Premier League

MAURICIO POCHETTINO was involved in a huge melee with Adam Lallana following Chelsea’s win against Brighton.The Blues bagged a huge victory at Stamford Bridge, running out 3-2 winners after having Conor Gallagher sent off in the first half.
Mauricio Pochettino was involved in a huge melee at the end of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over BrightonCredit: Rex
Ex-England star Adam Lallana was also involved as tempers spilled over at full timeCredit: Getty

Brighton thought they were set for a late equaliser when they won a penalty at the death.
But VAR overturned the decision to punish goalscorer Levi Colwill’s handball as the ball had hit him in the face first.
And the dramatic end saw tempers spill over the final whistle, with Joao Pedro shoving fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.
He then clashed with Enzo Fernandez, who scored two of Chelsea’s goals.
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At the same time, Blues boss Pochettino darted onto the field for a word with ref Craig Pawson.
Yet he became involved in heated talks with the likes of Lallana and Pascal Gross as players from both sides clashed.
Benoit Badiashile was pushed as he celebrated with Wesley Fofana.
And ex-Seagulls stopper Robert Sanchez gave it large to the travelling Brighton fans after being booed throughout the game.
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Joao Pedro was involved in a shoving match with Thiago SilvaCredit: PA
Enzo Fernandez refused to back down after his two goalsCredit: Rex

He then had heated words with old pals Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke.
However, it was former Brighton loanee Colwill who attempted to play peacemaker despite also colliding with Van Hecke.
He said: “I don’t know what happened. I was just trying to calm it down
“It’s an emotional game. Everyone gave their hearts out there.”
Pochettino later revealed he had wanted to confront ref Pawson after his incorrect decision to give Brighton a late penalty.
Robert Sanchez goaded Brighton fans before clashing with Lewis DunkCredit: Getty
Jan Paul van Hecke and Levi Colwill had heated wordsCredit: Getty
The Argentine fumed: “It was difficult to understand why he gives the penalty and then checks the VAR.
“At the end I tried to ask the referee why he gave penalty if he didn’t see it.
“But it’s not a problem. The VAR saw it. But I don’t know if he didn’t see it, why did he give it?
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“Why give the penalty? When there was possible penalty for a foul on Mudryk, he didn’t give it.
“It was emotional out there.”
Pochettino was furious with Craig Pawson’s late penalty decision for BrightonCredit: Rex
VAR overturned the penalty, giving Chelsea all three pointsCredit: Rex More

ERLING HAALAND’S astonishing miss against Tottenham has reignited comparisons between himself and Darwin Nunez from fans.The Manchester City striker astonishingly failed to score when presented with an open goal.
Erling Haaland missed an open goal for Manchester City against TottenhamCredit: AP:Associated Press
Haaland’s miss reignited comparisons between himself and Darwin Nunez from fansCredit: Reuters
With the scores level at 1-1, Bernardo Silva teed up Haaland after City had won the ball inside the Spurs penalty area.
As Guglielmo Vicario scrambled back across his goal, the forward was left with the goal gaping and only Ben Davies to beat.
However, he dragged his tame shot narrowly wide of the far post to the dismay of the City supporters.
Haaland himself could not believe it either as he put his hand over his mouth in shock.
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Meanwhile, rival supporters were quick to compare him to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez on social media.
One fan joked on X, formerly Twitter: “Nunez must be smiling.”
Another added: “He was definitely watching that Nunez clip.”
A third fan also asked: “Better than Nunez?”
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The forward dragged his shot wide with the goal gapingCredit: Reuters
“Fraud watch,” commented another supporter.
Haaland had been involved in City’s equaliser earlier in the first half.
His flick on ricocheted off Heung-min Son and past Vicario after the South Korean had given the visitors the lead.
City later completed the turnaround through Phil Foden, who put his side in front in the 31st minute.
Haaland has continued his fine form from his first season in England so far this term.
He notched his 50th Premier League goal in record speed against Liverpool last weekend and has already scored 19 times across all competitions in 2023/24. More

ERIK TEN HAG revealed why he blasted Anthony Martial during the defeat to Newcastle.The Manchester United boss was spotted raging at his No9 from the sidelines at St James’ Park.
Erik ten Hag and Anthony Martial argued during Manchester United’s defeat at NewcastleCredit: TNT Sports
There was a handshake between the pair when the Frenchman was subbed offCredit: EPA
And the Frenchman appeared to fire back at his manager, throwing his arms out.
However, Ten Hag insisted the public spat was nothing personal – and was instead an attempt to fire up his struggling squad.
The Dutchman said: “It’s not about Anthony Martial, it’s about the team.
“I try to energise the team and try to get a reaction from the team in this moment.
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“As you see, we had a tough period and when you’re coaching you are a little more aggressive, so that’s normal.”
Martial started up front for United in the freezing cold away at Newcastle.
But he was hauled off on 61 minutes – six minutes after Anthony Gordon’s winner – with Rasmus Hojlund sent on in his place.
There was an amicable handshake between the former Monaco forward and his gaffer on the touchline.
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But fans were still concerned by yet another altercation between Ten Hag and his players – following the incidents with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, while Raphael Varane is currently frozen out.
One moaned “enough is enough” while another slammed: “Both gone at the end of the season.”
And TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas was not a fan of the blatant row.
He said: “This seems to be the culture within the team at the minute, a lot of arms raised, a lot of blaming each other and no cohesiveness, they’re not together.
“He (Ten Hag) can feel it, he knows they’re not going to win this game unless they’re not together.” More

THIAGO SILVA rolled back the years as Chelsea returned to winning ways against Brighton.Enzo Fernandez scored twice either side of a Levi Colwill goal to secure a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Thiago Silva impressed as Chelsea beat Brighton 3-2 on SundayCredit: Getty
Conor Gallagher was sent off on the stroke of half-timeCredit: Getty
However, the Blues were left sweating late on after Joao Pedro pulled a goal back for the visitors.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side also played the second half with 10 men after Conor Gallagher was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
Here is how SunSport’s Kieran Davies rated the Chelsea players.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Despite not having a lot to do, the Chelsea keeper always looks like a mistake is imminent. Almost got caught out a couple of times with the ball at his feet, one instance where it went under his foot and towards his own goal.
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Disasi – 6
Struggled with the threat of both Adingra and Mitoma down the left flank. Seems happier to get forward on the attack than defend.
Thiago Silva – 8
How on earth he hasn’t been made Chelsea captain is baffling. He is the only player in this team that adds any composure to it. Like a fine wine, he gets better with age.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Seemed lost at times when Brighton attacked. Happy to go forward but takes too long to get back. Thiago Silva had to get him out of trouble of many occasions.
Levi Colwill – 7
Started off the game looking like a liability at left back but grew into the game. Scored the goal to give The Blues a two-goal lead which proved to be priceless.
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Levi Colwill scored to put Chelsea 2-0 upCredit: Getty
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Moises Caicedo – 6
£115m does not seem to get you a player with much common sense nowadays. Despite seeing Gallagher sent off, he continued to lunge into challenges after being booked himself. Should have been shown a second yellow card before the third goal.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Scored his first goal for Chelsea in the Premier League which he added to with a second half penalty.
Despite this, does not seem to affect the game much in his position. Should be impressing a lot more considering his £106m price tag.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Made captain for the day and then decided to play in his new alter ego as ‘Captain Carnage’.
Went flying into tackles, even after being booked and you could see he was going to walk today. Didn’t even make it to half-time.
Gallagher was shown a second yellow card by Craig PawsonCredit: AP: Associated Press
Raheem Sterling – 7
Was a constant threat to Hinshelwood and created most of Chelsea’s chances in the game.
Threaded the ball through to Mudryk to win the penalty that decided the game.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 6
Won the penalty for Chelsea, which was very debatable, but was largely anonymous once again.
Another player with a huge transfer fee is failing to live up to his own hype.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Makes some good runs into the channels but just does not look like a player who is going to get you 15+ goals a season.
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Reiterates that Chelsea have not addressed their search for a goalscoring striker in signing him.
Subs
Cole Palmer – 6
Did not really manage to get into the game and could not have a telling impression on the game. Had to do more defending than he did attacking. More

ENZO FERNANDEZ and Levi Colwill scored their first Premier League goals as ten-man Chelsea saw off Brighton.The Argentine World Cup winner opened the scoring with a close-range header on 17 minutes.
Chelsea stormed to a crucial home win over BrightonCredit: Getty
Enzo Fernandez headed in the opener from close rangeCredit: Rex
And Colwill made it 2-0 four minutes later when referee Craig Pawson’s watch buzzed to prove the defender’s header had crossed the line before ex-Blues kid Billy Gilmour hooked it clear.
Facundo Buonanotte curled in a beauty just before half-time to halve the deficit.
But there was still time for Conor Gallagher to pick up a second yellow card before the break.
A VAR check concluded James Milner had fouled Mykhaylo Mudryk and Fernandez stepped up to slot the penalty home.
Joao Pedro’s glancing header in the 92nd minute set up a nervy finale at Stamford Bridge – especially when Colwill was penalised for handball only for VAR to overturn the penalty as the ball hit him in the face.
And Mauricio Pochettino’s men eventually held on for a crucial three points.
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Levi Colwill rose highest to head in against his former sideCredit: Getty
Goal-line technology proved the ball crossed the lineCredit: Premier League
James Milner brought down Mykhailo Mudryk for the penaltyCredit: Reuters
Fernandez scored his second by slotting the spot-kick down the middleCredit: Getty
Conor Gallagher saw red for two yellow cards in the first halfCredit: Reuters More

Midfielder saw red just a week after skipper Reece James was sent off at NewcastleCHELSEA fans reckon they’re suffering from a cursed captain’s armband.
That’s after “brainless” Conor Gallagher became the latest Blues skipper to see red this season.
Stand-in skipper Conor Gallagher was sent off as Chelsea beat Brighton 3-1Credit: Reuters
Fans reckon the Blues are suffering from a captaincy curseCredit: Alamy
The England midfielder was sent for an early bath in Sunday’s game against Brighton.
Chelsea cruised into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill.
But Brighton pulled one back before half-time through Facundo Bounanotte.
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And moments later, Gallagher was given a second yellow card for a reckless foul to leave Chelsea’s hopes of victory hanging by a thread.
The Stamford Bridge crowd groaned as stand-in captain Gallagher trudged off the field, leaving his side with a monumental second-half job.
And Chelsea fans reckon the captaincy is cursed after permanent skipper Reece James was sent off in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
He has also suffered fresh injury problems ever since replacing Cesar Azpilicueta as Chelsea’s go-to leader.
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And vice-skipper Ben Chilwell is also a long-term casualty, leading some fans to believe their armband is bringing bad luck to the Bridge.
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Permanent captain Reece James was sent off at Newcastle last weekendCredit: Alamy
One said: “Is the captain armband now a curse?”
Another declared: “The captain curse since Azpilicueta strikes.”
One noted: “Being a Chelsea captain is now a curse, you’re either injured or sent off.”
Another added: “Curse of the Chelsea captain!”
But some fans reckoned Gallagher’s exit was purely down to his reckless actions, with one saying: “What a brainless tackle.”
Another declared: “Why pick up the yellows when we were two goals up, totally uncalled for.”
One noted: “That had to be the most brain dead thing to do leading a game.”
Another added: “No way Gallagher pulled a shocked face for his second yellow.”
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Luckily for Gallagher, Chelsea held firm in the second half and even bagged a third goal, with Fernandez netting another strike through a penalty.
And Mauricio Pochettino will now have to plan for the next match against Manchester United without Gallagher in his thoughts. More

FUMING Manchester United fans let rip after Steve McClaren had to step in after the Newcastle defeat.The Red Devils fell to a tired 1-0 loss at St James’ Park on Saturday night – after having their travel plans thrown into chaos by a cancelled flight.
Steve McClaren got the Manchester United players to applaud the fans at NewcastleCredit: Alamy
Anthony Gordon’s tap-in sealed the victory for the Magpies, although it was a far more dominant display than the scoreline suggested.
And a late disallowed equaliser only heaped further misery on the travelling United fans making the 300-mile round trip.
To make things even worse, some of the United players did not even go over to acknowledge the supporters on the freezing-cold December night after the full-time whistle blew at 10pm.
But McClaren reportedly intercepted the flops, telling them to turn around and applaud the fans in the stand.
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ESPN reporter Rob Dawson said: “Worst bit about tonight was that Steve McClaren had to wait at the top of the tunnel to tell some United players to turn around and applaud the fans.
“They’ve travelled hundreds of miles on a freezing day to watch that dross and they can’t even get a clap. Joke.”
And that prompted a wave of fury from Red Devils supporters on social media – while plenty heaped praise on Erik ten Hag’s assistant.
One said: “They are not even playing for themselves, never mind us fans.”
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Another wrote: “They don’t care. And they won’t start now. Outperformed by a team who clearly wanted it.”
A third added: “Absolute disgrace, none of them should be available for the next match.”
A fourth typed: “I saw only Harry applaud them at full-time. Say what you will about his ability and fit for the team long-term, but he’s been class all through. Earned my respect.”
A fifth commented: “Ten Hag comes in and talks about changing the culture, and after 18 months in charge this simple, but extremely important thing still isn’t any nearer to being sorted. It says a lot more than people realise. It says everything.”
A sixth posted: “We’ve seen it 100 times before. It’s cultural.”
And a final user quipped: “That’s hard work though clapping mate. Give them a break they’re not robots. They must be knackered after doing nothing.”
‘BAD EGGS’
The defeat prompted a huge fallout, with Ten Hag warning he will “talk” with Marcus Rashford after the striker was criticised for his body language at St James’.
Paul Scholes and Alan Shearer both laid into the Red Devils, too.
Scholes fumed: “Rubbish. They’re a poor football team at this minute.
“Too many lazy players on the football team – you can’t get away with that.”
Shearer then piled in on Match of the Day: “Newcastle absolutely battered Man United in wide areas.
“For me, there are too many bad eggs in that Man United team. Too many bad attitudes.
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“It’s alright when things are going well for you, you can get your feet on the ball, play and pick your head up when things are nice and rosy.
“When it’s not going for you, when you’re a bit tired and you’ve got to roll your sleeves up, there’s not enough characters in that team.”
The Red Devils looked tired throughout as they struggled at St James’ ParkCredit: Reuters
Anthony Gordon got the only goal of the gameCredit: PA
Harry Maguire recognised the travelling faithfulCredit: Getty More