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      Jamie Carragher left stunned and ‘can’t believe what he’s just seen’ in ‘bizarre’ moment in Chelsea vs Luton clash

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was left utterly bemused after a totally “bizarre” moment in Chelsea’s win over Luton.The former Liverpool defender was on commentary duties at Stamford Bridge as the Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
      Ben Chilwell burst through and had a great chance to score Chelsea’s secondCredit: Getty
      The left-back and captain fluffed his lines by deciding to passCredit: Reuters

      However, there was one passage of play that Carra simply couldn’t comprehend.
      Five minutes after half-time, with Chelsea leading 1-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling’s superb solo opener, the hosts should have doubled their lead.
      Ben Chilwell, captaining the side in Reece James’ absence, won the ball high in the pitch and received it back from a neat Nicolas Jackson flick.
      The left-back, 26, made a superb, driving run into the Luton penalty area between the defenders.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      But rather than letting fly from 14 yards out as everyone expected for his tenth Chelsea goal, he somehow and for some reason tried to find Sterling with an intricate pass – only for the ball to be intercepted by Hatters defender Amari’i Bell.
      And Carragher could not hide his surprise at the baffling choice.
      He said: “I can’t believe what I’ve just seen. It’s awful. It really is. Such poor decision-making.
      “I was talking about Ben Chilwell’s role in an attacking sense but he’s making me eat my words a little bit.
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      “He drives through but… that is unbelievable.”
      Fans at home were equally confused – with plenty of Fantasy Premier League managers fuming at Chilwell for costing them crucial points.
      One said: “What is he doinngggggg?!”
      Another wrote: “I’m still not over that Chilwell decision to pass and not shoot.”
      A third added: “Of course Chilwell is in front of goal and doesn’t shoot. My FPL luck is atrocious.”
      And a final user commented: “Lost for words. Chilwell in on goal and tries to square it instead of just scoring. Bizarre.”
      Sterling grabbed himself a second before Jackson completed the victory, Chelsea’s first under Mauricio Pochettino.
      And Chilwell took to social media soon after to poke fun at himself following his blunder.
      The ex-Leicester City man wrote: “Absolute honour to lead the boys out tonight at the Bridge. PS – shooting practice for me tomorrow.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Former Foxes team-mate James Maddison, now at Tottenham, replied: “You don’t need to practise shooting bro, you need to practise deciding to shoot.”
      Chilwell quipped back: “Got a nosebleed I think.”
      Chilwell had the goal at his mercy and should have let fly 14 yards outCredit: Sky Sports
      He decided to try and pick out Raheem SterlingCredit: Sky Sports
      Jamie Carragher could not hide his surprise at Chilwell’s decision More

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      Pochettino’s tactical switch is already bearing fruit just three games in.. and it’s getting Sterling back to his best

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      RAHEEM STERLING excelled as Mauricio Pochettino grabbed his first win as Chelsea boss against Luton Town on Friday night.The Blues will face much sterner tests than this during the course of the campaign, but can be encouraged by aspects of their performance in the 3-0 win nonetheless.
      Raheem Sterling celebrates putting Chelsea 1-0 upCredit: EPA
      Pochettino, 51, has begun the campaign setting Chelsea up in an interesting, if unexpected way.
      When his opening day starting XI was announced a fortnight ago, everyone expected it to be a back three/five – with Ben Chilwell playing as a wing-back.
      He was at pains to stress after the 1-1 draw, however, that he had selected the England star as a winger, and that it was a back four.
      In actual fact, Chelsea have largely been utilising a fluid 4-2-3-1 system.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      Within it, Conor Gallagher and today Moises Caicedo have been deployed as the deepest lying midfielders, with Enzo Fernandez playing slightly higher up, almost as a No10.
      The clever Argentine has been playing more on the left than the right, with Sterling finding plenty of space to attack on the right.
      Last season Sterling was forced to play in a variety of different roles, including up front, and only managed six goals in 28 Premier League appearances during a disappointing campaign for all involved at Stamford Bridge.
      On the evidence of the first three matches of this campaign, he will far exceed that tally this time around.
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      Raheem Sterling played off the right flank against Luton
      Enzo Fernandez was used in a more advanced position than last season
      What was encouraging for Blues fans is that the former Manchester City star was finding himself in pockets of space in the attacking third.
      He was also able to link up well with impressive Reece James deputy Malo Gusto against Luton, as well as the trio of technically gifted midfielders; Fernandez, Caicedo and Gallagher.
      Sterling’s first goal came from a piece of individual brilliance, his slaloming run and low finish providing clear evidence of his improved confidence.
      His second was instinctive, finishing Gusto’s impressive cut-back, the sort he often used to receive at City, with aplomb first time.
      He then even set up Jackson for a tap in, finding space down the right flank before crossing for the 22-year-old to score.
      Sterling could be seen conversing with Pochettino on the touchline during breaks in play, and the two have clearly quickly forged a strong bond.
      Last week, Pochettino said of his No7: “We were talking a lot this week and we trust him. He’s a player that can deliver what we want.”
      While a 3-0 August win over Luton will not be season-defining, the performances of Sterling could be.
      And Pochettino will be thrilled with what he has so far been able to get out of potentially his new favourite player.
      Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with Sterling’s performanceCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea 3-0 Luton LIVE RESULT: Nicholas Jackson nets first goal for Blues in win after Sterling’s stunning double

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      RAHEEM STERLING scored a stunning double as Chelsea defeated Luton 3-0.And Nicholas Jackson opened up his Blues account to complete the rout.
      £115m British record signing Moises Caicedo made his first start for the club as Chelsea won at home in the Premier League for the first time since March.

      Result: Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, Chilwell, Gusto, Jackson, Sterling, Gallagher
      Luton XI: Kaminski, Burke, Lockyer, Bell, Kabore, Barkley, Nakamba, Chong, Giles, Adebayo, Morris

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      Harsh lessons of life at the top
      Luton were under no illusions that life in the Premier League was going to be a world away from the Championship.
      Two heavy defeats may give the impression that The Hatters were not at the races in both games, but it does not tell the whole tale.
      As they showed appreciation for their travelling fans, Rob Edwards will need to get his side to dust themselves off and refocus for the visit of West Ham to Kenilworth Road.
      There is a long season ahead.
      Credit: Getty
      Jackson has moment to remember
      For all his running off the ball and movement into the channels, you often thought it would only be a matter of time before Nicolas Jackson was to get his first Chelsea goal.
      Despite this, it can play on the mind of a striker when they are drawing blanks in games.
      Scoring his first goal, in front of the Chelsea crowd at Stamford Bridge, will be a moment to remember for Nicolas Jackson.
      Credit: AP
      Pochettino seals first win as Chelsea boss
      After two tricky fixtures to start their season, Mauricio Pochettino will be relieved to have got all three points here today.
      It will give them something to build on and take the pressure of the media grilling the manager away from him.
      They will face tougher opponents than Luton this season but you can only beat what is put in front of you.
      Both the players and manager are gelling as a unit, getting to know each other and this victory this evening is a foundation to build on.
      Sterling performance by Raheem
      When Chelsea were seemingly lacking options in the final third, Raheem Sterling showed his quality against Luton today.
      His first goal was a moment of individual brilliance, running at The Hatters’ defence, beating them and scoring.
      Sterling’s second goal put the game to bed, giving Chelsea some breathing space in the game.

      FT: Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      Another tough away trip for Rob Edwards’ side.
      Chelsea managed to make their dominance count with two second half goals to add to Sterling’s first half strike.
      Luton could do with a home game now to try and get their first points of the Premier League season.

      FT: Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      The referee puts Luton out of their misery.
      Chelsea get their first win of the campaign and under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      The score suggests a comfortable win for The Blues and they have dominated possession throughout.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      90+2. The visitors will need to dust themselves off after two defeats on the road against sides who would expect to feature in the top half of the table.
      Chelsea are happy to knock the ball around and keep possession now.
      They will not want to concede any consolation goals now.
      Sterling comes off for Burstow.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      90. Lockyer is caught late by Maatsen.
      The referee immediately produces a yellow card for the substitute.
      We are going to have an additional four minutes added.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      88. Considering Todd Boehly has spent nearly £1bn on transfers since coming to the club, anyone bar Chelsea fans would struggle to recognise anyone on their bench.
      For that spend you would expect some more high profile names.
      All Pochettino will be focussed on right now is the scoreline and the three points they will be picking up this evening.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      86. Luton seem to be lacking that bit of quality and composure in the final third.
      It could be The Hatters undoing when it comes to their struggles to remain in the Premier League.
      You cannot fault their work rate, but sadly there are no points awarded for that.
      Chilwell comes off for Maatsen.
      Credit: EPA
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      84. Chelsea come forward once again and ball is crossed into the path of Gallagher who gets a shot away.
      It is a routine save for Kaminski.
      He should be doing far better with a chance in such a good position.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      82. Luton are having a little spell of dominance in the Chelsea penalty area.
      Morris eventually gets a shot away as the ball drops to him but it is deflected wide for a corner.
      Jackson is coming off for Ugochukwu.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      80. Luton haven’t downed tools here and still trying to get forward.
      They just haven’t really tested Sanchez, lacking that final pass in th attacking third.
      Gusto is penalised for a foul on Ogbene.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      78. The Hatters need to be careful they don’t leak anymore late goals like they did at Brighton now.
      Brown goes in heavy on Disasi and is shown a yellow card.
      The Chelsea player is up and able to continue, much to the relief of Mauricio Pochettino.
      Chelsea 3-0 Luton
      76. Sterling attacks down the right wing and fizzes a ball across the six yard box.
      Jackson slides in and gets a boot to it, to put the ball in the back of the net.
      The striker gets his first Chelsea goal.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal – Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
      Chelsea 2-0 Luton
      74. Brown picks the ball up and runs towards the Chelsea goal.
      He is hauled down by Fernandez who is trying to track back.
      The Argentinian is shown a yellow card to huge cheers from the away end.
      Chelsea 2-0 Luton
      72. Fernandez is brought down as he turns towards the Luton goal.
      They have a free kick about twenty-five yards out in a dangerous position.
      Three players are stood over the ball, debating who will take it.
      Fernandez strikes it but the effort is always curling away from the goal.
      Chelsea 2-0 Luton
      70. Stamford Bridge breathes a huge sigh of relief.
      Chelsea have finally got a second goal to give them a cushion that their dominance has been crying out for.
      Sterling had lost his marker in the box and the cross found him, he stroked it home unchallenged.
      Goal – Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
      Chelsea 1-0 Luton
      68. Jackson makes a good run into the channel and is found well.
      He seems to wait for the ideal opportunity to get a shot away and that time doesn’t exist in this league.
      The striker steps inside and lets fly with his left foot but it is easily blocked by the Luton defender.
      Credit: Getty
      Chelsea 1-0 Luton
      66. If the score stays as it is, you could not argue that Chelsea would be deserving of the three points.
      However, many other teams would see The Blues inability to put the game to bed as a weakness to be exploited.
      Sterling is played in but his first touch is poor and it takes him very wide and his effort is scuffed wide of the far post.
      Chelsea 1-0 Luton
      64. Sterling is released down the right and he finds Chilwell running into the box.
      This time he lets rip with his right foot but Burke does brilliantly to block the effort.
      Great defending by the Luton man.
      Chelsea 1-0 Luton
      62. The visiting fans have been lifted by that effort.
      It was a bizarre save from Sanchez as he seemed to be trying to swot the ball away but somehow caught it.
      Just goes to show if Chelsea do not kill this game off, there is always the danger of a Luton goal.
      Chelsea 1-0 Luton
      60. Chelsea are starting to knock on the door a little more in these early stages of the second half.
      They know the next goal is vital in this game.
      Luton counter attack and Giles strikes at goal, Sanchez somehow manages to save, very unconventionally.
      Load more entries… More

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      Chelsea ratings: Sterling back to his best, Colwill was right to spurn Brighton but Chilwell need some shooting boots

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      A VIRTUOSO performance by Raheem Sterling inspired Chelsea to their first victory under Mauricio Pochettino.The England star has looked a man reborn under the Argentine and continued to thrive against Luton.
      Chelsea celebrate Raheem Sterling’s secondCredit: Reuters
      Rob Edwards’ side travelled to West London facing an uphill battle, having began life in the Premier League with a 4-1 thumping at Brighton.
      But the Blues may have gone into this evening’s clash feeling nervy themselves, having not won at home since March 7.
      Sterling had fans feeling more assured on 17 minutes when he fired past Thomas Kaminsky with a low, left-footed effort.
      He then made it two in the second half, finishing first time from Malo Gusto’s excellent cross.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Sterling turned provider on 75 minutes, putting the ball on a plate for Nicolas Jackson to score his first Chelsea goal.
      On a great night for Pochettino and Co, SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Chelsea performer.
      Robert Sanchez – 6
      Provided some decent distribution from the back on a comfortable evening.
      The Spaniard was hardly challenged at all by Luton’s front line.
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      Malo Gusto – 7
      Found plenty of space in behind early on. Went on to provide a brilliant cut-back to assist Raheem Sterling in the second-half.
      Early signs suggest he’ll easily prove to be an adequate deputy to Reece James.
      Axel Disasi – 6
      Clumsily caught on the ball in the 27th minute, but was bailed out by Carlton Morris’ inability to make him pay. Also bizarrely whacked a cross-field pass out of play early in the second period.
      Looked unsure of himself at times and will have much tougher tests than this during the course of the campaign.
      Axel Disasi marshals Elijah Adebayo with Levi Colwill nearlyCredit: Reuters
      Thiago Silva – 6
      Looked unruffled at the heart of the Blues’ defence in the first-half. Benefited from having Disasi and Levi Colwill either side of him.
      Did start to have some shaky moments in the second period, however – would he get into the team if Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana were fit?
      Levi Colwill – 7
      Beaten by Issa Kabore with ease on 41 minutes. Otherwise provided some nice passes out from the back and mostly solid defending.
      With Chelsea’s injury woes, the former Brighton loanee is finally getting the opportunity to show his class at Stamford Bridge.
      Conor Gallagher – 7
      Provided exceptional link-up play with his fellow midfielders and ran all evening. It’s clear to see why Mauricio Pochettino is so keen to keep the Cobham talent.
      On this showing it would be lunacy to sell him, amid interest from London rivals Tottenham and West Ham.
      Conor Gallagher provided energy and quality in midfieldCredit: Getty
      Moises Caicedo – 7
      Caught dawdling in possession in his own half on eight minutes, and was fortunate that Tahith Chong blazed his subsequent shot high and wide.
      The new £115million signing grew into the match and began linking up well with his fellow midfielders, showing signs of promise for what’s to come, particularly when Romeo Lavia is added to the mix.
      Raheem Sterling – 9
      Brilliantly slalomed through Luton’s defence before slotting home a left-footed shot to give Chelsea a 17th minute lead. Nearly grabbed an assist for Fernandez with a teasing delivery, only for the Argentine to strike the post.
      Swept home Gusto’s inviting centre on 68 minutes to grab his second, before setting up Nicolas Jackson not long later. Looks a man reborn under Pochettino.
      Raheem Sterling fires Chelsea into the leadCredit: Getty
      Enzo Fernandez – 7
      Began the match with an array of beautiful tricks and flicks. Smacked a left-footed shot over the bar on 14 minutes. Then denied by the post early in the second half.
      The Argentine was deployed in a more advanced role than we saw last season, with Sterling excelling to his right.
      Ben Chilwell – 6
      Continued to play in a new, more advanced role – although did occasionally drop into the back line. Captain in James’ absence, Chilwell tried to provide his typical spark down the left flank.
      But the England star inexplicably tried to pass to Sterling despite having the goal at his mercy on 50 minutes, and will need to find a more clinical edge if he is to keep playing in a more forward position.
      Nicolas Jackson – 6
      Doesn’t lack for effort. The summer signing from Villarreal worked his socks off for his side. But a series of loose touches and poor passes may have some fans concerned over whether he can be a reliable front man for the Blues.
      Did provide some sparks in the second-half, however, flicking for Chilwell before later having a shot well saved by Kaminsky, and managed to grab a goal from close range 15 minutes from time after being set up by Sterling.
      Nicolas Jackson didn’t lack for effortCredit: Getty
      Substitutes
      Lesley Ugochukwu (for Jackson, 83) – N/A
      Not enough time to make an impact.
      Ian Maatsen (for Chilwell, 86) – N/A
      Like Ugochuwku, didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine.
      Mason Burstow (for Sterling, 90+2) – N/A
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      Will cherish making his Stamford Bridge debut in the Premier League.
      Subs not used: Bergstrom, Beach, Humphreys, Cucurella, Moreira, Madueke More

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      Spurs legend Darren Anderton impressed with Aussie chief Ange Postecoglou – and sees Terry Venables comparison

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S fatherly approach to revitalised Yves Bissouma is reminding Darren Anderton of his own experience working with Terry Venables.Bissouma has looked like a man reborn this season compared to his injury-hit nightmare of a campaign under Antonio Conte last term.
      Yves Bissouma has been sensational so far under Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty
      Abrasive and defensively-minded Conte never really took to the £25million signing from Brighton, making the Malian play safe when he did select him.
      But Postecoglou – whom Bissouma described as like “a dad” when speaking to SunSport in Perth this summer – has encouraged the midfielder to use his creative instincts.
      Bissouma had more touches than any other player in the Premier League during the opening weekend and was sensational in last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.
      Spurs legend Anderton sees similarities to his own difficult early days when he first arrived from Portsmouth in 1992, only for man-manager expert Venables to get the best out of him.
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      The 51-year-old told SunSport: “Terry was like a second dad to me. 
      “I struggled when I first came to the club. He made me believe that it was OK.
      “I came off in one game and the game was still going on, but he came into the changing room and had a chat with me. He put his arm around me and told me it was going to be all right. To this day, I’ll always remember it.
      Darren Anderton spent 12 seasons at Spurs, winning the League Cup in 1999Credit: Getty Images
      Anderton with Terry Venables during their time together with EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “I read what Bissouma said about Ange being like a dad and that was really good to hear. 
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      “Especially for a player who has been there for a year and not played enough. He’s had an injury, he’s having a tough time. He was probably excited to come and then was like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing?’
      “Now he has that belief and you see it in the first two performances. It’s amazing to see.”
      Postecoglou’s friendly manner was summed up by new signing Micky van de Ven this week who described the ex-Celtic chief as “a sweet and lovely guy”.
      The Aussie is still capable of giving the hairdryer treatment though, as was proven at half-time against West Ham and Shakhtar Donetsk in pre-season.
      But overall his approach by all accounts seems to be much more cordial than that of predecessors Conte and Jose Mourinho.
      Anderton, watching on TV from his home in California, can tell a difference.
      He observed: “As a footballer, you can sense when you watch games that things aren’t quite right and people aren’t happy. Fans do as well. You can tell by body language.
      “The start they’ve had under Ange has been really positive. Players have a new lease of life and are now playing well. 
      “Players are not all the same. We’re all young men who are all very talented and have come from being the best from wherever we were from growing up. 
      “You put them in the dressing room and have to somehow bring it all together. That’s the most difficult part of being a manager.
      “From what I hear from the club and from listening to some of the players speak, it seems Ange has that (ability).
      “That’s really refreshing, after watching what’s happened over the last few years where the managers have been more, ‘It’s my way or the highway’. It’s almost been a certain form of bullying at times.”
      Ex-England star Anderton said he was bored watching Conte’s Spurs but now is excited to get up early to watch his beloved Spurs play under progressive Postecoglou.
      Cherries have picked well in AndoniDARREN ANDERTON reckons old club Bournemouth will steer clear of danger this year – even if the sacking of Gary O’Neil was “unfair”.
      O’Neil, who has since taken over at Wolves, was replaced by Andoni Iraola.
      It was a shock appointment but Anderton rates the Spaniard highly.
      The 51-year-old, who ended his 18-year career at Bournemouth in 2008 and still owns a house in the area, told SunSport: “The decision was pretty unfair on Gary O’Neil. I thought he did a great job and really pleased for him that he’s now got a job at Wolves.
      “The new owners have taken the opportunity to get a top, top manager, in my opinion, which might take time which you don’t get in the Premier League.
      “I thought they played well in the first two games. It’s early days. 
      “I don’t think Bournemouth will be in relegation danger. They’ll be OK and he’s a manager who can take the club forward.”

      Saturday’s lunchtime clash at Bournemouth, another of Anderton’s old sides, will kick off at 5.30am on the west coast.
      Yet it will be no chore to tune in as Postecoglou puts together the most attacking Spurs side since the one Anderton played in under Ossie Ardiles.
      That side in the early 90s involved a quintet dubbed the ‘famous five’ of Teddy Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann, Nicky Barmby, Ilie Dumitrescu and Anderton.
      He recalled: “Defensively we weren’t good enough but we were very close to being a very good team.
      “We had Teddy and Jurgen Klinsmann up front, Nicky Barmby in behind, Ilie Dumitrescu out left, me on the right. But then on top of that we had full-backs Ossie wanted to bomb on as well!
      “It literally was Sol, Stuart Nethercott and Colin Calderwood who would sit there as a central midfielder holding the fort.
      “I was a team player, I would run up and down all day and help. But, to be fair, Ilie Dumitrescu on the other side was not so willing to do that sort of thing! 
      “The balance wasn’t right. The balance in this team will be better. They will be better defensively, although still a little bit open like we saw in the Brentford game. 
      “But we’re going to dominate games and be entertaining to watch and that’s what you want.”
      Postecoglou’s revolution is, of course, happening without Harry Kane who was sold to Bayern Munich for £104million.
      Richarlison is still to score this term in the England man’s absence, but Spurs have not signed a new forward yet despite interest in Gift Orban and Brennan Johnson.
      Anderton added: “Richarlison will come good and he will score goals. 
      “I like him as a player, he would be a pain to play against. It’s not the be all and end all to see a top, top striker come in.
      “I believe there’s a really good chance of us getting back into the Champions League again. 
      “We’re only two games in, it will only get better. That’s the exciting part.
      “Harry has gone to Germany and I’m chuffed for him, he’s going to play in the Champions League and win the Bundesliga and score tons of goals.
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      “But as a Tottenham boy he obviously loves the club. I wonder how he’ll feel watching that style of football at the moment. 
      “I’m sure he’s happy where he is but I bet he wishes this style of football had been played the last four years.” More

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      Raheem Sterling’s stunning solo goal for Chelsea against Luton has Blues fans comparing him to club legend

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      CHELSEA fans have been comparing Raheem Sterling to club legend Eden Hazard after his solo goal against Luton Town.The England international weaved his way through the Hatters’ defence to fire the Blues into the lead at Stamford Bridge.
      Raheem Sterling scored a brilliant solo goal against Luton TownCredit: Getty
      Blues fans compared Sterling’s solo-show to how Eden Hazard used to play at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And it was the style of Sterling’s dribbling that caught the eye as he took on multiple defenders before slotting his effort past Thomas Kaminski.
      The goal was reminiscent of how Hazard would take on defenders during his time in the Premier League.
      And fans flocked to social media to praise the goal by Sterling with a comparison to Hazard.
      One Tweeted: “Raheem sterling 🤝 hazard 💯💙.”
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      A second joked: “Apparently Sterling hit his head in the warm up and didn’t know who he was, they told him he was Eden Hazard and sent him on!”
      A third commented: “For the first time in a long while, Raheem Sterling is behaving like Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.”
      A fourth wrote: “Hazard is that you? Oh it’s just Raheem Sterling 🔥.”
      A fifth said: “That Sterling goal really reminded me of Hazard.”
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      While another added: “Sterling in Hazard mode these days.”
      Hazard, 32, left Chelsea in 2018 for Real Madrid but flopped in Spain due to injuries.
      He is now currently without a club although his barber has claimed that the Belgian has rejected six clubs this summer. More

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      Arsenal fans celebrate an entire transfer window without Draxler transfer link as rivals open talks to sign him instead

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      ARSENAL fans are celebrating that the club are NOT being linked with Julian Draxler this time round.This comes as the Gunners have reportedly approached the 29-year-old German midfielder in every window since 2017.
      Draxler has been repeatedly linked with Arsenal in every recent transfer windowCredit: EPA
      Julian Draxler and Arsenal has been a transfer rumour for what feels like an eternity.
      After impressing at Schalke 04, he was linked with a move in every window under former boss Arsene Wenger.
      And the connection continued under Wenger’s successors Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
      Despite the Arsenal interest, Draxler instead chose to stick with Paris Saint-Germain.
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      And eagle-eyed Arsenal fans are thrilled that the links have finally ceased during this window.
      One Arsenal fan account wrote: “Arsenal are about to go through an entire transfer window without getting linked to Julian Draxler and Wilfred Zaha. We really have grown 😂”.
      Another added: “This is evidence that we’re moving onto greater things 😂”.
      A third wrote: “Thank god. I became really tired of that s***”.
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      A fourth joked: “Be careful there’s still a few days left”.
      Draxler has reportedly been placed on the Parisians transfer list after falling out of favour at the club.
      And according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Crystal Palace have made contact with the Ligue 1 champions over a move for Draxler.
      The German international – who has just one year remaining on his contract – is interested in the idea of a move to London.
      The transfer would bring Palace some necessary midfield reinforcement, as some key players being linked elsewhere.
      Eberechi Eze has drawn interest from Manchester City, with Roy Hodgson’s side valuing him at £70m.
      While Liverpool are also interested in fellow Selhurst Park midfielder Cheick Doucoure.
      Palace will need to replace Eze if he leaves this summerCredit: Rex More

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      Pochettino vows to break Chelsea’s No9 curse – here are seven strikers who could help him out

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has pledged to break the curse attached to Chelsea’s No9 shirt.The Blue’s boss will urge the club’s next striker to take the shirt after learning of it’s dark history.
      Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to break the curse of the No 9 shirtCredit: Getty
      From Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham, to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alvaro Morata – the No.9 jersey is somewhat doomed.
      Lukaku, who signed for £97.5m in 2021, was loaned back to Inter Milan last season and has not been reintegrated into the first team.
      New forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have opted against taking the number deemed jinxed by many in and around Stamford Bridge.
      But Pochettino has now promised to banish the voodoo attached to the shirt.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      When asked about lifting the curse, the Argentine said: “For sure, if we bring in one more, now I’m going to be sure that he uses the nine and try to change the feeling and the idea that this number is not cursed.
      “We need to do some things to change the energy. I will ask the kit man to bring all the nine shirts and we will do something to break it.”
      But are there actually many viable options for Pochettino’s men?
      SunSport has taken a look at seven names that could break the pattern.
      Most read in Football
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      Victor Osimhen
      Victor Osimhen enjoyed a fine season for NapoliCredit: Alamy
      The Nigerian, 24, is one of the most sought-after players in world football.
      Osimhen netted 26 goals in a title-winning season for Napoli in 2022/2023.
      The strikers sleek combination of power and pace could work wonders with Chelsea’s creative players, who create plenty of chances but have nobody in the box to put them away.
      Randal Kolo Muani
      Randal Kolo Muani enjoyed a standout World CupCredit: Getty
      The France international, who rose to prominence at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has been linked with a summer exit for several months.
      Muani scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt last season.
      But with Neymar moving to Saudi Arabia, PSG are pushing to sign Muani – who is estimated to be £80m – to help bolster their attack.
      Evan Ferguson
      Ireland international Ferguson has bright future aheadCredit: Getty
      Could Chelsea do business with Brighton again?
      The 18-year-old striker burst onto the scene last season, scoring nine goals since his breakthrough into the senior team.
      Ferguson has been briefly linked with an exit from Brighton since signing a long-term contract with the Seagulls in April.
      Ivan Toney
      Toney has established himself as one of best strikers in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Ivan Toney may be banned until 2024, but Chelsea could still see a huge upside in bringing him to the club.
      Last season, the 27-year-old was only outscored in the Premier League by Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
      He has netted 32 top-flight goals in 68 games for the Bees – an unbelievable record for a No.9 playing in a side promoted from the Championship just two years ago.
      Lautaro Martinez
      The World Cup winner netted 28 times for Inter Milan in 22/23Credit: Rex
      Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez would be one of the most expensive options Pochettino could go for.
      The Argentine, 25, was quoted as being priced at around £75m when linked with a Premier League move last year.
      The World Cup winner netted 28 times for the Italian outfit last season.
      Folarin Balogun
      USA international Folarin Balogun has peaked the interest of various big clubsCredit: Getty
      Arsenal striker Balogun, 22, could prove a good investment for Pochettino, as the youngster seeks regular first team football.
      Balogun seriously impressed with his 21 goals while on loan at Reims last season.
      Arsenal have valued him at £50m, but are said to be on the brink of selling him to AS Monaco.
      Darwin Nunez
      Nunez could restart his form away from LiverpoolCredit: The Mega Agency
      Darwin Nunez arrived at Liverpool off the back of a 34-goal season with Benfica.
      Read More on The Sun
      While at Benfica, he established himself as one of Europe’s sharpest shooters by scoring six goals in 10 Champions League games.
      It’s judgment year for Nunez at Liverpool, could he replicate his previous form at Chelsea? More