rivals Brighton for the first time in 92 YEARS in a match that featured THREE red cards.The Eagles have now won 12 out of 17 in all competitions since December, while Brighton are in danger of blowing up. Crystal Palace won a Premier League thriller against BrightonCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for PalaceCredit: AFPDanny Welbeck levelled the scores before half-timeCredit: GettyBefore Daniel Munoz put Palace ahead with a wonderful strikeCredit: GettyAnthony Taylor dished out THREE red cards – the first came for Eddie NketiahCredit: AlamyThe old timers in the Holmesdale Road stand will have celebrated long into the night after seeing Palace complete a league double over Brighton for the first time since they were both playing in the Division Three South in 1933.But this well-deserved victory, secured with nine men after Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guehi were both sent off for picking up two bookings, is more significant for its impact on both club’s short-term futures. After failing to win their first eight games of the season Palace could yet end it in Europe, having already booked a visit to Wembley to face Aston Villa in an FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month.  Oliver Glasner’s side have a game in hand and moved to within two points of eighth-placed Brighton, who have lost three straight games in a nightmare week that began with an agonising FA Cup quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to Nottingham Forest.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith this victory extending Palace’s unbeaten run to seven matches The Eagles will fancy their chances of qualifying for Europe through league position for the first time in their history. Goals at the start of each half from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Daniel Munoz secured what was ultimately a fairly comfortable victory for Palace, with Eberechi Eze creating both.  The 26-year-old picked a good afternoon to impress in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel, who will also have noted some smart saves from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Mateta’s first goal in the third minute was celebrated with an outpouring of emotion, as it was his first since sustaining the horrific ear injury that required 25 stitches following Liam Robert’s infamous karate kick in Palace’s FA Cup win over Millwall last month.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe French striker was played into space on the left edge of Brighton box by Eze with no obvious route to goal, but turned to create a shooting opportunity before beating Bart Verbruggen with a left-foot curler.  Lifted by the early goal Palace continued to play with confidence, while Brighton looked sluggish. Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineEddie Nketiah was first to be sent off after two bookingsCredit: AlamyMedics later rushed on the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a head clash with Joao PedroA long ball from Henderson caught the visitors out in the 10th minute, with Eze going close to doubling their lead.  It took a brilliant double save from Henderson to preserve Palace’s lead in the 13th minute however. The England goalkeeper did well to get his outstretched left arm down to stop Carlos Baleba’s long-range shot before blocking Welbeck’s follow-up at close range. Henderson could do nothing about Brighton’s 31st minute equaliser, although the same could not be said of Palace defenders Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix, who allowed Welbeck to sneak in between them to volley in from a brilliant cross from the right from Yankuba Minteh. At the age of 34 and with six years since his last call-up, Welbeck’s international career is almost certainly over, but his form has been outstanding all season.If Tuchel can call up Jordan Henderson then anything may be possible.Eze on the other hand could represent England’s future, particularly if he can reproduce the flashes of individual brilliance he showed here on a more regular basis.  Palace’s second goal of the afternoon in the 55th minute was Eze at his best. Marc Guehi was sent marching for picking up a second yellow for a studs up challenge on GrudaCredit: RexHe began a counter-attack from deep in his own half, effortlessly and elegantly carrying the ball into enemy territory, before spotting Munoz in space on the opposite flank.  The cross-field pass to release Munoz was exquisite, although it still left the Colombian international with a lot to do as he cut in from the right to score at the far post. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler responded with a double attacking sub, with Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra coming on for Matt O’Riley and Minteh respectively, but there was no immediate impact.  Glasner also made a change, with Nketiah replacing Mateta, who understandably received a standing ovation for his efforts. It was Nketiah who made his presence felt soonest, with the former Arsenal striker having a strong appeal for a penalty following a tussle with Pervis Estupian. Referee Anthony Taylor felt he went down too easily however and waved him away, as well as showing him a yellow card, which looked a harsh decision. Nketiah paid the ultimate price when his afternoon was ended prematurely after just 11 minutes on the pitch when Taylor showed him a red after a second yellow, although on this occasion he could have few complaints.  The 25-year-old has been in a rich vein of form with three goals in his last five appearances, and his desire to continue got the better of him. A rash challenge for the ball with Jan Paul van Hecke saw him raise his foot far too high, and on other occasions he would have seen a straight red. Guehi was also sent off for a second yellow at the start of an epic 12-minute period of injury time, which left Palace hanging on for dear life. Read More on The SunBrighton were unable to take advantage however, and also lost a man in added time Van Hecke was sent off for a cynical foul on Daichi Kamada. While Palace are flying Brighton are stuttering at the wrong time, and will be nervously looking over their shoulders. Jan Paul van Hecke was then sent packing in added timeCredit: AFP More

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      Spurs can’t fall into the Ten Hag trap with Ange even if he somehow wins the Europa – he looks lonely, isolated and DONE

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      TOTTENHAM cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag trap’.Manchester United were all but certain of giving Ten Hag the elbow at the end of last season.Ange Postecoglou lost his rag after Tottenham lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday nightBut Tottenham cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag’ trapCredit: ReutersEveryone was aligned with the plan — he had to go.And then came the FA Cup final. United somehow managed to beat Manchester City and, for a brief moment, everything looked rosy.Sir Jim Ratcliffe mulled it over and over and eventually he decided on  an almighty U-turn that included giving Ten Hag yet another summer to spend money they didn’t have.And what happened? Nine games into the new season, with just three Premier League wins on the board, they realised they had been duped. It was the same Ten Hag as before. He finally got the chop and United have failed to recover since.Tottenham simply have to look at that situation and think: “Let’s not do that. Let’s not fall into that trap with Ange Postecoglou.”The Spurs boss looks done. No matter what happens, he is gone.And yet everyone is saying that Ange will save his job if he somehow turns things around and guides the club to the Europa League trophy come May.What difference will that make? It just prolongs the inevitable, just like United did with Ten Hag. And look how that ended up.In years gone by, winning a cup would be enough to keep a Spurs manager in the job. Not any more.James Maddison reveals awkward confrontation with Tottenham fans That’s how bad things have become.Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy cannot afford another calamity of a season after this one. But then who do they get next?Mauricio Pochettino seems to be flirting with the idea of a return but he surely won’t be available until after next summer’s World Cup. So what do they do until then?Postecoglou claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate. Come on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Troy DeeneyI have watched Ange’s post-match Sky interview from the defeat at Chelsea about eight times now and my conclusion is that he went there with an agenda and stuck to it.He was expecting people to hammer him — he was expecting there to be nasty questions and the reaction was so unnecessary and odd.I don’t think the interviewer, Patrick Davison, did anything wrong.Postecoglou then claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate.Spurs fans took to the streets chanting ‘we want Levy out’ in a protest against the club’s ownership in FebruaryCome on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Those are the actions of a man who is incredibly frustrated and under pressure.After all, he is human, and that whole club is so f***ing toxic. The whole place needs a revamp.But as a result, Ange has got into this weird, messy state of desperately trying to control the narrative in the most awkward, cringeworthy way possible.He looks like one lonely, isolated guy, especially at full-time at Stamford Bridge.Tottenham fans were angry after another dismal loss at Chelsea this weekThat being said, I am not surprised he did not go over to the away end to applaud them at the end. He got that right, at least.There’s no point stoking the fire even further to get even more abuse.What concerns me is that Ange looks to have no one to bounce ideas off or to seek reassurance from that he is saying the right things and making the right decisions.And why is he still sticking up for this group of players?For too long Spurs have brought in mediocre players who are not up to it to take them to the next level.For Spurs to change, they need to figure out what they are.Are they wanting to be top-four challengers? Are they wanting to simply compete for cups? Do they just want to be a nice, entertaining team  neutrals enjoy watching?At the moment, they aren’t anything — and that’s the biggest concern of the lot.CHELSEA RATINGS V SPURSCHELSEA hung on to clinch a controversial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Spurs.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Maresca’s players.SANCHEZ – 7Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect. It was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display. Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring. GUSTO – 6Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England. That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.  Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield. CHALOBAH – 8With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more. He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability. It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post. COLWILL – 8A rock personified. Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans. Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground. CUCURELLA – 9With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign. He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far. Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines. CAICEDO – 9 Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again. Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most. Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10. FERNANDEZ – 9Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight. He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net. The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time. His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight. NETO – 6The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker. Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned. Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment. PALMER – 8His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year. After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did. A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games. He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.SANCHO – 4Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score. It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net. Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause. He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window. JACKSON – 6Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies. A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence. That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post. Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.SUBSNoni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season. He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead. His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd. Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game. He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly. Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5The ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did. Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign.  More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals plans for life after Match of the Day with just nine shows left until he steps down

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      GARY LINEKER outlined his plans after rolling credits on his glittering 26-year run as Match of the Day presenter.Lineker, 64, will step down from MOTD in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker outlined his plans after leaving Match of the Day in MayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballLineker wants to travel and focus on his podcasts after leaving TVCredit: AlamyThere was speculation suggesting the famous host would be switching to Sky Sports but he recently quashed those rumours.The England legend was asked again about his future plans on the latest episode of The Rest is Football pod where he teamed up with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.A viewer sent a cheeky question to the Leicester hero asking him if he was planning to cover the Championship in a MOTD-style show while his favourite Premier League team is fighting to avoid relegation.Lineker was asked: “Gary, would you do a MOTD style show for the Championship next season so you can finally enjoy Leicester again?”Read More on FootballBut the Tottenham legend proved to be a good sport once more as he laughed it off.Lineker responded: “Alright, we’re not relegated yet, thanks. Well – one – we don’t have the rights on the BBC to show the Championship. And secondly, no thanks.”Shearer and Richards, though, had a follow-up question as they asked their fellow host what he will be doing with his weekends now that he will finally have Saturdays and Sundays off.And the ex-Barcelona star revealed he is planning to enjoy his free time by travelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker replied: “I was thinking the same thing because I’ve never really had weekends off in my adult life.”So I think I’ll be alright. I will go out to eat on Saturday night, have dinner. I’ll have little weekend trips away, possibly some places. Lots of places to go to – food trips, all that sort of stuff. I think I’ll be alright.”‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchShearer asked if he will continue working on TV but Lineker insists he is done with that outlet as there’s nothing better than Match of the Day and echoed his plans to focus on his podcasts.Lineker joked: “No, I’ve got a podcast to do with a couple of clowns and I’m obviously a podcast magnet. It’s not just this podcast, we’ve got lots of others as well.”I’m stepping away from Match of the Day. I mean, where do you go from there? So I think, that’ll do. Thank you very much.”I mean, never say never. Who knows what might pop. But at the moment I’m thinking, ‘No, that’s it. Television’s done’.” More

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      How Pep Guardiola came up with genius new role for Jack Grealish with Man City star told NOT to worry about the ball

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      JACK GREALISH was handed a key role in Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth – and it didn’t involve the ball. SunSport’s in-depth analysis of City’s 2-1 FA Cup win over the Cherries shows Pep Guardiola produced a “tactical masterclass”.Pep Guardiola’s instructions to Jack Grealish changed the game at BournemouthCredit: RexNico O’Reilly starred off the bench thanks to Pep’s genius tactical tweakCredit: PASub Nico O’Reilly bagged two assists as the game changed on the South Coast after the breakGrealish, 29, has endured a frustrating season at the Etihad.He has been used in a bit-part role by the Spaniard, resulting in most of his game-time off the bench. The 29-year-old was again among the substitutes as City headed to the South Coast on Sunday for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final. Despite not scoring or grabbing an assist, Grealish’s contribution to the comeback win was far more subtle – but also vital. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Kweku Afari and Dean Scoggins delved into the tactical battle during the newest edition of Tactics Exposed.And what Guardiola did at half-time – with his team trailing – changed the whole direction of the game. Scoggins explained: “Essentially, City created a diamond in midfield.”So that means Kovacic has dropped back between the centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”You bring two midfielders then in really narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you in that area.”Kevin De Bruyne was initially playing in this role, with the narrow press creating a huge gap for half-time sub Nico O’Reilly.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldBut as the Belgian tired, Guardiola turned to Grealish off the bench. Pep told the England star to “not worry about the ball” as he prepared to enter the fray.And he instead ordered Grealish to focus on pulling Bournemouth’s midfield away to the flanks.Scoggins added: “He was saying ‘You make this run and you don’t worry about the ball.Grealish hugged the touchline, creating space in the middle of the parkThe England star was instructed not to worry about the ball”Now that seems weird, telling Jack Grealish not to worry about the ball.”But the key is, you take the player away [from the middle of the field] and we’ll get joy with Nico O’Reilly.”It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at halftime.”Nico O’Reilly was given the space to grab two assistsCity netted an equaliser minutes after the break through Erling Haaland, who later limped off injured. O’Reilly ran Bournemouth ragged throughout the second 45 minutes, first teeing up Haaland and then Omar Marmoush for the winner. Read More on The SunScoggins added: “I was surprised Marmoush didn’t start.”But talk about flick the switch. To change a tactical element like that – it was absolutely brilliant.” More

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      Erling Haaland lands in Barcelona on crutches for medical tests with Man City star’s season all-but over

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      ERLING HAALAND landed in Barcelona on crutches to undergo medical tests in order to determine whether his season is over.The Norwegian striker suffered an ankle injury in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in their FA Cup semi-final clash last Saturday.Erling Haaland arrived in Barcelona on crutchesCredit: TwitterThe Norwegian has undergone medical testsCredit: TwitterHaaland suffered an ankle injury in Manchester City’s FA Cup clash with BournemouthCredit: REXHe underwent scans on Monday to assess the severity of the injury but was referred to a specialist for additional checks.And the specialist has ruled out the former Borussia Dortmund man for the next SEVEN WEEKS of action.Pep Guardiola said of the forward’s injury: “They told me, the doctors, [that he’ll be out for] between five and seven weeks.”So hopefully the end of the season and in the [Club] World Cup he will be ready.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe Etihad faithful feared the worst when Haaland was spotted leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches and in a protective boot.Injury to his star striker is yet another headache for Guardiola, who has endured his worst season in charge of the Sky Blues.He lamented: “Sometimes there are years that these kind of things happen.”I would say that could not be different at the end of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Norwegian was spotted leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective bootCredit: TikTok / celebstarclips”With all the dangers that we had this season, I’m so sorry for them.”And for Erling as well. [Hopefully, he] can]recover speedy [and] as quickly as possible and come back.”Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headHaaland, who penned a new nine-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad in January, has been City’s star performer in a dismal season for the Premier League champions. The 24-year-old has scored 30 goals in 40 appearances so far this campaign. City will be back in action tomorrow night, welcoming Leicester City to the Etihad.Erling Haaland is Manchester City’s top goalscorer this seasonCredit: Rex More

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      How Pep Guardiola used genius midfield diamond masterclass to break Bournemouth’s press and seal FA Cup semi-final spot

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      MANCHESTER CITY came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and seal an FA Cup semi-final spot.Goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush sealed another appearance at Wembley for Pep Guardiola’s men.Pep Guardiola’s tactical masterclass helped Man City beat Bournemouth 2-1Credit: GettyCity are in another FA Cup semi-final thanks to their comeback winCredit: GettyThe Man City gaffer unleashed some amazing tactical decisions that brought the best out of several stars.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS explains what City did to make the final four once more…LIFE O’REILLYWe shouldn’t forget Nico O’Reilly is a Number 10. So to bring him on and play him at left-back was a bold thing from Pep – but it was for a variety of reasons.One was that Abdukodir Khusanov had been booked in the first half so he was the obvious one to take off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second is it put Ruben Dias on his natural right-hand side and meant Gvardiol came in as the left centre-back.It meant Nunes on the right and O’Reilly on the left like wing-backs, with Kovacic dropping in the gap.Nico O’Reilly had a game-changing performance from the benchThen ace had the run of the left flank thanks to his clever teammatesIt took away some of O’Reilly’s defensive responsibilities and became like a 3-4-2-1. It really confused Bournemouth. He’s got a great touch and went charging up the left, with most of those touches in the attacking half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere’s an argument for him to play there in the league as Pep’s always used full-backs as a weapon.There’s no reason he can’t play there, he gave City more balance. He took the pressure off Nunes on the other side and they had an out-ball that went the other way.Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s ‘legendary’ players after comeback win at Bournemouth PRESSURE MAKES DIAMONDSCity created a diamond in midfield. Kovacic dropped back between the two centre-backs.You then bring two people in very narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you really narrow.What City did was get De Bruyne to go on Cook, who was the full-back, and bring him into the middle of the field.Gundogan does the same, bringing the midfield in, and that left O’Reilly with all that space up the left-hand side.Man City’s players formed a clever midfield diamondIt drew Bournemouth defenders into narrow positionsPep told Grealish to come inside and don’t worry about the ball, because City were getting so much joy with O’Reilly.It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at half-time. Absolutely brilliant. He got his experienced players to carry that out and free up the young kid down the left.Silva is a tactical genius. He’s the one who carries out these little things on the field that go unnoticed.OMAR GODWe don’t know how long Haaland will be out after he suffered an ankle injury but what a replacement to have.I want to focus on Marmoush’s run for his goal, it’s absolutely amazing. O’Reilly plays a high-quality pass.But Marmoush goes the opposite way to where you’d expect him to go.As a defender, they had no idea which one of the two was going to pick him up – and nobody did.Marmoush went backwards, which opened up this big space and nobody went with him. And the finish was good too.Those little darting runs he makes around the edge of the area, he’s so dangerous. Omar Marmoush made an amazing run for his strikeCity’s half-time tweak allowed Marmoush and others to get forward moreSo impressive. I love him as a player and can’t wait to see more of him.In a tactic where you’ve got Haaland and one or two others, it suits him down to the ground.Someone like Foden is in there working hard, it gives him more freedom to play closer to Haaland.But with the striker injured, Marmoush is also a ready-made replacement. I don’t care where he plays – as long as he’s on the pitch.He was outscoring Harry Kane in the first half of the Germany season, which is no mean feat.He’ll just get better, City get a lot of chances. They create a lot and he’s playing for Pep so the sky’s the limit.THE LONG HAALCity played it long, and it was slightly different to what I thought. It was Ederson into Haaland, but they did it cleverly because he should have had a first-half hat-trick.City went over Bournemouth’s midfield early on and it worked really well.They split the centre-backs on the edge of the box, Ederson gave it to one then received it and went long.So it wasn’t long straight away, it was like a one-two. Pep also told Haaland to not stay central and create an angle for Ederson.It also creates space for others joining in for the second ball. It was very direct and Haaland got a lot of joy.Ederson’s long passes worked a treat against Bournemouth’s pressHaaland looked to drift wide and take advantage of Bournemouth errorsHowever, he looks a little off at the moment, he normally puts chances away.More teams are direct now. Ederson is so good, he’s picking out a five-yard square he’s going to land the ball in.That’s where Haaland’s going to be and you can play off him there.The midfielders and attackers supporting the striker had to work their socks off. It wouldn’t have been unfair if City had been 3-1 up at half-time.NUNES GOT COOKEDHe was a real issue. He was hitting this blind ball into midfield.Lewis Cook was marking De Bruyne and bravely left him to move towards Nunes. Before he’s even completed his pass, Cook intercepts it for the Bournemouth goal.It was really poor from Nunes, but he also had the chance to make up for it afterwards by just doing a simple defender’s job.He takes a look over his shoulder, sees Kluivert and switches off.In that split second, Brooks plays the ball behind and Kluivert goes blindside of him.Matheus Nunes had a shocker as his lazy pass ended up in a Cherries goalThe midfielder, playing at right-back, couldn’t even do the defensive basicsIt’s not far, just get across and cover. It wasn’t even midfield defending, let alone proper defending. It was terrible stuff.Thankfully for Nunes, he’s got a genius manager. But I’m still not sure what he is.I don’t know if he’s a midfielder, a 10, a winger. He’s certainly not a full back. City have to address that.Tactically they’re all in the right position but it’s that instinct in those positions that’s not quite right.Gvardiol plays in a way that he can push into the number 10 position as an inverted full-back.Read More on The SunHe moved into a left centre-back position yesterday and did a brilliant job so he’s the utility defender.Go and get a right-back, Pep. I’d love to see this shape a bit more, maybe even against Man United next week. More

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      Marcus Rashford stars on FA Cup weekend with 20-point haul to prompt wave of early transfers

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      MARCUS RASHFORD (£3.7m) earned more points than anyone else over the FA Cup weekend.The England international scored a brace as Aston Villa beat Preston 3-0 at Deepdale for the 20-point return.Rashford enjoyed himself at DeepdaleCredit: Dream TeamIn addition to his goals, one coming from the penalty spot, Rashford registered four shots on target and created two big chances before he was replaced in the 81st minute.He was far from the only Villain to take advantage of what was the most favourable fixture of the cup quarter-finals as Lucas Digne (£3m), Jacob Ramsey (£2.4m) and Ezri Konsa (£3.4m) also notched double-digit hauls.But it’s Rashford who tops the rankings for Gameweek 29 ahead of the midweek Premier League fixtures.Unai Emery’s side are due to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night and it will be interesting to see how many points the 27-year-old on loan from Manchester United is able to add to his tally.Some gaffers have wasted no time in recruiting RashfordCredit: ReutersHe is already among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 30, favoured by those who rightly see no harm in early transfers if they like what they see at the weekend.Remember, transfers can be reversed any time before the deadline if the outlook changes.Broadly speaking, this seems like a good time to back Villa players as they are the only team set to follow up a double header in Gameweek 29 with two more double Gameweeks.In Gameweek 30, Rashford and company will host Nottingham Forest before travelling to PSG for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.Most read in FootballIn Gameweek 31, they will visit Southampton before welcoming the Ligue 1 leaders to Villa Park.Emery will need to rotate his squad as Villa remain active in three competitionsCredit: GettyRelegation-bound Saints aside, it’s a relatively tricky run of opponents but the sheer volume of point-scoring opportunities means Emery’s troops are worthy of proper consideration.As expected, a 20-point haul has put Rashford in the spotlight but Villa’s attacking assets have shared the points around lately.Marco Asensio (£4.1m) has scored seven goals in nine appearances since his loan switch from PSG in January.Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) leads the way for goals (14), assists (13) and points (251) but he had to settle for a one-pointer against Preston as he was restricted to just a few minutes off the bench having skipped England duty because of a troublesome knee.Will Watkins be fit enough to start against Brighton on Wednesday night?Credit: GettyMorgan Rogers (£3.9m) and Youri Tielemans (£4m) have been the most reliable options in terms of minutes and both rank among the top ten midfielders in the game at the time of writing.Villa will have to produce something special to get past PSG in the Champions League but at present they are the only team still active in Europe and the FA Cup which makes them a huge point of focus.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More