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      Chelsea ratings vs Astana: Guiu takes advantage of rare start to triple goal tally but Chukwuemeka fails to take chance

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      MARC GUIU impressed as Chelsea romped to victory in freezing-cold Kazakhstan.The Blues claimed a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League to maintain their perfect record in the competition.Marc Guiu was clinical against AstanaCredit: ReutersCarney Chukwuemeka put in plenty of effort but was not rewarded with a goalCredit: APGuiu, 18, opened the scoring for Chelsea with a brilliant individual goal inside 15 minutes.He beat his defender before slotting past the goalkeeper to set the Blues on their way to victory.The striker doubled up as he helped bundle the ball in after good work from Pedro Neto.Renato Veiga also got himself on the scoresheet as he nodded in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSports’ Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of Chelsea’s players…Filip Jorgensen – 6Never really troubled in the Chelsea net and made a couple of comfortable saves.There was little he could do to stop Marin Tomasov’s brilliant strike.Renato Veiga – 7He netted his second goal of the Conference League campaign with an easy header in the first half.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he was beaten too easily by Tomasov before he netted Astana’s goal.Josh Acheampong – 6Looked comfortable in the defence on his return to the team despite his ongoing contract dispute.The state-of-the-art stadium with special features that will host Chelsea’s clash vs Astana in extreme -13C temperatures Renato Veiga netted Chelsea’s third with a tidy headerCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 6Dealt with the Astana attackers fairly well and put in some tidy passes.Axel Disasi – 6Took the armband for the match and looked solid in the backline for Chelsea.Samuel Rak-Sakyi 85′ – 6Did well in the midfield to win the ball back and get Chelsea moving forward.Carney Chukwuemeka 66′ – 5Carney Chukwuemeka should have made more from his chancesCredit: GettyChukwuemeka struggled in the game as he was clearly desperate to get on the scoresheet.The midfielder wasted multiple chances for the Blues to extend their lead.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Was involved in a lot of the build-up play throughout for Chelsea.Dewsbury-Hall also picked up an assist for his corner kick, which was headed in by Renato Viega.Pedro Neto 45′ – 6Pedro Neto was a constant threat in the first halfCredit: GettyForced a good save early on when the game was still goalless. He proved to be a constant threat on the wing.It was the winger’s cross that led to the second goal, which was bundled into the net.Tyrique George – 7Looked very composed when on the ball and threatened with his driving runs into the box.He almost netted his first goal for the club, only to see his effort cleared off the line.Marc Guiu 77′ – 8The Spanish striker broke the deadlock with a fantastic goal. He took on his defender and put in a clever finish to beat Mukhammedzhan Seysen.He made it a brace with a fortunate goal that was bundled in.Subs Ato Ampah 45′ – 5Struggled to get into the game and make an impact for the visitors.Harvey Vale 66′ – 5Did okay when he came into the action.READ MORE SUN STORIESShim Mheuka 77′ – NAGot a decent run out in the last minutes against Astana.Keanu Dyer 85′ – NAReplaced Samuel Rak-Sakyi late on in the match. More

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      Who is Josh Acheampong? Chelsea right-back who made his first start against Astana

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca gave Josh Acheampong his first start against Astana in a crucial Conference League clash.The Blues face not only the challenge of the Kazakh side, but also the freezing -13C conditions.Josh Acheampong is making his first start for Chelsea against AstanaCredit: GettyThe highly rated 18-year-old right-back has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.His current deal expires in 2026, with reports suggesting that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.He is understood to currently be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.Who is Josh Acheampong?Josh Acheampong was born in London on May 5, 2006.read more on Josh AcheampongHe is an emerging talent in English football.The youngster has been part of Chelsea’s youth system since he was eight years old.Professional debutAcheampong’s professional journey began when he signed his first contract with the club on January 3, 2024.He made his senior debut on May 2, 2024, during a Premier League match against Tottenham.Most read in FootballAcheampong played the final minutes in the side’s 2-0 victory.First startAcheampong’s first start for the club came against Astana in the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid Josh Acheampong will start against Astana after contract stand-off As the match is still underway, it’s a tad early to say how it went.On his selection, Maresca said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Recent developmentsIn the 2024-25 season, Acheampong has faced challenges due to contract negotiations, which temporarily sidelined him from first-team activities.Josh Acheampong’s contract discussions are ongoing at Chelsea oCredit: GettyHowever, recent developments indicate that these discussions are progressing positively.Maresca has openly expressed his admiration for Acheampong.VersatilityAcheampong is recognised for his versatility on the field.While primarily a right-back, he can also play as a centre-back.His playing style is characterised by high energy and tactical intelligence.Acheampong is noted for his ability to join attacks and create scoring opportunities from wide positions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFuture prospectsWith interest from top clubs including Real Madrid and PSG, Chelsea are keen to secure his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.As he continues to develop, Acheampong represents one of the promising prospects from The Blues’ renowned academy. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta surprises Laura Woods with heartwarming present as TNT Sports host says ‘this was amazing’

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta surprised Gunners superfan Laura Woods with an early Christmas present.TNT Sports presenter Woods, 37, is a well known Gooner and covered her favourite club’s Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday at the Emirates.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta surprised Laura Woods with a giftArteta and Woods met after Arsenal’s Champions League win over MonacoArteta gave Woods a baby onesie as she expects her first childWoods announced her pregnancy back in JulyArteta, 42, led the North Londoners to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Ligue 1 giants with a brace by Bukayo Saka and a goal by Kai Havertz.And the Spanish tactician met with Woods after full-time where he offered her a heartwarming present as she prepares to welcome her first child with Love Island alumni Adam Collard.The Arsenal boss offered the TV star a baby onesie straight from the club’s official store.The reporter was left with a big smile on her face as she shared pics on Instagram thanking the Spaniard.Read More on ArsenalWoods issued the following caption: “This was amazing, thank you.”And she followed it with: “My club.”Woods broke the news that she was pregnant back in July.The journalist managed to keep her pregnancy a secret throughout the entirety of Euro 2024.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe made the announcement before jetting off to Paris to cover the Olympics.Woods and Collard broke the news of their engagement back in September.Watch hilarious moment Laura Woods cracks cheeky joke live on TNT Sports leaving Ferdinand and Crouch in stitchesThe couple started dating last year and the reality TV personality got down on one knee on the beach in Cornwall to pop the big question.Woods covered Arsenal’s clash with Monaco and spoke to Arteta at full-timeCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Monaco as Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation but Merino is heavy and slowBUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 7/10Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.Commanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.JAKUB KIWIOR – 7A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.DECLAN RICE – 7Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.MIKEL MERINO – 4I wasn’t moved.Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were excited about. Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.BUKAYO SAKA – 8In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.GABRIEL JESUS – 5Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5Another good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.Some good touches to get the home fans excited. 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      Footballer handed Bart Simpson-style punishment after disrespectful comments towards rivals

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      BRIGHTON’S sister club have humiliated an errant player – by putting him through a Bart Simpson-style punishment.The Seagulls have close links with Union SG, with club owner Tony Bloom the Belgian outfit’s majority shareholder since 2018.Union SG midfielder Loic Lapoussin was forced to undergo a Simpsons-style punishmentCredit: Instagram @rusg.brussels and @lapoussin_94The punishment was inspired by the TV show’s introLapoussin caused a row at the weekend by criticising Cercle Brugge’s stadiumCredit: AFPUnion midfielder Loic Lapoussin caused a row at the weekend by criticising rivals Cercle Brugge’s stadium.So the Brussels club compelled him to make a video in which he had to write lines on a board while in detention.Entitled The Lapoussins, the social-media clip mirrors the start of numerous episodes of The Simpsons.Schoolboy Bart each time scrawls a series of lines on a chalkboard before racing out of the classroom when the bell rings.Read More in FootballUnion’s version sees Lapoussin, 28, writing: “Union – Cercle” dozens of times before running off to join team training.The France-born player had sparked fury with his comments after Union’s 0-0 draw at Cercle on Sunday.He said: “With all due respect to Cercle, these surroundings really don’t make me want to play football.”It’s no fun for our supporters to come here either. There is a world of difference between playing at Club Brugge’s stadium and playing here.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadagascar international Lapoussin issued a grovelling apology alongside the video.He said: “I want to apologise to our friends from Cercle Brugge, and to the Unionists, for my comments after the game on the stadium and the fans.”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeUnion declared: “Loic learned his lesson the Bart Simpson way.” More

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      Former England star was left stunned when magician Paul Daniels accidentally smashed his £40k watch

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      ENGLAND ace James Beattie once had a £40,000 designer watch smashed to pieces by Paul Daniels – after a ‘magic trick’ went wrong.The ex-Everton, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United ace was left horrified when the legendary magician brought a hammer down on his Frank Muller timepiece.James Beattie had his watch smashed by Paul Daniels in a trick gone wrongCredit: Getty – ContributorDaniels invited Beattie round to his house to make up for itCredit: Rex FeaturesAt first he thought it was a prank – but it soon became clear the late TV star had made an almighty mess of his trick.Details of the story were revealed in a new Undr The Cosh podcast with Matthew Kilgallon, who played with Beattie at Sheffield United.He explained how Daniels arrived at a players’ Christmas Party only for carnage to unfold leaving the retired player, now director of football at AFC Totton, stunned.He said “We’d been out Saturday night or Sunday drinking, drinking. I was up at the bar and [the boss] said, ‘come here.” I said, ‘what’s up?’ He went, ‘we’ve got Paul Daniels coming in here to do a magic trick. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“This is what he’s doing now, you can hire him out to do a thing. He’ll come out and I’ve paid him’.“So we’re sat in there, we’re up Covent Garden, a proper tight pub, and we’re bevvying, just topping up from Saturday night, all p***ed as a fart, as you can imagine, I get a nudge, and…he’s here. “He’s come in and everyone’s gone berserk, legend…he’s come in, and he must have been an 80-year-old man. “He’s not like, you know when he’s on telly, so he came in and did a few tricks, and everyone’s buzzing. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He’s pulling things from your leg and everything like that. Then he says ‘who’s got a watch?’ because we’re all buzzing, there’s 20 lads, rowdy football players.“So Beats, James Beattie…loves his watches, hundreds of them. He’s got a proper collection of them, every one you could think of. Roy Keane tells his side of story on furious Ipswich fan confrontation and reveals he did wait for supporter in car park “He’s got this Franck Muller. It’s got diamonds all around it.“So Paul Daniels has gone to Beats. Pass your watch there’ -and he’s said: ‘Nah, not this watch, it’s about 40 grand, nah, nah’. “We’re like, Beats, give him your watch mate, it’s Paul Daniels, chill out.” Kilgallon continued: “He’s taken his watch off like that, and gives it to Paul Daniels. “So, we’re all around the table. Paul put a serviette on it, and pulled out like this little hammer thing, and he’s gone boom, like this, and everyone’s gone quiet, and Paul Daniels’ face is just drained mate. “Debbie McGee has gone, ‘err’, and he’s taken the cloth off like that and he’s smashed the full f***ing watch. The watch has gone.“Beats has gone, ‘that’s 40…you know how much this watch is?’ “So, Debbie McGee came over and said to Beattie after him, ‘listen, he’s not what he used to be.’“His watch was in tatters, mate.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKilgalon said Daniels, who died in 2016, later invited Beattie and his girlfriend to dinner at his house – an offer the retired striker accepted.Kilgallon added: “Beattie expected him to pull a new watch out of the bowl, but Paul just tucked in and started eating!” More

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      Kyle Walker victim of sickening racist abuse as Man City slam ‘disgusting treatment’ of defender

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      KYLE WALKER was subject to disgusting racist abuse after Manchester City’s defeat to Juventus.The defender was targeted by online trolls following the 2-0 loss.Kyle Walker was subject to sickening racism onlineCredit: AlamyWalker shared the abusive message he receivedCredit: X/ kylewalker2Walker shared the horrible message he received in his Instagram DMs, which he strongly condemned.He called for racist abuse to be clamped down on by Instagram, declaring it “never acceptable.”Walker wrote: “No one should ever be subject to the sort of vile, racist and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match.”Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.”To our fans, we will continue to work as a team to do better, to improve, and to turn the corner together.”City have responded to Walker’s message by showing support for their right-back.A club statement read: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Kyle Walker was subject to online following last night’s fixture.”We refuse to tolerate discrimination of any kind, regardless of whether that be in stadiums or online.Most read in Football”We will be offering Kyle our full support following the disgusting treatment he has received.”England also showed support for the 93-cap star.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind’A statement read: “We are incredibly disappointed that Kyle has been subject to such abhorrent abuse on social media.”Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. We support strong action by the authorities and social media companies. More

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      Former Premier League star with 272 appearances lands first coaching job four years after retiring

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent coaching job.The ex-Sunderland star has joined Bristol Rovers as a first team coach, focusing on the development and implementation of set pieces.Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent job in coachingCredit: Getty – ContributorDiscussing his new position, Cattermole said: “I am delighted to join the coaching team at Bristol Rovers.”Having spoken to the guys here and George Friend, I very quickly got excited about the project being developed here at the Club.”Everything I’ve heard about Bristol Rovers tells me it’s an exciting time to be part of things here, and I’m looking forward to getting going.”Cattermole called time on his playing career four years ago following a brief spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Read More in FootballPrior to that he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.The midfielder has also played for Middlesbrough and Wigan.After hanging up his boots, Cattermole revealed his intention to move into coaching.He returned to Boro to work in the academy and took charge of the U23s before leaving in February last year.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-midfielder was also part of the interim management team that took control at the Riverside for five games when Chris Wilder was sacked in October 2022.Bristol Rovers currently sit 18th in the League One table with 21 points from 18 games.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeThey travel to face title-chasing Birmingham City on Saturday. More

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      Former FA Cup finalist, 48, begins new career as assistant kit man after suddenly quitting Red Bull job

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      FORMER FA Cup finalist Brett Ormerod has begun his new job as Bolton’s assistant kit man.SunSport revealed last month that the ex-striker would be linking up with former Blackpool team-mates Ian Evatt, Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks with the League One side.Brett Ormerod has taken up his new role as a kit man at BoltonCredit: RexThe former striker previously excelled at BlackpoolCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunOrmerod, 48, had only recently taken up a new job with Red Bull.But after speaking with old pal Evatt, he decided to move to Bolton.Writing in his Blackpool Gazette column, Ormerod explained how things came together.He admitted: “It’s good to be back in football, especially alongside the manager (Evatt), Matt Gilks and Stephen Crainey – it’s been like old times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Andy Taylor is also here – he was at Fylde at the same time as me. There’s a lot of people I know, so it’s been a smooth transition into the role.”I’d only just started a new job with Red Bull before handing my notice in. It all happened very quickly.”I met up with Evo and we had a good conversation. I knew if I didn’t take it now, then I might not get another like it, and it would’ve been a decision I regretted for the rest of my life.”Ormerod began his career at Accrington Stanley in the 1990s, before moving to Blackpool for his first stint Bloomfield Road stint in 1997.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrmerod played in the 2003 FA Cup final for SouthamptonCredit: AFPHe subsequently went to Southampton in 2001 and spent five years at St Mary’s, playing in the 2003 FA Cup final for Saints.Via stints at Leeds, Wigan, Preston, Nottingham Forest and Oldham he eventually returned to Blackpool in 2009, where he would play alongside Evatt, Crainey and Gilks.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseFollowing spells in non-league, Ormerod went on to coach at AFC Fylde.On what he intends to bring to his new role at Bolton, he added: “I am a kit man, but I will also be on the training field, joining in and taking some shooting practice.”Hopefully I can give them a bit of luck to get promoted, as they got as far as they could last season without going up.”I think they’re getting more than a kit man. If I can play a small role in making the players better then I’ll be a very happy man.”Bolton are seventh in the League One table, 10 points off leaders Wycombe with a game in hand.This Saturday the Trotters host Wigan Athletic, before a trip to Wycombe on December 20.Ormerod is hoping to assist Bolton’s promotion chaseCredit: Rex More