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    Tottenham newbie Antonin Kinsky blew coaches away, is likened to Petr Cech and has famous ex-footballer father

    ANTONIN KINSKY’S switch to Spurs happened so fast the young goalie had to make a late dash to pick up some boots and gloves.The ambidextrous Czech, 21, was so certain he was staying at Slavia Prague that he had arranged to receive some new mitts from his glove sponsor this past Sunday.Antonin Kinsky has signed for Spurs for £12m from Slavia PragueBut after turning his phone on on Friday evening after a relaxing sauna and massage, he discovered his Tottenham transfer was on – meaning he was in need of some fresh gear.Kinsky, whose qualities have been compared to the great Petr Cech, said: “I realised that if I was flying out on the Saturday morning, I’d need gloves and boots. I didn’t have either at home, so I started looking. “I drove to Plzen and then to (Prague district) Eden, where I would have gone anyway to say goodbye and take one last look at the stadium. “Now I’ve got everything I need, so I’ll pack up at home and head off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKinsky eventually sealed a move worth £12.5million plus add-ons, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract.But because he is still waiting on his work permit, which could take up to 48 hours to arrive, his chances of featuring against Liverpool are viewed as unlikely.That means Brandon Austin, who waited nearly 10 years for his first Spurs appearance against Newcastle on Saturday, is set to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on what will be his 26th birthday, provided Fraser Forster is still ill.But after that, Kinsky will step in and look to make himself Ange Postecoglou’s go-to guy between the sticks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is even when Guglielmo Vicario returns from a fractured foot in late February, with the Italian posting a video of himself out of his protective boot on Sunday.Because ambitious Kinsky, nicknamed ‘Toni’, has not just been brought in as a back-up to Vicario, but to challenge him.Chelsea fans beg Petr Cech to return to club after spotting what he did in Sky Sports studio during Crystal Palace clashHis move had been earmarked for the summer, when veteran Forster is out of contract, but got pushed forward following Vicario’s serious injury.Kinsky is likely to be the first of a few January signings for injury-hit Spurs, who are also keen on a defender and attacker.While Forster has struggled to play out from the back like Postecoglou wants, Kinsky’s footwork was a big attraction when he was identified by Spurs technical director Johan Lange.His passing success rate of 83.9 per cent is better than any other goalkeeper with five appearances or more in this season’s Europa League.Kinsky has been playing in that competition for Slavia, but due to a rule change, CAN also play in it for Spurs this term too.The blond-haired starlet, who has perfect English, constantly listens to Czech rap and idolises late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, was an outfield player as a kid.But he moved in goal in a bid to follow in the footsteps of his dad, also called Antonin Kinsky who won five caps for the Czech national team and remains a huge influence on his son.Kinsky’s dad Antonin won five caps for the Czech national team as a keeperCredit: GettyKinsky Jnr’s 12 clean sheets in 19 league games has helped Slavia go seven points clear at the top of the Czech league.It was his first season as Slavia’s No1, but it was back-to-back loan spells to small-town club MFK Vyskov between 2021-23 which toughened him up for first-team football.Rostislav Horacek was Kinsky’s goalkeeping coach at Vyskov and remembers being blown away by the confident youngster’s potential after just “two or three training sessions”.The 57-year-old said: “The guys in the pub laughed at me when I said that I had an 18-year-old boy in the second league who would one day play for the national team.“But I was convinced of it. He has everything.“He always looked forward to tough matches like a little kid looking forward to ice cream.”Kinsky is comfortable with both feet and used to play outfield in his youthCredit: GettyChelsea legend Cech is the benchmark for Czech keepers, having won 124 caps for his country in a stellar career, but Horacek sees an obvious comparison.While he also gave an insight into the ability Kinsky – or ‘Tonda’ as he called him – has with both feet.Horacek told Flashscore: “I asked him in training which foot he prefers, but he said it doesn’t matter. He kicks with both equally.“At Slavia, he had a great defence in front of him. (It meant that) he often goes 40 minutes without a save and then has to quickly resolve a difficult situation. READ MORE SUN STORIES“That is exactly what Petr Cech used to do at Chelsea. He had a strong defence in front of him, led by John Terry, but then had to show off with one or two saves. Tonda is strong in this.”Petr Cech has been described as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all timeCredit: PA:Press AssociationTottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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    Julen Lopetegui on brink of West Ham sack with Graham Potter leading contender to take over at London Stadium

    JULEN LOPETEGUI’S job is hanging by a thread at West Ham with Graham Potter back in contention to take over.After another drubbing at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend, off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, patience appears to have worn thin.Julen Lopetegui is on the brink of the sack from West HamCredit: AlamyGraham Potter is in contention to replace the struggling SpaniardCredit: GettyWest Ham hope that Potter, who was first approached last month despite some reservations within the club, would be prepared to step in if Lopetegui is axed.The Spaniard, appointed in the summer as David Moyes’ successor, was given a stay of execution last month.Meanwhile, technical director Tim Steidten – involved in seeking a replacement for Lopetegui – has been asked to stay away from the training ground.Lopetegui and Steidten’s already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.READ MORE ON WEST HAMIt is not clear whether the Spanish boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before returning to Premier League action.Furthermore, Steidten’s influence on the January market has been diluted as chairman David Sullivan takes a leading role in the transfer window.Steidten, 45, was part of the process when West Ham were considering replacements for Lopetegui last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLopetegui’s position remains under scrutiny and conceding nine goals in the last two games has not helped his standing.Steidten, appointed in 2023, has opted to steer clear of the Rush Green base to focus on the January window and allow Lopetegui the space to focus on the squad.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamHis role in sounding out replacements, as well as the club’s poor form, has led to a tense relationship between the pair.West Ham, under Steidten’s leadership, spent £127.5million, in the summer window but sit 14th in the Premier League with just six wins all season.The German, who previously worked at Bayer Leverkusen, also had a poor relationship with former manager David Moyes.Steidten was asked to stay away from the first-team dressing room at the London Stadium towards the end of last season.Asked about that decision at the time, Moyes said: “I’ve said before that Tim has his job to do but managers have their boundaries and I have my boundaries.”West Ham are keen to be active in the January window following the loss of Michail Antonio for the season and Jarrod Bowen for six weeks.The Hammers want to add a striker and central midfielder on loan.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrighton’s Evan Ferguson has been considered but the Seagulls will wait until the end of the window to make a decision on whether or not to loan him out.Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who almost moved to the London Stadium in the summer, is on their radar once more.West Ham have suffered back-to-back hammerings by Liverpool and Man CityCredit: PA More

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    Five transfers for Jack Grealish to revive career as he struggles at Man City and Pep Guardiola questions his ‘shape’

    JACK GREALISH could be set for a January transfer after struggling for form and fitness at Manchester City.The winger has not scored for City since December 2023 and has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola since returning from injury in November.Jack Grealish could move this month to revive his careerCredit: GettyPep Guardiola questioned Grealish’s ‘shape’Credit: GettyHe has started just six Premier League games this season with youngster Savinho often preferred over him.The Brazilian produced two assists in City’s win over West Ham at the weekend, with Guardiola questioning Grealish’s “shape” after the match.He said: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played him.“Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself for that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRumours are circulating that a January move could be on the cards for Grealish, with a number of clubs linked.SunSport takes a look at five possible destinations for the England star.ArsenalMikel Arteta wants to “add more firepower” to his team this January with Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined with injury for a number of weeks.He has raided former club City on multiple occasions, with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining along with another ex-Etihad star, Raheem Sterling.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling’s move has not worked out with just two Prem starts, so Arsenal could look to Grealish.However Arteta may be keen to bring in a right-sided player as he has Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli available as options on the left.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadTottenhamSpurs have been linked with a move for Grealish for several years, and are now said to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.With Son Heung-min looking past his peak this season and Timo Werner misfiring, Grealish could be a good fit in North London.Tottenham are reportedly interested in striking a loan deal that would see City cover a large chunk of his £300,000-a-week wages, which could prove a stumbling block in a potential permanent deal.Spurs are in need of a lift as they sit 12th in the Prem, although remain in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, so would benefit from the addition of Grealish.NewcastleNewcastle are on the march towards Europe and Grealish would be a marquee signing for the Magpies.There was friction in the summer as the club failed to land a major signing for Eddie Howe, who wanted to bring in a right winger and England star Marc Guehi.Newcastle are another club who are said to be monitoring Grealish’s situation and they could decide to strike if he is allowed to leave.But like Arsenal they could decide to prioritise a right winger with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes available on the left, particularly as they are still yet to replace the outgoing Miguel Almiron.Aston VillaA return to his boyhood club could be welcomed by Grealish but it would no doubt split the fanbase.The winger was heavily booed on his most recent return to Villa Park last month, leading his dad to hit out at the “disrespect” on show.Grealish reacted to the boo boys by holding up three fingers to remind supporters of how many Premier League titles he has won.However he could be tempted by a move with Villa playing in the Champions League and challenging for the top four.John McGinn has played out of position on the left in recent weeks so Villa are crying out for someone of Grealish’s ilk, although they could sign Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen instead according to Fabrizio Romano.Jack Grealish made 213 appearances for Aston VillaCredit: PAMan UtdA move across Manchester would be a real turn up for the books but it could appeal to all parties.Grealish would not have to up sticks and move while City would likely be able to get a large chunk of his salary off the wage bill – if he left permanently or on loan.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe could also fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system as a flexible winger/No10, a position Grealish has operated in throughout his entire career.Whether City would let him leave to a fierce rival is another question – the last direct transfer between the clubs was Carlos Tevez in 2009. More

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    ‘Look at the reaction’ – MOTD2 presenters in hysterics after spotting Man Utd stars’ response to Harry Maguire miss

    MANCHESTER UNITED players fell to their knees in disbelief after Harry Maguire’s last-gasp miss against Liverpool.The Red Devils put in a strong performance in the 2-2 draw against the league leaders yesterday.Harry Maguire missed a last-gasp chance to win it for UnitedCredit: RexHis team-mates could not believe he blazed it overCredit: BBCAndre Onana rolled onto the floor and Ruben Amorim put his heads in his handsCredit: BBCThe reactions left Mark Chapman in hystericsCredit: BBCUnited had the chance to win the it with the last kick of the game as Joshua Zirkzee teed up Maguire to finish from point blank range.But the centre-back agonisingly blazed over the bar with the goal gaping.Gutted Maguire put his head in his hands as Liverpool breathed a huge sigh of relief.And incredible footage on Match of the Day 2 showed the reaction of his team-mates as he fired high.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDiogo Dalot waved his arms in disgust and appeared to scream, while Lisandro Martinez hit the deck and rolled on the floor.Leny Yoro turned away in disgust as Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui collapsed to their knees.And as Ruben Amorim looked on stunned, MOTD2 trio Mark Chapman, Shay Given and Alan Shearer were left in hysterics by Andre Onana’s reaction behind him.The goalkeeper performed a bizarre flip onto the ground and slapped the pitch in frustration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaguire has scored just once this seasonCredit: AFPGiven said: “Look at the reaction from the Man Utd players and the manager, they know it is the last kick. This is to get three points.”Onana in the background as well, he just can’t believe it.”Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Given did have sympathy for Maguire as the pundit felt “Zirkzee should have done a wee bit better with the pass” as it bounced across the turf to the England star.Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge said similar, saying: “Just don’t bobble it into him. You’ve got all the time in the world to pull the ball back.”He’s a Premier League footballer playing for Manchester United, I’m not expecting a bobble into me if you’re in that position. It’s a three-yard pass.”But Amorim defended Zirkzee, saying: “For me, I think it was the perfect decision because he can shoot but he put the ball more in the centre.”The ball was really slow for Harry to score but sometimes you cannot do it. But Josh made a good decision in my opinion.”The moment also caused agony in the commentary box as Gary Neville let out a squeal and then slumped over the railings.Gary Neville was shocked by the missCredit: Sky Sports Shay Given felt Zirkzee’s pass should have been betterCredit: BBC More

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    Arsenal fans admit ‘man crush’ over Riccardo Calafiori after slow-motion video of Gunners heartthrob giving interview

    A STEAMY slow-motion video of Riccardo Calafiori giving an interview has sent Arsenal fans into meltdown. The Italian defender, who arrived in the summer, has been hailed as Gunners supporters’ new “man crush” after the video circulated on Tik Tok and Instagram. Riccardo Calafiori has got pulses racing since arriving in the Premier League in the summerCredit: GettyThe Arsenal faithful were able to take their minds off the drab 1-1 draw with Brighton by watching their Italian heartthrob in his post-match interview. In the video 22-year-old Calafiori was focused on Arsenal’s battle with Liverpool in the title-race. Not that Arsenal fans will have noticed, with Stevie Robinson writing on Tik Tok: “Man crush Monday has come a day early.”One said “Aura man” while AFTAYOUTH added: “Stop it right now.”Sarah said on Instagram “Dear lord” while Andre added: “Te amo mi amor”.Connor wasn’t convinced though, writing: “Shame he’s a woeful footballer.”Calafiori’s good looks even caught the attention of Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham. One supporter wrote under the video “Don’t let these women get their hands on Lucas Bergvall” in reference to Spurs’ blonde-haired Swedish 18-year-old midfielder.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCalafiori’s girlfriend at the time Benedetta Boeme gatecrashed an interview with a reporter for DAZN when Bologna secured a Champions League spotThe pair embraced in a passionate kissBenedetta then hugged Calafiori and glared at the reporter as the clip went viralTo which one Arsenal fan hit back, saying: “Nobody cares about Tottenham, don’t worry.”Calafiori caught the eye while playing for Italy at Euro 2024 in Germany before switching to Arsenal in a deal worth £42million from Bologna.Ahead of his move to North London there was speculation swirling around his relationship status with his then girlfriend Benedetta Boeme. A post on social media said to have been shared by Boeme, who has 40,000 Instagram followers, claimed the move to Arsenal had been confirmed and also announced the pair had broken up.The original post said to have come from Boeme said: “Many of you have been asking what’s been going on in my life lately, so I decided to finally share it with you.”Riccardo and I are no longer together at the moment. I don’t know if we will get through, but I doubt it. “I needed some time to process everything that happened over the past 3-4 days. I still need time.”Thanks to everyone who showed me the video circulating on TikTok this week. Benedetta and Calafiori were regularly seen together on social mediaThey had been dating for at least a yearBoeme has over 40k followers on Instagram”I appreciate it, it was important for me to know the truth. I’ve watched it countless times, searching for a reason to forgive and forget, but I couldn’t.”We talked about it, but I am still uncertain of the answers to my questions.”It was a difficult decision, one we were considering for days. Neither of us wanted this, but what’s done is done and I can’t help it but want to run away from all this.”I will not tolerate any kind of hate towards me or him. I wish him all the best as he joins Arsenal. He has all my support.”And if any of my followers feel they don’t want to continue following me now that he’s not around, feel free to unfollow. Thank you for understanding.”But Boeme took to her Instagram account to to clarify the situation, saying the statement was from a fake account and not made by her.She wrote: “I am forced to write here that I have no TikTok profile!! Someone is pretending to be me and writing things that are not true!”This is my only social media account. I have never talked about anything and I never will. “I kindly ask whoever opened the TikTok profile pretending to be me and writing personal and delicate things, which then get reported as articles in the media, to immediately close the profile, otherwise I will take legal action.”Despite refuting the original post, all photos of the couple together have since been removed from Boeme’s Instagram account and the pair do not follow each other on the social media platform. Benedetta went viral last May when she gatecrashed one of Calafiori’s interviews after Bologna completed their surprise qualification to the upcoming season’s Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESCalafiori was speaking to a female reporter for DAZN Italia when Benedetta appeared from out of nowhere into the camera shot.She then embraced him in a passionate kiss before hugging him as the interview carried on, all the while glaring at the reporter. More

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    Final Premier League table predicted by Supercomputer after Liverpool’s shock draw against Man Utd

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock draw at Liverpool could have huge ramifications at both ends of the table.That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions. Manchester United’s draw at Anfield could spark an upturn in formCredit: GettyHow might the draw impact Liverpool’s title chances?Credit: GettyUnited put in a superb performance at Anfield, taking the lead through Lisandro Martinez’s powerful finish.Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah turned the game on its head before Amad Diallo equalised. United could have won it in the final seconds but Harry Maguire ballooned a superb chance over the bar.Nevertheless, it was a massively encouraging afternoon for the Red Devils who were feeling the pressure after four defeats in a row.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat torrid festive form had even led to suggestions United may actually be in a relegation battle.But the Jeffbet number-crunching machine thinks Ruben Amorim’s side can kick in from yesterday’s point and move up the table. The draw saw United leapfrog above West Ham into 13th on goal difference with 23 points from their 20 matches. And the AI calculator believes they will no longer be at danger of the drop into the Championship – although they are still tipped to finish the campaign in a hugely-disappointing 12th.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is predicted the Red Devils will win 13, draw eight and lose 17 to finish on 47 points. That is a full 20 points clear of safety, but 24 off the top four and their worst placing since the Premier League launched in 1992/93.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Instead, it is Everton who slip into the bottom three and face the drop alongside strugglers Leicester and Southampton.Saints are tipped to only pick up 13 points – admittedly more than double their current tally – by the end of their dreadful campaign.Wolves and Ipswich, though, look set to stay up on 30 points, three clear of the Toffees in the five-way mini-league at the bottom.At the other end of the table, Liverpool are still predicted to go on and lift a second Premier League title.However, before Sunday’s game, the estimated gap was a staggering 17 points to second-placed Arsenal – with Liverpool on 97 to Arsenal’s 80.But the updated revision closes that gap to 12 points. Liverpool are predicted to win 29, draw seven and lose two this season to finish on 94 – although it is unclear who the supercomputer thinks will follow Nottingham Forest in beating Arne Slot’s men. Arsenal are set to finish in second on 82, ten clear of Manchester City.The reigning champions are currently sixth and have lost six times already and the data suggests they will lose another four but climb up the table to secure Champions League football – alongside Chelsea on 70.Interestingly, there is a shock in fifth with Fulham tipped to claim the first Europa League spot on 66 points, despite currently sitting ninth. Aston Villa (64) take sixth with Newcastle (63) seventh, both ahead of Forest (62) – even though the East Midlanders are flying high in third with only Liverpool winning more times so far. READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham and Bournemouth complete the top half – both on 58 points – as Brighton (57) just miss out. Following the Red Devils will be West Ham (43), Brentford (41) and Crystal Palace (41). Fulham could finish as high as fifth according to the supercomputerCredit: GettyIt is bad news for Everton as they join Leicester and Southampton in the bottom threeCredit: PAMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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    Chelsea ‘consider recalling Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan transfer’ despite being part of ‘bomb squad’

    CHELSEA are considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.The defender joined the Eagles in the summer and has made 14 appearances for Oliver Glasner’s side.Chelsea could recall Trevoh Chalobah this monthCredit: GettyChalobah has been part of an effective back three at Selhurst Park, just as he was when he first broke into the Chelsea team under Thomas Tuchel.Blues boss Enzo Maresca allowed him to leave in the summer with Chalobah part of the ‘bomb squad’ in West London.But Chelsea are now considering recalling the centre-back, report The Athletic.Chelsea’s backline has been depleted by injuries with Maresca revealing Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenoit Badiashile has also been sidelined while Axel Disasi has looked shaky in recent appearances, gifting Ipswich a goal in a defeat last week.Chalobah, 25, has been in and out of the Chelsea side since he made his debut in 2021.He has made 80 appearances since graduating from the club’s academy but was limited to just 13 Prem games last season.Chalobah was barred from using first-team facilities in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was made to train with the development squad alongside other outcasts including Armando Broja and Ben Chilwell.Palace boss Glasner spoke about Chalobah’s future, saying: “I could see that there was Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo on the bench. Chelsea Player Ratings (1)“I don’t know if you need another one if you play with two. I was just reading that Aaron Anselmino comes back so they have five.“I don’t know what they’re planning. Trevoh is doing very well for us.” More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘I will never hate this man’ as Lisandro Martinez’s interview after Liverpool draw goes viral

    FANS have hailed Lisandro Martinez after his honest assessment of Manchester United’s performance went viral.The Argentine scored a brilliant goal as the Red Devils impressed in a 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Liverpool yesterday.Lisandro Martinez explained Man Utd’s solid performance by pointing to his mindCredit: BBCMartinez scored United’s opener with a brilliant finishCredit: GettyUnited’s display came as a shock after they went into the clash on a horror run of four defeats in a row.After the game, Martinez was asked by the BBC: “There have been some very poor performances this season. You wonder how you can go from that to this so quickly.”He brilliantly replied by passionately pointing to his head and saying : “The mind.”United fans loved the response, with one saying: “I will never hate this man.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Martinez is the true captain of the team. I love Bruno but with the way Lisandro speaks. He’s got the right mentality.”A third wrote: “I love him man. I’ll never doubt you again.”Following his gesture, Martinez explained: “Today we changed the mindset, the belief, the confidence.”I saw everyone secure today with confidence, in every duel, with the ball, defending.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We really enjoyed the game today. “Sometimes when we had the ball a few games ago, we were stressed, thinking too much and today we played without feelings.Antony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges “When you play like that you can enjoy football.”Bruno Fernandes was also brutally honest on the inconsistency of United’s performances, saying: “I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me.”Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.”We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort to the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game.”You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something from today.”It can’t stop here. We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level.”If we can do it at Anfield, we have to do it everywhere.”Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More