Premier League

MANCHESTER CITY have a new superstar on their books – and he is the son of a Premier League icon.Reigan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, made his UEFA Youth League debut on Tuesday.
Reigan Heskey scored on his UEFA Youth League debutCredit: Getty
His older brother, Jaden Heskey, also playedCredit: Alamy

And within the opening 10 minutes he was able to get on the scoresheet.
After winning a penalty in the early stages of the match against Young Boys, Reigan stepped up to take the spot kick and perfectly placed the ball into the bottom-right corner.
The 15-year-old instantly wheeled away in celebration and was surrounded by his team-mates.
Man City went on to win the match thanks to goals from Mahamadou Susoho and Matthew Henderson-Hall.
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And Jaden Heskey, who also starred for Man City on the day, was quick to heap praise on his younger brother at full-time.
He said: “It was mad. He was actually at school at the time and found out [that he was in the squad] there, then I got a text off my mum saying he was playing, then we found out today that he was starting.
“It was a big surprise, but it was good.
“I had confidence in him, he won it himself and he’s normally very good at penalties.
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“I didn’t think the atmosphere would get to him too much.”
The boys’ dad was among the crowd at the Joie Stadium as City cruised to a convincing win.
He took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to share his pride, writing: “Proud moment for me and @chantelleheskey having both our boys on the pitch at the same time for UEFA Youth League.”
Heskey, 45, kicked off his professional career with Leicester City and made his first team debut at the age of 17.
He then joined Liverpool in 2000, where he scored 60 goals and provided 29 assists in 223 games.
The striker’s time at Anfield coincided with his senior England breakthrough.
Heskey made 62 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring seven goals.
He also played for Birmingham, Wigan, Aston Villa, Bolton and Australian side Newcastle Jets before retiring from professional football in 2016.
England Emile Heskey is the boys’ dadCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

EAGLE-EYED fans spotted Chelsea and Tottenham stars clashing once again after the full-time whistle.Monday’s bad-tempered London derby descended into chaos with 113 minutes of football, nine VAR checks, two red cards and ten goals scored – although half were chalked off.
Yves Bissouma and Conor Gallagher clashed as tempers boiled overCredit: Twitter
Bissouma and Gallagher went head to headCredit: Twitter
Various players stepped in to pull the feuding duo apartCredit: Twitter
Players had clashed in various flashpoints throughout the Premier League match, eventually won 4-1 by the Blues.
And video footage following the end of the match revealed yet another bust-up.
In the clip shared on social media, Conor Gallagher, 23, tried to shake hands with Yves Bissouma in the middle of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch.
But when the Spurs midfielder blanks Gallagher, the Blues man tugs at his arm – before the Mali international reacts angrily.
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Bissouma, 27, suddenly squares up to Gallagher and the pair go head to head.
But within a couple of seconds, Marc Cucurella, Oliver Skipp, Nicolas Jackson and Son Heung-min rush across to pull the rowing rivals apart.
Tottenham captain Son then tries to talk with Gallagher before Levi Colwill drags his Chelsea team-mate away.
Colwill himself had already been involved in an angry confrontation with Pape Matar Sarr just before half-time, and had to be calmed down by Gallagher.
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Bissouma and Emerson Royal shoved Colwill as it boiled over at the end of a ridiculous first half.
Colwill was hooked by boss Mauricio Pochettino at the break before Chelsea eventually managed to see off the nine-man opponents.
The ex-Brighton loanee’s nightmare half also included deflecting Dejan Kulusevski’s early strike into the back of the net.
However, Chelsea equalised through Cole Palmer’s penalty after Cristian Romero – who escaped punishment for a petulant kick out at Colwill – saw red for a dangerous tackle on Enzo Fernandez.
After the break, Destiny Udogie picked up a second yellow then Jackson – far from convincing in front of goal – scored a late hat-trick.
Gallagher tried to shake hands with Bissouma which sparked the rowCredit: Twitter
Gallagher protected Colwill during his furious meltdownCredit: Reuters
Gallagher celebrated the bonkers 4-1 winCredit: Getty More

TOTTENHAM boss Ange Postecoglou has been hailed for his response to the ongoing refereeing controversies.Following their 4-1 loss to Chelsea on Monday, during which they had two players sent off, the Australian refused to criticise the officials.
Ange Postecoglou has been praised for refusing to criticise the officials following Tottenham’s 4-1 loss to ChelseaCredit: Sky Sports
Mikel Arteta was hugely critical of the refereeing during their 1-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: Sky Sports
It was a rough evening for Spurs, who lost Micky van de Ven and James Maddison to injuries, while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were given their marching orders.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Postecoglou said: “At some point, we’ve got to accept the referee’s decision.
“That’s how I grew up, and I keep saying that, I said that last time. This constant erosion of referees’ authority is…well, this is where the game’s going to go.
“They’re not going to have any authority, it’s gonna get diminished, and we’re gonna be in the control of somebody a few miles away watching a TV screen.
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“So, a decision is the decision. You either accept it or you don’t…Trust me, in 26 years I have had plenty of bad ones, I have had plenty that have fallen in my favour. It is what it is.”
Former England, Liverpool and Man Utd ace Michael Owen lauded Postecoglou’s response.
He wrote on Twitter: “If every manager was this gracious our game wouldn’t be in the mess it is.
“Managers have a huge responsibility to protect the game instead of whipping their fans up into a frenzy with biased nonsense.”
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And during his post-match press conference, Postecoglou doubled down on his stance that managers should stick to their job, and let the officials handle theirs.
In what Gary Neville called a “class” response, Postecoglou said: “Premier League managers should just manage their football clubs.
“I’ve never, and I never will, talk to a referee about the rules of the game. I was taught that you grow up and you respect the officials.
“You know what managers do? I’ll tell you what managers do, me included, we try and find ways to bend the rules. To get around them.
“Tell me what the rule is, and I guarantee that you’ll have a room full of managers processing ‘How can I get around this?’ We’re not the right people.”
And it seems his stance has not only impressed former Premier League stars, but also fans.
One tweeted: “Angel Postecoglou is a refreshing change in the Premier League He couldn’t be more spot on here. A stark comparison to (Mikel) Arteta and Arsenal earlier in the week.”
While another said: “Postecoglou out there showing class in the face of a bruising defeat whilst Arteta is putting PowerPoint slides together to present his next tantrum to PGMOL.
“I am dismayed at last night but delighted we have a leader & not a toddler in charge.”
The state of refereeing and the use of VAR in the Prem has come under huge scrutiny of late – not least by Arteta and the Gunners.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss away at Newcastle, Arteta launched into a tirade aimed at the officiating at St. James’ Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he claimed that his side “didn’t deserve to lose,” putting it down to “clear and obvious decisions” which he labelled “a disgrace.”
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These included Anthony Gordon’s goal which stood dispute three VAR checks including a potential foul by Magpies midfielder Joelinton on Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Arsenal subsequently released a statement backing their managers’ comments.
Cristian Romero (L) was given his marching orders in the first half of a manic game on Monday nightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

MONDAY night’s London derby was nothing short of absolute chaos.Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners away at nine-men Tottenham.
Nicolas Jackson scored an unconvincing hat-trick as Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Spurs had Cristian Romero sent off for a wild lunge in the area before Destiny Udogie also saw redCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
But the scoreline does not even tell a fraction of the story of one of the most ridiculous matches ever.
In fact, for one SunSport reporter, it was indeed the maddest 90 – or 113 – minutes of Premier League football he had witnessed.
So we asked our writers about the most bonkers Premier League matches they have had the pleasure of covering…
Tom Barclay: Tottenham 1 Chelsea 4 – November 7, 2023
THERE is no need for me to delve into the memory bank for this one – because no Premier League game is going to top what I witnessed in the madcap stakes.
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Five goals scored, another five disallowed, two red cards (of which both players could have been dismissed before they eventually were), NINE VAR checks, 21 minutes of injury time and the barmiest/most inspiring high line you will ever see a team play.
It was breathless, bonkers stuff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that left everyone needing a lie-down and many of us racing for our trains home because of the numerous delays.
Despite Chelsea winning 4-1, the connection between Ange Postecoglou’s side and the home fans only seems to have grown stronger because of their valiant effort with nine men.
And, amazingly, though he bagged a first Premier League hat-trick, the jury still seems very much out on whether Nicolas Jackson is up to it as the Blues’ centre-forward.
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Tempers flared between the London rivals on a wild nightCredit: Reuters
The VAR had a busy night with nine checks across 113 minutesCredit: AFP
Dave Kidd: Newcastle 4 Arsenal 4 – February 5, 2011
THIS belter was the maddest Premier League game I’ve ever covered – and one of the competition’s greatest comebacks.
Arsenal were 1-0 up in 44 seconds, 3-0 up after 10 minutes and 4-0 up at the break – and many of the Toon Army were so despondent, they headed off for the Bigg Market at half-time.
Those thirsty Geordies would have regretted their decision as, after Abou Diaby was sent off for a ruck with wind-up merchant Joey Barton, Alan Pardew’s team staged a stunning recovery.
Barton netted two penalties either side of a Leon Best strike, before the late Cheick Tiote netted an absolute piledriver to bring the house down at St James’ Park and leave Arsene Wenger hopping mad.
Abou Diaby got himself sent off for shoving Joey Barton and Kevin NolanCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
Cheick Tiote sparked wild scenes at St James’ Park when he made it 4-4 vs ArsenalCredit: Alamy
Mark Irwin: Tottenham 3 Man Utd 5 – September 29, 2001
EIGHT goals, eight different scorers and Spurs going all Spursy by throwing away a three-goal lead.
Sir Alex Ferguson was purple in the face when Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege set White Hart Lane on fire as the champions were given an absolute run-around.
But Fergie’s half-time team talk clearly went along the lines of “lads, it’s Tottenham” as United staged the mother of all comebacks with goals from Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy was on target in the dramatic turnaround for Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
The victorious Red Devils stars celebrated at White Hart LaneCredit: PA:Press Association
Charlie Wyett: Norwich 4 Middlesbrough 4 – January 22, 2005
WHEN Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink made it 4-1 to Boro in the 78th minute, an away win looked a banker.
Even when Dean Ashton pulled one back for Norwich two minutes later, no one expected a recovery from Nigel Worthington’s team.
Yet Leon McKenzie scored to make it 4-3 in the 90th minute and then incredibly, Adam Drury struck in the third minute of added time for a point to stun Boro.
A month later at Carrow Road, Norwich owner Delia Smith marched on to the pitch during a game with Manchester City for her ‘Let’s be ‘avin you’ speech.
Adam Drury headed in an injury-time equaliser to make it 4-4 against MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
Drury’s goal lives long in the memory for Canaries fansCredit: Getty
Neil Custis: Man Utd 4 Man City 3 – September 20, 2009
THIS was not only the best Manchester derby I have witnessed but the best Premier League game in what was an incredible atmosphere at Old Trafford.
It’s remembered of course for the Michael Owen winner, but two incredible Craig Bellamy goals should not be forgotten either.
Three times United went ahead through Wayne Rooney early on and two Darren Fletcher strikes but three times they were pegged back, the final time by Bellamy in the 90th minute.
Having walloped one into the top corner earlier in the game he then latched on to a Rio Ferdinand error, charged forward, dummied the goalkeeper and slipped the ball in at the near post.
That looked like it was going to be that, but United in those days had a habit of always having the last word, even if there were just seconds left on the board.
In the last ones of injury time, Owen was allowed too much space, Ryan Giggs found him and the former Liverpool star slid the ball home and became a United hero in that moment.
Craig Bellamy scored two, including one that flew into the top corner, but was overshadowedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Michael Owen scored an injury-time winner to beat rivals Manchester CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Martin Blackburn: Man Utd 1 Man City 6 – October 23, 2011
AFFECTIONATELY known in the blue half of town as ‘The Six One’ and you could just tell something was brewing that day.
Mario Balotelli had been cautioned for letting off fireworks in his house in the build-up to the game – then rolled up his shirt to reveal his ‘Why Always Me?’ vest after opening the scoring.
When Jonny Evans was red-carded for hauling down Balotelli early in the second half, it all went mad.
The Italian and Sergio Aguero put the visitors firmly in charge before Darren Fletcher pulled one back.
But three goals in a remarkable end from Edin Dzeko (two) and David Silva completed a jaw-dropping rout.
Three sides of Old Trafford were almost deserted by the end and Sir Alex Ferguson described it as his worst day at the club.
Mario Balotelli lit up the Manchester derby in 2011 with this iconic celebrationCredit: AFP
Sir Alex Ferguson described the 6-1 thrashing as his worst day as Man Utd bossCredit: Reuters
Martin Lipton: Tottenham 4 Chelsea 4 – March 20, 2008
EIGHT goals, as many misses, the England left-back outrageously disrespecting the ref and utter bedlam.
Joe Cole’s strike put Chelsea 3-1 up shortly after namesake Ashley turned his back on ref Mike Riley when he only saw yellow for a red-card challenge on Alan Hutton.
Spurs, who had beaten Chelsea to win the League Cup weeks earlier, levelled through Dimitar Berbatov and Tom Huddlestone, before Cole got his second of the night.
But Robbie Keane curled in from 25 yards after the ball bounced off Ricardo Carvalho’s back and they might have nicked a win through Berbatov with virtually the last kick.
Robbie Keane rescued a point for Tottenham in dramatic scenesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Chelsea managed to throw away a commanding leadCredit: PA:Press Association
Dan King: Norwich 4 Liverpool 5 – January 23, 2016
FROM Jurgen Klopp’s first season as Liverpool boss, a game that set the tone for the thrilling ride the club has been on under the genial German.
The Reds went from 1-0 up, to 3-1 down, only to lead 4-3 as the game went into stoppage time.
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When Sebastien Bassong equalised, it looked like it would be honours even at Carrow Road.
But in the fifth minute added on, up popped Adam Lallana with a slightly freakish, bouncing winner that led to celebrations in which Klopp lost his glasses and the travelling fans lost their minds.
Adam Lallana got the final say in the 5-4 thrillerCredit: Reuters
Jurgen Klopp lost his glasses as Liverpool snatched the winCredit: PA:Press Association More

MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki who has “massive attitude problems”, a report claims.The Premier League duo are keen on signing the attacking midfielder – who is considered one of the best young talents in Ligue 1.
Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki reportedly has ‘massive attitude problems’Credit: EPA
However, recent reports about the French wonderkid could put off both clubs.
Chelsea have been linked to Cherki for several months but Johnson claimed the Blues and other teams may be put off by the youngster’s bad temper.
French football expert Jonathan Johnson has expressed his thoughts on the 20-year-old.
He said: “Though I don’t know for sure if Chelsea plans to come back in for him.
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“The Blues had an interest in him in the past, but one problem is that clubs are becoming increasingly aware that he has massive attitude problems.
“He doesn’t always conduct himself like he should on the pitch or in training.
“And there is quite a problematic relationship between the player’s entourage and the club, so that could get in the way of his development.”
There are a lot of problems behind the scenes at Lyon, according to Johnson – and he considers Cherki could be one player to “jump ship” in January.
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Johnson continued: “It’s not a happy place to be at the moment. Rayan Cherki is one name whose future could be in doubt.
“And there’ll be plenty of European clubs monitoring him and other Lyon players because there are real financial difficulties for them.
“A lot of players already wanted to jump ship before the start of the season, and they still could. Cherki will certainly be one to keep an eye on.”
Lyon’s academy graduate has huge potential having made his senior debut at just age 16.
Since then he has featured in 111 appearances, scored 14 goals and made 16 assists for the first team.
Premier League teams will have to weigh out Cherki’s attitude problems and inexperience against his youth and promising talent if they want to sign him in January.
Man United are set to lose two wingers in 2024, as Jadon Sancho’s career at Old Trafford appears to be nonexistent amid his ongoing feud with Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Newcastle attacker Harvey Barnes is recovering from a major foot injury.
But the Magpies are expected to prioritise midfield signings in January due to Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban. More