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      Chelsea blasted by former player over ‘unfair’ Conor Gallagher rule that sees Crystal Palace loanee miss semi-final

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      EX-CHELSEA player Shaun Wright-Phillips has blasted his former club for not allowing loanee Conor Gallagher to play in today’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.Gallagher has shone for Patrick Viera’s side and has even got an England call-up for his performances in midfield this season. 
      Conor Gallagher misses out todayCredit: Reuters
      The Epsom native has scored eight goals and five assists for the Eagles this season but will miss today’s game against his parent club because Chelsea turned down Palace’s request to play their own player against them. 
      Wright-Phillips feels the decision is harsh on Gallagher and that he should be allowed to play against his old club.
      Speaking to Metro he said: “I don’t agree with the fact that loan players can’t play against their parent team. I’ve never agreed with it.
      “For me, if you think he’s that good then play him in your team, give him his shot to show what he’s capable of.”
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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;}BLUES 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;}Tuchel delivers Loftus-Cheek ultimatum, Terry key to Chelsea Pagliuca bid
      Wright-Phillips added: “You obviously didn’t want to give him his shot, you put him out on loan and now you turn around and you’re nervous for him to play against you.
      “If he’s good enough to play in your team then keep him at your club and play with him.
      “They’ve let him go and now he’s missing out on a big occasion just because Chelsea don’t want to play him.
      “I think that’s really unfair on him.”
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      Thomas Tuchel has claimed that the 22-year-old is part of his plans for next season, but Wright-Phillps believes that his future may lie away from Chelsea.
      He said: “He could go a long way and he needs to be playing as regularly as he is to further his career right now.
      “Even if he just goes back on another season long loan just to get another season under his belt, rather than being in a rotation system because if you look at the situation that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been in.”
      Gallagher’s World Cup hopes could play a part in where he ends up next season.
      He faces huge competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, West Ham’s Declan Rice and Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips in his battle to win over England manager Gareth Southgate.  More

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      in Soccer

      Hayes expects pain and gain in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with title-chasing Gunners

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      EMMA HAYES expects Chelsea to “suffer” in their FA Cup semi-final at Arsenal — but insisted these are the fixtures she relishes.Sam Kerr’s brace after Fran Kirby’s opener helped Chelsea sweep aside the Gunners 3-0 at Wembley in last season’s delayed showpiece.
      Emma Hayes is chasing a fourth FA Cup win with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      The Blues sit one point ahead of Arsenal at the top of the WSL in the race to defend their title.
      But Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners have taken four points from two matches against their rivals.
      So Chelsea boss Hayes expects a closer contest at Borehamwood today in the race for Wembley on May 15.
      She said: “Arsenal have had a tremendous season, they really have.
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      “We’ve been going neck and neck in every competition with them the whole way.
      “We’ve had a lot of battles over the years, I certainly enjoy those games.
      “We’re going to have to suffer at points in the game and I’m sure with the threats we’ve got, we will cause problems.
      “This is what you go to work for, these moments, these privileged positions and there’s nothing better than competing for a place to play in an FA Cup final.”
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       Midfielder Pernille Harder is likely to return but Chelsea said on Friday that England forward Kirby will be out for an indefinite period as she battles ongoing health struggles.
      Arsenal have yet to concede a goal in the competition this season and Eidevall is optimistic about their chances.
      The Swedish manager said: “If we believe together and do everything in our power together, we can achieve something special. More

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      in Soccer

      Bampton hails ‘pure passion’ of Hayes and reflects on Croydon triumphs ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea duel

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      THE FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of Debbie Bampton, whose old club Arsenal play Chelsea in the contest semis later.The retired Lioness is thought to be the first female player-manager to steer a team to a Women’s Premier League and FA Cup double.
      Debbie Bampton (on the right) scored for Arsenal when they won their first Women’s FA Cup in 1993Credit: Action Images
      Her successes highlighted in the book entitled ‘A History of the Women’s FA Cup Final’, include helping Arsenal to win the contest for the first time 29 years ago.
      Renowned for her rampaging midfield play Bampton, was on the scoresheet that day, in April 1993 in Oxford.
      The Gunners, managed by Vic Akers, dispatched the Doncaster (Rovers) Belles 3-0 in front of a 3,457 crowd.
      Bampton, who lives in Eastbourne, said: “Arsenal are the team I’ve supported all my life so (the win) was pretty special.
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.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .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;}DON’T MESS WITH VI .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;}Vieira grabbed senior Arsenal star by THROAT aged just 20, reveals Keown
      “It was the year after I had come back from (playing in) Italy
      “Vic was the major guy back then who led the team to success”
      While Bampton, who now works for Royal Mail, enjoyed that moment, it is her first FA Cup win with Croydon of which she has the fondest memories.
      In 1996 she played for and managed the side then skippered by Brighton boss Hope Powell, that beat Liverpool on penalties.
      And the club also won the Women’s Premier League before going on to retain the title the following season.
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      Bampton added: “I had two seasons Arsenal and as much as I love them as a club, the love I had for Croydon was different. It was like a family.
      “We had talents like Hope and Brenda Sempare – who was a brilliant player.
      “We used to have nans and grandfathers come with us on coaches to games and boyfriends and girlfriends too.
      “I used to include them all, but that never took away from our professionalism.
      Hope Powell led Croydon to a Women’s FA Cup win in 1996Credit: PA
      “What we created there as double league champions was really, really special and something I will treasure as just as much as I do my first England cap.”
      Today Bampton’s old side will attempt to reach this season’s FA Cup final with boss Jonas Eidevall targeting his first silverware win in England.
      They face the formidable task of attempting to end Chelsea’s run with Emma Hayes’ team looking to dispatch the Gunners as they did in last year’s cup final.
      In Hayes, Bampton sees a head coach who shares same passion she has for the game.
      Bampton admires the success Emma Hayes has bought to ChelseaCredit: PA
      Bampton said: “What I like about Emma (Hayes) is her pure passion for football. Her coaching abilities are second to none.
      “You can see it when you watch her on the touchline.
      “And I liked that went she was asked about the Wimbledon job she replied why would I (leave) when I’m managing Chelsea.
      “Things like this show how far women’s football has progressed.”
      The Women’s FA Cup and wider game has evolved since Bampton hung up her boots in 2000 after a career that her honoured in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.
      And the top-flight game becoming professional is something Bampton sees as one of the sport’s most important milestones  
      The former England captain added: “I can remember sitting at the airport 23 years ago when I stopped playing for England and I thought ‘we have got to be full-time to compete’.
      “At the time Germany were probably 15 years ahead of us and we used to beat American sides and they caught up with us.
      Arsenal hope to avenge their loss against Chelsea in last year’s delayed FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      “As full-time players, our footballers can now compete with the very best.
      “We took too long to progress, but now we seem to have caught up quite quickly.
      “We’ve got to keep progressing. I believe we’re close to becoming European or world champions.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea face season ending with whimper after Euro exit but Tuchel’s shown he’s man to inspire Wembley bounce back

      by

      CHELSEA will have to pick themselves up off the canvas against Crystal Palace this afternoon after being dealt a crushing Champions League knockout blow by Real Madrid.The Blues came agonisingly close to a sensational European comeback for the ages in the Spanish capital on Tuesday, only for the wily perennial champs to find a way to win.
      Chelsea stars were left dejected after their heroic mid-week efforts came just shortCredit: Rex
      Thomas Tuchel has already illustrated that he’s the perfect man to pick his stars up from adversityCredit: Rex
      Thomas Tuchel’s players were devastated upon the final whistle after falling just short of a historic triumph, while surrendering their trophy defence in the process.
      Antonio Rudiger screamed into the Madrid sky, while Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech appeared to well up before leaving the pitch.
      In the FA Cup, the Blues now have one last chance to avoid the season ending with a whimper – a prospect that seemed disastrous six months ago. Even if it means beating Liverpool in the final.
      If it’s any consolation to Chelsea fans, their outstanding manager has helped his side overcome worse adversity this season.
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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;}BIT RUD .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;}Chelsea’s Rudiger rages after Alaba picks crestfallen defender up from ground
      When the club’s assets were frozen following sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich last month, it would have been easy for the Russian’s beloved Blues to wobble amid talk of potentially empty stadiums, club shops and even pay-packets.
      But how did Tuchel respond? By saying all the right things, hitting all the right notes, and inspiring his team to four wins on the spin.
      He really is that good.
      Even last weekend, Chelsea bounced back from a frankly weird 4-1 home defeat to Brentford, and the first-leg loss to Madrid, by spanking Southampton 6-0 in their own backyard.
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      In Crystal Palace, the Blues will face an opponent on the opposite end of the scale to Champions League royalty Madrid.
      Wide-eyed and with nothing to lose.
      Patrick Vieira has done an extraordinary job with the Eagles in his maiden campaign managing in England, perfectly executing a much-needed rebuild and allowing fans to dream of swashbuckling football and, whisper it quietly, FA Cup glory and the European football that would follow.
      Conor Gallagher’s ineligibility to play against his parent club is an almighty blow, but Vieira has shown enough nous to suggest he’ll have a decent plan to cope.
      Chelsea may bounce back from mid-week disappointment with a Wembley victory, but it won’t just be handed to them by this season’s new-look Palace team.
      They’ll have to show a character befitting their manager and take it for themselves.
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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;}DON’T RAIN ON ER PARADE .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;}Harry & Meghan could ‘hijack’ Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, royals fear
      Bosses have been sacked at Chelsea for ending seasons without a trophy in the past, such has been the brutal nature of the club’s win at all costs mentality.
      At least Tuchel can point to their Super Cup and and Club World Cup victories earlier in the year – although they are seen more as cherries on top of last season’s Champions League heroics.
      But Tuchel has shown that he is the man to lead the West Londoners into a fresh era under new ownership – with today’s FA Cup tie a perfect opportunity to remind watching would-be buyers just what safe hands the club are in, while ensuring that they may not end the season empty-handed after all.
      Old Arsenal foe Patrick Vieira stands in the way of Chelsea and a Wembley finalCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel is fighting to save Chelsea’s season at Wembley but his job security cannot be in doubt

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL has the task of saving Chelsea’s season on Sunday but his job is as safe as houses.The last chance of a trophy this year rests on an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
      Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel has transformed the team with his ‘honesty, commitment and instinctive intelligence’Credit: Getty
      Tuesday’s gallant exit from the Champions League at Real Madrid counts for nothing now the dust has settled on a brilliant but ultimately failed performance.
      The European Cup is on its way back to UEFA HQ, Chelsea are third in the Premier League and lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool just six weeks ago.
      In normal circumstances, Chelsea’s manager would be under immense pressure to deliver silverware or face the sack.
      Regardless of charisma, character or previous success, the demands under outgoing owner Roman Abramovich were relentless.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Victorious Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti can vouch for that having been axed less than a year after winning The Double.
      Tuchel is undoubtedly the best thing that has happened to Chelsea for years.
      But if Abramovich were still in full control, awkward questions would be being asked ahead of kick-off for what has become a vital match.
      The fact that Stamford Bridge is a power vacuum right now is a huge relief for Tuchel.
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      With no outright owner of the club while Russian Abramovich ducks from country to country watching his financial empire crumble, there is nobody around to order the cull.
      The once busy beheading room at Stamford Bridge is eerily quiet and Tuchel is probably in the safest job in English football.
      Four hopeful consortiums have submitted their final offers to buy the now former European champions and await the outcome this week.
      Of course it would be absurd, a massive mistake to sack Tuchel or even allow negative PR to fester around the man who has steered Chelsea through the trickiest few weeks since its formation 117 years ago.
      The four groups hoping to gain control of one of the most powerful clubs in European football are also gushing positivity about grand plans for the future and saying all the right things to the fans.
      Tuchel is by far the best man to lead Chelsea into a new era under fresh ownership.
      Tuchel’s honesty, commitment and instinctive intelligence have transformed Chelsea since he took over in January last year. But so did his predecessor Frank Lampard’s.
      Lampard, Chelsea’s greatest ever goalscorer, also brought Mason Mount and Reece James into the first team via the academy and they are now key players for club and country.
      It was Lampard who got Chelsea into the knockout stages of last season’s Champions League from where Tuchel picked up and went onto win it.
      After which the German spent £97 million on Romelu Lukaku in the summer for a return so far of 12 goals – three of those against lower league opponents in The FA Cup.
      Manchester City and Liverpool are out of sight in the Premier League.
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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;}TUCH HARSH .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;}Chelsea boss Tuchel tells Lukaku he has to be like Werner to get back into team
      Chelsea are third, 12 points off the top with seven games to go and look at least two years off making a renewed bid for the title.
      That’s a trophy they haven’t won since 2017 – four years and three managers ago.
      Tuchel is by far the best man to lead Chelsea forward into a new era under fresh ownership when the turbulence of recent weeks finally subsides. More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool 11 games from incredible quadruple including clashes with Man Utd and Everton after sealing FA Cup final spot

      by

      LIVERPOOL are 11 games from pulling off a miraculous quadruple after their pulsating FA Cup semi-final win.Jurgen Klopp’s men beat rivals Man City 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday to book their spot in next month’s final.
      Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-2 at Wembley to book their spot in the FA Cup finalCredit: Getty

      The Reds will face either Crystal Palace or Chelsea – who they beat in the Carabao Cup final in February.
      And Klopp’s side have seven Premier League games and a potential three Champions League contests to pull off a historic quad.
      Liverpool are one point behind Man City in the Premier League title race with seven games to play.
      They include home fixtures against their two biggest rivals this week – Manchester United on Tuesday night and Everton on 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;}CAL-ED UP .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 target Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold
      The Reds also face a trip to Aston Villa, who are managed by their legendary former captain Steven Gerrard.
      And there’s the small matter of a Champions League semi-final against Villarreal also on the horizon at the end of the month.
      If Liverpool beat Unai Emery’s side then they’ll face either Real Madrid or Man City in the final in Paris on May 28.
      No team has pulled off the quadruple before with Manchester United winning the treble in 1999 and Man City the domestic treble in 2019.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Man City still have the Premier League title in their hands after the 2-2 Premier League draw last weekend.
      But the Reds are just one point behind and ready to pounce in their quadruple quest if Pep Guardiola’s men drop points.
      Klopp told BBC after the Wembley win: “The quadruple talk I can’t believe it. This win means we have another game and then we have to play Aston Villa in a midweek, they have to move one game again.
      “I don’t think we have a full free week before the last matchday – it’s all difficult but who cares?
      Jurgen Klopp was delighted after the game, but admits winning the quadruple will still be difficultCredit: Getty
      Sadio Mane scored twice in the win over Man City at WembleyCredit: Alamy
      “We came here and we wanted to go through to the final.
      “We knew about the problems but qualifying for this final makes the quadruple even more difficult – it’s the only way to do it but it makes it more difficult as well so it’s a strange situation.
      “But we are over the moon, we beat the strongest football team in the world and that’s a pretty special moment.” More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool were fit, fresh, vicious and organised while Man City were battered and bruised after Atletico Madrid war

      by

      BOXING rematches are often a disappointment.Six days after City and Liverpool tore strips out of each other, in a bloody brilliant game described by Jurgen Klopp as a heavyweight fight,  these two were back in the ring.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are celebrating after reaching the FA Cup FinalCredit: Getty
      Liverpool were fit, fresh, vicious and organised in the win over Man CityCredit: EPA
      City were lucky ref Michael Oliver did not put them out of their misery and stop this contest at half-time. The last few minutes, when Bernardo Silva scored a late goal, merely set up an unexpected tense finish.
      Here was a fresh and fit Liverpool team at their most vicious and organised.
      In contrast, City were left battered and bruised from the midweek clash at Atletico Madrid and the changes did not work.
      And while City can no longer win the Treble Liverpool could still win the Quadruple. It still sounds impossible even on this evidence, but it could actually happen.
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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;}MAN CITY 2 LIVERPOOL 3 .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;}Mane double and Steffen howler send Reds to FA Cup final
      These two could still meet in the final of the Champions League in Paris.
      And during the week, Liverpool entertain Manchester United and City host in-form Brighton.
      So it would be foolish to rule out another twist.
      Exactly a year ago today, City’s hopes of winning the Quadruple were blown to pieces with a defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final. During the same weekend, Liverpool were lurking in sixth place.
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      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      So it is an astonishing achievement by Klopp and team – helped by some fine signings – that the team are able to even contemplate tearing up the history books.
      Despite the seven City changes from midweek and the fact Liverpool were able to rest players for the second leg against Benfica, no one – certainly not even Klopp – could have expected such a mismatched first half.
      We had seen it before, though. It was reminiscent of the 2018 Champions League quarter-final when Liverpool battered City with three goals in the opening 31 minutes.
      Ibrahima Konate, a £36million signing from Leipzig, had not scored until the quarter-final first leg away to Benfica and now he is on a run all strikers would be proud of with three in as many games.
      They have also been extremely similar in the terms of the way he has leaped high above everyone else and planted an absolutely unstoppable effort past the keeper.
      So you would have thought City would have been a bit more clued up when he rose unchallenged to meet Andy Robertson’s outswinging cross.
      And then came the moment in the 17th minute when you knew City were out of the Cup.
      In the 2-2 draw at the Etihad, No 1 keeper Ederson was guilty of some poor control and did his best to hand Diogo Jota an easy goal but the Brazilian got away with it.
      Sadly, No 2 keeper Zack Steffen had been watching a bit too closely. He dithered after receiving a back pass and Mane slid in with his right leg to score.
      Unsurprisingly, Steffen looked absolutely shattered and from that moment, you knew that was no way back for City.
      The American looked to be bricking it every time the ball came anywhere near him. There were ironic cheers from the Liverpool fans the next time Mane chased down Steffen although thankfully, he booted the ball before causing another catastrophe.
      The Reds will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the finalCredit: Alamy
      Yet Mane would continue to torment the keeper. He scored a brilliant near-post finish to end the contest with a third before half.
      Thiago Alcantara and Trent Alexander-Arnold bamboozled City with some brilliant quick passing on the edge of the area.
      The Spanish midfielder lifted the ball out towards Mane who got a great connection on the ball to smash an effort into the near post.
      Just 70 seconds into the second half, City attempted to make a game of it. Jack Grealish, after a lousy opening half, struck a shot into the top corner after Sterling left Matip on his backside.
      Jesus wasted two good chances when clean through and on each occasion was denied by Alisson. Someone like Harry Kane would have scored both.
      Fernandinho was lucky to stay on the pitch after a poor challenge on Sadio Mane simply because the City captain should have got a yellow card – on more than one occasion – in the opening 45 minutes.
      Mo Salah should have made it 4-1 after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s hilariously-bad attempt at heading the ball back to his keeper.
      As the officials indicated there would be four minutes of injury time, Bernardo Silva had an easy tap-in after Riyad Mahrez’s shot was saved by Alisson.
      Fernandinho and Sterling had chances but Liverpool held on. More

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      in Soccer

      Man City 2 Liverpool 3: Mane double and Steffen howler send Reds into FA Cup final and keep quadruple hopes alive

      by

      SADIO MANE left Manchester City’s Treble hopes for dead as Liverpool breathed life into their charge for the Quadruple. The Reds winger’s first-half double was enough to see Jurgen Klopp’s side book their place in the FA Cup final.
      Konate gave Liverpool an early lead over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Steffen gifted Liverpool a second goal inside the opening 20 minutesCredit: PA
      Mane netted his second before half-time as Liverpool raced into a 3-0 leadCredit: Alamy
      Grealish pulled one back less than two minutes into the second halfCredit: Getty
      Man City keeper Zack Steffen’s blunder gifted Mane Liverpool’s second after Ibrahima Konate’s early opener. 
      And the Senegal star had Liverpool fans dreaming about becoming the first English club to complete the quad after his second completed a first-half rout. 
      City fought back with goals from Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva but it was too little too late from Pep Guardiola’s side. 
      And with the League Cup already claimed, a Champions League semi-final booked and now an FA Cup final to look forward to, a Treble is definitely 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;}NO WAY ZACK .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;}Pep gamble backfires as howler from City keeper Steffen gifts Mane goal
      But all four will depend on maintaining their Premier League charge in the remaining seven games to overturn City’s one-point advantage. 
      Still recovering from their scrap with Atletico Madrid in midweek, Guardiola called upon the cavalry with seven changes. 
      And with Liverpool having the opportunity to rest their stars in their own Champions League match, it was no surprise the Reds started on top. 
      Grealish had an effort blocked inside four minutes but that was as good as it got for City in the first-half. 
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      Konate headed in his third goal in as many games after his perfect leap over Nathan Ake gave Klopp’s side the upper hand in the ninth minute. 
      But with a red cloud of smoke still loitering above the pitch from the flares lit from Liverpool fans in celebration, stand-in City keeper Steffen handed them a second. 
      With Mane charging, the American stopper failed to show the same nonchalant footwork of first choice Ederson and was caught pondering on the ball. 
      And the Senegalese international slid in to poke the ball into the back of the net to send the red half of the stadium into full party mode. 
      Klopp mentioned the game would be like a boxing match and his side landed another devastating blow moments before the break. 
      With City on the ropes, the ball was played out to Mane who lashed home beautifully for his second and Liverpool’s third. 
      Silva scored late on to set up a thrilling finale but Liverpool held onCredit: AFP
      Klopp got the better of Guardiola at Wembley in their latest tussleCredit: Reuters
      But on Easter weekend, Gabriel Jesus was always going to have a say.
      The Brazilian striker ensured City came out swinging as his fancy footwork allowed Grealish to smash into the roof of the net. 
      Tempers boiled as Fernandinho walked away with a booking after leaving something on Mane. 
      Alisson denied Jesus from close range but was helpless as Silva tapped in a City second in the 90th-minute to set up a tense finish. 
      Fernandinho fired an effort over the bar, before Raheem Sterling tested the Liverpool keeper.
      But it was not enough to overturn the damage inflicted in the first 45 minutes as Liverpool clinched their place in a potentially historic Cup final. More