Premier League

PREMIER League flop Dimitri Foulquier has swapped sliding tackles for scripts by becoming a movie star.The Valencia defender, 30, spent three years with Watford before leaving in 2020.
Foulquier endured a tough spell at WatfordCredit: Rex
He is now starring for ValenciaCredit: Getty
And starring in movies
However Foulquier was subbed off inside 33 minutes of his Premier League debut with the Hornets 5-0 down to Manchester City.
He made just five Watford appearances, and was loaned out three times.
Paris-born Foulquier has now played a major role in sci-fi superhero film Nonm, which has just been released in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
The right-back said: “I play the best friend of the main character, Nonm, which is the Creole word for ‘man.’
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“The film has a bit of science fiction and a bit of French-Caribbean culture. There is a super-hero, action and special effects.
“It is my first film, and I found it difficult to express emotions I did not feel – but it was a learning experience for me.
“It was important for me to make the film with people I got on well with.
“I took part during my holidays in Guadeloupe, and didn’t miss any Valencia matches.
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“The project interested me.  I feel very close to Guadeloupe culture and its food, music and language.
“I grew up there, and visit every year.  I liked the idea of making a film on the island with local people.
“It may come in for criticism, but I am happy with the final result.
“I love football too much to give it up – even if Denzel Washington offered to make a film with me.”
Capped 43 times at youth level by France, Foulquier made two senior appearances for Guadeloupe.
He has also played for Rennes, Granada, Strasbourg and Getafe. More

TOTTENHAM goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario would not have been sent off if he had held onto the ball to stop West Ham scoring.The Italian beat Jarrod Bowen to a loose ball and palmed the ball away but James Ward-Prowse followed up to score at the second attempt.
Guglielmo Vicario palmed the ball out instead of holding onto it
James Ward-Prowse was on hand to notch the winnerCredit: Getty

Amazon Prime co-commentator Alan Shearer questioned why Vicario did not just hold onto the ball – forgetting that the ball was passed back to him by team-mate Destiny Udogie.
Fans were quick to point out Shearer’s error in judgement, with some claiming the keeper could have been sent off had he picked it up.
One fan said: “What is Alan Shearer talking about on commentary? ‘I wonder if Vicario could’ve collected the pass back to him’
“My guy you can’t use your hands on a back pass! If he collected it he probably gets sent off.”
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Another added: “Shearer spouting absolutely nonsense. If Vicario gathers that ball surely it’s a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity?”
A third wrote: “Is Shearer saying that Vicario should have came out and picked the ball up? He does realise that it would have been a clear back pass and in that case an instant red card for denial of a goal scoring opportunity? I don’t get what else he wants Vicario to do there?”
And another commented: “Shearer is an idiot. if anything, the best thing that could have happened for Spurs the moment Vicario touched that with his hands was that West Ham scored then and there. otherwise, indirect freekick to West Ham from the spot of the offence, and possible red for Vicario.”
However, Vicario would NOT have been sent off for holding onto the ball – instead referee Michael Salisbury would have awarded an indirect free-kick.
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In fact, any use of the hands from a backpass results in a indirect free-kick so the ref cleverly played advantage to allow Ward-Prowse to score.
The rules also state a goalkeeper cannot be sanctioned for a handling offence inside the area, so Vicario would not even have been booked, let alone received a red card.
Ward-Prowse’s strike proved to be the winner as West Ham came from behind to win 2-1.
Tottenham became the first side in Premier League history to fail to win in five consecutive matches in which they took the lead. More

SON HEUNG-MIN has slammed his own team as Spurs recorded a pair of horror Premier League records with their defeat against rivals West Ham.Tottenham took the lead for the fifth time in a row but failed to bring it home as the Hammers secured a two-goal comeback on Thursday night.
Son Heung-min has slammed Spurs for their 2-1 defeat against West HamCredit: Getty
Son called his side “soft” as they led for the fifth time in a row but failed to winCredit: Getty
Players and fans were left dejected after they set two horror Premier League recordsCredit: Alamy
Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse’s goals secured a win for West HamCredit: Alamy
Son was left in tears after his side went without another win in the London derby as West Ham swept up all three points.
Cristian Romero’s header had given Spurs an early lead but they found themselves level when Jarrod Bowen hit home from close range.
Then James Ward-Prowse scored the winner for David Moyes’ side meaning the Lilywhites have written an unwanted chapter.
Ange Postecogolou’s squad are the first side in Premier League history to score first in five successive games and win none of them.
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Tottenham are also the first to lose three successive home matches in the competition having scored first in all three.
And angry skipper Son blasted his team for being too “soft” as they picked up just a single point from their last five games.
After their 2-1 defeat, he said to Prime Video: “Deserve better or not it doesn’t mean anything we lost the game which is unacceptable.
“You get the lead five times in a row losing the game is unacceptable.
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“As a player, we should take responsibility.”
“They are tough to play against. We knew what was coming, but we were soft. We were soft. 1-0 is not enough, you have to try and win the game.”
“It is unacceptable. The fans do not deserve this. When you go 1-0 up early you should bring more energy and play with more energy, but we didn’t and that is why we lost.”
Tottenham dominated the game in the first half with West Ham lucky to go down with just one goal.
But in the second half, they managed to throw it all away as two howlers cost Spurs the whole match.
Postecoglou’s men had 75 per cent possession and completed four times more passes than the Hammers.
With double the amount of strikes and two more shots on target, the North London side were the favourites to win.
But shocking defensive blunders has put them in a vulnerable position ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle.

Postecoglou also criticised his team for not being more decisive in front of the sticks and reminded them that playing well is not enough if they cannot turn their play into wins.
He said: “One-nil up at half-time was not a good performance.
“A good performance was to be three or four up and put the game to bed. When you don’t and you give up goals that you shouldn’t, you get what you deserve.”
Following Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer, his new side found themselves unbeaten at the top of the table at the end of October.
The Australian had also been named manager of the month for August, September and October.
In doing so, he became the first boss to win the award in the opening three months of the season.
However, it seemed to go downhill after their horror 4-1 defeat at home against Chelsea.
While injuries and suspensions have certainly contributed to Spurs’ downfall so has poor game management.
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And their success at the beginning of the term is a distant memory now.
They are nine points behind frontrunners Arsenal and another loss could see Spurs end the weekend as low as ninth and 12 points off the summit.
Ange Postecoglou was named manager of the month three times in a rowCredit: Alamy More

TOTTENHAM captain Son Heung-min gave Ange Postecoglou another injury scare on Thursday when he limped off during the club’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham.The 31-year-old appeared to break down in tears as he took to the bench in the 88th minute.
Son Heung-min was spotted crying on the benchCredit: X
The Spurs captain appeared to pick up a knock during the matchCredit: X
Son was immediately tended to by the Tottenham physios who appeared concerned.
However, after the match he issued a positive update.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, he revealed: “No, I’m okay. I’m okay. Let’s see.”
Son also accused his team of being too “soft” in the second half, stating: “Losing that game is unacceptable.
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“We have got the lead five times in a row now. West Ham are always tough to play against but we were soft.
“In the Premier League, you don’t know what will happen in the end. You have to kill a game. It’s unacceptable. Players have to take responsibility – the fans don’t deserve this.
“You have to play with more energy, especially at home. Whether we deserve it or not, we have to move on and bounce back. It’s disappointing for the fans.”
Tottenham took an early lead against the Hammers when Cristian Romero’s headed effort looped into the top corner.
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West Ham equalised through Jarrod Bowen just after half time before summer signing James Ward-Prowse scored the winner.
Spurs are now the first team in Premier League history to have failed to win five consecutive games despite going 1-0 up in each.
They are also the first to have lost three consecutive home games despite going 1-0 up. More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been brutally trolled following Tottenham’s damning defeat to West Ham.Spurs broke three unwanted records as they surrendered a first half lead on the way to losing 2-1 on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou has been brutally trolled following Tottenham’s loss to West HamCredit: Alamy
Spurs are now winless in five matches despite taking the lead in each gameCredit: Alamy
Cristian Romero’s opener was cancelled out by Jarrod Bowen before James Ward-Prowse sealed all three points for the Hammers.
The result leaves Postecoglou’s side winless in five and nine points adrift of bitter rivals Arsenal at the top of the table.
In losing, Spurs have now dropped 16 points from winning positions so far this season, more than any other Premier League team.
Reacting to the statistic on social media, one fan replied: “#Spursy.”
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Another also added: “Bottler, mate.”
Meanwhile, former Spurs owner Lord Sugar took aim at Postecoglou with a brutal joke.
“Best not ask Ange to walk your dog, he can’t hold a lead,” wrote the businessman.
Tottenham also became the first side in Premier League history to achieve two more unwanted feats by losing to their London rivals.
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Cristian Romero put Spurs in front before West Ham’s second half turnaroundCredit: Alamy

Spurs are the first team to lose three consecutive home matches after going 1-0 up following previous defeats to Chelsea and Aston Villa.
In addition to that, they are also the first side to fail to win five consecutive matches after going 1-0 up in each.
That run includes their recent defeat away to Wolves and Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Manchester City.
Spurs’ recent dip in form has proved a blow to their title hopes after a strong start to the season.
Following Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer, his new side found themselves unbeaten at the top of the table at the end of October.

The Australian had also been named manager of the month for August, September and October.
In doing so, he became the first boss to win the award in the opening three months of the season.
However, he now faces a crucial clash with Newcastle at home on Sunday as he aims to get Spurs’ season back on track.
Defeat against the Magpies could see his side end the weekend as low as ninth and 12 points off the summit.
Former Spurs chairman and star of his TV show The Apprentice Alan Sugar put the boot inCredit: Getty More