Football

MADMAN Mohammed Kudus lost his head after West Ham lost the plot to hand Tottenham victory.If the Hammers had shown as much fight as Kudus did in thrusting a hand into the faces of Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr, they would not have conceded three goals in seven second-half minutes as Spurs turned the game.Tottenham ran riot over West Ham in the second half of their clashCredit: GettyWest Ham collapsed in the second half, shipping three goals in seven minutesCredit: PAThe Ghanaian winger heaped further embarrassment on his club with his antics in the 83rd minute.And the humbling derby day defeat will only add to the pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.It looked like Spurs counterpart Ange Postecoglou might be the man under the cosh after Kudus gave the visitors an early lead.But Dejan Kulusevski grabbed a first-half equaliser and was the inspiration behind what turned into a crushing derby day win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYves Bissouma put Spurs 2-1 up in the 52nd minute. And less than three minutes later Hammers defender Jean-Clair Todibo put through his own net, although Alphonse Areola was later – and harshly – credited with the blunder.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min, back from injury, grabbed a fourth before the hour mark and should have had another only seconds later.The visitors were hoping for a penalty lifeline when Destiny Udogie blocked Kudus’ goalbound shot with an arm, but neither referee Andrew Madley nor the VAR team thought it deserved a spotkick.Incredibly, Madley needed VAR help before deciding to send Kudus off after an incredible ruck in the dying minutes.Most read in FootballMohammed Kudus opened the scoringCredit: ReutersDejan Kulusevski equalised before the breakCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Spurs gratefully accepted the opportunity to bounce back from the debacle of losing 3-2 to Brighton after being 2-0 up.Tottenham thoroughly deserved to be level at half time on the balance of play and chances.Brennan Johnson reveals meaning behind his tattoos But they could and probably should have been two down before Kulusevski struck and headed off the threat of boos ringing around the stadium at the break.Brennan Johnson and Son fired shots wide in the opening 10 minutes.But then Jarrod Bowen pulled the ball back from the byline to Kudus, with the goal gaping.Yet the Ghanaian hit his right-foot shot too close to Guglielmo Vicario and the Spurs goalkeeper made a good save.Tottenham didn’t learn, though. Eight minutes later Bowen beat Destiny Udogie way too easily and his deflected cross again found Kudus, who this time made no mistake.The West Ham fans in one corner of the ground took great delight in taunting the posh Spurs supporters in the corporate boxes above them.The home team dominated the remainder of the half but frustration was growing in the stands as a host of corners were wasted.One came after Johnson failed to win a close-range header from an Udogie cross.Dominic Solanke sent an overhead kick wide before Alphonse Areola finally had to make a save.Pedro Porro’s shot took a wicked deflection but Areola kept it out and then quickly grasped the ball before Solanke could force home a follow-up.The Hammers’ relief did not last long.Spurs broke quickly, James Maddison fed Kulusevski and the super Swede cut inside.Areola got a hand on the shot but succeeded only in pushing the ball on to his near post, before it ricocheted along the goal-line and went in off the far.Both Spurs full backs sent in dangerous crosses before the break, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka cut out Porro’s then the Spaniard sent a shot wide from Udogie’s centre.Maddison was hooked at half time in favour of Sarr as Spurs looked for more control and physicality in midfield.James Maddison was hooked at half-timeCredit: ReutersYves Bissouma scored one of Spurs’ goals in their second-half blitzCredit: ReutersHeung-Min Son netted anotherCredit: GettySpurs remained on the front foot and Udogie had already seen one shot blocked behind for a corner when he set up Tottenham’s second.Son found the full back with a lovely pass and the cutback for Bissouma was just as inviting.The ball took a deflection on its way into the net but Areola was well beaten.The West Ham keeper’s luck went from bad to worse less than two minutes later.Again Kulusevski led the charge before playing a reverse pass to Son.Areola stopped the Tottenham captain’s shot but the ball hit Todibo and Areola could not stop it trickling back and over the line.Spurs smelt blood. Son cut inside on the break and Areola probably did not do enough to keep out the right-foot shot.The West Ham goalkeeper was helpless soon afterwards, but Son managed to hit the post when most of the goal was at his mercy.If the Hammers failed to realise it was not their day by then, they knew it when Kudus’ effort was blocked by Udogie’s arm.Madley did not point to the spot and VAR decided that Udogie’s limb was within his bodyline.Lopetegui made a triple substitution just after the fourth goal but little changed.Surely even Spurs could not muck it up from three goals up?Well, only four years ago this week they did let slip a 3-0 lead against the same opponents, when Manuel Lanzini grabbed a brilliant late equaliser.Not this time, though, and Areola saved from Johnson.Even Timo Werner threatened to get in on the act, but his cushioned header across the six-yard box went unconverted by a team-mate.West Ham’s frustration finally boiled over in the 83rd minute. Kudus had two nibbles at Van De Ven and when the Spurs defender protested, he cuffed him in the face.Richarlison also went down after clattering into the Hammers winger, who then shoved a hand into Sarr’s face.Madley somehow decided the first offence was worth only a yellow card but VAR summoned him to think again.READ MORE SUN STORIESKudus was finally sent off and will surely be banned for more than three games, given what he did to Sarr as well.Will Lopetegui still be West Ham boss by the time Kudus is available again? You wouldn’t bet on it.Mohammed Kudus was dismissed for getting physical with Mickey Van de VenCredit: GettyKudus struck the defender in the faceCredit: PA More

MOHAMMED KUDUS went from hero to zero on a day to forget for West Ham.The Hammers winger was sent off against Tottenham after a wild brawl in Saturday’s London derby.Mohammed Kudus saw red after a wild brawl in Tottenham vs West HamCredit: PAKudus clashed with Micky van de Ven and pushed the defender in the faceCredit: TNTDuring an all-out brawl, Richarlison hit the deck after contact from the GhanaianCredit: TNTPlayers from both sides were entangled up in the meleeCredit: TNTRef Andy Madley flashed a straight red for the Hammers star after a VAR checkCredit: TNTKudus was given his marching orders after pushing Micky van de Ven in the face. It came after the pair had tussled for the ball in midfield, with West Ham trailing 4-1. The 24-year-old caught Richarlison with a flying arm during a wild melee, sending the Spurs striker to the floor. Pape Matar Sarr also weighed in to try and calm proceedings and appeared to be caught in the face as Kudus lost his cool. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVan de Ven was booked for his part in the altercation. Referee Andy Madley initially gave a yellow to Kudus, before reviewing the VAR screen. He upgraded the decision to a straight red, sending the Ghanaian for an early bath. TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist disagreed with the decision, which came with just minutes remaining in North London.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcCoist said: “I’m probably old school.”But just book him and let’s get on with the game.”TNT Sports host Becky Ives leaps off Tottenham Hotspur Stadium roof on live TV as she screams ‘to dare is to do’But pitch-side reporter Peter Crouch disagreed, saying the West Ham star “had to go.”Following the game, disappointed Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui said: “This is the kind of action we have to avoid.”We are losing and we have to avoid this kind of behaviour.”The decision was overturned after Kudus was originally given a yellow cardCredit: EPAKudus had earlier opened the scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before a stirring comeback from the hosts.Dejan Kulusevski levelled things up before the break to settle the crowd’s nerves.And in the second half, the Hammers collapsed as Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min sealed the rout, as well as an Alphonse Areola own goal. More

THE son of former Chelsea chief Michael Emenalo is the subject of a tug of war between England and the United States.Landon Emenalo, 16, has received a call-up to the Three Lions Under-17s team, despite having played for the USA youth setup in the past.Landon Emenalo has received a call-up to the England U17 teamCredit: GettyLandon is the son of former Chelsea chief Michael EmenaloCredit: Getty – ContributorThe teenager is currently on the books at Chelsea’s academy where he operates as a central midfielder.Landon was born in Arizona and has a US national mother that allows him the option of who to represent at international level.While dad Michael is a 14-cap Nigeria international from his playing days – meaning Landon can also represent the Super Eagles.Micheal Emenalo played for clubs such as Notts County and San Jose Clash during his career before hanging up his boots to venture into coaching and board-level roles.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe 59-year-old worked as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea between 2007 and 2011, before taking the role as Chelsea’s technical director for six years.During his time in SW6 he worked alongside managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, while he was also part of the team that brought in players such as Kevin De Bruyne, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.Since then he has held the same position at AS Monaco and is now the president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.Landon, who was reportedly raised as a Chelsea fan, is highly thought of at Cobham.Most read in FootballAnd his abilities have clearly caught the eye of the USA and England national setups.England U17 boss Neil Ryan has selected Landon for the team’s upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers later this month. How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tacticWhile the youngster represented the USA U17s this summer in a tournament in the Czech Republic.It’s too soon for either of Mauricio Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel – both ex-Chelsea bosses themselves – to be thinking of calling the rising star to the men’s teams, but Landon has already found himself caught in a battle for his services.Landon has made four U18 Premier League appearances this season, scoring once. More

ARNE SLOT has opened up on the remarkable story of the time he played against Virgil van Dijk back in 2013.Liverpool boss Slot incredibly lined up against his now-club captain during a Dutch league game some 11 years ago.Arne Slot has discussed what it was like to play against Virgil van DijkCredit: AlamyVan Dijk and Slot faced off in the Dutch Eredivisie back in 2013Slot, 46, has impressed massively since taking over at Anfield this summer, with the Reds top of the table having conceded just two league goals in seven games.No small part of his success is thanks to the imperious Van Dijk who has long been one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League – if not the world.But Slot once faced off against Van Dijk when the Netherlands international was rising through the ranks in his home country.The pair came face-to-face in 2013 during a match between Slot’s FC Zwolle and Van Dijk’s Groningen in the Eredivisie – a clash that ended with Groningen winning 1-0.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussing that day with Men in Blazers, Slot joked: “Virgil was lucky that I only came on 10 minutes before the end. That’s why he could keep a clean sheet.”Slot – who was a midfielder during his playing days – hung up his boots at the end of that season, while Van Dijk was just starting out his career and was only 22 at the time.Even with his wealth of experience under his belt, Slot couldn’t have predicted that a young Van Dijk would one day be one of the best centre-backs around.He added: “Everybody thought that Virgil was a very talented and good centre-back, but it was a bit strange that no top clubs came in for him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He had to go to Celtic first and then to the Premier League to become such a star player for Liverpool.”If you would have asked me back then ‘would you expect him to be the new centre-back at Liverpool?’, I probably would have said no.How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tactic”If you would have asked him ‘did you expect to play against your new manager?’, he would probably have said no as well”.Slot will be hoping his star defender is on top form when his side welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Sunday.The league leaders will need to be on top form to stop Enzo Maresca’s transformed Blues.Only Manchester City have scored more goals than Chelsea in the league this season with the Stamford Bridge outfit bouncing back from a lacklustre campaign last term.Van Dijk has been crucial to Liverpool’s defensive stability this seasonCredit: Getty More

RAPHAEL VARANE has landed a new job just three weeks after hanging up his boots.The 31-year-old officially retired from football, having sustained a severe knee injury on his debut for Como.Raphael Varane is now on the board at ComoCredit: GettyThe ex-Man Utd star hung up his boots after sustaining a serious knee injuryCredit: APBut Varane is staying with the Italian side and has been appointed as a board member, with a particular role in the running of the club’s youth teams.Como revealed in a statement: “Varane will bring his experience and leadership to this new role, marking the next chapter of his career off the pitch. “He will collaborate with Osian Roberts, Como’s head of development, and Juliette Bolon, head of the education program, to support the club’s youth development efforts. “His involvement will benefit not only the players but also the broader community through educational initiatives. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”By integrating academic, leadership, and vocational training into the youth programs, Varane aims to help young athletes prepare for life beyond football.”Como, who are embarking on their first season in Serie A since 1989, are managed by Cesc Fabregas and have Thierry Henry as a minor shareholder.Ex-Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno are in the squad.Varane signed for Como on a free transfer in the summer after his contract at Manchester United expired, having spent a total 219 days out injured while at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe French centre-back signed off by lifting the FA Cup in his final Red Devils appearance.But just three months later, he managed just 20 minutes on his Como debut before hobbling off injured.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’He later revealed he has battled knee injuries throughout his career and it impacted his decision to call it a day.Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018 and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.Varane’s retirement statement”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. “Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey.”The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.” More