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    England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

    FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal line up ‘next Jamie Vardy’, 16, as Mikel Arteta’s striker transfer hunt takes shock turn

    ARSENAL are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey Higgins.The Gunners have their sights on the 16-year-old hotshot — and hope to take him in the next few weeks.Arsenal are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey HigginsCredit: GettyStriker Higgins has been tipped to be a future starCredit: X/ academy_brfcMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker this summerCredit: AlamyRovers will only get compensation for their latest discovery, although that could come in at £1.5million.Higgins is already playing for the under-18s but his progress at England youth level has alerted Arsenal.There are hopes that he will follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton and David Raya in starting their journeys to stardom at Ewood Park.Speak to people connected to the kid and there are early comparisons in the style of play to Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s irrepressible centre forward who is still going strong at 38.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWHiggins loves to chase a ball from over his shoulder and run on before unleashing his strength and finishing ability.The schoolboy has already trained with the Under-21s yet is still in his GCSE year at school.Several top clubs are also interested in the young striker, making competition for his signature intense.And his ability has not gone unnoticed with sponsors, earning him a contract with Puma.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTop sides in the Serie A are also tracking his progress — and may make a move.Arsenal also made an enquiry for Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon in the January window and they continue to monitor his progress.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashRovers are also fighting to keep young defender Silver Eze with big clubs chasing the Italian youth cap.Blackburn only signed Eze, 16, from Accrington Stanley for £120,000 in November but could lose him before he starts a game for them. More

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    Aston Villa 2 Nottingham Forest 1: Visitors miss chance to close gap on Arsenal as hosts move within 1 point of top four

    ASTON VILLA’S two-goal blast in two minutes ultimately settled a game of two halves.But Unai Emery’s Champions League quarter finalists were made to fight for their seventh win in a row right until the end by Forest, their unlikely rivals for an automatic spot in next season’s competition.Aston Villa moved within one point of Chelsea in the race for top four as Youri Tielemans looks to play PSG in the Champions League nextCredit: RexMorgan Rogers fired Aston Villa in front inside 13 minutesCredit: AlamyThe England star channelled Cole Palmer’s favourite celebrationCredit: AlamyDonyell Malen’s tap-in doubled Villa’s lead within two minutesCredit: PASuper sub Jota Silva pulled one back in the 57th minuteCredit: ReutersWhat brilliant seasons these clubs are having, and what an entertaining game this was, especially in the second half.When the Forest fans struck up an early chorus of “Que Sera Sera”, the home supporters joined in to mark their shared achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley.It will be Paris in springtime for Villa on Wednesday when they take on PSG in the first leg.On a deceptively cold afternoon in the West Midlands, boss Emery rested a number of key players for a match that was important for both clubs’ chances of playing elite European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEmery’s judgement seemed sound when Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen put the home side ahead with two goals in two first-half  minutes against a Forest team that seemed to be running on fumes.But Nuno Espirito Santo’s injury-hit band of brothers dug deep and rocked VIlla back on their heels after the break.Half-time sub Jota Silva pulled one back and Forest squandered a number of other chances to end Villa’s winning streak.Before the game started, Villa seemed to be giving Forest a lesson in how much they will need to improve if they do make it to the Champions League and want to compete.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmery was able to make eight changes to the starting line-up that had won at Brighton yet still field a formidable team.Meanwhile Nuno had to stick with the tried and trusted as injuries to Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi left him without a centre forward and needing to reshuffle.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationForest had looked leggy and a little nervous in beating Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s early wondergoal.A better, more incisive team than United would probably have beaten them.And Villa, for 15 minutes at least, were a much better and more incisive team than United.Forest were 3-4-3 out of possession but very much a 5-2-3 when Villa had the ball.It mattered not. Ian Maatsen drew a save from Matz Sels, then Marco Asensio and Youri Tielemans went close-ish before Rogers and Malen dealt the visitors a quick one-two combination right in the chops.Visiting centre half Morato looked up from fiddling with a shinpad to find Tielemans was about to clip a lovely pass between him and makeshift wing-back Nico Dominguez. Rogers’ control was exquisite. A quick look up, a couple of confident strides forward, a firm left-footed shot, 1-0.The second goal soon arrived and was also a little gem.Silva was a handful during his second-half cameoCredit: AFPThe weight on Tielemans’ pass to Maatsen was perfect, allowing the Dutchman to throw Ryan Yates off balance and then head to the byline.The cross was tempting, Malen’s run was well timed and the finish, a formality.Emery celebrated with his customary gusto. But the Villa boss was animated for different reasons midway through the half when Forest finally showed their teeth.Elanga attempted to recreate his incredible sprint and finish from the United game but pulled his left-foot shot wide of the far post.Then fellow flying winger Callum Hudson-Odoi found space and was also off target.Villa had lost a bit of momentum but Forest did not register a shot on goal until the 40th minute, when Emi Martinez saved easily from Yates.The visitors needed to find some energy from somewhere and Nuno sent on Silva for Elanga at the break to play as a more conventional centre forward.Villa manager Unai Emery was animated for different reasons midway through the halfCredit: ReutersEmiliano Martinez clashed with Silva as the pair squared up to each other afterCredit: AFPMartinez and Jota came to blowsCredit: AlamyUnfortunately for Forest the first chance to pull one back fell to Neco Williams, who fired wide of the far post after Hudson-Odoi retrieved a deep cross.Then the winger himself had a go from a similar position, with a similarly frustrating resultBut it was third time lucky. Williams crossed from the left, Elliot Anderson swung and missed, and Silva pounced to steer a left-footed shot across Martinez and into the net.Moments later Tielemans stopped Anderson from converting another Williams centre. Then Anderson did get a shot away, only to fire wide.Villa were on the ropes and Emery had seen enough, making a triple change just after the hour.The game had plenty of edge by now, with Silva provoking a clash with Martinez that attracted a few other players.Rogers could have restored the two-goal lead after leaving Murillo in a heap on the halfway line. But a heavy touch meant that Forest goalkeeper Sels could make a save.Back came Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White shooting wide. Sels saved from Asensio and then Tielemans as the game became end to end.Gibbs-White went close twice more, sending a header and then a right-footed shot wide.Read More on The SunSels scrambled away a Marcus Rashford corner, and in stoppage time Murillo hit the bar before Sels denied Rashford again.The Champions League needs both these clubs and their fans next year. More

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    I’m dubbed ‘the most irritating man in the Premier League’… I don’t give a s*** what you think

    JASON TINDALL has opened up on his title as the Premier League’s “most irritating man”.Tindall, 47, was in the dugout alongside Eddie Howe as Newcastle won their first major domestic trophy in the Carabao Cup for 70 years against Liverpool.Jason Tindall has addressed his title as one of football’s biggest wind-up merchantsCredit: GettyTindall has been alongside Newcastle boss Eddie Howe for 17 yearsCredit: GettyHe has a brash attitude which means many rival fans do not like himCredit: GettyHowe’s No.2 has been a loyal companion to the ex-Bournemouth manager for 17 years, a quality many bemoan has been lost in modern football.They were thrown into management together when Bournemouth faced relegation from League Two, “because there was nobody else who would do it”.The pair were nothing more than team-mates at Bournemouth, with neither having the same friendship circle during their playing days at the Cherries.Yet Tindall says they have worked together every day sharing the same office from 8am to 6pm, meaning, in Tindall’s words, he has “spent more time with Eddie than anyone else in my life,” including their wives.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, there are few assistant managers in the country, maybe even in world football, who seem to get under the skin of rival supporters more than Tindall.He has an unapologetically brash and confrontational attitude when on the touchline, earning him the nickname, “Mad Dog”.It often ends up with him being highlighted whenever something happens pitchside, whether he was the original centre of attention or not.Speaking to The Telegraph, Tindall has revealed he actually loves his role as one of football’s best wind-up merchants.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “I don’t exactly know what that Mad Dog thing is or why it came about. It’s probably to do with the way I am on the sidelines.“I’m very, very passionate, I’ll do anything to win and that’s probably a good thing. Eddie isn’t very emotional on the touchline and I think it is important that I am the way I am. Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “If I wasn’t, that is something he would probably have to be and there is so much other stuff that is important on a match day that he needs to focus on. I take that side of things away.“When he was younger Eddie used to get much more involved in those arguments, but it has happened naturally, it’s me who does it. “I very rarely think I’ve crossed the line. I will vent my frustration if I’m not happy with certain things. I don’t think I’m disrespectful.“Obviously, the opposition want to win too and sometimes they will say things that I don’t agree with. I will let that be known. If I’m there to be that person to have an argument, that is what I’m going to do.”Tindall is the coach responsible for the Magpies’ defensive shape, training and designing set pieces this season.Only six teams — Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Everton — have conceded fewer goals than Newcastle in the league.Asked about his perception outside of the Newcastle faithful where he is not the most liked person, Tindall is actually more than happy to “upset” people, declaring: “I do not give a s*** what people think.”He said: “It’s not my intention to attract attention if that makes sense. “People say I’ve got too high a profile for an assistant manager, how that has come about, but again, I don’t take any notice of it or think I’m going to do this to gain more attention.”The outside world can say what they say, but it’s just me. I just go about my business. “This isn’t new and Ed will say the same, the way I am at Newcastle is exactly the same as I was at Bournemouth.“It’s part of my character, I don’t care what people think [including opposition managers]. “I know who I am, the job I do and the influence I have over a lot of things. And the only thing I care about is doing my job the best I can for Newcastle United.“I don’t care if I’m upsetting people along the way. People will probably judge the way I look, what I wear and how I behave. None of this is new to me. The pair were thrown in together to manage Bournemouth but are not matesCredit: AlamyTindall tried his hand at management by inheriting the title at Bournemouth in 2020Credit: Getty”The reality is I do not give a s*** what people think and what people say because I’m confident in my own skin, I’m confident in what I do.”If you don’t know me, what you think doesn’t matter in the slightest.”On his relationship with Howe, Tindall added: “We are different personalities, completely different characters. “He’s an introvert, I’m the extrovert, that’s obvious, but we have an excellent working relationship. We are totally honest with each other.”We have different opinions, we disagree, but I will always respect that he has the final say.”Whatever arguments we have, it stays behind closed doors and when we step out of the office, we speak as one. I will always back his decision. That’s important. “That is the loyalty I have to him and have had for many, many years. He trusts me, we trust each other implicitly. I’m incredibly loyal to Eddie, he gets the best out of me and I hope I bring the best out of him.”We see football the same way, we want to play the same way. We instinctively know what the other person wants, what they are thinking. Our principles are the same. “As a football brain we think the same. We know what a top manager Eddie is, but there is a lot of pressure on him, the media, the expectations, the football decisions, I’m here to support him.“You need people around you that you can trust, people you can lean on and we have that relationship. “If he’s having a bad day, and look, he’s got a lot better at dealing with those the more experienced he has become, but it’s my job to lift him when it is needed. “It’s my job to take some of that pressure away.”Indeed, Tindall admits he and Howe don’t “see each other as friends”, but that they need each other to succeed. He describes the relationship as a “good marriage”, supporting one another but saying socialising together afterwards would be “too much”.Tindall was given the reins for management once, in 2020 when Howe stepped down as Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League.But he lasted only one season and has no intention of stepping back into the main seat in the dugout, instead being happy to be Howe’s No.2 since they were reunited at St. James’ Park three years ago.Tindall says the emotion of Newcastle make them “the perfect football club for us,” explaining that he and Howe wanted to bring back the essence of Kevin Keegan’s “entertainers” of the 1990s.On winning the cup and looking to the future, Tindall added: “Winning the [Carabao] cup final, it meant more to me to give the city what it always wanted than for me as a personal achievement. “It’s a city that does that to you. It has brought something out of me, it has tapped into my personality because Ed and I have that same passion. It is almost life and death here and that is how we see the game too.He continued: “When you win one, you want more. The great teams go again, that is what separates them from the good ones. “We want to build a great team here. You know after we won at Wembley, it was a very emotional moment for us both.Read More on The Sun”To have started at the bottom with Bournemouth, to go through the leagues together and to have finally won a trophy, I think we both appreciated how special that was and how much we had achieved together.“I wouldn’t want to have done it any other way or with anyone else than Ed. We have been on a remarkable journey together that we don’t want to stop.”But Tindall is happy to be Howe’s No2, describing their relationship as ‘like a married couple’Credit: ReutersTindall now wants to help Newcastle win even more trophies after ending the club’s 70 year domestic trophy droughtCredit: Rex More

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    Inside Nketiah’s nightmare cameo as he’s booked for diving within minute before he’s recklessly sent off in wild game

    EDDIE NKETIAH suffered “one of the worst cameos ever” after being sent off within TEN minutes of coming on during Crystal Palace’s dramatic 2-1 win over Brighton.The striker was booked for simulation inside the box within 60 SECONDS of replacing goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta inside 68 minutes.Palace star Eddie Nketiah was shown a yellow card for simulation within a minute of coming onCredit: GettyNketiah endured a nightmare ten minute cameo during Palace’s dramatic 2-1 win over BrightonCredit: RexThe former Arsenal star was then shown a second yellow for a high boot on Jan Paul Van Hecke in the 78th minuteCredit: GettyThe striker was handed a double booking from ref Anthony TaylorCredit: AlamyFans inside Selhurst Park applauded Nketiah as he walked off down the tunnelCredit: GettyTo make matters worse, Nketiah was through on goal and could’ve unleashed a shot at Seagulls keeper Bart Verbruggen with his first touch of the game.And just nine minutes later, the former Arsenal star was shown a second yellow for a high boot on Jan Paul Van Hecke in the 78th minute.In total, Nketiah had just two touches of the ball and completed only two passes during his disaster ten minutes before being sent off.He failed to win any of his duels in the heated 3pm derby, before losing two 50-50 battles.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile fans inside Selhurst Park applauded a gutted Nketiah as he walked off down the tunnel, others online were far less supportive, with the game in the balance at 2-1.One wrote: “Hats off to Nketiah for one of the worst cameos in history.”A second said: “Did Nketiah really just do that?😔”But loads backed him, writing: “Nketiah didn’t even dive. There was clear contact. He also pulled out of the second. Harsh.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Van Hecke himself was handed the final red card of agame which saw ref Anthony Taylor dish out THREE.Palace defender Marc Guehi was given his marching orders in between them.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineThe 24-year-old soon followed Nketiah after also receiving a second yellow for catching Brajan Gruda with his studs.The England star’s second yellow came minutes after medics rushed onto the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a sickening head clash with Joao Pedro.Meanwhile, two stunning efforts from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz, either side of a Danny Welbeck leveller, secured all three points for Oliver Glasner’s side.The Eagles moved to within four points of Fabian Hurzeler’s side with a game in hand. More

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    Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman, 15, scores HAT-TRICK as Under-18s come out on top in eight-goal thriller vs Leicester

    ARSENAL starlet Max Dowman bagged a hat-trick as the Gunners’ Under-18s won 5-3 at Leicester.Dowman, 15, has attracted plenty of attention for his performances in the academy this season.Max Dowman is already a star man for Arsenal’s Under-18sCredit: GettyThe teenage sensation travelled with Arsenal’s first team on on their warm weather training trip to Dubai in February.While Gunners youth team coach Gus Oliveira has even likened him to Brazilian legend Kaka.Earlier today, Alex Marciniak gave Arsenal Under-18s the lead on 18 minutes, having been played through by Dowman.Josh King levelled for Leicester on 23 minutes, only for Dowman to reclaim the Young Gunners’ lead with a shot from the edge of the box on 27 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDowman then made it 3-1 on 57 minutes, running from the halfway line to score.Lorenzo Strachan cut Leicester’s deficit shortly after the hour mark, but barely a minute later Dowman completed his brilliant hat-trick by converting a penalty.Louis Page did grab another for Leicester, only for Brando Bailey-Joseph to seal Arsenal’s 5-3 win in stoppage time.Dowman has scored five goals and laid on three assists in the Under-18 Premier League South this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe also scored three goals in as many games as Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup.In December he made his Under-21s debut aged just 14.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final And in January, Mikel Arteta said of Dowman: “Very impressive. Some of the things he does is unbelievable.”We have a lot of belief we can develop him into one of our own.”There are a lot of restrictions for his age so we will have to wait and see.”He is taking fast steps.”Dowman, 15, trains alongside Arsenal captain Martin OdegaardCredit: Getty More

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    Crystal Palace 2 Brighton 1: Eagles cling on for win in chaotic final ten minutes with three sent off and horror injury

    CRYSTAL PALACE clung on to earn a double over rivals Brighton for the first time in 92 YEARS in a match that featured THREE red cards.The Eagles have now won 12 out of 17 in all competitions since December, while Brighton are in danger of blowing up. Crystal Palace won a Premier League thriller against BrightonCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for PalaceCredit: AFPDanny Welbeck levelled the scores before half-timeCredit: GettyBefore Daniel Munoz put Palace ahead with a wonderful strikeCredit: GettyAnthony Taylor dished out THREE red cards – the first came for Eddie NketiahCredit: AlamyThe old timers in the Holmesdale Road stand will have celebrated long into the night after seeing Palace complete a league double over Brighton for the first time since they were both playing in the Division Three South in 1933.But this well-deserved victory, secured with nine men after Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guehi were both sent off for picking up two bookings, is more significant for its impact on both club’s short-term futures. After failing to win their first eight games of the season Palace could yet end it in Europe, having already booked a visit to Wembley to face Aston Villa in an FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month.  Oliver Glasner’s side have a game in hand and moved to within two points of eighth-placed Brighton, who have lost three straight games in a nightmare week that began with an agonising FA Cup quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to Nottingham Forest.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith this victory extending Palace’s unbeaten run to seven matches The Eagles will fancy their chances of qualifying for Europe through league position for the first time in their history. Goals at the start of each half from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Daniel Munoz secured what was ultimately a fairly comfortable victory for Palace, with Eberechi Eze creating both.  The 26-year-old picked a good afternoon to impress in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel, who will also have noted some smart saves from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Mateta’s first goal in the third minute was celebrated with an outpouring of emotion, as it was his first since sustaining the horrific ear injury that required 25 stitches following Liam Robert’s infamous karate kick in Palace’s FA Cup win over Millwall last month.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe French striker was played into space on the left edge of Brighton box by Eze with no obvious route to goal, but turned to create a shooting opportunity before beating Bart Verbruggen with a left-foot curler.  Lifted by the early goal Palace continued to play with confidence, while Brighton looked sluggish. Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineEddie Nketiah was first to be sent off after two bookingsCredit: AlamyMedics later rushed on the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a head clash with Joao PedroA long ball from Henderson caught the visitors out in the 10th minute, with Eze going close to doubling their lead.  It took a brilliant double save from Henderson to preserve Palace’s lead in the 13th minute however. The England goalkeeper did well to get his outstretched left arm down to stop Carlos Baleba’s long-range shot before blocking Welbeck’s follow-up at close range. Henderson could do nothing about Brighton’s 31st minute equaliser, although the same could not be said of Palace defenders Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix, who allowed Welbeck to sneak in between them to volley in from a brilliant cross from the right from Yankuba Minteh. At the age of 34 and with six years since his last call-up, Welbeck’s international career is almost certainly over, but his form has been outstanding all season.If Tuchel can call up Jordan Henderson then anything may be possible.Eze on the other hand could represent England’s future, particularly if he can reproduce the flashes of individual brilliance he showed here on a more regular basis.  Palace’s second goal of the afternoon in the 55th minute was Eze at his best. Marc Guehi was sent marching for picking up a second yellow for a studs up challenge on GrudaCredit: RexHe began a counter-attack from deep in his own half, effortlessly and elegantly carrying the ball into enemy territory, before spotting Munoz in space on the opposite flank.  The cross-field pass to release Munoz was exquisite, although it still left the Colombian international with a lot to do as he cut in from the right to score at the far post. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler responded with a double attacking sub, with Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra coming on for Matt O’Riley and Minteh respectively, but there was no immediate impact.  Glasner also made a change, with Nketiah replacing Mateta, who understandably received a standing ovation for his efforts. It was Nketiah who made his presence felt soonest, with the former Arsenal striker having a strong appeal for a penalty following a tussle with Pervis Estupian. Referee Anthony Taylor felt he went down too easily however and waved him away, as well as showing him a yellow card, which looked a harsh decision. Nketiah paid the ultimate price when his afternoon was ended prematurely after just 11 minutes on the pitch when Taylor showed him a red after a second yellow, although on this occasion he could have few complaints.  The 25-year-old has been in a rich vein of form with three goals in his last five appearances, and his desire to continue got the better of him. A rash challenge for the ball with Jan Paul van Hecke saw him raise his foot far too high, and on other occasions he would have seen a straight red. Guehi was also sent off for a second yellow at the start of an epic 12-minute period of injury time, which left Palace hanging on for dear life. Read More on The SunBrighton were unable to take advantage however, and also lost a man in added time Van Hecke was sent off for a cynical foul on Daichi Kamada. While Palace are flying Brighton are stuttering at the wrong time, and will be nervously looking over their shoulders. Jan Paul van Hecke was then sent packing in added timeCredit: AFP More

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    West Ham 2 Bournemouth 2: Evanilson scores two as Cherries survive quickfire Hammers double but lose ground in Euro race

    WEST HAM fans must just wish the season could end tomorrow.Pride is perhaps the only thing the club is playing for these days.Evanilson levels for the CherriesCredit: ReutersThe Bournemouth striker celebrates his equaliserCredit: GettyIt is highly unlikely, with three poor teams inside the drop zone, that they are going to get relegated from the Premier League.And though the core problems on the pitch are not necessarily his fault, the honeymoon period for Graham Potter ended a while ago.On a sun-drenched afternoon in East London, this had the feel of an end-of-season occasion for the Hammers, with their campaign slowly drifting towards a lacklustre finish.The lack of urgency and intensity at times was matched by the flattest atmosphere imaginable inside the London Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNo wonder the cheeky Bournemouth fans sang: “Is this a library?”Though there was a brief moment of joy when their captain Jarrod Bowen headed them in front, Bournemouth striker Evanilson scored with a tap-in to deny Potter what would have been just a fourth win in 12 matches.One image of a West Ham fan YAWNING in stoppage time summed up the sorry nature of the overall display.West Ham could end up finishing in 17th spot, which would be their WORST league finish for 14 years, and plans for next season should really be happening behind the scenes.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJarrod Bowen had headed West Ham in front on 68 minutesCredit: PABowen celebrates his second-half headerCredit: ReutersThings could have got really bad inside the first minute when Bournemouth showed their attacking threat – but the header by Evanilson from Dango Ouattara’s floated left-wing cross sailed wide.West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was certainly alert to the danger on 32 minutes when he was forced to save with his legs a possible own goal by Tomas Soucek.’He’s got to go’ – Danny Dyer reveals two clubs he’d let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for even if it broke his heartThe Czech ace – who played throughout in an advanced role between Bowen and Mohammed Kudus – saw the ball inadvertently come off his midriff when Ouattara hooked it back into the box.Six minutes later, Areola was not so fortunate as his inability to hold on to the ball proved his undoing.The Parisian spilled a shot from Antoine Semenyo, who did well to fire goalbound from a  tight area, and Evanilson reacted first for his fifth goal in six matches.Inevitably there was a VAR check for a possible offside and on the last Saturday before the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, Cherries fans had to wait for someone in a Stockley Park booth to review the monitors.It could have been worse for the home side five minutes later but the flicked header by Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi bounced off the crossbar.Apart from one brief moment of lovely skill from the twinkle toes of Kudus, who performed some trickery in the middle of the field, the first half was easily forgotten from a West Ham perspective.No shots on target and boos greeted the half-time whistle.The second half did improve, from an entertainment point of view, and Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to score his first goal in front of home fans since his £27.5million arrival last summer from Borussia Dortmund.The German giant, who has had a series of different injuries, scored with a powerful header that Kepa, the Bournemouth goalkeeper, had no chance of stopping.Bowen, who will soon get married to celebrity/influencer Dani Dyer, joined in with the fun and scored with a brilliant header himself – his first goal at home in 2025.Yet West Ham’s luck was popped by the Cherries and Brazilian No9 Evanilson scored at the back post from a Dean Huijsen header, which survived a VAR offside check for Ben Winterburn.Semenyo may have given the visitors a grandstand finish but his attempt was saved well by Areola.Read More on The SunWhen the full-time whistle was blown, most of the West Ham fans could barely bother to boo and several of their stars dropped to their knees with fatigue.For many, the summer break cannot come quick enough.Evanilson gave Bournemouth a first half leadCredit: ReutersNiclas Fullkrug levelled for the HammersCredit: Reuters More