Premier League

INJURY-HIT Tottenham have been dealt another major blow with Richarlison confirming he is set for pelvic surgery.The Brazillian forward admitted he has been “suffering” after a “difficult few months”.
Richarlison has confirmed he will undergo pelvic surgeryCredit: Alamy
The Brazillian forward admitted he has been ‘suffering’ over the last ‘few months’Credit: Getty
Spurs were already reeling after Micky van de Ven came off with a serious-looking hamstring injury in Monday’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
James Maddison also came off with an ankle knock in the game, while Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon are long-term absentees.
Now Richarlison has revealed he will go under the knife soon as he gave a tearful interview to ESPN Brasil after the Blues loss.
The £60million striker, 26, said: “The last few months haven’t been easy for me.
READ MORE IN FOTOBALL
“I’ve had health problems. I’ve already spoken to the doctors and soon I would do surgery on my pubis.
“I’ve been suffering, fighting for my national team and my club for eight months and haven’t been taking care of myself.
“I think it’s time to rest, to stop for a second. I’ll think about it in the next few days and soon I will do what is best for me.”
Hours before the Chelsea game, Richarlison discovered he had been left out of the Brazil national squad for this month’s internationals by Selecao coach Fernando Deniz.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
The Samba star added: “I was sad when I was not called up but I understand Deniz. 
“In his place, I wouldn’t call me up either — I haven’t been playing good football, I’ve been below my best.
“I’ve improved in the last few games. But I need to improve a lot to wear the national team shirt.
“I have to be playing. I have to be feeling well, I have to be 100 per cent and I haven’t been, I think the manager made the right choice.
“The guys are flying. So it’s up to me to keep working. I’ll definitely be back. I didn’t get here by chance. It’s up to me to work hard every day and get into a rhythm here at Tottenham.
“I was hoping to play here (vs Chelsea) in an important game, a derby. Yesterday, I was told that I wouldn’t be playing, but that’s part of football.
“Every player wants to be called up for the national team. Of course, I was hoping for it but already felt that it was time for a rest.”
Van de Ven and Maddison on Tuesday were set for scans as Spurs’ medical staff assessed the damage.
Tottenham will also be without Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero for Saturday’s trip to Wolves after the defenders were sent off against Chelsea.
Spurs have been hit with several injuries as Micky van de Ven went down with a hamstring problem on Monday nightCredit: Getty
James Maddison also came off the defeat to Chelsea with an ankle knockCredit: Getty More

A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table following Chelsea’s win over Tottenham.The Lilywhites saw their unbeaten run come to an end on Monday after falling to a 4-1 defeat to Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues.
Tottenham suffered a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on MondayCredit: Reuters
Micky van de Ven sustained a ‘significant’ hamstring injuryCredit: Getty
James Maddison was also forced off with an injuryCredit: Getty
It was a nightmare evening for Spurs, with two key players forced off with injuries and another two sent off following a series of controversial challenges.
Mickey Van de Ven collapsed to the floor in agony during the first half after clutching his hamstring, with manager Ange Postecoglou admitting after the match that he sustained a “significant” injury.
Meanwhile, James Maddison limped off at the same time with what appeared to be an ankle issue.
Both players are set to face a spell on the sidelines in a huge blow for Tottenham.
Read More on Football
Cristian Romero also faces three games out following his straight red card, while Destiny Udogie is set for a one-match ban.
With up to four key players set to miss several upcoming games, Bettingexpert’s supercomputer, BETSiE, has predicted Tottenham to drop down the Premier League table.
The supercomputer now thinks Postecoglou’s side will finish fifth, behind Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are predicted to end the campaign in seventh – a significant improvement on last season’s 12th-placed finish.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
The supercomputer backs Man City to win the league again
Man Utd are expected to finish ninth with their worst-ever Prem points tallyCredit: Reuters
Man City are predicted to win the league once again, while Arsenal are expected to fall short for the second successive season.
Liverpool are also predicted to bounce back from last season’s disappointing Prem campaign.
Newcastle are expected to complete the top four, seven points clear of Spurs.
And Manchester United are facing a huge drop down to ninth in the table with their worst-ever Premier League points tally.
The Red Devils could accumulate just 57 points this season – one point less than they did in 2021-22.
At the other end, Sheffield United are predicted to finish the season rock bottom of the table.
Burnley and Luton are also expected to face the drop, meaning all three promoted teams from last season could return to the Championship.
Sheffield United are predicted to finish bottomCredit: Getty More

A FORMER Premier League star was caught on camera accusing Diego Costa of having bad breath during a blazing on-field row last night.The shock incident occurred during the Brazilian top-flight match between Vasco da Gama and Botafogo.
Diego Costa, pictured at Wolves last season, was left fuming last nightCredit: Getty
He was accused of having bad breath by Gary Medel during a fierce Brazilian matchCredit: X
The showdown saw two of football’s most notorious hotheads come up against each other – and they did not disappoint.
Chilean international Gary Medel, the 36-year-old who spent the 2013/14 campaign in the Premier League at Cardiff City, lined-up in defence for the hosts Vasco.
And he helped them to secure a crucial three points against their old rivals as Paulo Henrique’s 29th minute strike proved to be the difference.
As Botafogo pushed desperately for an equaliser, they introduced Chelsea’s legendary former striker Costa, 35, off the bench just before the hour mark.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
And it only took two minutes for the Brazilian international, who returned to England’s top tier briefly with Wolves last term, and Medel to get into an altercation.
The pair became embroiled in a verbal spat that led to Costa going face-to-face with Medel.
However, Medel reacted by waving his hand in front of his mouth and holding his nose as he insinuated that his foe’s breath smelled.
That infuriated Costa, who amassed 31 yellow and one red card while in England, before the referee stepped in to calm the situation down.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
He decided to book both the ex-Atletico Madrid forward and former Inter Milan ace Medel for their unsportsmanlike behaviour.
However, the clip soon went viral on social media 
“Diego Costa vs Gary Medel – talk about a heavyweight duel,” wrote one supporter.
Another called it “absolute s***housery” from Medel, while another said: “Things you absolutely love to see.”
Chilean Medel pictured in action for Cardiff City a decade agoCredit: Getty More

CHELSEA fans are showing Cole Palmer some love after he played a starring role in the 4-1 win over Tottenham.The forward equalised from the penalty spot for the Blues – his third goal for the club since his summer arrival.
Cole Palmer equalised from the spot for ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Some Chelsea fans feel he is an upgrade on Mason MountCredit: Getty
Palmer performed well in several areas
Palmer, 21, joined from Manchester City in a £42.5million deadline day deal and some supporters feel he is the perfect Mason Mount replacement.
Mount joined Manchester United for £55m and some feel Palmer is already better than the 24-year-old.
One Chelsea fan reacted to his performance at Spurs saying: “Cole Palmer is the man we thought Mason Mount would be. He’s a massive upgrade from both Mount and Havertz.”
Another added: “I’ve never fallen in love this quickly with a new signing. Cole Palmer is absolutely class. Thank You Man City 💙”
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
A third wrote: “Cole Palmer has done miracles for me, that guy is magic. Particularly compared to Havertz and Mount.”
And another commented: “Palmer for Mount might be the greatest move we’ve ever made as a club.”
Palmer was heavily involved as Chelsea broke down a stubborn nine-man Tottenham side to secure a 4-1 win.
He assisted Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick goal and completed 41 passes.
Most read in Football
Palmer spent much of the game camped in Tottenham’s half
He made the third most touches of any player
Palmer also produced one assist and was involved in most of Chelsea’s attacking player
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Co-commentator Gary Neville also praised the youngster for his composure as he helped Chelsea settle into the game after conceding early to Dejan Kulusevski.
Palmer was heavily involved in the match with 71 touches – only two players managed more, Reece James and Alex Disasi.
While his heat map shows that he spent most of his time camped in Spurs’ half, putting pressure on the likes of Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie, who was sent off.
AMAZING INTERVIEW
Palmer didn’t just catch the eye on the pitch.
He left viewers of Monday Night Football stunned with his brutal advice to hat-trick hero Nicolas Jackson.
Palmer was asked about Jackson in his post-match interview and said: “It’s been a difficult start for him, no hiding it, but he was brilliant tonight.
“He just needs to keep his head down and work harder in training and he will get many more hat-tricks.”
The stunned interviewer then replied: “You say work harder?”
To which Cole said: “Of course. You can always work harder.” More

FRANK LAMPARD admits breaking down in tears after being publicly criticised by the uncle of a former team-mate.The England legend, 45, became one of world football’s top midfield players during a 13-year stay at Chelsea.
Frank Lampard admits crying after being blasted at a West Ham fan forumCredit: youtube @The Obi One Podcast
Lampard came under fire from the uncle of ex-team-mate Scott CanhamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Lampard, who finished second in the 2005 Ballon d’Or, scored a mind-boggling 211 goals in 648 games for the Blues.
And he left Stamford Bridge with a bulging trophy cabinet after winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europa League and a Champions League.
However, Lampard’s talent was regularly questioned at former club West Ham.
The then-teenager came up under the watchful eye of uncle Harry Redknapp.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
He went on to score 39 goals in 187 games during six seasons before Chelsea signed him for £11million in 2001.
But due to his family links at Upton Park, some fans blindly argued Lampard was not playing on merit alone.
Famously, he was criticised by the uncle of ex-Hammers team-mate Scott Canham during a fan forum in 1996.
Canham had been sold to Brentford that same year after Lampard, then 18 years old, took his place in Redknapp’s side.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Canham was binned by the Hammers in 1996 to make way for LampardCredit: Action Images – Reuters
Harry Redknapp, Lampard’s uncle, launched a passionate defence of the future superstarCredit: Getty
Canham’s uncle launched a blistering attack on Lampard by claiming he was not good enough to play for West Ham.
But Redknapp, Super Frank’s uncle, hit back with a fierce defence and insisted his nephew would go on to become a world-class player.
Reflecting on the incident, Lampard admits he was left deeply upset by the criticism.
The “devastated” midfielder could not understand why he was being picked on.
And Lampard “drove home in tears” before finding strength in Redknapp’s words.
He told ex-Chelsea team-mate Jon Obi Mikel on the Obi One Podcast: “I had no elation about what happened, that came after, respect for what he said.
“At the time I was sort of embarrassed, devastated, I was a young kid.
“This fella was an ignorant fella, he didn’t want to give me a chance, he was the uncle of Scott Canham.
“Nothing against Scott Canham, maybe something against his uncle, he wanted to have a pop at me in public which I thought was weak.
“At that point I didn’t take it in, I was sat there like I was the only man in the room, it was so nerve-racking for me.
“Harry’s words were amazing, incredible. But I was driving home in tears, this random man trying to put me in my place.
“I’m just trying to make it as a player, trying to get my foot in the first team, I was a West Ham fan.
“My period there was a bit like that, a lot of people wanted to question why I played, why my dad was the coach, my uncle’s the manager.
“I get that, ‘maybe he’s getting a leg up’, but it wasn’t true and I had to prove it not to be true.
“It definitely toughened me up, I’m thankful for it now, I became very tough for it. 
Read More on The Sun
“On the Harry side, he went above and beyond what he could and should have said at the time.
“I think he was being more of a family man at the time, respecting and defending me, and I appreciate that whether I got to the top or not.” More

CHELSEA fans have urged Mauricio Pochettino to ditch his “silly experiment” with Levi Colwill and “learn from his mistakes”.That is despite the Blues emerging victorious in an extraordinary 4-1 victory at Tottenham last night.
Fans are urging Mauricio Pochettino to ditch his ‘silly experiment’Credit: Getty
Levi Colwill was deployed as left-back at Spurs but was replaced at half timeCredit: Getty
The pulsating London derby topped the list for drama and controversy with Spurs receiving two red cards while there were five disallowed goals and a whole new string of VAR debates.
Spurs were reduced to nine men in the 55th minute but bravely held out until 75 minutes when Nicolas Jackson made it 2-1.
Their high line, which boss Ange Postecoglou vowed to keep using even if he only had five players, was exposed two more times in the dying stages as Jackson made them pay and sealed his hat-trick.
Postecoglou’s brave tactics were hot discussion, but a number of Chelsea fans were also keen to discuss their manager Pochettino’s afterwards – especially his choice of left-back.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
The 20-year-old Colwill has been deployed there a number of times by Poch and he was preferred there yesterday instead of Spaniard Marc Cucurella.
The England international has risen through the ranks and shone at centre-half, either as a two or the left of a three, but he appeared to be struggling out wide yesterday.
Now fed-up supporters are urging Poch to stop putting him out there and play traditional full-back Cucurella instead after Colwill was replaced by him at half-time at Spurs.
One fan wrote: “He gave us the control..my issue is Poch doesn’t learn from his mistakes how many times will we cry to stop playing Colwill at LB.”
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Another said: “Poch should stop with the silly Colwill experiment.”
“Cucu for LB for sometime will be good,” said a fellow Blues supporter before adding: “If Colwill were to play, he should only play at CB.”
Another commented: “See how Cucu was really good as an LB yesterday (going forward). Colwill on that option will never be possible.”
While another added: “Colwill today. Again, stinking up the gaff.
“I love him but when he plays lb everything is so off and awkward. He’s an elite lcb but an awfullll lb.” More