Premier League

CHELSEA sealed Champions League football with a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.The Blues have been absent from Europe’s elite competition for two years but finally, the billion-pound boys will be back next season.Levi Colwill got the vital touch to send Chelsea into the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe Blues beat Forest 1-0 at the City GroundCredit: GettyIt was unlikely source Levi Colwill with the goal to give Chelsea a boost of confidence ahead of flying to Poland for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the performances. Robert Sanchez – 6Chelsea fans have been on Sanchez’s back lately but he was rarely tested here.Lucky to escape unscathed when Chris Wood got to Ola Aina’s cross before him just before half-time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for the ‘keeper the big Forest striker lofted his shot over with Sanchez flapping at thin air.Reece James – 7Crunched into tackles and took no prisoners.Moved effortlessly into midfield when required.Played much more conservatively after Colwill’s goal as Forest pitched Callum Hudson-Odoi into the action.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSManaged to keep CHO subdued which is exactly what Enzo Maresca required of him.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7The daddy of this Chelsea team at the ripe old age of 27!But it didn’t stop the old boy from getting a real ticking off from his younger partner Colwill for carelessly gifting Morgan Gibbs-White the ball early on.  Recovered to put in a solid performance and managed to keep Wood shackled for the most part.Levi Colwill – 9Chelsea’s top performer – solid at the back and LETHAL up front!Produced a couple of timely tackles to win high-fives from his teammates.And went on to celebrate his England call-up with Chelsea’s crucial opener. That was karma for the big defender who scored an own goal playing for Huddersfield in the 2022 play-off final at Wembley which saw Forest promoted to the Prem! Marc Cucurella – 7Was solid defensively, winning a string of headers in his own penalty area.And slotted in comfortably to his inverted role in midfield when Chelsea were in possession.Had a large hand in Colwill’s opener too and can be well pleased with his afternoon’s work.Enzo Fernandez – 7 Disciplined performance in Chelsea’s engine room.Handled Elliot Anderson well and snuffed out his creative threat.Put in a power of work to frustrate Forest and squeeze the life out of them in midfield.Moises Caicedo – 8The man in the mask was handed the tough task of keeping Gibbs-White quiet which he did to great effect.Fortunate to avoid a booking after chopping down MGW from behind early on.But stuck to the job in hand and covered every blade of grass on the City Ground pitch to show why he is Chelsea’s Player of the Year.Even felt confident enough to ditch the protective mask for the second half!Noni Madueke – 7Was easily Chelsea’s best attacking player early on when he took the game to Forest at every opportunity.But lacked a focal point up front to supply with Neto pretty ineffective as a stand-in striker.Moved out to the left wing in the second half but saw less of the ball as Chelsea protected their lead.Cole Palmer – 7 Still struggling to recapture his early season form and few players will look forward to his summer hols more than the England man. Looks like he could do with even a short break to recharge his batteries before the club world cup.Sloppy in possession at times and hounded relentlessly by Forest’s midfielders.But he did at least put in Chelsea’s best delivery of the first half for Neto and was one of their more creative players on a day short on overall quality. Jadon Sancho – 5Worked hard on the left flank to track Aina’s runs and provide cover.But showed precious little in an attacking sense.Chelsea have an obligation to buy him from Manchester United this summer.But this wasn’t the kind of day when he was going to convince anyone that would be good business and he was replaced by Lavia on the hour. Pedro Neto – 6Played as a makeshift striker in Nicolas Jackson’s continued absence.But struggled to make an impression and missed a snip on the half hour when he fired Cole Palmer’s inviting cross over when he had to hit the target – at least!Looked a bit better when he was moved to the wing after the break and provided the crucial assist for Colwill’s goal.But a frustrating day for the Portuguese who was replaced by Gusto near the end.SUBS: Romeo Lavia (Jadon Sancho, 62) – 5Came on to bolt the backdoor once Chelsea got their noses in front and did what it said on the tin!Flashed in a late shot which was deflected for a corner. Malo Gusto (Pedro Neto, 78) – 5Sent on to help see out the game and did exactly that, double-banking with James to keep Hudson-Odoi under lock and key. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Noni Madueke, 86) – 5Sent on to kill a bit of time late on but ended up putting in a crucial clearing tackle to keep Chelsea’s clean sheet.Read More on The SunSanchez flipped the ball away from Wood’s head and Jota and Neco Williams were steaming in for the kill.However KDH threw himself at the loose ball to hoof it to safety. 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MANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa.Goals from the livewire Amad Diallo and an emotional penalty from the departing Christian Eriksen bagged the three points.Amad Diallo was the best player on the pitch at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBut the game was not without controversy. First Emi Martinez was sent off in the first half for a rugby tackle on Rasmus Hojlund.Then Villa were denied going ahead in the game when the referee incorrectly blew his whistle for a foul on United keeper Altay Bayindir.But replays showed he had spilled the ball and Morgan Rogers fired home what he thought put his side 1-0 up.VAR couldn’t rightly rule it was a goal as Thomas Bramall had already blown his whistle.Read more FootballVilla were incensed, United were relieved, and it was the beleaguered hosts who went on to secure a final-day victory.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated United’s stars…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 6Handed a start on what will surely be his final competitive game for United. Showed why as he almost gifted the visitors a goal when Rogers nicked it off him but the ref came to his rescue. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA couple of important late saves to be fair.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6 Another one who is saying his goodbyes this summer so got the chance to put himself in the shop window. The right time to move on but will be a handy free transfer for someone this summer. Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro GarnachoHARRY MAGUIRE – 7Another glimpse of ‘Harrydinho’ on the wing to create the chance which Dalot put against the post. At the other end he did his bit to keep a toothless Villa quiet for much of the afternoon. AYDEN HEAVEN – 6One slip almost presented the visitors with a rare chance but otherwise another promising show from the young signing from Arsenal. One positive to come from United’s season is the way he has settled in. NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 5Made a positive start on the right and created a couple of early chances for Mount and Fernandes. But his afternoon lasted only 20 minutes as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Dalot. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Was off target with a few shots all afternoon but then supplied the pass for Diallo to nod the home side ahead. Generously gave the pen to Eriksen on his last game. United fans will be praying it wasn’t the skipper’s farewell too. Bruno Fernandes could yet be sold by Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPCASEMIRO – 7Proved he can still cut it in the Prem as well as in Europe with a decent show. Nice step over almost created a goal for Fernandes. Floated a beauty that clipped the outside of the post. Is the veteran worth the huge wages they pay him though? PATRICK DORGU – 6The January arrival gives United the kind of balance that Amorim is looking for on the left. Made it a difficult afternoon for Villa’s full-back Cash. There will be more to come from the former Lecce wide man next season.AMAD DIALLO – 8United are a much better side with him in the team and it was fitting that he scored the winner from a perfect pass from Fernandes. Then won a pen to seal it. The season would not have been this bad if the Ivorian had stayed during the spring. MASON MOUNT – 6A rare Prem start and should have marked it with an early goal as he saw two efforts saved by Martinez. Replaced by the departing Eriksen late on – United fans are still waiting for his Red Devils career to take off. RASMUS HOJLUND – 6 Forced the red card as he tried to go round Martinez. Another disallowed for offside but it just won’t happen for him. Left the field to a big ovation before the end – will this be the last we see of the goal-shy Dane at the Theatre of Dreams. Rasmus Hojlund failed to score yet againCredit: GettySUBSDALOT (for Mazrouai 20 – 6Curled an effort against post. Chose to pass when he should have shot and went off at half-time MAINOO (for Dalot 45) – 6Has hardly played recently but showed his quality after the break.ERIKSEN (for Mount 66) – 6Determined to bow out with a goal and managed it as he smashed home the pen.EVANS (for Heaven 66) – 6What a servant he has been and almost marked his last appearance with a goal. Read More on The SunOBI (for Hojlund 80) – 5Gave Villa’s over-worked defence a different kind of problem. 5 More

RUBEN AMORIM apologised to Manchester United supporters at the end of their disastrous record-breaking season.But some of the players watching the show didn’t seem too happy at the gaffer digging them out in front of thousands.His players watched on stony-faced as he addressed the crowdCredit: GettyRuben Amorim apologised to Manchester United fans for the nightmare seasonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils capped off the nightmare campaign with a 2-0 win at home against Aston Villa.That was just their 11th win of the season – and it came after a fan protest against the owners outside Old Trafford. Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen got the goals – after Morgan Rogers’ finish was controversially disallowed by a premature referee’s whistle. Then after full-time, Amorim took the microphone on the pitch to address the crowd. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn the fitting pouring rain and in front of his stony-faced players, the Portuguese boss said: “First of all, I want to apologise.”It was really disappointing with the team.”Secondly, I want to say thank you. “We are very grateful for your support during the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs the microphone cut in and out, Amorim continued: “I know it was really hard to support us in many games.”But now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past.”Because this season is in the past, it’s over.Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho”We fight each other or we stick together and move forward.”That prompted huge roars from the 74,000-seater stadium.Amorim added: “Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you a storm is coming.”Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”And that sparked another massive cheer. Amorim finished: “If there is one club in the world that have proven in the past that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it’s our club, it’s Manchester United Football Club.”Now I want to say sorry also to my players.”Sometimes I was not fair but I try always to be honest with you guys.”Thank you very much and see you next season.”Amad Diallo was once again the star of the showCredit: PAThe speech was met with resounding applause from all four sides of Old Trafford.But while some players clapped his efforts, many stood non-plussed with their arms behind their backs.Amorim arrived in Manchester to replace Erik ten Hag in November but struggled to turn around their horror form. United finished 15th in the table on just 42 points – their lowest place and tally in Premier League history. Amorim labelled his crop of flops the “worst United team ever” – and their performances on the pitch have justified the claim. The fallen giant’s one chance to salvage something from the season came in the Europa League.But United failed to turn up as they lost 1-0 in Wednesday’s Bilbao final to Tottenham.Amorim hinted afterwards he may be ready to leave without compensation if the board no longer wants him – having already threatened to quit should he fail to turn things around. However, he then backtracked and insisted he is planning to stay put next season. Read More on The SunInstead, the entire playing squad is up for sale this summer.And Amorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho to find a new club when the transfer window reopens. Amorim watched on as United took on VillaCredit: AFPHe applauded the supporters on a lap of honour after the speechCredit: AlamyFans protested against the ownership beforeCredit: Reuters More

THIS TIME there was no hollow, empty atmosphere. Just the sound of sheer, unbridled joy.This time Anfield was full to capacity – 62,000 partying and singing their songs of praise when five years earlier the Covid lockdown meant that not one of them could be there to celebrate with their heroes. Liverpool are the Premier League championsCredit: GettySkipper Virgil van Dijk lifted the trophyCredit: ReutersArne Slot got his hands on trophy as the party continuedCredit: PATrent Alexander-Arnold was cheered by Liverpool fansCredit: GettyEgyptian King Mo Salah matched a Premier League recordCredit: PAIcon Alan Hansen presented Van Dijk with the trophy and joined in with the celebrationsCredit: ReutersReds won the title on 84 pointsCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk lifted the trophy, Mo Salah then proudly raised it above his head and even Trent Alexander-Arnold got huge cheers before his departure.Players lined up in front of the Kop and belted out You’ll Never Walk Alone together in emotional scenes.Salah told Sky Sports: “It’s incredible. We didn’t have a chance to do it in front of the Kop last time.“Last time it was in the pandemic, which wasn’t a great feeling but still a Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“To win the second one with the fans at Anfield, first the Spurs game and now today – you can see how much it means.”Last time we didn’t have a chance. It’s an incredible feeling in front of the crowd.”Van Dijk added: “The moment we were confirmed champions against Spurs, it felt like four months ago.“It was very emotional, a very special day for my mum, wife and kids. It’s incredible and nobody can take this one away from us.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool’s South American quartet Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz posed with the trophy togetherCredit: GettyIt is the club’s 20th league titleCredit: ReutersThey sung You’ll Never Walk Alone with fansCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold tapped the Liverpool badge after his last appearanceCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold was seen in tears as his family joined him on the pitchCredit: PAArne Slot paid tribute to Alexander-Arnold, saying: “He’s leaving such a great club and he knows, he feels it. It’s not only a club he leaves, he’s been here for 20 years and knows everyone.“It’s normal after a few years to miss it, let alone after 20. Let alone if it’s Liverpool.“He’s shown today, the fans showed a great reaction to him, but the quality he had today is why it’s such a pity he’s going to leave.”An emotional Alexander-Arnold burst into tears as his family came onto the pitch to say goodbye to the club with him.Earlier as Liverpool were held 1-1 by Palace, fans had even laughed when Ismaila Sarr stuck the visitors into the lead after nine minutes.And Ryan Gravenberch being red carded for a last-man challenge on Daichi Kamada with a quarter of the game to go, few of them gave a hoot.Although they did very much love the Salah deflected equaliser that gave him yet another record – his 84th minute strike put him level with Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.They made their mark with 47 goal contributions in a 42-game Prem season. Anfield’s Egyptian king, and now the holder of both the Prem Player of the year and Football Writers’ Association equivalent, got there in 38.Last time Liverpool won the title the campaign ended up being played out to the sound of silence.When their 19th success was confirmed on the night of June 25, 2020 then-boss Jurgen Klopp and his players were allowed to enjoy it only in front of family, a handful of friends and staff.The seats around them in the main stands as former skipper Jordan Henderson lifted the Prem trophy were adorned with the flags of fans denied the privilege but desperate to somehow make their presence felt.Yet those emblems could not cover up the coronavirus–enforced eerie vacuum of that half-lit occasion.Players celebrated in front of the KopLiverpool players partied in the dressing roomKlopp and his champs tried to make the best of it, that night, after Chelsea had beaten Manchester City 2-1 to ensure Liverpool glory with a Prem record–seven games to spare.But they were smiling and waving to almost nobody. Never had such good times seemed so downbeat especially amidst the fears and worries that were gripping the nation.Nothing could disguise how surreal and strange that moment was, as Klopp, Henderson and the team bellowed in triumph, their shouts echoing around a deserted Anfield.This time, as Alan Hansen, the last captain to lift the title trophy in front of fans after 1990 First Division glory, waited to present the Prem version to Van Dijk, you could hardly hear yourself speak.Ironically Palace were the visitors having suffered a 4-0 defeat 24 hours before those sadly muted celebrations after City’s defeat. But, this time, Oliver Glasner’s players arrived chuffed to bits with themselves too as new FA Cup holders having also reached another historic milestone by racking up the club’s highest total of points in the Prem era.Very much a coming force, they were intent on spoiling the party.Within a defence that has been on the beach since clinching the title against Tottenham a month ago, Sarr finished clinically and the travelling support threw their inflatable FA Cup replicas up in the air.Nobody in red cared that much.So happy were they that even the second half emergence of Alexander-Arnold as a replacement for Conor Bradley was met mainly with applause.Jurgen Klopp stood proud in the standsMo Salah was presented with the Golden Boot by legend Ian RushCredit: GettyYet he was booed roundly after replacing him in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, seen as a deserter because he’s going to Real Madrid.  Nothing, not even defeat could take away from the vibe and skipper Van Dijk set the tone in his programme note.He wrote: “Having been denied this in 2020, we all have a duty to make the most of this opportunity, and to make it the most happy and joyful experience possible“We have to enjoy these moments because these are the things we work for every single day.”The Dutchman, honoured by the giant mural of his face that now decorates a terrace-end nearby, added: “The idea of being at Anfield and lifting that trophy in front of all our supporters?“That’s something different. It’s something special.”And boy did everyone do their duty, the faithful having been filling the streets around Anfield for hours before kick – off.Unlike five years ago a multitude more of them – maybe up to the same 750,000 who turned out for Liverpool’s open – top bus parade after the 2019 Champions League triumph – will be there tomorrow to laud the Prem champions. But last time, of course, there was no city – wide street party and no parade. Of those denied that glory ride Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, in his farewell game before leaving for Real Madrid, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher remain around to take part in all the fun this time.Along, of course, Salah, top scorer in the 2019-20 season, top scorer this season too with 29 now, ahead of his team mates like in every one since he arrived from Roma in 2017 for £36.5M.And watching on, ready to party for real this time too as well as looking about ten years younger, was Klopp himself who at the end of last season left to be replaced by Arne Slot but whose heart remains at Anfield. Read More on The SunThere were fears his decision to walk alone might signal crisis.Last night, amidst all the festivities, that sounded like quite a laugh too.Mo Salah scored the goal for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersIt was Salah’s 47th goal contribution this seasonCredit: Getty More