Premier League

ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon has revealed why footballers don’t take corners from inside the painted arc.Generally, players place the ball just outside of the arc before taking a corner.
Footballers sometimes place the ball outside of the corner arcCredit: Getty
Lee Dixon claims that they do it for a very specific reasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Rules state that it needs to be in contact with the paint, not directly on or inside the line.
Some football fans have been left confused by this, but Dixon claims that players do it for a practical reason.
Speaking on commentary for Amazon Prime during Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the former Arsenal full-back revealed that the paint used to mark the arc is actually hard.
That means the ball sits in an awkward position when fully placed on it.
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Therefore, players find it easier to take the corner when a fraction of the ball is on the line.
Rules also state that opposition players must remain at least 10 yards away from the arc until the ball is in play.
If the ball is placed outside of the arc or if an opposition player is deemed to be too close, the corner is usually retaken.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison teased Bournemouth fans while taking a corner during Spurs’ trip to the Vitality Stadium in August.
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The England star moved the ball outside of the arc while setting himself to take the kick.
His cheeky trick left the home fans fuming, but he quickly moved it back with a wry smile. More

JACK GREALISH started for Manchester City this afternoon just days after his mansion was raided by thieves.The City star, 28, raced home after his side’s victory over Everton when members of his family were forced to push a panic button after hearing noises upstairs.
Jack Grealish was back in action against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Reuters
Sasha Attwood was among those present during the terrifying ordealCredit: Instagram
Around ten relatives were at home watching Grealish in action when the terrifying ordeal occurred, leaving them shaken.
Cops quickly raced to the scene fearing a hostage situation.
And a police helicopter soon arrived to monitor the area.
Just three days on from the terrifying ordeal, City boss Pep Guardiola opted to start Grealish against Sheffield United at the Etihad.
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Ahead of the game, Guardiola addressed the situation, saying: “Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside.
“It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening.
“It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside.”
Crooks managed to break into Grealish’s £5.6million property despite security and perimeter fencing around his home.
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Guardiola, 52, also compared the ordeal to the 2021 break-in suffered by former City ace Joao Cancelo.
He added: “It has ­happened to Manchester United players as well. I don’t know much about London but it’s happened there.
“They have security. But unfortunately it’s happened — it’s happened many times.
“In the UK, in Catalonia where my family lives, many things happen. Today you have to be careful, definitely.
“Unfortunately it happened with Joao Cancelo, which was so scary because the family was being attacked.
“Jewellery, money, whatever — it’s tough — but the family being there is tough to process for Jack, as it was with Joao.”
The crooks that raided Grealish’s home remain on the loose, with frightened neighbours warned to lock their doors. More

COLE PALMER and Noni Madueke fired Chelsea to a narrow 3-2 win over Luton on Saturday.Summer signing Palmer broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a fantastic strike into the bottom-right corner.
Cole Palmer scored twice as Chelsea clinched a 3-2 win over LutonCredit: Reuters
The ex-Man City star was Player of the MatchCredit: Getty
Madueke then doubled the Blues’ advantage with a fantastic goal before Palmer thought he’d sealed all three points.
However, Luton pushed for a late comeback with goals from Ross Barkey and Elijah Adebayo piling the pressure on.
It was a thrilling finale, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side managed to see the game out.
Here’s how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated the performance…
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DJORDJE PETROVIC – 8
Produced a string of heroic saves, including Cech-esque effort in the dying moments to keep the scoreline at 3-2. With this performance he staked his claim to be Chelsea’s No 1 man between the sticks. Was let down by others on the pitch. 
MALO GUSTO – 7
Chelsea fans are yet to see a better replacement of Reece James than Gusto.
Was aggressive on the ball throughout and was solid with his positioning. 
AXEL DISASI – 6
Poor awareness in the box towards the end. When the Blues were under the cosh he failed to deal with crosses and Chelsea’s crossbar ended up being a better defender.
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THIAGO SILVA – 8
Always so reliable and the proof was in the pudding.
He made at least twice as many clearances (6) as any other player on the pitch in the first half at Kenilworth Road. 
LEVI COLWILL – 6
Provided a delicious link up with Palmer and Madueke for the second goal but towards the end looked leggy on the wing.
In fairness he was playing out of his preferred centre-back position. 
CONOR GALLAGHER – 6
A solid performance from the midfielder who played a role in a flurry of early warning shots from the visitors.
But gave away reckless free-kicks in dangerous areas when Chelsea were under pressure late on and at times he failed to track his runner.
MOISES CAICEDO – 6
Cost more money than Luton’s entire squad so should have shown up more. Started off looking like a beast but Barkley had him on the ropes towards the end. 
NONI MADUEKE – 8
Scored a peach of a goal with his right foot while the Luton players thought he was going to cut in on his favoured left foot.
The sign of a good winger is being able to dribble at the defenders on the inside or the outside.
His twinkle toes caused the Hatters problems throughout. 
Noni Madueke put on another excellent performance
NICOLAS JACKSON – 7
Played a role in two of the visitors’ goals, first with a rebounded shot for the opener which made its way back to Palmer.
He did brilliantly to thread the ball through for Palmer to slot home the third.
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ARMANDO BROJA – 6
Wasn’t up to scratch but that doesn’t necessarily mean he never will be for the Blues.
Did a job for them with a lot of hold up play, running down the wings and opened up spaces. One goal for him and the story changes. 
COLE PALMER – 10
Continues to be so important for Chelsea and making such an impact since joining from Manchester City.
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Provided an excellent finish to give the Blues the lead, assisted the second and slotted home the third.
He has both scored and assisted in four different Prem games this season – more than any other player in the competition. 
Cole Palmer was the star man once again
Chelsea dominated in the first half but dropped off after the break
Substitutes
Nkunku 5
Gilchrist 6
Fernandez 5 More

THIAGO SILVA shooed a camera operator as he berated his Chelsea team-mates.The Brazilian was furious after his side conceded two late goals against Luton to set up a nervy finish.

Thiago Silva responded angrily at the end of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over LutonCredit: TNT Sports
The Brazilian was disgusted with how his side nearly threw the game awayCredit: TNT Sports
Silva, 39, told his team-mates off after their winCredit: TNT Sports
The Blues had led 3-0 at Kenilworth Road thanks to Noni Madueke’s strike sandwiched by Cole Palmer’s double.
Late goals by Ross Barkley and Elijah Adebayo made Chelsea sweat, however, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side having to hold on.
The West Londoners managed to secure a 3-2 win, but that did not placate Silva.
Following the final whistle the 39-year-old had stern words for some of his team-mates.
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When a camera operator got close to him, he angrily dismissed them.
Silva had stood with his hands on his hips, shaking his head in disgust.
Fans online enjoyed Silva’s passionate response.
One wrote: “Will die for any badge he plays for. Wish he’d come to the prem sooner.
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While a second gushed: “He sets himself and team high standards so doesn’t surprise me he wasn’t happy at Full Time. The Ultimate professional.”
A third posted: “I’m tired of people questioning this man! He’s our BEST defender and he’s 39 years old.”
And another added: “The reaction of all Chelsea fans. More questions marks around Poch despite our recent victories.”
The manager himself was not concerned over Silva’s outburst, saying: “Thiago is like this. Always moaning and never happy – but that’s good. He’s 39 and still playing.
“I think sometimes we are there on the pitch, but sometimes it was the small details.”
Earlier in the match, Palmer performed what is becoming his trademark celebration.
Playing up to his “Cold Palmer” nickname, the 21-year-old mimed shivering – to the delight of his adoring fans. More