Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares117 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea embarrassed Tottenham with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-up

      by

      CHELSEA have been flying under the radar in the Premier League this season.But Sunday’s stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Tottenham 4-3 has left many asking: Have the Blues entered the title race?Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround for ChelseaCole Palmer was the main man in an incredible victoryAfter a pretty underwhelming first season at Stamford Bridge, it seems as though £107m signing Enzo Fernandez has finally been unlocked by Enzo Maresca.Here, our tactical expert Dean Scoggins — from SunSport YouTube show Tactics Exposed — dissects how Chelsea shook things up to deliver another classic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.1) The double Enzo A TALE of two Enzos saw the Chelsea manager make a tactical switch when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was down receiving treatment.Many thought the tweak occurred after Romeo Lavia was removed at half-time, but it actually came once Chelsea went 2-0 down.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt saw Blues captain Fernandez start to drop back in into the inside left position to give Chelsea an alternative out ball. Spurs missed a flurry of chances, with Son Heung-min the main culprit, before Jadon Sancho’s 20-yard goal gave the visiting fans hope in the 18th minute.But the solution came when goalscorer Fernandez dropped into a much deeper role and Chelsea abandoned their usual box shape.Once Malo Gusto replaced Lavia, the Blues dropped into a back-four allowing Fernandez to pick the ball up deeper next to Moises Caicedo. Most read in FootballThe Argentine had 23 touches – the most touches of any player – and provided more forward passes while being tasked with switching play.He’s usually the furthest forward midfielder, but in their new shape he came much deeper to collect the ball.Chelsea typically play with a box shape in midfieldBut they moved to four at the back when Gusto replaced Lavia and Fernandez dropped deeperChelsea ratings v Tottenham: Chelsea came from two goals to beat Spurs 4-3 away from home 2) Fernandez’s genius run for Sancho goalTAKE nothing away from Sancho’s exquisite strike, but the Man Utd loanee’s goal doesn’t get scored without Fernandez’s run. It came moments after his fellow Argentine team-mate Cristian Romero went down injured and was replaced by Radu Dragosin.Fernandez started the move inside his own half after receiving the ball from Sanchez and played it wide while continuing his run down the pitch. He then dragged Dragosin out of the way while Sancho came inside and smashed it in the far corner past Fraser Forster.Yes, it’s a little naive from Dragosin who didn’t communicate well enough with Pedro Porro – but the run was clever.Fernandez was instrumental in setting up Jadon Sancho’s goal3) Don’t cry for me, Argie screamer!JUST like Dimitar Berbatov and Teddy Sheringham, Fernandez is a master at reading the game.Just when everybody is running in one direction, he knows when to stop, which opened up space for his stunning goal.Tottenham were, quite rightly, primarily interested in stopping Cole Palmer on the ball, so Fernandez waited for room to open up for him.The Argentine earned his luck when Palmer’s pass deflected in his path because he waited for the space. Fernandez completed the turnaround with a stunning volley in the 73rd minute4) Palmer, the best penalty taker ever?WHO would you pick to save your life by scoring a penalty? It’s hard not to go with Palmer. In fact, I’d like to see a better taker.The England star’s Panenka saw him break the Prem record for the most spot kicks with a 100 per cent strike rate by netting 12 out of 12.He overtook former Man City ace Yaya Toure on Sunday, as well as the likes of Berbatov and Alan Shearer.And it’s not luck – the angle run up is the same with every spot-kick, but his placement differs.5) Colwill’s Solanke nightmare – Great No9 performance and great goalBELIEVE it or not Levi Colwill often has the most touches of any Chelsea player – but he fell victim to Dominic Solanke.Solanke led from the front and sprung Spurs forward in their early attacks by his clever off-ball movementThe 27-year-old’s run for his goal makes him a worthy successor to Harry Kane.The former Bournemouth striker’s growing connection with Brennan Johnson came off after Marc Cucurella slipped.Solanke looked to his left to take Colwill away before changing direction with an inward darting run across the Chelsea defender to collect the ball and shoot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe repeated those zig-zag actions for the rest of the game, and could’ve scored again if only for better deliveries from Son.That’s the Ange Postecoglou tactic. It’s balls passed into the inside channels and fast crosses. And so they’ll do that all the time.Dominic Solanke first took Levi Colwill away after Brennan Johnson capitalised on Marc Cucurella’s slipThe Spurs No9 then darted across Colwill to pick up Johnson’s passSolanke scored his sixth Spurs goal since joining in the summer More

    • 238 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Michail Antonio’s incredible rise from non-league and plans to go into showbiz as star recovers from car crash

      by

      MICHAIL ANTONIO is recovering in hospital following surgery to a broken leg after a horror car crash.The West Ham star, 34, had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.West Ham ace Michail Antonio has been candid about his struggles away from footballCredit: ReutersAntonio came through the ranks the hard way – playing non-league footballCredit: The Wimbledon GuardianAntonio had a miraculous escape after crashing his FerrariCredit: UKNIPAntonio had a miraculous escape from the incident, and his club have commented on his well-being.A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon (7 December 2024).”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”Read more football news”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”The outpouring of love from the football community has been massive, with Antonio recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.Away from football, a game he’s not always liked, he has his own BBC podcast alongside fellow Premier League star Callum Wilson called The Footballer’s Football Podcast.Most read in FootballWhen he retires from the game, Antonio has ambitions to get into showbiz.I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapyIncredible riseAntonio’s story in football began with Tooting & Mitcham United in 2008.Despite the team only competing in a regional league, Antonio went on to climb his way up the football pyramid.After impressing rather swiftly that year, 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. He then went to AFC Wimbledon who wouldn’t stump up his registration fee, so he returned to Tooting.Speaking to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “Before I actually signed for Reading I got kicked out of Tooting and Mitcham.”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’.”“So they [Tooting] kicked me out of the club and I ended up going to AFC Wimbledon.”Then AFC Wimbledon refused to pay £7 for my registration fee, and told me to pay it. And I was like: ‘I ain’t paying seven quid!’Since 2015, Antonio has been a key figure for West HamCredit: GettyAntonio snubbed playing for England in favour of Jamaica, where his parents were bornCredit: GettyBehind his biggest success, Antonio was struggling with his divorceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sunread more sport features“So I ended up going back to Tooting and Mitcham, signing the contract, getting paid, and within like five games of signing my contract, I signed for Reading.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham who were then coached by Slaven Bilic.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.Mental health strugglesAntonio, who snubbed England to play for Jamaica where he’s been capped 21 times, has been very open with his struggles mentally in recent times.On the pitch, he scored success with the Hammers – lifting the Europa Conference League in 2023.However, off it his private life was in turmoil. He divorced wife Debbie, who has been by his bedside since his car crash, around the same time as the most glittering moment of his career.”I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it,” he told the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast.”After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like, ”Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship”.’Antonio struggled mentally after divorcing his ex-wife DebbieCredit: instagramThat moment might not have happenedBefore that, Antonio was struggling with being a footballer and contemplated quitting the game.He recalled a moment he laid in bed alongside Debbie, the mother of his four children, and began to weep.He said: “I don’t like showing emotion and I like dealing with things, but tears were just falling from my eyes in bed.”My Mrs was laying next to me in bed and I didn’t say anything, just tears falling – she looked up and said, ‘Are you alright?’ and I said ‘Yeah, I’m fine’, but she said ‘You can’t be fine, you’re crying’, and I just said ‘I don’t know if I want to play football anymore’.”Antonio continued: “Me talking to my Mrs, my brother and my agent took a bit of the weight off me, enough for me to keep going to training and stuff like that…”That’s entertainmentAntonio was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.”I want your job!” he joked before revealing his future ideal role.He continued: “To be fair I don’t want to go into punditry, I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle… I want Micah’s job!”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith that, he drew more laughter from Lineker and Richards.As such an infectious personality, it’s certainly a career path Antonio would be well suited to.Away from football, Antonio is interested in breaking into the world of entertainmentCredit: GettyAntonio has previously appeared on Sky’s A League of Their OwnAntonio also has his own podcast called Footballer’s Football Podcast with Callum Wilson More

    • 250 Shares130 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

      by

      THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More

    • 213 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer breaks Premier League penalty record with outrageous Panenka goal as Tottenham fall apart against Chelsea

      by

      COLE PALMER set a hot new record in ice-cool style.But it’s just one reason why many fans are wondering if he’s now the best player in the world.One fan labelled Cole Palmer’s penalties and display ‘freezing’Credit: EPAPalmer led Chelsea’s sensational second-half turnaround at TottenhamCredit: EPAPalmer peaked Chelsea’s spectacular 4-3 comeback triumph at Tottenham with two penalties and an unofficial assist.But those stats only hint at the way he made a piece of Premier League history.A brilliant spot-kick to level at 2-2 was just the start.Because the England attacker then helped create an Enzo Fernandez wonder goal – before completing his penalty double with a Panenka chip that mocked the tension of a rousing derby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means, at just 22, the 11-cap ace has leapt to the list of the players scoring the most spot-kicks in a row without missing.Palmer went into Sunday’s derby on 10.That was just one behind a legend from his old club Manchester City – Yaya Toure.Palmer had already overtaken Dimitar Berbatov’s total of nine, plus two players on eight – Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his weekend record-breaking only scratched the surface of a remarkable individual display.Yes, his audacity in choosing such a cheeky second spot-kick marked him out for his composure as much as his exciting footwork.Chelsea fans spot moment Nicolas Jackson ‘assisted’ Enzo Fernandez and stopped captain getting yellow cardBut fans raved over his “freezing” all-round ability.One claimed: “This boy is becoming the most influential player in the league right now.” Some made claims such as: “This guy is the best player in the world.”And a few made even more extravagant suggestions, including: “Cole Palmer is 3X the player Bukayo Saka is. What a player.”Saka’s deliveries are a major factor in big rivals Arsenal netting from so many set-pieces this season.And with Palmer famed for his penalties, one viewer renamed the two London giants as he posted: “Chelsea: Penalty FC Arsenal: Corner FC.”  This image shows how influential he was in may areas of the pitch More

    • 213 Shares130 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life. AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London. Anthony Joshua next to former coaches John Oliver, left, and Sean Murphy, rightAJ shared this brilliant throwback snapAnd head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory. The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC. He posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”Joshua won Olympic gold under Team GB head coach Rob McCracken and also the unified heavyweight titles as a professional. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut they parted ways after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 when he hired American Robert Garcia for the rematch.After again losing on points, AJ linked up with Texan Derrick James in Dallas for victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. But for Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua, 35, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and now looks set for a return in the summer. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAJ often goes back to Finchley at the start of his training camps or when he is in his off-season. Joshua has given back to the club, paying for renovations in the gym and treating mentor Murphy to new cars. Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight He told the BBC in 2017: “When I was younger I was partying, I was getting in trouble, I had the court cases.“This was the time I thought, ‘What will I do with myself?’. I’d found boxing while on bail and I had the opportunity to go to Vegas to fight.“So I told my site manager I would go to Vegas and be back in two weeks.“He said, ‘Nah, if you’re not here someone else can take your job. You choose what you want to do’. So, I ended up going to Vegas.“I was f*** before boxing. That was my reckless days when I was smoking. Boxing really helped me get on the straight and narrow.“It was at my first boxing club where I learned discipline. How to forget your ego and listen to instructions if you want to achieve things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sean would say, ‘Shut up, get on the bags, stop talking’. He told me to stay focused.“These guys will always have their door open for me, no matter what. I’ll never forget who has been there when no one was.”Joshua outside his old amateur gym in FinchleyCredit: nealehaynes.comJoshua won the national championship at FinchleyCredit: Nick Obank – The SunMurphy and Joshua remain close to this dayCredit: Nick Obank – The SunJoshua often visits the Finchley Amateur Boxing ClubCredit: Nick Obank – The Sun More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Lawrence Okolie secures brutal first-round stoppage win in first heavyweight fight after bulking on FOUR STONE

      by

      LAWRENCE OKOLIE piled on the pounds to announce himself to the heavyweight division with a brutal first-round knockout.The former WBO cruiserweight champ cleaned out woeful Hussein Muhamed with a trademark right hand.Lawrence Okolie quickly dispatched Hussein MuhamedCredit: GettyOkolie made a blasting impression on MuhamedCredit: GettyThe Sauce reckons he’s more ‘explosive’ nowCredit: PASix months on from his dismal title defeat to Chris Billam-Smith down at the 14st 4lbs division, The Sauce beefed right up to light up Wembley arena at his curvy NEW 18st 8lbs stature.”I felt good,” he beamed. “That’s my second first-round KO in a row.”Now that I’ve been putting on the weight, enjoying training camp, I can be a lot more explosive.”It’s showing in the fights, as soon as I start hitting these guys, they start going. I’m ready for the best in the world at any weight.READ MORE TOP STORIES”I felt super robust, super strong. I think people might have thought, ‘he weighed 200lbs last year, why’s he 260lbs now’?”But I feel happier and natural and a lot more solid.“You know when I was making cruiserweight because of what I had to do to make that weight I felt tired.”But now, I just know every round I can go explosive, recover, explosive, recover. So it feels good.”Most read in BoxingHere’s how a smaller Okolie looked in losing to Chris Billam-SmithCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHussein arrived with a decent looking record but it was padded in Germany and he looked way out of his depth from the opening bell.The 2016 Team GB Olympian poked and probed with his long jabs, while Muhamed did very little.Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight”Toward the end of the opener the visitor did decide to finally throw a shot and it was to be his undoing.Okolie telegraphed Muhamed’s first crack at a punch and landed his own giant right hand.Muhamed’s body folded down on itself left him in a heap.To his credit, the 18-1 plodder did climb back up to his feet and plead to be allowed to continue.But the referee rightly waved off the contest to let Okolie start calling out far more credible opponents.Muhamed was completely outclassedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares143 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea are bang in the title-race if they beat Tottenham… they’ll be praying Spurs fans are booing Postecoglou again

      by

      IT could be a long afternoon for Tottenham against Chelsea on Sunday.We all saw how some Spurs fans booed Ange Postecoglou at the end of the Bournemouth game on Thursday, which shows what they are thinking.Chelsea will put themselves bang in the title picture if they beat TottenhamCredit: ReutersTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was booed against BournemouthTottenham manager Postecoglou doesn’t have a settled teamCredit: GettyHarry Redknapp claims the Tottenham match may be crucial for ChelseaCredit: RexBut I just don’t know what his best team is or what we will get from them.Yes, Postecoglou has had a few injuries, especially at the back. He’s lost the two centre-halves Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.Despite this they had that really great performance against Manchester City but either side of that they had Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Bournemouth . . . really poor performances.They’ve now had the injury to Ben Davies as well.Read More on FootballSpurs are not a settled team. Even when they’re all fit you are not sure who is going to play.It leaves them very short at the back and if they end up putting Archie Gray alongside Radu Dragusin, I wouldn’t fancy that much especially because the two full-backs love to attack and those two would be exposed.Archie is a fantastic young talent but playing centre-half against a Chelsea side in great form is a brave one.If I was Ange I would look to play a much more defensive-looking team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI wouldn’t be sitting here thinking, “Right, let’s go and attack them”. It’s not a day for him to be going gung-ho.He will have to make sure he puts in a really solid midfield and maybe forgoes his attacking instincts to get defensive stability in front of that pair at the back.Chelsea ratings vs SouthamptonThat could mean playing five across the midfield and Dominic Solanke on his own up top. Ange cannot afford to be open.The full-backs will have to be told they can’t just bomb forward willy-nilly but have to keep a solid base.You have to stay in the game and be patient. Maybe just take the opportunities when they come — if they get them.I know how much it matters to fans of both teams because this is a huge rivalry now. But if Tottenham fans put pressure on the players, that could play right into Chelsea’s hands.The Blues will have seen what happened on Thursday night and will try to dominate the early exchanges.Chelsea are definitely going there as favourites. They are full of confidence with a spring in their step. Yet at the start of the season they looked a bit of a mishmash and I really couldn’t see them doing anything.It can be a big problem when you have too many players who all think they should be playing. That can lead to a very difficult dressing room.But they seem to have sorted that out and things are going great. The manager is doing a good job and now people are suddenly saying, “Hang on, it’s not impossible”.When you see the team they put out to score five at Southampton in midweek, that shows everybody is buying into what they’re trying to do.Cole Palmer is the main man. He would be the X-factor for any team. But we’re seeing it with Enzo Fernandez as well now. He’s a World Cup winner and starting to show the form they bought him for.It’s the same with Moises Caicedo. Now he’s really showing what he is capable of and they are looking strong in midfield.But I also look at Nicolas Jackson. I have to be honest, when they bought him I thought, “He is just not good enough”.He was going to Bournemouth for £20million but that didn’t happen because he had an injury and I really thought the Cherries had saved themselves £20m.Now Jackson is looking a very useful player. Full credit to the manager because he has given him a bit of self belief and he’s delivering the goods.If Chelsea can continue this run, they will put themselves bang in the picture.D-DAY FOR GARY AND JULENIT will be a nervous night for both bosses at the London Stadium on Monday.For me, it’s a bit early to be thinking about pulling the trigger but West Ham and Wolves are sides that are struggling.Julen Lopetegui is under huge pressure at West HamCredit: GettyI know Gary O’Neil well and feel he’s done a great job, even though it’s been difficult with the injuries and the players he lost.He did a fantastic job at Bournemouth but now he needs a result or two at Wolves.I’ve watched a lot of their games and I feel they have been really unlucky in many of them, but the pressure is growing. The fans seemed to turn on him for the first time at Everton last week. It can get difficult when that happens — and the players sense it.What I do know is that Gary has so much to offer. He’s very good, bright as a button.I saw a lot of what he did at Bournemouth — that was fantastic — and then last year at Wanderers, but he definitely needs some luck to turn it around now.It feels a bit similar for Julen Lopetegui at the Hammers. A lot of it comes down to recruitment. I thought their signings looked good in the summer but German striker Niclas Fullkrug has barely played because he has been injured since he arrived — although he did score that late goal at Leicester.I reckon both managers would take a draw, keep their jobs and get a bit of time, because if anyone does lose the game they’re going to be under severe pressure.If Wolves can keep the crowd quiet and the fans start to get edgy and turn a bit, then it could be a tough night for the hosts.GUNNERS ARE SET TO WINTHERE have been a few people rushing to criticise Arsenal because they are scoring so many goals from set-pieces.Dimitar Berbatov said they were just a modern version of Stoke after the Manchester United game.Arsenal are right in the title mix againCredit: GettyWhat it comes down to is that they have people who want to attack the ball with a bit of movement.Their centre-halves, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, have got a bit of size but REALLY want to score.Rather than moaning about them, you have to put your best markers on their best attacking weapons.I see too many set-plays where forwards are put up against defenders — but forwards can’t defend and they get done. You have to make sure your centre-halves are on their ones.You want a good header of the ball at the near post, someone at the back post and sometimes you can have a spare man and just tell him to go wherever the ball goesAt West Ham I had Julian Dicks, a fantastic header of the ball. I would leave him free to start in the middle, attack the ball and nod it away.If I had to play against this Arsenal side I’d love to have Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin, who played for me at Portsmouth, as my two centre-backs.Sol was a powerhouse and if he was marking you, you were never going to get ahead of him to that ball. Sylvain was also a big, strong athlete.But with Arsenal you’ve got to be aware of everything because they can hurt you from all over the place.Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are fantastic players. Odegaard pulls all the strings while Bukayo is so dangerous. They are why I think Arsenal will battle Liverpool all the way.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’re definitely not just a good set-piece team. They are a really good team who are great at set-pieces.And when that ball comes in, they’ve got people who want to score. Fulham will have to be at their very best when the Gunners visit. More

    • 188 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      David Adeleye lands KO-of-the-year contender after just 80 SECONDS to blitz fellow Brit Solomon Dacres

      by

      DAVID ADELEYE landed a KO of the year contender by destroying Solly Dacres with a sensational left hook after just 80 seconds.Two months on from a punishing stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in Saudi Arabia, Adeleye was back in his West London home, obliterating the giant Brummie with the only serious shot of the opener.David Adeleye landed a KO of the year contender by destroying Solly DacresCredit: GettyFrom ringside it looked like a glancing blow that should not have brutalised 31-year-old Dacres so badly.But replays at the right angle showed 28-year-old Adeleye’s boulder-like first smashing into the top of Dacres’ skull.After bouncing back from his first loss in stunning fashion, Big D said: “I still have a lot to do.“I’m going back to the gym, I’ve got a big future ahead of me. I know where I can go, and I got to do the steps to go thereREAD MORE IN BOXING“I am a strong-minded individual,I went to the gym, Adam had me grafting, from the basics.“Kudos to Solomon, I hope he has a good support group behind him.”After a couple of testing jabs from both men probed the range, Adeleye missed with a wild left hook.But then he leapt in with a lead left hook reminiscent of a prime Mike Tyson and the defending English champion was floored.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe referee didn’t even begin a count, waving off the briefest of contests when Dacres was face planted into the Wembley arena canvas.Thankfully Dacres did recover and left the ring on his feet, with Adeleye strapping the new belt over his giant tattooed shoulder.The ruthless performance was Adeleye’s first with new trainer Adam Booth, the mastermind behind David Haye’s world title reigns at cruiserweight and heavyweight.And the Surrey coach was full of praise for Adeleye’s power and potential.He said: “He is an athlete, a phenomenal athlete that had really bad habits.“It all starts from the floor, we have done so much work with legs“I’ve worked with some of the biggest punchers and his jab and lead left is as hard as I’ve taken on the pads.”Adeleye celebrates with the English titleCredit: PA More