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    Liverpool will probably win Premier League because they have Darwin Nunez to come off bench, says Reds title winner

    RONNY ROSENTHAL has urged Kop flop Darwin Nunez to silence the hate mob by firing Liverpool to the title.The striker was slammed by boss Arne Slot and ridiculed by fans after his horror miss in Wednesday’s draw at Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez has been backed to shine despite his horror mid-week missCredit: RexRonny Rosenthal knows all about bouncing back from a bad missCredit: RexBut former Anfield star Rosenthal — who also blew a sitter against Villa 33 years ago — declared: “If you’re Nunez, you have only one option — to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.”Liverpool can go ELEVEN points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory at Manchester City today.And Rosenthal, 61, predicted: “Liverpool will probably win the league because they have a top striker like Nunez to come off the bench.”On how the Uruguayan will bounce back from his miss, Rosenthal added: “I don’t think it will affect him. This is part and parcel of the game. Anyone, even the biggest striker in the world, can miss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“This is not the point, though — the point is to see things over a player’s whole career.“You know, these things will happen every day, any day, anywhere.”However, Nunez’ blunder sparked a rocket from Kop boss Arne Slot, who accused his £64million forward of being lazy.Slot fumed: “You can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on work-rate.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in work-rate. That is something we will talk about.”That blast prompted an immediate reply from Nunez, 25, on X.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezHe fumed: “You never see me give up,” before vowing “to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool”.On Slot’s public blast, Rosenthal said: “I’m not here to object to the manager.“But if you’re Nunez, then you know you have only one option — that’s to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.“He doesn’t need to be going on Instagram. My opinion is still that he has the quality.“He will never be a scorer like Mo Salah but Liverpool will probably win the league because they have the luxury of a top striker like him to come off the bench.”Israeli Rosenthal’s own astonishing moment came when he beat Villa’s offside trap, took the ball round the onrushing keeper and had a tap-in from ten yards — only to crash his shot against the bar. Liverpool went on to lose 4-2.But Rosenthal insisted he was unfazed by the incident, adding: “It does not affect me. I’m happy to talk about this whenever. It can happen to anyone. Obviously, if you have the worst miss in the top level, then people will talk about that instead of about a worse one at a lower level.”Ronny Rosenthal produced his horror miss against Aston Villa in 1992Credit: Sky SportsNunez produced his horror miss at Villa Park in mid-weekCredit: Sky SportsNunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022 but fans remain unconvinced.He has scored 24 goals and produced 13 assists in 86 Premier League appearances.However, his miss provided his doubters with more ammunition as they continue to call for Liverpool to offload him.Rosenthal, though, says the lack of consecutive starts could be one of the things causing issues for Nunez.He believes the 6ft 2in powerhouse still has a huge role to play this season as Slot’s side look to claim Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup glory.The ex-winger said: “He’s not a regular starter but I still think Liverpool need someone like him. Nunez will stay in my opinion unless they find something better — but you know it’s not that easy.“He’s got the quality as a player. He just needs the chance to play more. If you are limited on chances, then obviously it’s much more difficult to be consistent.”But the former title winner added: “It will happen eventually that he will leave Liverpool. It’s difficult to say when.“I still think that if he plays more, he will give more end product and his statistics will improve, in my opinion.”Rosenthal left Anfield himself in 1994 and enjoyed three years at Tottenham before finishing his playing days at Watford.He has since achieved great success as a football consultant based in London.The icon regularly works with some of the biggest clubs on the planet and helped discover Cristiano Ronaldo, along with stars such as Vincent Kompany and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.And he also revealed how he even tried to get a teenage Nunez a move to Europe long before his eventual switch from Penarol in Uruguay to Almeria in Spain six years ago.On spotting him as a kid, Rosenthal added: “Nunez is one of a thousand cases where I found players with potential when they are cheap.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I called him years ago when he played in Uruguay to try to bring him to a better league. He referred me to his agent — but I did try.“He’s one of many players who I can see quicker than football clubs can.” More

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    ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

    PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ‘sick’ of hearing about Man Utd’s decline and ‘some think Sir Alex Ferguson is to blame’

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and the rest of INEOS are “sick” of hearing about Manchester United’s glorious past and recent decline.And some within United’s hierarchy believe the recent struggles go down to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who remained with the club as an ambassador after retiring from the dugout in 2013.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of INEOS are “sick” of hearing about Manchester United’s glorious pastCredit: PASome within United’s hierarchy believe the recent struggles go down to legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: AFPAccording to The Mirror, minority shareholder Ratcliffe, 72, and director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford “want absolutely nothing to do with the past” and are done hearing about how Man Utd used to dominate.Brailsford feels the past’s achievements are weighing heavily on how the Red Devils now go about the business of bringing back the glory years.So much so that it’s become an “obsession” not to mention the period when Man Utd were one of the best teams in the world.In fact, some influential figures at Old Trafford even feel that Ferguson is to blame for the Manchester giants’ decline the last 12 years.Read More on Man UtdFergie won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during a stunning 27-year reign that ended in 2013.But club chiefs feel Sir Alex’s presence didn’t allow the club to embrace developments in coaching and scouting. The Scottish legend’s multi-million pound contract was ended in October by the new regime, who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.SunSport revealed another savage round of redundancies is imminent.Most read in FootballEmployees have been called up for a meeting that will take place at Old Trafford on Monday.They are expecting to be told that up to 200 more jobs are set to be cut. Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices That’s just seven months after INEOS laid off 250 members of staff at United. More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Jorgensen’s catastrophic error costs Blues but Caicedo a rare shining light in midfield

    BLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.Chelsea lost back-to-back gamesCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez fired Chelsea ahead inside nine minutesCredit: RexMarcus Rashford provided TWO assists for fellow new signing Marco AsensioCredit: GettyFilip Jorgensen’s howler saw Villa win 2-1Credit: ReutersBut the Blues soon fell apart after Villa loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time. Malo Gusto and Reece James couldn’t cope with Rashford – who looked like a different player from his recent woes at Old Trafford.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea with two Prem wins from nine games.Here SunSport’s Graham Hill gives his Chelsea ratings from a booming Villa Park.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSFILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.Most read in FootballMARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids. His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRIS NKUNKU- 5 Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESSUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. More

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    ‘Changed the game’ – Man Utd fans tell Ruben Amorim to start wonderkid, 17, who ‘offered more than Hojlund all season’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have begged Ruben Amorim to start whizkid Chido Obi from now on.Fans were all on the same wavelength about the 17-year-old after his performance in United’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday.Chido Obi left United fans with something to hold on to after drawing 2-2 with EvertonCredit: GettyThere have been calls for the 17-year-old to start the next gameObi replaced Hojlund inside 70 minutesCredit: AFPObi replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the 70th minute when United were 2-0 down.First-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure left Rio Ferdinand feeling “embarrassed” for his former club.But the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Obi brought a much needed change of energy and impetus.Bruno Fernandes drew one back with a free-kick just two minutes after Obi’s entrance, before Manuel Ugarte’s volley levelled things soon after.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited looked far more threatening in the final embers after a shocking first hour.And hundreds of United fans have thanked Obi for “changing the game”.One suppoter wrote: “I wish I was joking but Chido Obi did more than Hojlund in terms of linking up play.”A second said: “Obi just provided more than Hojlund has all season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother quipped: “Obi actually changed the result for us. He needs to start over Hojlund for the foreseeable.”A third said: “Hojlund has got to hold the bench. Chido Obi should be given a chance and a run of games.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdWhile one more noted: “Would start Obi against Ipswich on Wednesday.”A final fan added: ” A 17 year old academy kid is better than £72m Hojlund ✍️.”Hojlund had just 12 touches, completed zero shots at Jordan Pickford and completed just SEVEN passes.The Dane lost eight duels before he was hauled off after another disastrous afternoon. By contrast, Obi appeared mature beyond his years in his second Prem cameo – after getting the final four minutes at Spurs last Sunday.The former Arsenal wonderkid had as many touches as Hojlund – despite playing 70 minutes less.Meanwhile, the story of the match was Everton’s overturned penalty in stoppage time.United star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Referee Andy Madley pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.Amorim’s side remain 15th in the Premier League table and are one point the Toffees.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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    Premier League release statement on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West Ham as Arsenal’s title hopes collapse

    ARSENAL ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off once more following another VAR review.Lewis-Skelly, 18, and the rest of Mikel Arteta’s men endured a miserable afternoon at the Emirates as they lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham following Jarrod Bowen’s winner.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal’s Lewis-Skelly fouled West Ham star Mohammed KudusCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card for that foulCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was then sent off after a VAR reviewCredit: Premier LeagueThat shocking loss dealt a major blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes as a victory would have seen them cut down the deficit with leaders Liverpool to five points.And things got worse for the North Londoners in the 73rd minute when their teenage defender fouled Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was caught in possession on the halfway line, with the hosts pushing for an equaliser.Kudus nicked the ball off the youngster, with Arteta’s goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.Read More on ArsenalWith the forward in the clear, Lewis-Skelly lunged in to try and poke the ball away.The versatile defender made limited contact with the ball, bringing the West Ham star down, and after an initial yellow card referee Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League addressed that decision deeming the Ghana international was denied an “obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.The Prem explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”This isn’t the first time Lewis-Skelly has been sent off in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta gives his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League draw against PSV The Arsenal ace was controversially sent off against Wolves last month.He received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty.On that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as the hosts attempted to counter.But Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension. More

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    Fans can’t believe who Ed Sheeran sat next to at Ipswich vs Tottenham as they say ‘not on my 2025 bingo card’

    ED SHEERAN attended Ipswich Town’s Premier League clash against Tottenham with a surprise celebrity super fan.Sheeran, 34, is often present at Portman Road for his beloved Ipswich as he also holds a minority stake at the club.Ed Sheeran attended another match of his beloved Ipswich TownSheeran was joined by famous actor Rupert Grint at Portman RoadGrint is a well-known Tottenham super fanGrint and Sheeran watched the Premier League match between Ipswich and TottenhamThe pop star was spotted in the stands for Saturday’s Prem match, and was joined by one of the most famous British actors.And that was none other than Rupert Grint, 36, who is also a big Tottenham fan.Football enthusiasts couldn’t believe what they were seeing as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Rupert Grint & Ed Sheeran reunion was not on my 2025 bingo card.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “This is so funny bcs Rupert Grint and Ed Sheeran are basically twins and they attend the same game yet support different teams lol.”A third wrote: “Lol Rupert Grint and Ed Sheeran sat next to each other at the Spurs-Ipswich game.”This fan said: “That’s great!”And that one exclaimed: “Unbelievable!”Most read in FootballSheeran and Grint, 36, watched an entertaining encounter that saw the Harry Potter star leaving with bragging rights.Tottenham led 2-0 in the first half thanks to Brennan Johnson’s double within eight minutes.Ipswich hit back with Omari Hutchinson just 10 minutes later in front of a packed crowd.But Ange Postecoglou’s side scored a third with Djed Spence on 77 minutes to put some distance between them and the hosts.Ex-Rangers ace duets with Ed Sheeran as he sings CHRISTMAS song at intimate Ipswich promotion party with global pop starAnd Dejan Kulusevski completed Tottenham’s 4-1 triumph just six minutes before full-time.Grint is the latest celeb to join Sheeran at Portman RoadCredit: GettyPop star Sheeran holds a minority stake at IpswichCredit: GettyGrint left Ipswich with bragging rights as Tottenham won 4-1Credit: AP More

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    Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Asensio on the double after Jorgensen howler as Villa fight back

    ASTON VILLA fought back to defeat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller at Villa Park.Villa’s January loan signings Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford combined for BOTH goals as Unai Emery’s side picked up all three points.Asensio’s late second of the game came after a howler from Blues’ keeper Filip Jorgensen.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from Villa ParkFinally, some home comforts in the Premier League.After a weekend of six away wins and a draw, Unai Emery’s team finally got a hosting team on the board with a come from behind triumph against Chelsea.And much of it was down to his new loan rangers – as Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio combined twice to defeat the Blues.There’s more Premier League football tomorrow, of course – and we’ll be here to cover the action when Newcastle take on Forest, and Man City welcome Liverpool.Thanks for reading, and goodnight.Copy linkCopiedLondoners suffering from post-Xmas BluesIt all looked so good for fans of Chelsea on Christmas morning.As they unwrapped their presents, the Blues sat second in the Premier League and just four points behind leaders Liverpool. The title challenge was on.Since then, the Stamford Bridge club have spiralled – and it started the next day against local rivals Fulham.Two wins in ten since Boxing Day has Chelsea sixth in the table, and a whopping 18 points off the top.Enzo Maresca’s men have dropped 15 points from winning positions this season, and 13 of those have come since that Fulham defeat on December the 26th.Copy linkCopiedMaresca has faith in PalmerIt’s now no goals in five Premier League games for Cole Palmer, but Enzo Maresca isn’t worried about his star man.The Chelsea manager insists that the club are delighted with the form of the 22-year-old despite him wasting a couple of decent opportunities at Villa Park when the visitors were on top.Cole is a top player. Top players always want to win and play an important part but today he could not. He has some great chances that he missed but nothing changes. We are very happy with him.Enzo MarescaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMomentum shifts at Villa ParkAston Villa barely had a look-in during the opening 20 minutes this evening.But Unai Emery’s team fought back, especially after Marcus Rashford’s half-time introduction, and ultimately deserved their win.Copy linkCopiedYouri welcome for Rashford arrivalYouri Tielemans believes Marcus Rashford can make a huge impact on this Aston Villa side.Speaking after the forward’s cameo from the bench, the Belgian midfielder pointed to the forward’s ability to make things happen when dribbling at opponents.I’m very pleased with the way [Marcus Rashford] is performing now and with the two assists today. He is someone who can threaten everyone one versus one and even one versus two. He is very important for us in the way he plays because he gives us something different on the left-hand side.You could tell today every time he got the ball he was dangerous and hopefully with many more minutes in his legs he will only get better.Youri TielemansSky SportsCopy linkCopiedRashford still singing the BluesHe may be playing for a new team, but Marcus Rashford is still causing Chelsea problems.The 27-year-old set up both of Marco Asensio’s goal this evening which means he has now been directly involved in six goals in nine Premier League home games against Chelsea (four goals and two assists).Only against Arsenal (8) has Rashford registered more goals and assists against in the league.Copy linkCopiedAsensio delighted by Villa responseMarco Asensio paid tribute to the Aston Villa fans after bagging a double that sent them home happy.The Spaniard, on loan from PSG, scored twice as his new team fought back to beat Chelsea, and afterwards he revealed that he believes they are in a good shape for a European push in the final months of the season.I am so happy. The performance from the team was incredible. The atmosphere was top. I want to thank the fans for the effort that we do together. We need to continue but the team is in the right way. I am very happy for my first goals and for the win.Marco AsensioSky SportsCopy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at Villa ParkA game to remember for Marco Asensio – one to forget for Filip Jorgensen.Asensio – on loan from PSG – scored his first goals for the club after Enzo Fernandez had given Chelsea an early lead from Pedro Neto’s cross.And Marcus Rashford – a second half sub – played a part in both goals.But the late winner came as Jorgensen allowed an Asensio shot to squirm under his body. He will not want to see that again.Villa took command after the break – although Cole Palmer should have regained the lead for Chelsea only for Ezri Konsa to make a vital clearance.Chelsea really need a proven goalscorer – but Pedro Neto caused problems all evening.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Villa ParkAston Villa have now won three matches in the Premier League this season in which they trailed at half-time.It is their joint-most ever in a Premier League season along with the 2007-08 campaign.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Aston Villa 2-1 ChelseaOne down at the break, Aston Villa have rallied to prevail 2-1 at Villa Park.Marco Asensio will make the headlines with his first goals for the club, but so much changed with the half-time introduction of Marcus Rashford.The Manchester United man added intent for Villa’s forward line, and he played his part in both goals by laying them on for his fellow loanee – albeit with help from some slapstick Chelsea defending.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea90+5. Chelsea give up possession in the Villa half, and those in claret and blue pour forward.Leon Bailey leads the charge and fancies his chances as he skips beyond a defender, but on this occasion Jorgensen gets out well to block.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea90. Chelsea have seven minutes of stoppage time to rescue a game that they started so brightly……but look destined to end in the same shambolic manner of recent showings.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea89. A howler from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, and Marco Asensio looks to have won it for Aston Villa!The home side work a corner short from which Rashford pulls a waist-high cross back to the edge of the area.Asensio reacts well to meet it on the volley, but it’s an effort that is straight at Jorgensen, and one that everyone inside Villa Park expects to be smothered by the Danish stopper.But somehow the ball creeps through his hands, under his body, trickles over the line, and sends the home fans into ecstasy.A disaster for the keeper, and a damning indictment of Chelsea’s transfer dealings that have left them without a worthy number one. Copy linkCopiedAsensio at the double!Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea87. Jorgensen denies Malen!Aston Villa have a corner.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea85. Five minutes remain at Villa Park.And it’s the home side looking more likely now.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea83. Chelsea go into the final minutes, having only made two changes – and one of those was in the first ten minutes and due to an injury to Trevoh Chalobah.It’s incredible that a club can spend so much money on so many players, and then still consider themselves short of options on the bench.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea81. An Aston Villa free-kick drilled into the box causes chaos, and in the confusion, Bogarde goes down under pressure.Michael Oliver says no penalty, but VAR take a closer look at what is a pull back by Cucurella. They quickly come to the same conclusion.Well, if Ashley Young didn’t get the decision in today’s early game then this was never happening.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea79. Fernandez is off target for the visitors. The midfielder is not renowned for his scoring, but has registered four attempts and one goal this evening.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea77. Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have run their race.The attacking pair take a breather, and now it’s a chance for Leon Bailey and Donyell Malan.Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is on for Chelsea, replacing Christopher Nkunku.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at Villa ParkPedro Neto curled a shot just wide of the far post after slip by Tyrone Mings – then shot straight at Martinez.But Villa have come back into it, with half-time sub Marcus Rashford playing his part.Matty Cash’s deep ball into the Chelsea area found Rashford who squared for Marco Asensio to score his first Villa goal.A lengthy VAR check for offside followed, but the goal stood. Villa then lost Tyrone Mings as the defender failed to shake off a knock. Cole Palmer has been quiet today, but he came close to regaining the lead with 22 minutes left.It’s game on here and there for the taking from either side.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea75. Ezri Konsa saves Aston Villa!And spares his goalkeeper’s blushes in the process.A measured through ball from Moises Caicedo has Cole Palmer in on goal, and when Martinez foolishly rushes off his line and then slips twice, the Chelsea man looks certain to score.However, Palmer delays his shot and that allows just enough time for Konsa to get back and block brilliantly.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea72. Now Christopher Nkunku goes into the book for a wild swipe at Morgan Rogers.Villa have also made another switch with Andres Garcia a like-for-like replacement for Matty Cash.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea70. John McGinn is yellow carded for a foul on Marc Cucurella. In fairness, who hasn’t fantasised about kicking him over at some point?Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-1 Chelsea69. Cole Palmer hasn’t found his range this evening.Space opens up for the forward on the edge of the box, but his low curler is well wide of the far post.Copy linkCopied More