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      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for ‘violating’ MLS rules in opening match of Inter Miami’s season

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      LIONEL Messi and Luis Suarez have both been FINED for “violating” a little known MLS rule.The Inter Miami duo were hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC in Saturday’s season opener.Messi has been fined for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTeam-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the matchMessi has been punished for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach during a post-match war of words.The World Cup winner was heading off the pitch before turning to confront coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle.Messi appeared agitated as the pair went back and forth, before the Argentine briefly rested his hand on Ballouchy’s neck, who pulled away from the superstar.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner began walking away, before turning around to hold onto the back of Ballouchy’s neck for a second time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMessi had initially fumed at referee Rosendo Mendoza at full-time, and was handed a post-match yellow card on his way down the tunnel for his outburst. Ballouchy then appeared to say something to the Inter Miami captain, sparking to a fiery exchange between the pair.Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the match.Suarez pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe precise amount each player was fined is unclear.The MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that the former Barcelona stars had violated the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Messi had just set-up a stoppage time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadim.He also assisted Tomas Aviles’ early goal before the latter was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Aviles dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper.It comes after a referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener was disciplined after asking for Messi’s shirt after their game against Sporting KC.Messi scored the winning goal in their first leg, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava was reportedly slapped with a six-month ban after asking Messi for his autograph, according to The Mail. More

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      Arsenal splashed £1.2MILLION on mid-season Dubai trip that backfired massively with injury crisis worse than ever

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      ARSENAL splashed out £1.2million on their mid-season trip to Dubai, according to reports.Mikel Arteta thought lightning would strike twice after seeing his side receive huge benefits from a warm-weather training camp last season.Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp backfired massively as Kai Havertz tore his hamstringCredit: GettyIt has been revealed the trip cost the club £1.2millionCredit: GettyHowever, this time around the trip turned into a disaster as Kai Havertz was ruled out for the season after tearing his hamstring.Even before the 25-year-old got injured the Gunners were crying out for more firepower, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined.Arsenal chiefs failed to add another forward to their frontline in the winter transfer window after offering £40m for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins late on.Fans were not happy about the lack of a new arrival and were even more upset upon seeing the Havertz news due to it being another massive dent in their title hopes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Mirror revealed the trip cost a total of £1.2m, with the Arsenal squad and a huge number of backroom staff travelling via a privately chartered plane.The trip was designed to be a mix of rest and recuperation, with the report saying they had only one day off during the entire six-day trip.It was debated whether a mid-season trip overseas or a full week of rest at home would be more beneficial.Ultimately, everyone involved enjoyed it and saw it as a major benefit and a valuable bonding exercise.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe cost of the trip is also mitigated by the club’s strong sponsorship links in Dubai, which would have offset some of the cost.Arsenal’s attacking hopes were placed in the hands of midfielder Mikel Merino after he scored twice off the bench against Leicester to seal a 2-0 win.Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)However, the Gunners were hit by wet powder in the following home game against West Ham as they lost 1-0 to all but end their title hopes as they fell 11 points behind Liverpool.They visit third-place Nottingham Forest tonight knowing they could fall 14 points behind the league leaders by the end of the night.Arsenal will then face PSV away from home in the Champions League last-16. More

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      English manager axed by EFL club just minutes after insisting he’s ‘never going to walk away’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS have sacked manager Nigel Adkins after he declared he had no plans to go anywhere.Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley last night, leaving them winless since January 4 and third bottom in League Two.Nigel Adkins has been sacked by TranmereCredit: RexIt came hours after he insisted he was not going to walk awayCredit: RexSpeaking after the game – a fifth defeat in seven – Adkins insisted he still believed they could get their season back on track and added he would never walk away from his hometown club.He told reporters: “You’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to have hope, there are still games to play and you can’t throw the towel in yet.“You’ve got to keep working and you’ve got to keep going. It was a very poor defeat tonight, we’ve got to change it and we’ve got to change it quick.“It’s my hometown club and I’m never going to walk away at any point. I’m under contract to the football club and if the owner wants me to stay then I’ll do everything I can, that’s all I can do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ll continue to do that until asked differently.”However, just two hours after the defeat to Accrington was confirmed a club announcement revealed Adkins had been axed by the club.It read: “Tranmere Rovers can confirm that Nigel Adkins has today stepped down as manager, by mutual agreement. “An announcement will be made about arrangements for his replacement in due course.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAdkins, 59, had been in charge of Tranmere since September 2023, having initially joined the club in May of that year as a technical director.He stepped into an interim manager role following the sacking of Ian Dawes, which became permanent in November 2023.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex He had played for Tranmere professionally between 1983 and 1986.Chairman Mark Palios said: “Nigel is a hugely experienced manager with a long and distinguished career, who came back as Technical Director of his hometown club, where he had also been a player.“He helped the club by acting as interim manager before taking the role as Manager when needed last season and improved results, stabilising the season. “No-one can doubt his commitment, effort or passion for Tranmere Rovers but this season has been hampered by a litany of injuries to, and suspensions of, key players which have all contributed to the current league position.“Compared to the optimism at the start of the season we both acknowledge our league position is disappointing and that football is a results business. “As a consequence, we have sadly both come to the conclusion that a change of manager will give the team the best chance of making the most of the remaining 13 games.“I don’t need to tell you that Nigel is a thoroughly decent man whose work ethic, commitment and professionalism through a very difficult period has been clear to see. “He leaves with the club’s best wishes for the future.”Englishman Adkins’ managerial highlights include winning League One with Scunthorpe United and, two years later, the League One play-offs.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also earned promotion to the Premier League with Southampton by finishing as runner-up in the Championship.Other managerial jobs for Adkins have included a player-manager role at Bangor City and time spent as manager of Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton. More

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      Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

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      AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Levi Colwill steps up when needed most but Cole Palmer well off the boil as he hits new low

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      CHELSEA reverted to winning ways as they smashed Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella set the Blues on their way to victory.Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday nightCredit: PAThe Blues ended their run of three successive defeatsCredit: GettyIt ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.Chelsea had lost twice to Brighton, including once in the FA Cup, before suffering a late defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.And victory came after fans held a protest on the Fulham Road, with banners taking aim at Todd Boehly and BlueCo.The result saw Chelsea move back into fourth to keep their Champions League dream alive.Just four points separate them from 10th-place Villa.And Chelsea will be hoping to build some momentum in their next games against Copenhagen and Leicester.But who was Chelsea’s best player on the night?Was there someone on the bench who did enough to impress boss Enzo Maresca?BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd did anyone have a game to forget despite the result?Here, SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield delivers his Chelsea player ratings against Southampton…Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer FILIP JORGENSEN – 6He’s no Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois, but he recovered from his Villa Park howler with a clean sheet against the Saints.Fans are still not convinced by the Dane, and groans echoed around the ground when he got the ball at his feet – though they were grateful for him when he made a cat-like save to deny Onuachu in the first half.If you gave them a chance they’d probably take on-loan Petrovic back from Strasbourg, the Serbian stopper has three clean sheets in his last three – typical.MALO GUSTO – 6Put in a fantastic challenge on Sulemana early in the second half, which was symbolic of his aggression on the right side of defence tonight.Defended well throughout the game, but perhaps could’ve offered more from an attacking point of view as Reece James often does.Chelsea will be pleased to see him improve though as two performing right-backs in this side is essential.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 8’Uncle Tosin’ as he is affectionately known in the dressing room, was imperious in the air at the back for the Blues.He rose highest to flick the ball on to Christopher Nkunku as Maresca’s men opened the scoring in the first half, as well as saving Chelsea at the back early on in the game.His second half showing was equally as solid, and he has been a more than important signing from local rivals Fulham this campaign.LEVI COLWILL – 9Marking 6ft 7inch giant Paul Onuachu is no easy feat no matter how good you are, but Chelsea’s own Levi Colwill did that job pretty well.It was a necessary assured performance from the man touted as a future club captain after a few sloppy showings.He stepped into his challenges brilliantly and scored a powerful header to add a third to Chelsea’s tally in the first half.MARC CUCURELLA – 9Chelsea’s pantomime villain has made the inverted fullback role his own under Enzo Maresca, and is one of the best in the Premier League at doing that job.Intercepted numerous Southampton passes into midfield and progresses the Blues so well down the left, playing a vital role in Chelsea’s second goal doing exactly that.Topped off an almost perfect night with a fantastic finish into the bottom right corner to totally kill the game off.Gets a bonus point for his penguin celebration…MOISES CAICEDO – 8A pretty regular night by his standards, though the standards of a £115m midfielder are pretty lofty.The Ecuadorian was combative in midfield, working tirelessly to consistently win the ball back in Chelsea’s midfield as N’Golo Kante once did before him.While he is controlled on the ball and looks more than comfortable with it at his feet, it is his off-the-ball work which really sets him apart from other defensive mids in this league.ENZO FERNANDEZ (C) – 8Probably Chelsea’s most creative player in the first half, Enzo played a deeper role than he has the past two games and was arguably robbed of two assists by Cole Palmer.The Argentine was Chelsea’s midfield metronome, setting the tempo for his side and keeping attacks flowing smoothly throughout.His only criticism would be a tendency to take one too many touches and occasionally slow down promising breaks for his side.JADON SANCHO – 4A pretty quiet showing from him on the right wing tonight, with Nkunku occupying his usual spot on the left.Had a few flashes of good footwork as he always does, and wasn’t bad by any means but it didn’t look like the electric Jadon Sancho we saw when he first joined.He will surely welcome the return of Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu when they are back, as he looked a little lost without a real target to aim for with crosses into the box.COLE PALMER – 2It’s tough to write this, but it looks as though Cole Palmer has gone well and truly off the boil at the moment.The usually ever-reliable goal scorer missed THREE huge first-half chances which could’ve seen his side 6-0 up at half-time, and looked devoid of confidence after rolling the third wide.There is no doubt among fans that he will be back, as they sung his name loud and proud, but it looks like he’s in need of one of those moments of magic to re-ignite the spark in that fantastic left foot of his.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 8The Frenchman popped up at the back post after a Chelsea corner to deflate Southampton’s hopes of a result at Stamford Bridge within 25 minutes.Just 10 minutes later his perfectly weighted pass for Neto saw an assist added to his performance too.This game should give him a much needed confidence boost ahead of Copenhagen and Leicester where he will expect to have his blue balloon out once more.PEDRO NETO – 8What could’ve been a tough night for Neto turned into a brilliant one when he smashed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and into the back of the net in the first half.The Portuguese winger was playing up front in the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, and got his just reward after working his socks off throughout the night.Also claimed an assist with a whipped free-kick perfect for Levi Colwill to power home.SUBSKiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Pedro Neto, 68) – 5Helped regulate the Chelsea midfield as they played without a striker when he came on, but ultimately didn’t impact the game much.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 68) – 7Cobham star Tyrique George followed up a bright showing at Brighton with a first Premier League assist and tricky performance on both wings at times after coming on.There wouldn’t be many complaints from home supporters if he was given a start over Jadon Sancho against Copenhagen or Leicester.Josh Achaempong (Christopher Nkunku, 83) – 5Didn’t have much to do at the back after coming on as Chelsea were dominant until the end.Mathis Amougou (Moises Caicedo, 83) – 5Like Acheampong, did not have enough time to make an impact.Shim Mhueka (Enzo Fernandez, 87) – 6Almost scored with his first touch after coming on at the death to make his debut, but his header was denied by Ramsdale.Having watched him shine for the academy this season, you can rest assured this guy is a striker to look out for and don’t be surprised to see him given further chances this season. More

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      Man Utd face eye-watering £12MILLION bill if they sack Ruben Amorim thanks to watertight contract clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face an eye-watering £12MILLION bill if they sack Ruben Amorim this summer.The Red Devils’ head coach is understood to have a watertight clause in his contract — meaning he gets the remainder of his 2½-year deal paid up if he is ever axed.Ruben Amorim’s pay-off would be huge if he is axed this yearCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe faces a £20m hit were Amorim and staff to be sackedCredit: AlamyThere is no suggestion under-fire part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has any plans to dump the Portuguese, who only joined the club in November after Erik ten Hag was sacked.And that is despite a shocking run of eight defeats and just four wins in his 15 Prem games.But if things deteriorated further for a team Amorim labelled “the worst” in United history, he would walk away with whatever is left on his £6m-per-year agreement.The same financial  security is understood to apply to all the backroom staff he brought with him when he left Sporting.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see the total cost of the P45s for Amorim and his coaches hit a whopping £20m.Last week, accounts until the end of 2024 showed United owe a huge £1billion, including £300m to clubs for transfer fees they are paying on drip.Amorim, 40, whose 15th-placed side host struggling Ipswich at Old Trafford tonight, said: “When you start a season it’s completely different.“In pre-season you have time to change things. That was my choice. I knew it would be tough.”Most read in FootballAfter tackling Ipswich on Wednesday, the Red Devils have a busy start to MarchBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIronically, revelations over Amorim’s contract come amid claims rival clubs are looking to buy United’s sell-on clauses for ex-Red Devils.Such clauses have been popular with Old Trafford chiefs when offloading players in recent years.Federico Macheda says he’d get into this Man Utd team and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s amazing claim about himScott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri are amongst stars with lucrative fees owed if they are sold on. United would get a much-needed financial boost from selling clauses.Ratcliffe is already set to axe another 200 jobs around the club, on top of 250 staff being made redundant last summer. Man Utd could consider letting other clubs buy their sell-on clauses for some ex-players, which might include Marseille’s Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP More

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      Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More

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      ‘Shaken not stirred’ – TNT Sports pundit makes his case to be next James Bond with namesake 66/1 in betting

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      JOE COLE joked about becoming the next James Bond with his namesake in the running for the role.The pundit appeared on commentary for TNT Sports’ coverage of Chelsea’s dominant win over Southampton.Joe Cole joked about becoming the next James BondCredit: AlamyThe actor Joe Cole is 66/1 with the bookies to succeed Daniel CraigCredit: GettySeveral stars have been linked to the role of James BondCredit: PAAnd he was asked about the betting odds for the next James Bond because actor Joe Cole of Peaky Blinders fame could land the role.Darren Fletcher brought up the link on commentary with former Chelsea star Cole.He joked: “I saw this morning if you get a second to ask him tonight that Joe Cole is 66/1 in the betting to be the next James Bond.”Cole was happy to humour his colleague, and responded: “He’s been desperate to get me on that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Of course I know it’s another actor, but listen I think I should be shorter odds. Shaken not stirred.”For now Cole is concentrating on his day job and would have been happy with the evening as his former side won 4-0.Cole Palmer may not have been at the races, missing a hatful of chances, but Pedro Neto inspired the Blues to their first win in four matches.Neto scored one and produced one as Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella also scored.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe actor Joe Cole actually supports the club where his namesake first started out – West Ham.He is 66/1 to become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig, the same odds as Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington and Daniel Kaluuya of Get Out and Black Mirror fame.Happy Valley star James Norton is favourite at 3/1.Colwill celebrates scoring Chelsea’s third goal with NkunkuCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer More