Premier League

ONE Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ball despite the ace scoring four goals against Brighton.The Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kick and grabbed a fourth BEFORE half-time as Chelsea claimed a 4-2 win.One Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ballCredit: XThe Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kickPalmer then grabbed a fourth before half-timeCredit: RexPalmer hit the net in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes in a bonkers first half at Stamford Bridge.And that saw him become the first player ever in a Premier League match to score four goals in the first half.Last season, a mystery man wrote “s*** player” on his match ball after he netted a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Manchester United in April.And this time it was Romeo Lavia who played the role of the mischief-makers he wrote “You’re a mid player regardless” on Palmer’s ball.READ MORE ON CHELSEALavia tagged Palmer as he posted a picture of his graffiti on Instagram, saying: “There you go CP”.And his prank has caused a stir on social media.One fan said: “Cole Palmer is a world-class is what he meant.”Another added: “Best Player in the Premier Rn.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some saw the truth in Lavia’s message and said: “Palmer is truly a mid player. He never turns up for big games.”Sceptics should take a look at the scoring and assists charts, where Palmer ranks second with six goals and four assists this season.Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalThe midfielder has racked up 43 Premier League goals and assists since the beginning of last season – more than any other player.In another freak twist, Palmer has now scored four goals in the Premier League more times than he has bagged for three.He snatched a dramatic hat-trick to complete an outrageous 4-3 turnaround victory against Man Utd on April 4.Just 11 days later, he banged in four as Chelsea tore Everton apart. More

CHELSEA star Cole Palmer was compared to club legend Eden Hazard by fans after making a casual revelation during a hilarious interview.Palmer, 22, led the Blues to a stunning 4-2 victory against Brighton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge by scoring all four goals with a sensational Premier League performance.Cole Palmer reminded Chelsea fans of Eden Hazard with his nonchalant interviewPalmer revealed he doesn’t really practice free-kicks and instead ‘messes about’ during Chelsea trainingCredit: AlamyHazard used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating for Chelsea on the pitchCredit: GettyThat alone would be good enough to compare the winger to Hazard, who amassed a total of 110 goals and 85 assists in 352 appearances during his seven-year stint with the West Londoners.However, it was during the post-match interview that the England international really brought back a similar vibe to Belgian icon.Palmer scored an incredible free-kick from 30 yards out that thundered into Bart Verbruggen’s top left corner to complete his hat-trick against the Seagulls.The ex-Manchester City ace later revealed he doesn’t really practice set-pieces and instead “messes about” during training under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Read More on FootballPalmer said when asked if he had been practicing free-kicks: “No, not really.”Just messing about. Practice, practice… But, yeah…”The star forward reminded fans of Hazard who used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating on the pitch and was well liked for being down to earth.One supporter tweeted: “He said he hasn’t practiced Free-Kicks. Just been messing about. We have our Hazard back.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Looks like he hasn’t lost his touch, been messing around and still delivering like the good old days of Hazard.”A third gushed: “AURA.”Fans in hysterics as they spot Cole Palmer’s gesture before West Ham clash as they say Chelsea star ‘didn’t even care’ This fan said: “Palmer has talent like Hazard. In addition, he’s disciplined and loves the club.”And that one posted: “Just messing about bruhhh. This blud is in that [Lionel] Messi & Hazard category I kid you not.” More

IBRAHIMA KONATE was left stunned after discovering he was not Man of the Match against Wolves.The Liverpool defender opened the scoring in his side’s 2-1 win at Wolves on Saturday.Ibrahima Konate could not believe he was not named Man of the Match against WolvesCredit: X/SkySportsPLArne Slot agreed with the decision to give the award to Ryan GravenberchCredit: X/SkySportsPLIt was his second goal of the season after a strike in the Champions League against AC Milan earlier this month.However, it was not enough to win the Man of the Match award at full-time.Instead, Konate had to present the trophy to team-mate Ryan Gravenberch during their post-match interview.The Frenchman was left stunned, though, as he asked: “Sky Sports, who decides who is the Man of the Match?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”How is this possible? It’s my brother, I have to give it to him. Milan I score, today I score… I didn’t deserve it?”What happened? You have to talk with them I don’t know who decides.”After being told which member of the production team had chosen the winner, he shook his head and tutted: “Gary Neville… thank you, Gary.”Konate’s manager agreed with the choice, however, as he spoke after the match.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArne Slot explained: “Konate? Well then maybe he forgot the moment we conceded a goal.”So maybe that was the reason we conceded because he wasn’t there at that moment because to say the least it was avoidable.” Wolves crisis ahead of crunch Liverpool clash as Gary O’Neil reveals illness ripping through squadKonate has started every match in the league since coming on at half-time against Ipswich on the opening weekend.The 25-year-old has now made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring five goals.Saturday’s win lifts Slot’s side to the top of the league, one point clear of Manchester City and Arsenal.They are back in action on Wednesday at home to Bologna in the Champions League.Konate opened the scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Molineux on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

ERIK TEN HAG bizarrely admits he is listening to criticism from PUNDITS to get his Manchester United reign on track.That is despite the under-pressure manager going to war with them twice this season.Erik ten Hag is using criticism to fuel a turnaround at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAlan Shearer slammed Ten Hag’s management last seasonCredit: GettyTen Hag also recently responded to Jamie Redknapp’s commentsCredit: GettyTen Hag is back in the firing line after United’s lacklustre 1-1 Europa League draw with FC Twente on Wednesday.And he said of the pundits: “Some give very good advice.“For me, the best advice is stay clinical and see where the team is and which areas we have to improve.“You can have an opinion about football and when you’re in the job, you have to deal with this. Respect the criticism.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag previously branded Jamie Redknapp “crazy” for claiming he axed Marcus Rashford for the draw at Crystal Palace because of problems behind the scenes.At the time, he said: “I don’t understand the criticism. People are entitled [to criticise] if they want to, but not entitled to bring speculation.”And after the humbling 3-0 defeat by Liverpool at the start of this month, Ten Hag hit back at jibes over the performance, saying: “I’m sorry for you, I have another vision.”More flak will almost certainly come his way if there is another flop against Tottenham on Sunday – much like Shearer’s criticism of his side last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Dutchman now says: “I can’t take every criticism into account. I don’t read, of course, all the criticism.“It’s not even possible. I don’t even want to know.Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes “Stay methodical, guide the team on the right pathway and make sure you make the right steps to get the best out of the team.”United go into the game lying 11th and Ten Hag accepts that his young team have to keep taking opinions on the chin.He says: “They will be judged every game — and that’s normal.“Everyone, for every game, is expecting United to be winning. It isn’t a secret for anyone.“When you are in this club, you have to deal with this factor and we do. It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old.“We have to cope with this and get the best out of it and match the expectations that everyone has.“But we know also that young players, a young squad, a new team, takes some time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We are going in a good direction in the last couple of weeks in many aspects of football.“Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals.” More