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      Jamie Carragher left speechless as Kaoru Mitoma produces ‘sexiest moment since Bergkamp’ to score against Chelsea

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was left in awe as Kaoru Mitoma produced a moment of magic during Brighton’s 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea on Friday night.Mitoma, 27, opened up the scoring for the Seagulls with a superb goal that saw him pull off a sensational first touch to bring down a long ball and get the better of Trevoh Chalobah.Jamie Carragher was amongst those left stunned by Kaoru Mitoma’s goal against Chelsea on Friday nightCredit: RexMitoma produced an incredible first touch to bring down a long ball from goalkeeper Bart VerbruggenCredit: PAHe then shifted the ball to the side of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to get a shot awayCredit: APThe Japanese international curled the effort around goalkeeper Filip JorgensenCredit: AFPMitoma’s goal opened the scoring as Brighton thrashed Chelsea 3-0Credit: ReutersThe goal seemingly came from nothing as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen lumped the ball up the pitch towards the front line.It was that lofty clearance-cum-pass that was plucked out of the air like an apple off a tree by Mitoma, opening up the chance to curl an effort past Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen.Mitoma did just that, guiding the ball into the bottom corner and putting the Seagulls in front at the Amex.Commentator Jamie Carragher was amongst those blown away by the sensational touch and finish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, he said: “What have we just seen? That was outrageous from Mitoma.”Adding: “The touch is as good as anything you will see in the Premier League this season. Wow. And the finish isn’t bad either.”Supporters watching on from home were just as taken aback by the silky move and took to social media to wax lyrical about the goal – with loads comparing it to Dennis Bergkamp’s stunning flick against Newcastle back in 2002.One fan wrote: “That Mitoma touch. Sexiest PL moment since Bergkamp.”Most read in FootballOthers also drew comparisons with Bergkamp – and may have been referring to his incredible touch for Holland against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup where he plucked the ball out of there air before firing it home.Mitoma’s goal has been compared to Dennis Bergkamp’s famous flick and finish against Newcastle in 2002Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another agreed: “That Kaoru Mitoma goal needs to be treated alongside the Van Basten’s and Bergkamp’s of this world, technically you cannot better that! Absolutely unworldly!”And third posted: “Just saw Mitoma’s goal, even Dennis Bergkamp would be proud of that.”Chelsea player ratings vs BrightonAnd a fourth gushed: “Mitoma just painted a masterpiece with his boots.”Mitoma is well on track to have his best goalscoring return in the Premier League since his debut in 2022, having scored six goals and registered three assists in 25 league appearances this season so far. The Japanese international has been catching the eye of potential suitors too.Brighton turned down a stunning bid worth around £75MILLION from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January.The Seagulls are flying high in the league after going on to beat Chelsea 3-0 thanks to a double from Yankuba Minteh after Mitoma’s moment to remember.Fabian Hurzeler’s side are now just four points off fifth place, and only six points off Chelsea in the top four heading into the remaining Premier League fixtures this weekend.Mitoma is having one of his best seasons in a Brighton shirt More

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      Shamed football manager banned for life for thumping linesman in sickening attack

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      A SHAMED football manager has been banned for life for thumping a linesman.Robert Williams-Jones, 43, was filmed punching the youngster to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch Town in an amateur league clash.Robert Williams-Jones is seen punching the young linesman to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch TownCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/The youngster is seen falling to the ground after the vicious single-punch attackCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Williams-Jones has been given a lifetime ban by the North Wales FA disciplinary panelA North Wales Coast FA ­disciplinary panel has now given him the lifetime ban and a £3,000 fine.He left his Amlwch role after attacking the linesman, a member of the visiting side’s squad. In a statement, the club said: “As a club we have been truly saddened by the events on the weekend.”Amlwch Town FC cut ties with the former manager shortly after the incident and apologised to both Penrhyndeudraeth and the linesman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe NWCFA Disciplinary Panel said: “There is no place for aggression or assault in football within this area association. The NWCFA will continue to take robust action on any instances of abuse.“The NWCFA will not be making any further comment.”Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.Most read in Football”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”I’m proud all of you COYC.”A court gave him a suspended jail term after he admitted ABH.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. Join here More

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      ‘Where is Jadon Sancho going?’ – Jamie Carragher fumes at Chelsea loanee as Man Utd fans make brutal ‘freedom’ dig

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has torn into Jadon Sancho for his lack of effort during Chelsea’s humiliating loss at Brighton. The on-loan Man Utd winger replaced the injured Noni Madueke during the first half at the Amex on Friday night.Yankuba Minteh netted a brace as Brighton beat Chelsea 3-0 on Friday nightCredit: AFPJadon Sancho was slammed by Jamie Carragher for his defensive effort on the third goalCredit: GettyMinteh breezed past Sancho, who didn’t track in his runnerCredit: Sky SportsThe Brighton full-back was able to advance and shoot, with Sancho left watching onCredit: Sky SportsSancho wasn’t able to create anything of note as Enzo Maresca’s men fell apart on the South Coast.The Blues collapsed to a dismal 3-0 defeat, mustering ZERO shots on target. But it was Sancho’s defensive effort which frustrated Carragher most in the Sky Sports commentary box.The ex-Dortmund winger failed to track Yankuba Minteh with the Blues already 2-0 down at the Amex. READ MORE ON CHELSEAMinteh was able to ghost past Sancho into the box and smash in Brighton’s third, with the winger left looking helplessly on. An irate Carragher said on commentary: “Just see Sancho with Minteh at the top of your picture, the one-two and just watch Sancho.”I mean, where’s he going?!”Minteh has the potential to be a real star, but the intensity on that side from Cucurella and Sancho was awful.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This is a bad, bad night for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.”Sancho had angered some Man Utd fans earlier this week after an apparent dig at the club.’They know the situation’ – Enzo Maresca confirms Robert Sanchez axed as Chelsea No1 after series of howlersThe 24-year-old posted a message saying “Freedom” after Marcus Rashford left the Red Devils on loan to Aston Villa. Following Carragher’s on-air rant, one United fan wrote on X: “Carragher pulls no punches! Is this deja vu for Sancho?”Another said: “He’s just completely gone awol, lost his man and that man had made it 3-0. Carragher sums it up.”While a third added: “Carragher asked where was Sancho going??? We used to ask that many times. Now Chelsea know why we wanted rid of him.”And a fourth commented: “Sancho was enjoying plenty of ‘freedom’ there as he let Mintah run away from him.” More

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      ‘We are going to have to be creative’ – Saliba emerges as shock Arsenal striker option alongside Calafiori and Merino

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has offered to play as an emergency striker to solve Arsenal’s crippling injury crisis.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted he felt sick to his stomach when Kai Havertz tore his hamstring on the club’s Dubai warm-weather camp.William Saliba has offered to play up frontCredit: GettyArsenal have an injury crisis to deal with after Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring issueCredit: PAMikel Arteta admits he needs to be ‘creative’ to find a solution to their injury woesCredit: GettyNow centre-half Saliba, who played up front for first club AS Bondy in France, is ready to answer any SOS.Arteta revealed: “Willy always says ‘I’ll play as striker’. Straight away it was one of his reactions. “Willy is so funny but it is true he played there. He used to score a lot.”But a lot of players played there when they were younger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Is that an option to put them up front? You never know what’s going to happen. We are going to have to be creative.”Arsenal are now without a recognised fit striker following Havertz’s injury, which requires surgery in the coming days.The German, 25, is out for the season, along with ACL victim Gabriel Jesus, while fellow forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both have hamstring problems.Title-chasing Arsenal now have just THREE fit senior attackers  in Leandro Trossard, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling, who are set to form the Gunners’ attack at Leicester.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSaliba, 23, has scored just seven goals in 137 appearances for club and country since making his Arsenal debut in 2022.But the Frenchman — coached by World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, as a kid — previously revealed how he “scored a lot of goals” for Bondy.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentSaliba said: “I was happy to be the main striker. Most of the time I played, I scored.”On Havertz’s injury, Arteta said he felt: “A big pain in the tummy. When you see a player in pain it’s a really bad feeling.”Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino or Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori could also play as an emergency No 9.There are free agents available, too, like madcap ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa, 36, former Arsenal man Carlos Vela, 35, and Kemar Roofe, 32, who left Rangers last year.Arteta said: “I’ll explore every possible situation and then make a decision.”Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have also emerged as new No9 contendersCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Weak Levi Colwill gets punished again as Moises Caicedo battles bravely against Brighton taunts

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      CHELSEA have handed Brighton staggering sums of money in recent years and ironically, it was them proving that Enzo Maresca’s squad is still not good enough.The Blues crashed out of the FA Cup at the Amex on Saturday night and less than a week later they were beaten 3-0 by the Seagulls in the Premier League.Chelsea goalkeeper woes showed no sign of stopping with Filip Jorgensen between the sticksCredit: AlamyLevi Colwill was given a torrid night by Brighton’s attackCredit: ReutersOn a poor night for Chelsea, here is how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated the performances.FILIP JORGENSEN 5 Jorgensen wasn’t all to blame for letting in the three goals, particularly Kaoru Mitoma’s wonder strike. But Chelsea fans will be thinking ‘be careful what you wish for’ with Rob Sanchez not looking so bad anymore. MALO GUSTO 6 READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSGusto stood his ground well at times with Mitoma one-on-one for some of Chelsea’s better defending in the match. LEVI COLWILL 5When Colwill lost the ball under minimal pressure and stayed on the ground, making no attempt to recover his position it summed up his game. Twice in two matches he’s given goals away for being weak.TREVOH CHALOBAH 5 Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe centre-back flapped about when marking Mitoma for the opener. MARC CUCURELLA 5 Struggled to keep Yankuba Minteh in check and was fully sat down by the Gambia winger for Brighton’s third goal – much to the pleasure of the booing home fans. Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sMOISES CAICEDO 7 Caicedo was jeered by chants of “what a waste of money”.He has been one of the Blues’ only bright sparks for the last six months and, even today, he was Maresca’s best player. It was surprising to see him come off, but maybe it was worth just resting him when the game went out of reach. ENZO FERNANDEZ 6 The Chelsea skipper was unlucky not to have nabbed an equaliser after rising above Joel Veltman on 36 minutes to head home – but he fouled the Dutchman in the build up. Looked sluggish in other areas of the game though. NONI MADUEKE 5 Had little influence as he was substituted off on 20 minutes due to a hamstring injury. The Blues are running out of forwards with him joining Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu on the injured list. Meanwhile, Joao Felix has been allowed to join AC Milan on loan and Mykhailo Mudryk has been suspended for allegedly testing positive for a banned substance.COLE PALMER 5Palmer was reeling throughout both halves, constantly throwing his hands up in frustration at the lack of service from his teammates. He blazed well over, when he did have a shot and the Blues didn’t have a single effort on target tonight. PEDRO NETO 5 It was not clear what Neto’s purpose was on the pitch, he only really looked good at sprinting and still couldn’t beat Tariq Lamptey in a 1v1. CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU 5 Nkunku did a very good job at jogging around and not doing a lot. Blues would probably rather see Jackson starting if he wasn’t also out injured. SUBS:JADON SANCHO 5 Sancho looks as though he is doing what he did at Manchester United, starting well but going off the boil. In his last 11 games across all competitions, he has nabbed just one assist. KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESREECE JAMES – 6 TYRIQUE GEORGE – 6 More

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      Brighton vs Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Minteh’s double and Mitoma’s OUTRAGEOUS goal see Seagulls dominate Blues at the Amex

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      YANKUBA MINTEH scored twice as Brighton beat Chelsea for the second time in a week.Just six days after a 2-1 win sent the Blues crashing out of the FA Cup, Brighton dominated on their way to a 3-0 win. Karou Mitoma opened the scoring with a BRILLIANT touch and finish before Minteh scored one in each half.Chelsea were atrocious – they managed ZERO shots on target despite having 70 PER CENT possession.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Horror return to old clubHe was booed from start to finish, with the Brighton fans not hiding their feelings about Marc Cucurella.At first, he found it amusing but as each goal went in his night became more of a nightmare.Leaving a club for better things and to win silverware does not cut the mustard when you return and are handed a hiding by your ex-employers.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedHaving a Fab time at Amex StadiumAfter tonight’s impressive win, the manager spoke with Sky Sports who asked if he thought this was the perfect performance:I wouldn’t say it was a complete performance. Sometimes we became too passive. We changed it in the second-half and that was key today. Defending was key, in the Premier League if you have the mindset you can defend then you can score goals at the other end. I give the best for the success of the club and my players, that is what I always promise myself.Fabian HurzelerBrightonCopy linkCopiedTime to shine for BrightonThe Seagulls showed some fantastic form at the start of the season that saw them, at one stage, in the top four.Hurzeler needs to use this victory to find that consistency again.If Brighton can do that, they can really push on and try to secure some European football next campaign.Copy linkCopiedSeagulls flying high in the leagueBrighton have moved into eighth spot with victory tonight.They are now only six points behind fourth placed Chelsea.Fabian Hurzeler’s side really have a chance to push on from this moment and do something special in the Premier League this season.Another European campaign on the horizon would be some achievement for the young manager’s first season in charge.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedBlues need to right wrongs quicklyWith some tough fixtures coming up, Chelsea have no time to feel sorry for themselves.Maresca’s side have to travel to both Aston Villa and Arsenal in the coming weeks, with victories desperately needed.Should they only qualify for one of Europe’s lesser trophies again, that simply isn’t good enough for a club of this size.Copy linkCopiedBoss fails to let defeat affect mindsetSpeaking with Sky Sports after the match, the Chelsea manager laid out his thoughts on tonight’s game:With fourteen games to go, we need to do much better than we did tonight. In terms of controlling the game or keep possession, we did that. We arrive quite well to the edge of the box but we struggled from there. Fortunately, we are still in a good position and we have to finish in the best way.Enzo MarescaChelseaCopy linkCopiedMaresca’s side freeze on big stageOn a freezing cold evening in Brighton, The Blues really failed to deliver in a game they needed to win.While they stay in fourth spot, for now, the chasing pack will have the chance to displace them from that coveted Champions League spot.Having lost here in the FA Cup last weekend, they knew what was required of them and failed to turn up at all.You have to feel for their fans who made the trip from West London mostly, what a waste of an evening.Copy linkCopiedMitoma tears Blues apartThe Brighton winger opened the scoring this evening with a contender for the goal of the month competition.Verbruggen’s long ball was pulled out of the air by the Japanese winger before a delightful curling shot to beat the Chelsea keeper.Whenever The Seagulls got the ball to him, he was causing Maresca’s side all sorts of problems.Turning down that offer from Saudi in the January transfer window seems some shrewd business right now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWest Londoners humbled on south coastOver the years, Chelsea have poached managers, coaches and players from Brighton for some huge money.However, you would think it was the other way around if you watched this game tonight.At some point, the owners may start to ask questions of Maresca and whether this squad has improved at all from the one Pochettino had last season.Copy linkCopiedNow I’m a BalebaCarlos Baleba was a very close second for the man of the match award this evening.He physical presence, tackling and hunger to get forward caused Chelsea problems all evening.Despite the fact he was going up against two opposing centre midfielders who cost in excess of £200m, he really showed them up tonight.Copy linkCopiedBlues fold like a pack of cardsThis was a dismal display from the West London outfit.Rarely will you see a top-flight side fail to register a single shot on target over the course of a game but Chelsea have achieved that.Despite dominating possession, there is just nothing about this team at all.Anyone who thinks this will blossom into one of Europe’s finest teams may need to consider drugs counselling.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 3-0 ChelseaThis has been nothing short of a humbling this evening.Chelsea failed to have a single shot on target in this game.Brighton controlled this match after opening the scoring through Mitoma.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 3-0 ChelseaThe referee brings the game to a close.It is an emphatic victory for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.For Chelsea, a definite night to forget.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90+4. The home fans are cheering every touch now.The ultimate insult for these Chelsea players.Imagine being a Blues’ fan and having got into it with your girlfriend for leaving her alone tonight so you could come to this game.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90+2. Mitoma has been awarded the man of the match award.The Japanese winger has been sensational this evening.That said, so many of the Brighton players have been on form this evening.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90. You would not want to sit by Maresca on that bus home.If looks could kill, Brighton would be playing against two of three players if it were the case.We are going to have six added minutes.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea88. What a save from Verbruggen for the hosts.As the ball is crossed in from the right wing, Webster slides in to intercept and sends it towards his own goal.The keeper turns it around the post with an outstretched leg.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea86. This will go down as one of Chelsea’s worst defeats this season.They have offered nothing whatsoever in the final third.Granted, they have strikers out injured but for the money they have spent, this is not good enough.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea84. Almost a fourth goal for the hosts.Veltman makes a late run into the box and his shot strikes the post and comes back into play.Chelsea were appealing for offside but as the replay showed, it would have stood.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea82. Palmer is penalised for a foul.The Chelsea fans are all heading out of the Amex Stadium, planning their trips back to West London.Even if you are single, this was a terrible way to spend Valentines’ night.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea80. Chelsea are just fouling all of the time now.Whenever Brighton look to hold the ball up, one of Maresca’s players comes flying in with a challenge.Considering what they are producing, Todd Boelhy’s £1.3bn spend has been for nothing.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea78. Brighton will take a lot of confidence from the last week.These two wins over Chelsea could act as a springboard to the remainder of their season. Having dropped out of form of late, that is now all forgotten.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea76. Pedro is bundled over and wins his side a free-kick.Chelsea are just looking more and more frustrated.Another Brighton goal would demoralise the visitors.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea74. Gomez and Pedro have come on for the hosts.They replace Hinshelwood and Rutter.Jorgensen scuffs a goal kick straight to the striker but his first-time shot sails over the target.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea72. Brighton are just picking off Chelsea on the break.As a move for the visitors breaks down, suddenly The Seagulls are away.Mitoma has it and gets a sight of goal but his shot is straight at Jorgensen.To be fair, that seems the only way to get a save out of a Chelsea keeper this season.Copy linkCopied More

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      Brighton 3 Chelsea 0: Enzo Maresca’s embarrassing Blues have ZERO shots on target as Seagulls run riot

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      FORGET fighting on four fronts? Chelsea can’t even do it on the seafront.A second trip to the South Coast in a week, another abject performance from Enzo Maresca’s team which is suddenly in danger of collapse.Kaoru Mitoma got the party started for a rampant Brighton at the AmexCredit: GettyThe Japanese star curled in an exquisite openerCredit: AFPYankuba Minteh slammed in Brighton’s second as Chelsea wilted on the South CoastCredit: AFPMinteh bagged his second after the break as Chelsea fell apartCredit: GettyAnd Kauro Mitoma torturing them yet again with his second goal in as many games – this time showing world class quality to make a £1 billion squad look two bob.Last Saturday, head coach Maresca was forced to look for silver linings after being dumped out of the FA Cup on this same patch of ground.They are also out of the Carabao Cup and after this result could be booted out of the Premier League top four this afternoon by either Manchester City or Newcastle. Maresca claims his injury-hit and youthful players are not ready to challenge in the three domestic and one European competition yet. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRight now it’s the third-rate Conference League or bust as the energy drains from the legs and hearts of his wobbling boys in blue.Last Saturday was bad enough, seeing how Chelsea got a lucky break through a Brighton own goal, only to wilt.Yet far from turning it on and responding in historic Stamford Bridge style, the bald Italian had his head in his hands again as a debut season which promised so much for him before Christmas is now in freefall.This was even worse than last week. Not even a glimmer of early hope like they were when gifted an early lead through a Brighton own goal. Instead just plain old surrender.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrighton fans were singing ‘Can we play you every week?’ long before halftime – ignoring the fact they actually do.The Chelsea fans were long gone before the final whistle having reverted to type and called for former owner Roman Abramovich.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sIf there is any consolation for them, they got to see a stunning goal scored right in front of them by a class act – just a shame it was against their team.Mitoma’s ice-cool control taking down a long punt upfield from keeper Bart Verbruggen redefines route one football.The weighty hoof landed on his outstretched right foot like a plunging meteorite, yet the Japanese winger cushioned it like a fragile, newborn baby.He then slammed on the air brakes and left Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah for dead before curling a classy finish into the corner of the net.Go Google Dennis Bergkamp’s immortal strike for Holland against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup finals and you’ll see what everybody is raving about.It would be nice to write how Brighton added to that with goals of similar quality but the two scruffy efforts from Yankuba Minteh were in stark contrast.Filip Jorgensen was named the new No. 1 for Chelsea before KO – but had a game to forgetCredit: AlamyMitoma showed off an outrageous first touch to bring the ball down for the opening goalCredit: PASeven minutes before half time he poked home a shot from inside the box through a ruck of legs after Chelsea failed to clear.He then wrapped it all up in the 63rd minute by bundling home a shot deflected off Chalobah.Where Chelsea are floundering, Brighton have their tails up and have done wonders to further their own outside push for European football next season.They move up to eighth on the back of this extraordinary victory in the Premier League’s newest grudge match.Enzo Fernandez thought he had equalised but saw his header ruled out for a foulCredit: AFPMaresca’s refusal to pass comment on Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler may just be a simple act of loyalty towards his old mate and the German’s predecessor Robert de Zerbi.But it’s made for simmering bad feelings regardless, even though the two coaches shook hands briefly before kick off and at the end.It doesn’t need words from either man to work out who has emerged the winner of this particular battle. Moises Caicedo had a night to forget on his return to the AmexCredit: GettyMaresca can point to the lack of a fit striker as much as he likes and it is a fair point.But none of Brighton’s goals was scored by a striker to underline that you can get goals from other positions if you get the mood right.And it certainly isn’t at Chelsea at the moment.READ MORE SUN STORIESStar player Cole Palmer looks desperately unhappy. Maresca’s best player wasted two good chances in the first half and then spent the rest of the game either out of sight or throwing his hands up in frustration at every wrong turn by a team-mate. More

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      Man City win landmark case leaving Premier League at risk of being plunged into crisis with financial rules ‘unlawful’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have won their war with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.An independent tribunal today ruled in favour of the four-in-a-row champions — insisting the regulations are “void and unenforceable”.Man City won their court battle with the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThe bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of multi-million-pound compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis.And it means City have landed a blow in their ongoing legal battle with the Prem and their chief Richard Masters, despite the ruling being separate to the charges of 130 financial rule breaches levelled at the club.An 18-page tribunal verdict has ruled the Prem’s sponsorship regulations on Associated Party Transactions — which ran from December 2021 to November 2024 — were unlawful in their entirety.Today’s landmark ruling from a panel of three eminent former judges means the League now face coughing up £20million to pay their legal bills — and City’s.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe APT rules were implemented following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle and covered sponsorship deals with companies related to a club’s owners.But the verdict opens the door to the Toon, Abu Dhabi-owned City and other clubs making massive compensation claims.City — whose legal team was led by Lord Pannick — took the Prem to court after proposed deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank were blocked in 2023.They also accused Prem chiefs of attempting to mislead clubs ahead of November’s vote on ATP rule amendments, which were passed following a  majority 16-4 vote.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasters wrote to all 20 clubs today, conceding the “previous rules as a while are void and unenforceable,” but insisting “new rules were voted into force” and that clubs must comply with them.Today’s panel, including former Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, judged the ATP rules could not be amended by a series of “discrete” tweaks.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid But a Prem statement read: “This decision does not impact the valid operation of the new rules.“The new APT rules are in full force and  clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”Richard Masters has written to all 20 Premier League clubsCredit: Getty More