Football

CHELSEA fans have been left in hysterics after Marc Cucurella “salvaged” his relationship with Puma in a new advert.The left-back’s boots hit the headlines during the Blues’ 4-3 win over Tottenham last Sunday.Marc Cucurella has starred in a new Puma advertCredit: @Cucurella3The brand have seen the funny side in their new advertCredit: @Cucurella3The left-back was left fuming and had to change his bootsCredit: GettyCucurella posted the boots in the bin after the final whistleCredit: @Cucurella3He suffered two disaster moments in the derby, slipping in the build-up to both Spurs goals in the first ten minutes before Chelsea staged a stunning comeback.A fuming Cucurella charged across the pitch after Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0 and swapped boots.After the game, the Spaniard posted a snap of his pair of Puma Future 8s in the bin alongside the caption: “Sorry Blues.”The boots were set to be released by the sportswear brand the following day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they were even engraved with the message: “This boot might be leaked. We’re used to it. Don’t worry. Stay tuned.”It looked to be a marketing own goal but Puma have brilliantly responded.In a new advert posted on social media, Cucurella is wearing the boots alongside a caution wet floor sign.Puma wrote with the image: “It’s not how you slip, it’s how you bounce back.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe post also sees the wet floor sign placed in front of a goal, by the entrance of a Puma store, at a bus stop and on a West London street.Fans found it brilliant, with one saying: “Excellent salvaging work.”Moment Cole Palmer stops interview to quiz Chelsea team-mate Marc Cucurella on his boots after Tottenham clash Another added: “Best marketing ever.”A third wrote: “What a comeback from Puma.”Chelsea players also saw the funny side as Marc Guiu and Enzo Fernandez commented laughing emojis.Cucurella slipped and cost Chelsea two goals in their win over SpursCredit: APPuma put wet floor signs around LondonCredit: @Cucurella3Fans have hailed the ‘best marketing ever’ More

NEWCASTLE’S top stars turned up and delivered to kick off the biggest week of their season so far in a Ruud awakening for Van Nistelrooy at Leicester.The Manchester United legend watched on in horror as his team capitulated at St. James’ Park as ruthless Toon tore them to shreds as he suffered his first defeat in charge.Alexander Isak celebrates bagging the third Newcastle goalsCredit: GettyIsak headed the second of the Toon’s three second-half strikesCredit: GettyJacob Murphy hails rounding off the scoring with his second goalCredit: GettyNew chief Ruud van Nistelrooy saluted Leicester fans after defeatCredit: GettyJacob Murphy grabbed two while Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak scored as finally Eddie Howe’s top talents turned on the magic against a struggling side.They’ve threatened to do it several times this term without success, and their lack of clinicalness has proven costly over recent weeks.But everything went right for them here and they now head into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford full of confidence.Anthony Gordon admitted this week that all the talk of a summer move to Liverpool had affected his form this season as he asked to be left alone to just enjoy his football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he looked to be doing exactly that early on when he got the crowd going by cutting in from the left and unleashing a powerful strike straight towards the top corner.Mads Hermansen made a flying save to tip that one wide and Dan Burn headed over from the resulting corner as the Magpies continued to build up momentum.Joelinton had already fired a long-ranger straight at Hermansen before another vicious attempt from the Brazilian left Hamza Choudhury seeing stars.The ball smashed straight into the Leicester star’s head, with Murphy curling the loose ball wide.Most read in FootballThe right winger opted for style over substance on that occasion, however, it was all power shortly after when he broke the deadlock on the half hour.Murphy fired the fourth goal on the hourCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt all came from a well-worked set-piece that caught the visiting defence sleeping. A short corner was fed into Sandro Tonali, with the Italian then slipping it behind a defender for Gordon to race on to.Eddie Howe cannot hide disappointment after Newcastle’s loss to West Ham The winger darted towards the byline before cutting it all the way back for Murphy to sweep home first-time into the bottom corner.Isak could, and should, have doubled the advantage when he was sent through between two defenders but shot straight at the ‘keeper.Leicester surprisingly changed keepers at the break, presumably through injury, and the first two things Hermansen’s replacement Danny Ward had to do was pick the ball out the net.Van Nistelrooy’s half time plans went straight out the window as they were undone by some more slack marking at a set-piece.Gordon swung a free-kick that Lewis Hall headed back across goal and that allowed Bruno Guimaraes to nod in from close-range at the back post.Newcastle’s storming start continued as they made it three on 50 minutes, this time it was Hall’s deflected cross that went straight into the path of Isak to head home from three yards with Leicester’s marking completely non-existent.Van Nistelrooy had seen enough as Caleb Okoli, Facundo Buonanotte and Patson Daka replaced Hamza Choudhury, Stephy Mavididi and Jamie Vardy.But the triple change, just like the Dutchman’s words at the break, had little effect as the implosion continued.Isak, who had just been denied a second by Ward, turned provider for Murphy to drill the ball through the goalie’s legs on the hour mark to secure his brace.But there would be no hat-trick for the 29-year-old ex-Norwich man as Howe brought him off to a huge ovation with former Leicester flanker Harvey Barnes taking over out wide.He came close three times to getting his name on the scoresheet, but the Toon Army were happy to settle for four as they now switch focus to the Carabao Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, the hard work starts now for Van Nistelrooy and Leicester to try and prevent a harsh winter for the strugglers.And with a derby against Wolves to come next weekend and a trip to Anfield after that, it could prove to be a defining 11 days or so in their own campaign.Bruno Guimaraes rose to make it 3-0 on 47 minutesCredit: GettyMurphy measured his Toon opener on the half-hourCredit: Getty More

TYRONE MINGS withdrew from the Aston Villa team during the warm-up at Nottingham Forest after falling ill.The defender was set for just his second Premier League start of the season at the City Ground.Tyrone Mings fell ill before the match against Nottingham ForestCredit: PAThe defender pulled out during the warm-upCredit: GettyMings even fronted the Villa team sheetCredit: X formeryly Twitter / @AVFCOfficialBut he had to pull out of the team with reports claiming he was taken ill during the warm-up.Mings came out onto the pitch to begin his preparations for the match but minutes later he headed down the tunnel.The Villa captain was subsequently taken out of the matchday squad and Pau Torres took his place in the starting line-up.Boss Unai Emery decided to pick Mings to deal with the threat of 10-goal striker Chris Wood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained the reasoning behind his decision, saying: “Tyrone Mings is stronger and Pau [Torres] is better in the build-up.”Illness is a setback for Mings as he continues his road to full recovery.He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at Newcastle on the opening day of last season and was out of action for 445 days.Mings returned against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and completed 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then followed that up with a start in the Champions League against Club Brugge, but made a disastrous mistake which cost his side a defeat.Mings produced one of the biggest gaffes ever seen in the competition in his debut appearance, picking up the ball to concede a penalty as he attempted to play a goal kick.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’Goalkeeper Emi Martinez had already re-started play, so when Mings reached down and touched the ball the referee had no choice but to blow his whistle. More

ARSENAL wasted their chance to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a resilient Everton.Liverpool drew 2-2 to Fulham at Anfield – but it was an equally frustrating day for the Gunners as they failed to find a way through a park-the-bus effort from the Toffees.Arsenal failed to close the gap on LiverpoolCredit: ReutersDeclan Rice was subbed off with 30 minutes remainingCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly again started at left-back, while Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were surprisingly hooked off just after the hour mark.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10No save to make. Could have lounged in the dressing room for the majority of the 90 minutes.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Started where he left off in midweek in the Champions League, picking up great pockets of space in midfield and linking defence to attack with pace and precision.READ MORE ON ARSENALGABRIEL – 6Incredible recovery tackle to deny Doucoure with Saliba down injured. Well marked at corners with Everton doubling up on the Brazilian.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWILLIAM SALIBA – 6Lucky not to see Everton take the lead when he was down and out of position, but other than that was fairly untroubled.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Tried his best to insert some pace and urgency down the right-hand side but lacking in attacking areas.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’DECLAN RICE – 5A rare anonymous showing from the England international. Did not do enough to impose himself but for a few decent tackles. No shock to see him hooked after 62 minutes.Most read in FootballMIKEL MERINO – 6Showed glimpses, but still needs to get up to speed with pace Arsenal want to play at through the middle.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Blazed over and dragged wide from two good early chances – missing his shooting boots in the first half just like against Monaco – and looked generally off it.It was still a surprise to see him subbed off just after the hour mark for Nwaneri.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Had a field day up against Mykolenko as Everton struggled to contain his brilliant movement and strength on the ball, yet Pickford made save after save.Got in the way of a free Havertz header towards the end.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Lively, especially because he had the beating of Young with some darting runs that kept the 39-year-old busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.But yet again, was taken off for Trossard.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Lacked a serious goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a delicious flick around the corner for Saka.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6A few nice touches and turns, looking for that trademark left-footed curling finish.JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6Got on the ball as Arsenal’s primary dictator from deep.THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5Offered very little.READ MORE SUN STORIESGABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5One dangerous cross easily claimed by Pickford was about it.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6A bright spark. A few good crosses as Young tired on the left. More

DIOGO JOTA came off the bench after  eight weeks out to prove exactly why Arne Slot believes in him so much.The Portuguese striker helped his boss and his 10-man team dodge a bullet after they went behind twice and spent all but 17 minutes of  this crazy clash with ten men after Andy Robertson was shown a straight red.Diog Jota celebrates what could be an important point-saverCredit: GettyJota cracked an 85th-minute equaliser for LiverpoolCredit: APRodrigo Muniz headed Fulham in front just minutes earlierCredit: GettyAnother sub in Rodrigo Muniz thought he had won it for Fulham late on,  but much later still Jota produced in style.Slot, who makes no bones to anybody, including the mercurial Darwin Nunez, that he sees Jota as his No 1 striker, went wild on the touchline as that 86th minute shot hit the net.For he had watched a team he had already warned to buck up their ideas following their midweek win over Girona, struggle desperately at times.And that was before Robertson’s dismissal for bringing down Harry Wilson.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLYet somehow they ground it out, hit first by Andreas Pereira’s opener, to keep a five – point lead at the top of the Prem when after Muniz scored it looked certain that Slot would suffer only his second defeat in charge.The one question mark all the way through his startling start as Jurgen Klopp’s successor has been over his side’s defensive fragility.True enough, going forward they had gone great guns and went into this Cottagers clash having scored two or more goals in seven straight Prem wins – their best run in over three years.They also went into the game hunting down their Prem scoring record for a calendar year sitting 12 short of the 88 produced in 2019.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they had continually rode their luck at the back and 11 minutes in fortune failed them although Marco Silva’s side did slice through their rear guard brilliantly.Wilson started the move with a sweeping ball across field to Alex Iwobi who deftly touched on for Antonee Robertson.John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolThe left back powered down his flank before delivering a high, searching cross.Pereira ghosted in behind Robertson and went for it.His effort was all acrobatics and ariel style as he connected with a right – footed volley in front of The Kop.Alisson might have saved the close – range strike but what was soon to develop into a horror afternoon for Robertson began for his deflection ensured the goalkeeper had no chance of saving the situation.Six minutes later the Scotland captain was walking. And he had no excuses.Wilson found himself in plenty of space as he made his way towards the Liverpool goal but Robertson looked to have taken control of the situation as he closed him down.Instead he mis-controlled, Wilson re – gained possession and ten yards outside of the box the left back whacked him with a wild swipe.It took VAR Stuart Atwell a full three minutes to confirm to referee Tony Harrington that Wilson had been denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity, mainly because the Fulham man had flirted with offside.But really, Harrington would have made a fool of himself had he ignored Atwell’s advice and Robbo headed off looking more than a tad shame-faced.Slot, no well – known for how calm he is on the touchline, still looked red-faced, maybe thinking to himself that he was right to deliver that withering blast in Spain.Liverpool hadn’t looked great going forward, far less in allowing Wilson an opportunity much earlier.They looked flat, uninspired. Nothing like a side lording it at the top of the Prem and the Champions League table after that six successive win in Spain..Muniz hoped in vain he was rejoicing a Fulham winnerCredit: RexAndreas Pereira swivelled for a smart early opener for FulhamCredit: ReutersCody Gakpo launched himself to head Liverpool’s first levellerCredit: ReutersAlmost certainly there was another from him in the privacy of the dressing room at half time.For right from the re-start the Dutchman’s team came alive. Whatever button he pushed, it worked.Mo Salah, who had drifted through the game like so many of his team mates, found space mid-way into the Fulham half and sent forward a superb, deep cross.Even so, it took a superhuman effort for Gakpo to get to it but still, he flew through the air and made it about two feet off the deck, his header just beating a stunned Bernd Leno at the near post.Less than sixty seconds after that 47th minute equaliser Slot’s fellow – countryman was asking another question of the goalkeeper who desperately scrambled to save the low shot.Things now got tetchy and tense, Curtis Jones the fifth to be yellow –carded with Robertson already having seen red for a fierce challenge on Iwobi.That decision by whistler Harrington produced a scream of complaint from Slot and he went into the book too, his third caution of the season meaning he’ll be suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Southampton.But much worse was to come after Salah lost his composure and lashed wide from Dominik Szoboszlai.For sub Muniz delivered struck another blow for Fulham in the 76th minute at the end of the lighting move that showed Robertson wasn’t the only Liverpool full back to be having a nightmare time of it.Not for the first time Robinson got beyond Trent Alexander-Arnold down Fulham’s right, finding Iwobi, who then squared for the on – rushing skipper with the Liverpool defender trailing in his wake.His low cross was met by the front man who had replaced Raul Jimenez ten minutes earlier, his touch at the near post skidding into Alison’s net thanks to a deflection off the right heel of Joe Gomez.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Kop fell silent. Except those fearing the worst reckoned without Jota who turned, jet – heeled, and delivered, his venomous low strike from the edge of the box the picture of why Slot rates him so highly.Andy Robertson saw red for this foul on Harry WilsonLiverpool boss Arne Slot went through the full range of emotionsCredit: Rex More