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      Girona 0 Liverpool 1: Salah scores from spot and Alisson returns to help Reds keep 100% Champions League record

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      YOU really have to spare a thought for Caoimhin Kelleher – he must be the only pi**ed off person under Arne Slot at Liverpool.Despite helping his team storm to the top of the table in both England and Europe over the last two months, winning 10 games and drawing two, the Irish keeper was booted out of the team the moment No.1 keeper Alisson was fit.Mo Salah’s penalty was the only goal of the game as Liverpool edged a nervy encounter in GironaLiverpool fans were delighted to see Alisson back in business between the sticks after a lengthy injuryEx-Man Utd midfielder Donny van de Beek conceded the penaltyCredit: GettyCaoimhin Kelleher was dropped back to the bench after Alisson was declared fitKelleher, who has made it known he wants to leave Merseyside, was forced to sit on the bench here in Catalonia and, predictably, watch Alisson prove why he is surely the best keeper in the world.On a night when Slot’s team under-performed, Alisson proved there was no rustiness in his game with five key saves. Slot’s surprisingly toothless attack was helped by VAR on the hour when it spotted that former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek had stood on the heel of Luiz Diaz.Mo Salah, who barely got a kick all night, delivered a textbook penalty meaning that of Liverpool’s last 23 goals, 20 of them have come in the second half.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlisson has delivered some exceptional performances for Liverpool in the Champions League over the years. He will never beat the stoppage time save from Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik in December 2018 which kept Liverpool in the Champions League – and they went on to beat Tottenham in the final.But Alisson has proved that six years later, he has got even better and the only worry are his dodgy hamstrings.There were also moments against the third best team in Spain last year when the 32-year-old was just as good with his feet, playing tight passes with his defenders and at one stage, delivering a brilliant chip over the head of an onrushing player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKelleher’s mistakes against Newcastle in the Prem last week came at the worst possible time before Alisson’s returnDespite Kelleher’s fine displays – his only blip was against Newcastle six days earlier – and Alisson was always going to be parachuted back into the team.And he now finds himself back in a team that have still only lost once all season. Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Four points clear in the Premier League and now looking certain to finish in the top eight of the Champions League. This means they will miss the play-off round with two matches to be played in February.Crucially, the second leg of the games will be played before Liverpool’s scheduled Prem trip away to Manchester City on February 23.While Slot’s team will be able to put their feet up in that week, City – potentially – have a play-off game.Nevertheless, it looks as though City are out of the title race and Liverpool will take some stopping in all competitions.Prime Alisson is back as he put in a Man of the Match performance in SpainSlot also has the added bonus that he will be able to rest any players with aches and strains for the remaining group matches against Lille and PSV Eindhoven in JanuaryBut the Dutchman will be mildly concerned about the performance from his team. In a crowd of around 10,000 – restricted as Uefa do not allow temporary seating – there were just 492 Liverpool fans .To qualify with points, fans had to have been to 27 European away matches including Spartak Moscow in September 2017. Talk about dedication.One player making his 235th Liverpool appearance was Joe Gomez and remarkably, he is still looking for his first goal.He was denied the moment he must be dreaming of in the fourth minute when Paulo Gazzaniga, who had stints at Spurs and Southampton among others, showed good reactions to push a header over the bar.Gazzaniga then kept out a well-hit drive from Darwin Nunez who was then guilty of wasting a couple of other chances in the first half, particularly one before the break. It was exactly the sort of performance from Nunez which makes him such a frustrating player.Joe Gomez was handed a rare start from SlotThe penalty was awarded after Van de Beek stepped on Luis Diaz’s footAlisson was forced to stop former Spurs star Bryan Gil on several occasionsThe best chance of the first game – until the goal – came in Girona’s first attack. Unfortunately for the home team, fell to Daley Blind although it will come as no surprise to United fans that he completely missed the ball from six yards.Alisson saved the follow-up from Alejandro Frances and then threw out a desperate arm to avoid being beaten at his near post by Miguel Gutierrez.The Brazilian kept out an effort from an offside-looking Bryan Gil but his finest moment came before the break when he used both his hands to keep out a decent strike from former Watford midfielder Yaser Asprilla. Just seconds into the second half, Alisson was at it again, saving at his near post to keep out Arnaut DanjumaGirona’s defence certainly had few problems dealing with the Liverpool attack, who looked to have run out of ideas when Diaz fell to the ground after tangling with Van de Beek.Ex-Man Utd star Daley Blind missed the best chance of the first halfFrench referee Benoit Bastien told Diaz to get up as he thought it was a dive. Yet after Andy Robertson’s shot had been saved for a corner, VAR checked over the clash.Bastien was called over to the screen and did not take long before pointing to the spot and Salah stuck away the penalty by sending the keeper the wrong wayREAD MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool avoided any late dramas for yet an 18th win in 21 matches for Slot. When he landed on Merseyside, at no stage did he think it would be this easy. More

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      Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live stream

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      MANCHESTER CITY stars including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish missed penalties in training… despite NO GOALKEEPER being between the sticks.The Cityzens have struggled for form in recent weeks and now fans have another reason to mock the team.Erling Haaland clipped the post with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterJack Grealish was also wayward with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterCity are back in Champions League action on Wednesday as they travel to Juventus, and they decided to live stream a training session.Plenty of fans tuned in to see the stars put though their paces – but the eagle-eyed among them noticed FOUR players completely miss the target with practice penalties.Phil Foden stepped up first and blazed over from 12 yards, before Ilkay Gundogan clipped the post.Grealish then emulated Foden with his attempt before Haaland also appeared to hit the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is possible the City stars were attempting to hit the woodwork with their efforts, but that did not prevent fans from poking fun.One reacted saying: “That team is cursed 😂 Enjoy the Championship.”Another added: “They actually might be cursed 😂😂😂”A third wrote: “I’m crying man 🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Nooo wayyyy!!! 😂”City have won just one of their previous nine matches and face two more huge games this week in Juventus and Manchester United.’Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’ More

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      Cause of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash wasn’t booze or drugs, cops say – as striker remains in hospital

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      COPS have ruled-out drink and drugs as causes of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash, sources claim.Officers are working on the basis no third-parties were involved in the moments before the £260,000 wrecked Ferrari FF was wrecked in Essex, on Saturday.Michail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyMichail miraculously survived the horror crash with only a fractured legCredit: Steve BellHe was stuck in the wreckage for nearly an hour before being airlifted from the siteCredit: UKNIPIn a tribute to their team mate West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their game with WolvesCredit: PAAnd there has been no suggestion of excessive speeding – raising the spectre Antonio’s miracle escape could be a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”Read more SportSkid-marks show Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his motor slid off the road.The crash took place at 12.50pm on Saturday as the front end of Storm Darragh swept across the country – with locals saying the route can be treacherous with run-off, in heavy rains.The wreck of Antonio’s rare supercar was said to be in a tight-security lock-up – rather than the usual compound cars involved in crashes around the M25 in Essex.Sources said it was set to be kept there in case investigators needed to examine it as part of an investigation into the star’s shocking near-miss.Most read in FootballThe striker was continuing to recover from surgery to a broken leg on Tuesday, amid fears the fracture could shorten the 34-year-old’s career.Dog walker Samuel Woods, also 34, told how Michail was seriously dazed when he saw him trapped in the ripped-apart motor.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashSamuel told The Sun: “I said to him, ‘Hello’ to see if anyone was alive. He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ I couldn’t believe what happened.”The driver’s side of the high-powered car was ripped apart by the impact with a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday. Michail was sent flying across the interior to the passenger side.Drivers reported seeing smoke pouring from the motor.The star was trapped inside the supercar for almost an hour in the wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.He had to be cut free from the 2011 Ferrari FF and was rushed to hospital.Cops have appealed for dashcam footage in a bid to understand the lead-up to the smash.They said an investigation by its Roads Policing Unit had been opened.In a heartfelt tribute, Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.Team-mate Jarrod Bowen said: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.”Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.”And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.”Michail moved to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million,READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since become the top Premier League scorer for the East London club, with 68 goals in 268 games. The athlete also co-hosts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Callum Wilson from Newcastle.Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…” More

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      Top flight referee sacked for failing to turn up to match ‘after he was drugged by escort the night before’

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      A REFEREE has been sacked after failing to turn up to a match after allegedly being drugged.Mexico top flight ref Rosario Cardenas has not officiated a match since missing a fixture between Monterrey and Tigres in October.Rosario Cardenas has been sacked following an investigationCredit: GettyCardenas was set to be the fourth official for the clash but did not turn up – supposedly due to an incident that happened the night before.He was suspended by the Mexican Referees Commission pending an investigation, which has now concluded and resulted in his sacking.A statement read: “In order to ensure transparency and compliance with the protocols, this Commission informs that, following the investigation, it has decided to terminate the contract of the referee Rosario Guadalupe Cárdenas for non-compliance with the Arbitration Rules.”The Commission initially explained Cardenas absence from the match was down to “medical reasons”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut former referee Francisco Chacon has since claimed Cardenas was absent due to his actions the night before.He suggested Cardenas hired a woman to come round to his hotel room, and she subsequently drugged and assaulted the official.Chacon said: “It turns out that Mr. Rosario Cardenas decided to hire a companion one day before the game.”He took her to his hotel where he was staying, and there he was drugged and assaulted, which is why he did not make it to his game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That was the ‘medical reason’.”Mexican newspaper Record reported the official had been found to have violated the ‘ethical and professional values’ of Mexican Football Federation, with a source stating an investigation remains ongoing into the reports Cardenas had been assaulted by a sex worker.Roy Keane was one of the most difficult players I ever refereed – he was in my face before I got the yellow card out More

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      Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Time to see if he was serious’ – Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager

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      MILLWALL fans are calling on Jose Mourinho to keep his word after he jokingly suggested he would be keen to take over at the Den.The Lions are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris quit for the second time, after doing the same thing back in 2019.Jose Mourinho recently named Millwall as a surprise club he’d consider managingCredit: GettyMillwall fans haven’t forgotten Mourinho’s statement and are calling for him to keep his wordCredit: GettyHarris will roll credits on his second stint, which lasted 10 months, after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough, which means he will also be in charge of Millwall on Wednesday against Sheffield United.Mourinho suggested in October that he would love a return to English football after stints with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.And the Special One named Millwall as a surprise club he would consider as they are are close to his London home.The Fenerbahce boss said when asked if he’d manage teams fighting relegation: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”Read More on FootballMillwall fans haven’t forgotten the ex-Real Madrid manager’s statement and took to social media urging him to take up this opportunity and follow through with what he said.One fan tweeted: “Jose we await your arrival.”Another commented: “Guess it’s time to see if Mourinho was serious after all.”A third wrote: “Mourinho called it on. He’ll have to step up now or look silly.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Jose Mourinho, a man can dream.”And that one stated: “Jose Mourinho is taking over from Neil Harris at Millwall… You heard it here first.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationHowever, Mourinho admitted that his statement was just in good humour as he confirmed he is not interested in taking over clubs that are fighting relegation.Millwall are currently 11th in the Championship table and quite safe from the drop, but did risk relegation last season.Mourinho added: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

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      ‘It’s almost like he’s been playing with a handbrake on’ – Jermain Defoe slams Man Utd for tactical disaster

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      JADON SANCHO has been “playing with a handbrake on”, according to Jermain Defoe.Sancho, 24, proved to be nothing more than an expensive disappointment during his time at Manchester United after signing from Borussia Dortmund.Jadon Sancho has refound his best form at Chelsea after a poor spell at Man UtdCredit: AlamyJermain Defoe believed the winger was ‘playing with a handbrake on’Credit: AlamyHowever, the winger has turned a new leaf and seems to have recaptured some of the form he showed in Germany while on loan at Chelsea this season.The loan transfer taking Sancho from Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge is understood to contain a clause that will see the Blues pay £25million as long as they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League.With Enzo Maresca’s side up to second place after a 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday, that clause looks all-but certain to be triggered.Sancho himself played a big part in the comeback win, scoring Chelsea’s first to get them back into the game after the home side went 2-0 up early on with a stunning goal after cutting inside from the left wing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDefoe was astonished by the sequence given he never showed such quality while playing for Man Utd, with the club ultimately deciding to cut their losses after his fallout with Erik ten Hag last year.Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, he said: “I thought he looked really sharp yesterday.”It’s almost like he’s been playing with a handbrake [on], you’d see him too many times he’d receive it and it would go back and you’re sort of like, ‘Just go at people!’. “But this is Jadon Sancho, 100 per cent. It’s not an easy finish, to be honest, but from that angle, it’s a really easy finish.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSancho has scored twice in the league for the London side, also adding three assists across nine appearances. He has added two more assists in the Conference League, with Maresca praising him following the Spurs game.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upThe Chelsea boss said: “Since we started, the reason why Jadon came here is because we think Jadon is going to help us.”Unfortunately he had small problems so he was out for a while.”Now he is back and the only thing he has to do is continue in the same way. He cannot drop, otherwise he is not going to play. His performance and Pedro Neto, on and off the ball was very good.”Off the ball, they were running, following [Destiny] Udogie and defensively they were very good. This is what we need.”Speaking to Super Sport TV, Sancho said: “From day one, they made me feel welcome at Chelsea.”I know that I have a lot of people to prove wrong. I’ve been working very hard. “Let me say thank you to the staff and the team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues next game on Thursday sees them enduring a long trip to Kazakhstan to face Astana in the Europa Conference League at 3:30pm GMT.The repercussions of the 7,000-mile round trip have seen the Blues Sunday clash with Brentford move to an unprecedented 7pm kick-off time.Chelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. 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      How struggling Arsenal compare to this stage last season with Arteta only able to start favourite backline FOUR times

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      ARSENAL’S title charge last season was based on solid defensive foundations.Between the first-choice back four of the 2023/24 campaign – Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko – they missed just 14 Premier League games.Arsenal managed to keep a consistent and injury-free back four last seasonCredit: GettyRiccardo Calafiori is one that has struggled with injuries this termCredit: AlamyWhite made 37 appearances. Gabriel made 36. Zinchenko had some injury issues but still managed 27, while Saliba played every minute of every game.Yes, their attack was pivotal – scoring 91 goals, a club record across a 38-game season.But they also produced one of their best defensive displays since the Invincibles, conceding 29 – only three more than that historic title-winning side of 2003/04.Ultimately, it brought them mightily close to the Prem crown – taking Manchester City all the way to the final day back in May but falling short by just two points.read more arsenalSeven months on, and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners find themselves on the outskirts of this title race, six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand heading into the festive period.And once again, we can look to the defence for answers, where a lack of consistency is hurting them in the Prem.Due to another bout of injuries in an injury-hampered season so far – missing Gabriel, Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori last weekend – Arteta was forced, not for the first time, to put out a makeshift back line in the 1-1 draw at Fulham.Thomas Partey, Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber was Arsenal’s NINTH different back four combination already this campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is understood that Arteta’s first-choice back line this term is Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori, but that quartet has started together just FOUR times so far – winning three and drawing one.The most games on the spin Arsenal have used the same backline is just THREE, between game week two and four with White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber – winning twice and drawing once.In total, Arsenal have had the same backline for back-to-back games on just THREE occasions, unbeaten when they do so (played seven, won five, drawn two).Arsenal vs Fulham: Comprehensive Player Ratings (1)Between game week six and game week 12, Arteta put out SEVEN different combos in a row, winning just three times (drawn two, lost two).All of this has had an impact, even if only slightly. Last season at this stage, Arsenal had conceded 14 goals and produced six clean sheets.That came about through naming the same back four for six successive game weeks, winning four and drawing twice in that time.This time around, they have let in 15 goals and notched five clean sheets. Given the disruption, it is perhaps impressive that the stats are almost identical.But the big difference comes from results. After 15 games in 23/24, Arsenal had won 11, drawn three and lost once, compared to this term where they have won eight, drawn five and lost two.Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s top goalscorerArsenal concede more shots on their own goal per game than they take on the opposition’sFour of those draws have seen Arsenal throw away points from winning positions against Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton and Man City – spending most of the latter two games down to 10 men.And within those four results, there were three different backlines on show.There have been some positives. The successful pairing of Saliba and Gabriel has started 12 of 15 games, but the constant change around them has taken its toll.It is chalk and cheese when compared to Liverpool – who have used six different back lines.But the Reds’ first-choice option of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konata and Andy Robertson has started eight of their opening 14 games.In their opening 10 outings, that same back four started seven times (winning eight, drawing one and losing one).Trent started the first 11 games on the spin, missing just two. Van Dijk has started every game. Konate has started 11 of the first 14.Their longest run of constant changes to the backline is six, between game week nine and game week 14 (winning four and drawing two).But within that period, Trent, Van Dijk and Robertson were a constant presence.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot for the first time this season, Arteta’s biggest task is clearing the medical room and keeping it that way. Consistency is vital if they are to chase down another title charge.Arsenal ratings vs FulhamARSENAL lost the chance to go four points behind leaders Liverpool after Fulham held Mikel Arteta’s side to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.See how the players rated…David Raya – 6 Couldn’t do much about his one-on-one with Jimenez and was rarely threatened after that.Thomas Partey – 5 Started from right-back but it quickly became clear just how missed the Ghanaian’s presence was in midfield.Often looked disjointed and uncomfortable in carrying out his defensive duties up against the explosive Adama Traore.William Saliba – 6 Brought his side level with a tap in from six yards from another profitable Arsenal corner. It’s two goals in one week for the Frenchman.Jakub Kiwior – 4 Terrible afternoon filling into Gabriel’s big shoes as his performance showed why the Pole is only used in emergency situations.Easily outmanoeuvred by Raul Jimenez’s inside run for the Fulham No.9’s sleek low finish opener inside 11 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5 Forced to move into left-back but undoubtedly a greater influence on the right side of defence.Dutchman was quiet by his standards and was dragged narrow for Jimenez’s opener.Martin Odegaard – 6 Grew into the game as Fulham sat back and fed Saka with some intricate through balls, but nothing came off.Replaced by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with 10 minutes remaining when Arsenal were chasing a winner.Jorginho – 6 Largely did his job in nullifying Emile Smith Rowe before the Arsenal youth academy star was replaced inside 60 minutes.But some wayward long balls saw a frustrated Arteta turn away in the opening half.Declan Rice – 6Tasked with bailing out the makeshift left hand side of Timber and Kiwior out and again lethal from corners. Didn’t stop running and linked up well with Saka and Odegaard.Booked for a professional foul in the dying embers.Bukayo Saka – 7Every time you looked at the TV, Saka was crossing. Great corners from the right hand side.He thought he’d won it for Arsenal in the 87th minute, but his back post header was ruled out for Martinelli’s offside in the build up.Leandro Trossard – 6Handed a shock start ahead of Gabriel Martinelli but it failed to come off.More of a threat in the second-half before he looked disappointed to be subbed off for Martinelli on the hour mark.Kai Havertz – 5 It was his header from Rice’s corner that Saliba prodded home to put Arsenal on level terms. Didn’t have much of a sniff other than that.Out-duelled by Diop for much of the first half and rarely tested former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in his 73 minute appearance. More