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    Man Utd ratings: Garnacho writes name in history, Mainoo backs up wonderkid status but McTominay goes through motions

    MANCHESTER UNITED came into this game with Everton with several things against them.For starters, Erik ten Hag was forced to watch on from the stands in a tweed Baker Boy hat as he served a touchline ban for accumulating too many yellow cards.
    Alejandro Garnacho wrote himself into the history books with what will surely be the goal of the seasonCredit: Reuters
    The forward celebrated with an ode to Ronaldo’s celebrationCredit: Reuters
    And he was joined there by 39,000 furious Evertonians who welcomed the teams onto the pitch by holding up pink placards accusing the Premier League of corruption.
    The Toffees booed the Premier League anthem before the game and were in fine voice as the game kicked off.
    But Alejandro Garnacho’s wonderful overhead kick in the third minute silenced the home fans – at least temporarily before they broke into choruses of “Premier League – corrupt as f**k”.
    A second half Marcus Rashford penalty awarded after VAR intervention put United into cruise control in the 56th minute before Martial made it 3-0 with a tidy finish.
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    Here’s how the United players rated…
    Andre Onana – 8
    Made some really outstanding saves today on what could be a turning point in the United keeper’s career.
    Confident defending his box during set-pieces as well.
    Andre Onana in front of a sea of protesting EvertoniansCredit: PA
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    Diogo Dalot – 6
    His cross for Alejandro Garnacho’s wonderful bicycle kick will go down as an assist but he has the Argentinian to thank after he did the most with a looped ball into the box.
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    Harry Maguire – 6
    Still keeping Raphael Varane out of the team in a remarkable turnaround after United tried to force him out this summer.
    Did not really put a foot wrong individually although Everton had their chances.
    Victor Lindelof – 6
    Like Maguire, was solid and did not put a foot wrong at the heart of defence.
    Everton had their chances but that can’t be put at the feet of the defensive pairing.
    Luke Shaw – 6
    A welcome return after being sidelined since August.
    Solid and reliable, showing exactly why ten Hag sees him as a crucial part of this team.
    Scott McTominay – 6
    Contributed to his side’s clean sheet with his defensive work in the midfield.
    Stung the palms of Pickford with a couple long-range shots but did nothing outstanding.
    Not great but not bad from McTominayCredit: Getty
    Kobbie Mainoo – 8
    A welcome return from injury and his addition will give much needed depth to Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
    Tidy in possession and recycled the ball well.
    Provided a crucial block off the line in the first half.
    Marcus Rashford – 7
    Adjusting to his new wider role well and supplied several decent crosses.
    Took his penalty extremely well to score just his second Premier League goal of the season.
    Rahford bagged his second Premier League goal of the season from the spotCredit: Getty
    Bruno Fernandes – 7
    Was key for Manchester United in their transitions, which is exactly what manager Erik ten Hag wants.
    Provided some lovely weighted passes when United were on the counter.
    Gave his penalty to Marcus Rashford as he led by example.
    Alejandro Garnacho – 8
    A wondergoal in the third minute that will live long in the memory.
    His acrobatic bicycle kick is surely the goal of the season already and had Gary Neville saying it was the best goal he’d ever seen.
    A man of the match performance from GarnachoCredit: Getty
    Anthony Martial – 8
    Was initially booked for diving for United’s penalty in the 43rd minute but won it thanks to VAR intervention.
    Scored to put the game beyond doubt in the 75th minute and pile misery on the Evertonians with an excellent finish
    Martial’s finish was sublimeCredit: EPA
    Amrabat for Mainoo 72 – 6
    Slotted into midfield well but did little to stand out.
    Pellistri for Garnacho 72 – 6
    Showed some bright sparks off the bench in place of Garnacho.
    Wan-Bissaka for Shaw 76
    Wasn’t really tested.
    Hannibal for Marital 85
    Showed industry but not enough minutes to justify a rating. More

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    Everton 0-3 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Alejandro Garnacho’s SPECTACULAR overhead kick steals the show as Utd run riot

    MANCHESTER UNITED are have defeated Everton 3-0 in front of loud boos at Goodison Park in the Toffees first game since their points deduction.Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for United with a sensational overhead kick before Marcus Rashford doubled the lead from the penalty spot and Anthony Martial made it 3-0.
    Sean Dyche’s men have plummeted down to 19th following a ten-point deduction for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

    Result: Everton 0-3 Man Utd
    Everton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin
    Man Utd XI: Onana, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial, Garnacho
    Explainer: Why did Everton get a ten-point deduction?

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    Follow ALL the action from Goodison Park with our live blog below…
    Praise
    A little more from Erik ten Hag, on that Marcus Rashford penalty: “You see also how great captain Bruno Fernandes is. He assessed his team-mate needed that goal. He has the confidence in Rashy, who is a good penalty taker. As a team you need that leadership that you back each other.
    “We have to go step by step. This is one step.”
    ‘The finish is fantastic’
    Not half! Erik ten Hag has been speaking after watching the match from the stands, and you’ll be shocked to hear that he thought Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was pretty good.
    He told Sky Sports: “Probably goal of the season. Also the build-up, not just the finish, was very good. The finish is fantastic.
    “After the start of the game we were too easy-going. I criticised the team at half-time. They thought they were already there. You can’t do that. You have to do 100 minutes on the pitch. Second half we did very well.
    “Our three offensive players scored. That’s what we need. It will help us as a team.”
    Credit: getty
    ‘Bizarre’
    Sean Dyche has been speaking with Sky Sports. He’s encouraged by Everton’s display but isn’t happy about the ‘mayhem’ caused by the VAR protocols.
    He said: “A lot of the performance was right. In the first half they had a great finish, it changed the feel of the early part of the game. Then we got a grip on the game. We had chances but couldn’t take them.
    “A pretty decent performance from our point of view.”
    On the penalty, Dyche added: “It’s bizarre. There’s no point. I feel for fans. We all know what’s going to happen. The VAR thing this year, it’s been all over the place. It’s the simplest thing but it seems to be mayhem all the time.
    “You’re 2-0 down all of a sudden from a nothing moment, one you think has gone for you. It’s not just about that but it doesn’t help.
    “This season we’ve created a lot of chances and not scored goals. Our mentality will serve us well this season.
    “Ten points taken away from anyone will change their season. Until the appeals process goes through we have to play away the noise.”
    Credit: getty
    More from Bruno
    Big captain’s move from Bruno Fernandes to hand Marcus Rashford the penalty today. Fortunately for him it went in!
    On giving Rashford the penalty: “Because Marcus needed a bit of confidence, he needed his goal – he is an excellent penalty taker. I was sure he could score that penalty and Marcus did it perfectly.
    “I think obviously strikers and wingers need to score goals, it is part of their game. Marcus was unstoppable and he could take on everybody.
    “Marcus last season was amazing so expectations have been higher and it is just about getting those goals back.”
    Up next?
    As mentioned, this is just the start of a flood of fixtures for Manchester United.
    They’ve got five games over the next 16 days, starting with Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.
    After that, they’ve got three Premier League fixtures against Newcastle (a), Chelsea (H) and Bournemouth (H) before their final UCL showdown with Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
    It’s all about the league for Everton, who face Nottingham Forest (a), Newcastle (H), Chelsea (H) and Burnley (a).
    The Toffees also have a Carabao Cup quarter-final meeting with Fulham on December 19th.
    Bruno
    Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on Alejandro Garnacho’s goal: “Ah, so-so.
    “I’ll give him a good note just for the goal. But that’s because he knows I have big expectations for him.
    “He’s not a great player yet, but he has a big future ahead. We expect a lot from him. He knows that, even more from me – I’ll always be behind him asking for more. Amazing goal though.”
    Tough crowd…
    Credit: getty
    “Not a great player yet”
    Bruno Fernandes pulling no punches in his post-match interview with Alejandro Garnacho, who scored that belter. The captain is doing his level-best to keep the youngster grounded.
    He always revealed that he handed Marcus Rashford the penalty to boost his confidence. Full quotes on the way.
    Remember the name
    Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United might just have a serious talent on their hands in 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.
    The young midfielder oozed class, while looking mature and composed in the middle of the park. Quite a spectacular first Premier League start for the teenager.
    Credit: getty
    The standings…
    So what’s that done to the table?
    Well, it’s made it look very good for Manchester United. Despite all the commotion and complaints, Erik ten Hag’s side are perched in sixth position – just six points behind leaders Manchester City.

    As for Everton, they are second from bottom on four points – but would obviously be comfortably sat in 14th without their 10-point deduction.
    Luton Town’s win over Crystal Palace has made their position look even more precarious. Rob Edwards’ side look like they’ve got the stomach for a fight.

    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    FT: And that’s that! Manchester United clinch their fifth Premier League win in their last six matches.
    Alejandro Garnacho got things off to a flyer for the visitors, who weathered a first-half siege from Everton before pulling away to secure a very comfortable 3-0 victory.
    Huge confidence boost for Erik ten Hag’s side, who face a must-win clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday in the Champions League. All the reaction to come, folks!
    Credit: getty
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    95: Gary Neville has given Alejandro Garnacho the Player of the Match award, despite suggesting Kobbie Mainoo was easily Manchester United’s best player. It’s understandable, you score a goal like that you deserve all the plaudits.
    He did add that “we’ve all tried overhead kicks,” but Neville’s attempt must have slipped my memory.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    93: Sizzler. Substitute Youssef Chermiti drives forward and unleashes a piledriver but it was always heading wide of the post.
    Booked! That’s swiftly followed by a ridiculous yellow card for Idrissa Gueye, who went through the back of Hannibal Mejbri for no reason whatsoever.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    90: Six minutes added on.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    89: Could, and probably should be 4-0.
    Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes fly forward together on the break like red arrows but Rashford’s cross is intercepted by a sliding James Tarkowski. The Portuguese would have been tapping into an empty net.
    Lewis Dobbin replaces Abdoulaye Doucoure.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    86: Facundo Pellistri looks to make it four when cutting inside from the right flank but his dipping effort is well held by Jordan Pickford. Think I heard United supporters shouting “England’s Number One,” sarcastically.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    85: Hannibal Mejbri replaces Anthony Martial for the closing stages. Quite the luxury for Erik ten Hag being able to rest a few of his key players ahead of clashes with Galatasaray and Newcastle next week.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    83: It’s flat as a pancake inside Goodison Park now. They will remain in 19th position on four points after that 10-point deduction — five away from Luton Town in 17th position.
    You have to think that A LOT of hope is resting on their appeal.
    Youssef Chermiti replaces Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    80: This will be Manchester United’s first Premier League win by more than one goal this season.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    79: Woodwork! Vitaliy Mykolenko tries his luck from an acute-ish angle but it ricochets off the crossbar and away to safety. Kind of the story of Everton’s afternoon really — they’ve been wasteful and United have been ruthless.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
    76: Aaron Wan-Bissaka replaces Luke Shaw for the final 15 minutes or so.
    Quite the transformation for Manchester United in this second half. It looked for all the world that Everton build on their momentum but they’ve not been able to generate any sustained pressure whatsoever since the break.
    EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER UNITED – MARTIAL
    74: GOAL! Game, set and match.
    Bruno Fernandes dispossess Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park and Manchester United are off. Facundo Pellistri reaches the box before finding Fernandes in the middle. He slips the ball through to Anthony Martial, who dinks it beyond Jordan Pickford. That’s his NINTH goal against the Toffees.
    Credit: GETTY
    EVERTON 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
    73: Changes. A raft of them actually.
    Sofyan Amrabat and Facundo Pellistri replace Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
    Ashley Young and Dwight McNeil are replaced by Nathan Patterson and Arnaut Danjuma.
    EVERTON 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
    72: Good block from Diogo Dalot, who gets his body in the way of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s effort. The referee is forced to intervene as Branthwaite and Onana have a little argument inside the six-yard box but Dalot knocks it clear.
    Nearly 3-0. Marcus Rashford travels unopposed down the left channel and pings a cross across the face of Jordan Pickford’s goal. The fizzes cross is met by Alejandro Garnacho, who can only fine the side-netting with a flying right peg.
    EVERTON 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
    69: Most of the noise inside Goodison Park is coming from the away end, as you might expect. Everton and their supporters… well they just seem deflated with little over 20 minutes left on the clock.
    Victor Lindelof does well to intercept Ashley Young’s searching cross and the subsequent corner is punched into the air by Onana, who gathers at the second attempt.
    EVERTON 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
    66: Bit of a waste there. Bruno Fernandes tip-toes his way along the byline and has options for the cut-back but fizzes it straight at Jarrad Branthwaite. Alejandro Garnacho then arrives in the box after a short corner but fires wide. More

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    Unai Emery breaks silence on Douglas Luiz transfer with top four rivals ‘plotting raid on Aston Villa’ in January

    UNAI EMERY has given an update on Douglas Luiz’s future with Aston Villa’s top-four rivals hoping to swoop for the midfielder.The Brazilian has been on Arsenal’s radar for the January window but the Spaniard is desperate “to keep him”.
    Unai Emery gives a Douglas Luiz transfer updateCredit: Getty
    Unai Emery said he ‘wants to keep’ LuizCredit: EPA
    Luiz, 25, has been admired by Mikel Arteta’s side for some time now but Villa rate him highly and want him to stay.
    Boss Emery revealed his thoughts on his star midfielder after their 2-1 win against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
    He said: “He’s playing very good. He’s improved a lot, his commitment is amazing.
    “I am very happy with him and I want to keep him of course. I think he’s happy with us.
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    “He’s coming on with his national team. And his performance like today was amazing. I want him.”
    Luiz’s inviting free-kick provided an excellent assist for Pau Torres who scored Villa’s first goal in their victory in North London.
    But just earlier this month Fabrizio Romano tweeted Arsenal were said to be keen on the former Man City player.
    The Gunners are desperate to find a Thomas Partey replacement who is yet again out with an injury.
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    Luiz is Arteta’s top pick but they know the fight for the midfielder will not be an easy one.
    Arsenal previously put three bids in for Luiz last summer but they were all rejected as he signed a new contract at Villa Park.
    The Gunners then re-ignited their interest this summer with Tottenham and Chelsea also monitoring his situation.
    Manchester City are also keen to bring the Brazilian back to the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window. More

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    Amazing picture of 15-year-old Pep Guardiola with Terry Venables goes viral after legendary manager’s death aged 80

    FOOTBALL fans were moved as an old picture of the late great Terry Venables and Pep Guardiola emerged.Former England manager Venables died this weekend at the age of 80 following a long illness and tributes poured from all around the world.
    A picture showing Terry Venables and a young Pep Guardiola has emerged
    Venables and Guardiola coexisted at Barcelona during the 1980sCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Guardiola was part of Barcelona’s La Masia academy when Venables managed the senior teamCredit: Getty
    People remembered El Tel with various blasts from the past and one of them had to do with his three-year stint as Barcelona manager.
    A photo went viral showing the Dagenham legend being hoisted up by Barca heroes Paco Clos and Migueli.
    That was when Venables led the Blaugrana to the 1986 European Cup Final by beating Goteborg in a dramatic semi-final second leg that saw him winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.
    But what makes this pic so special is the fact that a 15-year-old Guardiola, who was then part of the famous La Masia academy, can be seen celebrating in awe of the Tottenham legend.
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    The Manchester City boss is a Barcelona legend himself as he started out at the club at the tender age of 13 and went on to spend 11 years in the senior squad, most of which saw him wear the armband.
    And Gary Neville believes the Spanish tactician learned a lot during Venables’ brief stint in Catalonia as he insists they both had a “very same capability”.
    Neville played under the ex-Leeds boss for England and was part of the team that made it to the Euro 1996 semi-finals.
    Neville tweeted: “When we hear people that play for Pep Guardiola now say that he can call the outcome of a game in training a few days before the match arrives, Terry Venables had that very same capability, he’d come through the Barcelona system.”
    Most read in Football
    Venables didn’t win the European Cup in 1986 as Barcelona lost on penalties to Steaua Bucharest in the final.
    However, the former Crystal Palace boss won a domestic Cup that year and LaLiga the season before.
    Barcelona issued the following statement and reached out to his family: “FC Barcelona is deeply saddened of the death of Terry Venables, coach of Barca from 1984 to 1987. Our condolences go to his loved ones. Rest in peace.” More

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    Timo Werner ‘in line for stunning Premier League transfer return’ with RB Leipzig prepared to let Chelsea flop leave

    TIMO WERNER could sensationally return to the Premier League, according to reports.The striker spent two seasons with Chelsea after leaving RB Leipzig for £47.5million in 2020.
    Timo Werner is on Fulham’s radarCredit: Getty
    Werner won the Champions League with the Blues but scored just ten Premier League goals in 56 matches as he struggled to perform consistently.
    The flop rejoined RB Leipzig in 2022, but he could be allowed to leave the club again.
    Reports suggest that the German side are open to loaning him out in January to get his high wages off their bill.
    A move to the Prem is on the cards with Fulham supposedly potential suitors.
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    The Cottagers are in the market for a striker with the club struggling for goals this season after selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal in the summer.
    There is initial interest in Werner but his wages could prove a problem for Fulham.
    West Ham and Real Madrid have also been linked with him.
    Meanwhile, the West Londoners could go for Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind instead.
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    Fulham are expected to back Marco Silva in the transfer market after he penned a new long-term deal at the club.
    And funds could be boosted by the possible sale of Joao Palhinha, who was close to joining Bayern Munich before the start of the season.
    Fulham are battling Manchester United and Liverpool for the signing of Brazil international Andre to replace him. More

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    Everton fans launch furious protest at Premier League after Toffees deducted 10 points

    EVERTON fans have launched a furious protest during their game with Manchester United after being docked 10 points by the Premier League.Toffees fans welcomed Everton onto the field in raucous fashion with the iconic Z-Cars tune playing.
    Toffees fans reacted furiously to the Premier League anthemCredit: Getty
    Fans were given the cards before the matchCredit: Getty
    Massive flags were unfurled alongside the cardsCredit: Getty
    Sean Dyche remained composed as the protest developed around himCredit: Reuters
    But cheers for the boys in blue soon turned to vicious boos as the Premier League anthem played.
    Fans held up pink cards with the Premier League logo and the word “corrupt” printed beneath it.
    Fans had planned to hold up the pink cards up in protest before, during and after the game.
    The cards were again raised in the 10th minute to represent the number of points deducted from Everton.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    And boos accompanied them as the sound rattled around the Toffees’ famous old ground.
    Once the boos settled down, fans sang “Premier League, corrupt as f***” as they fumed at the point deduction.
    The Toffees were punished by the Premier League for failing to fall in line with profit and sustainability rules.
    The deduction meant they started today’s match in the relegation zone in 19th with just four points.
    Most read in Football
    The fans have vowed to fight and stand by their clubCredit: Reuters
    The protest began on the streets surrounding GoodisonCredit: AP
    With thousands of fans taking partCredit: AP
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    Everton fans are particularly annoyed that their club has been made an example of despite Manchester City being under investigation for 115 charges of misconduct.
    Big spending Chelsea are also under investigation for dealings relating to the Roman Abramovich era.
    Both teams could reportedly face relegation if found guilty.
    For now, Everton are the only team to face any punishment after recording financial losses of £44.7million for the 2021-22 season – bringing their three-year total to £124.5m.
    That exceeds the Premier League threshold, which permits a maximum loss of £105m across three years, by £19.5m.
    Everton released a statement revealing their intention to appeal the decision, which they claim is “unjust”.
    As part of their statement condemning the punishment, Everton said: “The club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.”
    The cards were again raised in the 10th minute of the gameCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham 1 Aston Villa 2: Son Heung-min has hat-trick of goals disallowed as Villans leapfrog Spurs into fourth

    HOW El Tel would have loved this thriller – if not the result.This was breathless, bonkers, barn-storming football fit to please any crowd.
    Watkins’ goal saw Villa leapfrog above Spurs in the tableCredit: Getty
    The in-form England man hit his seventh of the seasonCredit: Reuters

    And an appropriate tribute to the man who delivered us England 4 Netherlands 1 at Euro 96 with some of the most entertaining attacking play our nation has ever produced.
    Tottenham, the club most associated to the late, great Terry Venables, conjured up most of the thrilling fare, at least in a relentless first half.
    Ange Postecoglou had gone full Ange with his team selection after the disappointing defeat at Wolves before the international break.
    With the handbrake off, his Spurs side scored one but should have had four. They conceded two, yet it could have been five.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, making his first league start in more than two years, got the ball rolling with a deflected blast.
    But his former Villarreal team-mate Pau Torres headed home in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time.
    It sent Villa boss Unai Emery, who managed them both at the Yellow Submarine, potty in celebration.
    Emery’s half-time tactical tweaks then came up trumps as Ollie Watkins hit a second-half winner.
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    Pau Torres’ header levelled the score going into the breakCredit: Getty
    He headed home well from a brilliant Douglas Luiz free kickCredit: Reuters

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    It pushed Villa into fourth, just two points off top, and saw them leapfrog Spurs, who for all their exciting play have now lost three on the bounce with Manchester City away to come next week.
    Tottenham were 1-0 up at Wolves a fortnight ago heading into injury time, but somehow lost it 2-1. 
    Postecoglou admitted this week he did not like his team’s performance at Molineux nor how his side ‘looked’.
    The Aussie has not been afraid to make bold calls in his brief tenure so far and did so again here, despite injury and suspension robbing his team of several key men.
    He benched the more conservative Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, played a back four full of full-backs, moved Dejan Kulusevski to No10 and brought in the wiry Bryan Gil.
    The brave approach saw his side make an electric start, playing the kind of football Venables, who passed away yesterday (SUN) at 80, would have appreciated.
    El Tel spent four great years at Spurs between 1987-91, presiding over an FA Cup-winning side blessed with Gary Lineker’s goals and Paul Gascoigne’s genius.
    The home crowd gave the much-loved Venables, who also played more than 100 times for the club, a heartfelt send-off by chanting his name and applauding his memory for a minute before kick-off.
    The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium paid respects to Terry VenablesCredit: PA
    With both sets of players leading the minute-long applauseCredit: Reuters
    Then began the madness as Spurs’ players, wearing black armbands in honour of their former manager, made a blistering start that threatened to overwhelm Villa.
    Destiny Udogie, back from a ban, should have scored inside three minutes when played through by fellow full-back Pedro Porro but blazed over.
    Seconds later, Kulusevski cracked the post, Brennan Johnson saw a rebound deflected and Villa eventually, just about cleared, albeit the ball appeared to bounce on Ezri Konsa’s arm in the process.
    Yet Villa missed a sitter to go ahead two minutes later as Torres rose to meet a Lucas Digne free-kick but somehow planted his header wide.
    Midway through the first half we finally had a goal thanks to Lo Celso smacking the ball in off Diego Carlos after Pedro Porro’s corner had fallen to the Argentine on the edge of the area.
    Lo Celso punched the air in celebration, as did his manager, and you were left wondering if this might be the moment at long last for his Spurs career to take off.
    Signed for a whopping £55million back in 2020, the 27-year-old has had an underwhelming stint in North London – and at one point was bombed out by Antonio Conte.
    But his talent on the ball is obvious and with Postecoglou’s style of play, it could be a winning match, particularly in the injured James Maddison’s absence.
    It was a frustrating day for Son, who had the ball in the net three timesCredit: The Sun
    Giovani Lo Celso looks to have breathed life back into his Spurs careerCredit: Reuters

    Watkins thought he had levelled 23 seconds later as he headed in Digne’s cross, but a forensic VAR check eventually adjudged him offside.
    Rodrigo Bentancur was making his first Spurs start since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in February.
    So there was understandable anger from the home players when the Uruguayan was crunched by Matty Cash’s naughty tackle.
    It took its toll as on 32 minutes, Bentancur hobbled off and was replaced by Hojbjerg.
    Son Heung-min thought he had doubled the lead just before half-time with a peach of a strike, but again he had strayed offside.
    Torres then made up for his earlier wastefulness with a thumping header from Douglas Luiz’ free-kick with virtually the last touch of the half.
    Emery hauled off the booked Cash and the ineffective Moussa Diaby at the break, bringing on Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey who both had a quick impact.
    Bailey struck the woodwork when his shot was spilled by Vicario, who then kissed the loose ball as he gratefully scooped it up.
    Bentancur’s injury hell looks set to continue after being on the wrong end of a tackle by Matty CashCredit: Reuters
    The story of the game as Villa leapfrogged SpursCredit: The Sun
    While Tielemans played a smart one-two with Watkins just after the hour, allowing the England striker to fire past Vicario and put Villa back ahead.
    Villa came close to another as Digne’s dangerous free-kick was tipped away and Watkins then flicked agonisingly wide.
    Yet Postecoglou’s men pressed on just as he wants them to, no matter the scoreline, and Emi Martinez had to be at his best to deny Johnson and then Hojbjerg from range. 
    Spurs had the ball in the net again with five minutes to go but once more it was ruled out for offside Son, who had turned home the rebound after Porro hit the post.
    It was not to be for the hosts who are now going through a rough patch of results after such a fine start to the campaign – even if the entertaining football keeps on coming in N17. More

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    Man City star Kyle Walker used to clean my boots, we booted him out of hotel room and he joined Spurs the next day

    KYLE WALKER had the last laugh after being harshly treated by his Sheffield United team-mates.Long before his days as an England international and Manchester City Treble winner, the right-back was a striker in the Blades’ youth-team.
    Kyle Walker left Sheffield United in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    He used to clean Billy Sharp’s bootsCredit: Getty
    Walker used to clean the boots of club legend Billy Sharp before bursting onto the scene as a defender.
    He made his senior debut for his boyhood club in 2008 and soon moved to Tottenham with team-mate Kyle Naughton in a double deal worth a £9million.
    But just before he left Sheffield United, Walker was hilariously booted out of the team hotel by his fellow players, who were none the wiser he was leaving anyway.
    Sharp told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “We went on a pre-season trip to Malta.
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    “Walker and Naughton were room-mates and for some weird reason they got the best room out of everyone.
    “We was like: ‘What’s going on? Two young lads, best room.’
    “So we threw them out of this room and the next day both went to Tottenham.
    “I bet they were just laughing and thinking ‘we’re off to Tottenham.'”
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    Walker’s move to Spurs worked out well and he played 229 times before leaving for City.
    Meanwhile, Naughton played 74 matches for the club and spent the last nine years at Swansea.
    As for Sharp, he now plays in the MLS with LA Galaxy.
    Kyle Naughton also left Sheffield United for Spurs with Kyle WalkerCredit: Getty More