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      Chelsea release new pink and black ‘punk-inspired’ third kit for 2024-25… but fans all reckon ‘Nike tick is drunk’

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      CHELSEA have channelled their inner Johnny Rotten after releasing a daring new black third kit inspired by 1970s punk rock.But fans mostly love the shirt but noticed the oddly shaped Nike tick, after the Blues thrashed Wolves 6-2 in the Premier League on Sunday.Chelsea stars Mykhailo Mudryk and Lucy Bronze model the new kitCredit: Instagram @chelseafcMoises Caicedo models the design which is based on the ‘punk rock’ explosion born in ChelseaCredit: Instagram @chelseafcThe anthracite grey and black shirt and shorts are complemented by illuminous pink and yellow trim.There is also a particular nod to the women’s game, with an upturned vertical Nike swoosh intended as a symbol celebrating its progress.The jersey also includes a fabric with ripped-up, clashing punk patterns, but the Stamford Bridge club have not confirmed a sponsor yet.Other changes see the Chelsea lion emblem coming in to replace the club’s traditional badge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNew women’s signing Lucy Bronze, who also wore a punk scarf, featured alongside Moises Caicedo and Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk for the promo pictures.Chelsea have said the kit is based on the ‘punk rock explosion’ that was born in Chelsea five decades ago.A club statement said: “Born in Chelsea, punk was all about youth, trailblazing energy and standing out – being not like anybody else. It’s part of who we are.​”The West London outfit first introduced a black shirt as their away shirt in 2002/03 and have regularly featured the colour in kits ever since.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was debuted by Chelsea Women in a pre-season fixture with Arsenal in the United States on Sunday.Fans both love and hate the shirt, with one saying: “The Nike tick is drunk.”Noni Madueke says ‘I’m sure Wolverhampton is a lovely town’ after Chelsea star’s accidental X-rated postA second wrote: “What the hell happened to that Nike logo?”Before another added: “Were Nike drunk when they made this Chelsea 3rd kit? Just can’t fathom why the tick is vertical?”But another X user declared: “Damn Nike cooked.”A fifth replied: “This unbelievable. I like it more than our other kits this year.”Fans were enraged with the new home shirt when it was released in June.The new home jersey takes the blue base, but features various swirls of lighter colours to replicate the effects of a paintbrush or oil spill.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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      Arne Slot savages Jamie Carragher with six-word put down in brutal moment on live TV after Liverpool win

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      LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot left club legend Jamie Carragher in stitches with a brutal comment following his Anfield debut.The Reds earned a 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.Arne Slot said: ‘Does anyone ever listen to him?’ while pointing at Jamie CarragherCredit: Sky SportsCarragher found it hilariousCredit: Sky SportsNew boss Slot was in high spirits at full-time and took a moment to poke fun at Carragher before being interviewed live on Sky Sports.While the ex-Liverpool defender was discussing his former team’s performance, presenter Kelly Cates chimed in to say: “I’m not even listening, Arne Slot’s here,” before reaching out to shake the Dutchman’s hand.Slot was then quick to joke: “Does anyone ever listen to him?”Carragher found it hilarious, as did fellow pundits Izzy Christiansen and Jamie Redknapp.Read More in FootballHe even shared the clip on social media with a caption that read: “Arne Slot just putting me away on his Anfield debut!!”Fans were quick to comment, with one person writing: “Arne is brilliant!”Another wrote: “Arne Slot my GOAT.”While a third said: “My manager!!!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSlot was thrilled with his team’s performance at full-time.Asked what he thought during his post-match press conference, the Dutchman said: “Positive for many reasons.Arne Slot casually swears in middle of Liverpool press conference as fans say ‘I love him already’ “I think Brentford showed last week with their first goal, but in general also in their first game, that they can play out from the back really good.”They tried to do this here as well, sometimes it worked better than other moments but they are also really threatening on the counter-attack and they are obviously a big threat on set-pieces, and I think the only threat they had today was the set-piece where Alisson saved us in the second half.”It was also pleasing to see that from their set-piece we could score our first goal.” More

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      Watch Wan-Bissaka ‘turn into prime Cafu’ in first game after leaving Man Utd as fans joke he’s escaped ‘curse’

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      FOOTBALL fans were impressed with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s West Ham debut following his summer move from Manchester United.The 26-year-old joined Julen Lopetegui’s side in a £15million transfer earlier this month.Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressed on his West Ham debutCredit: GettyFans said he was like ‘prime Cafu’Credit: GettyHe did not feature in last weekend’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.But he came off the bench to make his West Ham debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Wan-Bissaka was introduced in the 62nd minute to replace Michail Antonio.And it took just five minutes for the right-back to have an impact on the match.Read More in FootballWan-Bissaka skipped past two Palace players before dribbling the ball deep into the opposition half and passing to Jarrod Bowen.The passage of play ended with Tomas Soucek firing the ball past Dean Henderson, putting West Ham 1-0 up.Fans praised Wan-Bissaka for his role in the goal, with one person likening him to legendary Brazilian full-back Cafu.They took to X to comment: “Aaron Wan-Bissaka turning into prime Cafu the moment he leaves Manchester United.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother wrote: “I’m never getting over that run from AWB.”A third said: “AWB is a beast! And a gent for not celebrating against his old side.”Did Mazraoui Just Solve Man Utd’s Attacking Problems? | Tactics ExposedWhile a fourth joked: “Wan-Bissaka lifting the curse of being a Man U player…”West Ham went on to win 2-0 thanks to goals from Soucek and Bowen.They next face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday. More

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      Fans amazed by Chelsea star Pedro Neto’s wild celebration against former club Wolves despite not even scoring

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      FANS were left stunned after Pedro Neto’s wild celebration against his former side Wolves – and he did not even score the goal.The Portugal winger left the Molineux for £54m a fortnight ago but assisted fellow new signing Joao Felix for Chelsea’s final goal of their 6-2 victory.Pedro Neto was carried as helped Chelsea celebrate their sixth goal at WolvesCredit: AlamyBut it was Joao Felix that scored from Neto’s assistCredit: AlamyThe etiquette of how to celebrate when a footballer scores against their former team seems a trivial consideration – but it’s a dilemma many fans take issue with.Having only joined Chelsea a week before their season started in defeat against Manchester City, Neto seemed to quickly forget about the five years he’d spent growing as a player at the Old Gold.When the 24-year-old was introduced at half-time for Mykhailo Mudryk, he received a warm welcome on his first return.But Wolves collapsed after the break and Neto enjoyed a solid cameo to set up former Atletico star Joao Felix down the left flank. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Molineux winger looked ecstatic as he leaped in celebration with his new team-mates who wrapped their arms around him as they ran.Neto then jumped and straddled his legs around Chelsea’s hat-trick hero Noni Madueke.And fans are as split as ever on this, with one writing: “This guy has no shame whatsoever, didn’t even score and celebrated like this against his former club.”A second said: “Wow. That celebration from Neto got me in tears💀.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third replied: “That celebration was too intense😂.”While most Blues supporters loved it, with another adding: “I can’t stop watching them celebrate. This is beautiful!😂”Noni Madueke says ‘I’m sure Wolverhampton is a lovely town’ after Chelsea star’s accidental X-rated postBefore another fan noted: “I have re-watched Felix’s goal and Neto’s celebration over and over again.”Neto later posted on X: “Always special to comeback to a place that means a lot to me. Good win +3. We continue let’s go!”Wolves fans felt disrespected in more ways than one on Sunday after Madueke’s X-rated social media comments before kick-off.The Chelsea winger mistakenly shared an Instagram message showing his location as Wolverhampton and added: “Everything about this place is s***.”And to make matters worse the former PSV star went on to bag a 14 minute second half hat-trick to put the final nail in Wolves’ coffin.The 24-year-old star man, who received a hostile reaction from fans inside the Moleniux, did apologise for his faux-pas in his post match interview.Meanwhile, it’s the first time Chelsea have won away at Wolves since September 2019 – where Frank Lampard guided them to a 5-2 victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESInterestingly enough Tammy Abraham bagged 21 minute hat-trick that day – but Kepa is the only player from that XI that remains at Chelsea, for now.Bournemouth are interested in loaning Kepa until June 2025.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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      Man City hero Jack Grealish becomes an uncle for the first time as his younger sister gives birth to baby son

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      FOOTIE’S Jack Grealish has become an uncle for the first time.Sister Kiera, 22, and her boyfriend Josh Murphy told of baby Ruben’s arrival on Instagram.Jack Grealish has become an uncle for the first time – pictured with his sister, new mum KieraCredit: Keira Grealish/instagramBaby Ruben’s arrival was revealed online by his parents Keira and JoshCredit: Kiera Grealish/InstagramShe said: “Never felt a love like it.”Manchester City winger Jack, 28, shared the picture of his nephew alongside blue heart emojis, saying: “Perfect news.”It comes just weeks after Jack revealed he and long-term partner Sasha Attwood, 28, are expecting their first child.He posted a snap of him holding Sasha’s baby bump and said: “Life’s biggest blessing.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England star is incredibly close with Kiera, as well as his other younger sister Hollie.In March, Kiera told her followers she was expecting a baby boy in the summer during a sweet gender reveal.She was filmed popping a huge balloon with model partner Josh, before the pair were covered with blue confetti.Jack and Sasha both left a string of pale blue heart emojis underneath the video.Most read in FootballGrealish and Sasha have been dating for over a decade after meeting at school.Watch sweet moment Jack Grealish says ‘do you still like me-‘ to young Aston Villa fan who asks him to sign shirtJack described the birth as ‘perfect news’Credit: Kiera Grealish/InstagramGrealish’s long-term partner Sasha Attwood (left) with his sister Kiera at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea hat-trick hero Noni Madueke’s incredible stats against Wolves after stealing show on and off the pitch

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      NONI MADUEKE stepped up to his role as pantomime villain and silenced the Wolves crowd in spectacular fashion.Chelsea ran riot at Molineux, winning a thrilling game 6-2 as Madueke scored a hat-trick. Noni Madueke scored a fantastic hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 winCredit: ReutersMadueke lived up to the role as pantomime villainCredit: AlamyThe winger hit the headlines before the match for accidentally posting on his Instagram story with Wolverhampton as the tagged location: “Everything about this place is s***.”Madueke deleted it soon after and responded: “Damn wrong Instagram account. You lot are too fast.”But by that point it was already guaranteed that he would be jeered by the home fans.Yet Madueke responded brilliantly under pressure and produced a devastating performance on the right-wing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made only 15 passes but took just six shots – and was clinical when he received the ball.The 22-year-old hugged the touchline and exposed Wolves’ attacking left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri whenever he went forward or drifted inside.Madueke’s three goals were all incredibly similar, making wide runs to allow for team-mates like Cole Palmer to find him with simple through balls.His shots were low and hard beyond Jose Sa, who fast became sick of picking the ball out of his net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe boos inspired Madueke to his best performance in a Chelsea shirt and he may now love the town of Wolverhampton.In fact, it should even feel like home as he has now scored more goals at Molineux (three) than he has netted at Stamford Bridge (two) in 18 matches.Player Ratings vs Wolves 25/08/2024After demolishing Wolves, Madueke addressed his post-match comments, saying: “I just want to apologise to everyone that I might have offended. It is just a human mistake, an accident. “It wasn’t meant to be out on my socials like that. I’m sure Wolverhampton is a nice town and I’m sorry.”It was a mistake and you learn from those things. Hopefully nothing like that happens again.”In terms of the boos, I expected it but it is part of the game. You have to be able to play under that sort of pressure.”Madueke was also praised by his boss Enzo Maresca, who said: “I didn’t know about Noni’s social post before the game.”I can judge Noni’s performance, which was fantastic. Since day one I said he’s the kind of winger I really like.”The best thing was not the hat-trick but the way he defended their counter attack and that showed the right mentality of what I’m demanding from the players.”Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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      Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah lined up by Nottingham Forest’s Premier League rivals after transfer breaks down

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      EDDIE NKETIAH’S move to Nottingham Forest has broken down after an agreement with the Arsenal striker could not be reached.And now Crystal Palace have entered their name into the mix after the Eagles identified him as a potential competition for Jean-Philippe Mateta.Eddie Nketiah move to Nottingham Forest has been called offCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old striker could not agree on personal terms after Arsenal and Forest had negotiated on a £30m fee ahead of a summer exit.Palace – who have held a long-standing interest in the Gunners academy product – could now swoop in if they can match Arsenal’s evaluation of the player.The South London club are now considering a loan with an obligation to buy for Nketiah, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.Nketiah has been looking for a new club during this window after demanding more first team football to boss Mikel Arteta – something the Spaniard cannot give him.READ MORE ON ARSENALMarseille also saw talks collapse earlier this month having failed to offer a big enough up-front fee.The French side have since signed striker Elye Wahi from Lens.Nketiah has scored 38 goals in 168 games for Arsenal after coming through their academy.He netted six times in 37 appearances for Arteta’s side in the 2023-24 campaign but has been an unused substitute in both of their Premier League games this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNketiah’s Arsenal contract runs until June 2027 after he signed a new deal in 2022.Forest have been seeking to bolster their forward options which already include Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyArsenal ratings vs Aston Villa: Raya and Saliba rock solid at the back but Martinelli toothlessARSENAL made sure to keep pace with Manchester City as they bagged a late 2-0 win against bogey team Aston Villa.Timely goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey helped Mikel Arteta maintain a 100 per cent start to the season.But they owed a lot to keeper David Raya who somehow denied Ollie Watkins at 0-0.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners stars…DAVID RAYA – 9/10Other than watching Watkins’ shot dribble wide, a fairly quiet first half before a smart save to halt Rogers’ flick across goal.He then pulled off an unbelievable stop on the line to deny a Watkins header, getting up off the floor after a deflected shot smacked the bar and bounced out.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Showed his quality in the opening few minutes to break Villa’s tricky block before leaving Onana in a heap with a hefty body check.Likely to keep this starting spot ahead of Zinchenko.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Immense. Watkins barely had a sniff up against him. Arsenal’s difference-maker in these tight, nervy games.In a rare instance, lost his temper with McGinn in the first half, but regained his composure and was a rock at the back.Made a late lung-busting run back to block a late counter and celebrated like it was a goal.GABRIEL – 5Very lucky not to hand Villa the lead. Stripped on the edge of his box claiming a foul but thankful to see Watkins somehow drag his effort wide.Picked up a needless yellow in the second half for wild challenge on Onana. One of his poorer games in an Arsenal shirt with mistakes that should have been punished.BEN WHITE – 7Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Villa lethal on the counter, covering superbly.In pure White fashion, started a melee after smacking a ball into McGinn for doing the same to Saliba, with an expressionless look on his face throughout.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Brilliantly stopped several early Villa counters and showed good physicality in his entertaining battle against McGinn.Looked leggy late on but kept on by Arteta, and rewarded his manager with a rare goal.DECLAN RICE – 7Drove forward more with Partey sitting deeper. Lovely pass in behind for Havertz which should have been finished off.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Kept things ticking with some cute passes in the Villa final third and threw around plenty of tackles in the middle of the pitch.Played in Saka in the 64th minute but the winger opted not to shoot, but three minutes later teed up Saka again to provide for Trossard.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5Had an early chance to break free down the left but his delivery into Saka was under hit.Was just as lacklustre after the break and lucky to stay on for as long as he did, coming off in the 65th minute.BUKAYO SAKA – 8Looked to have put Arsenal ahead after 15 minutes but for a wonderful Martinez fingertip save.Through on goal in the second half, he wrongly chose to try and round the Villa keeper and made a mess of his finish.But, all that matters are his assists for Trossard and Partey – his persistence paid off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Unlucky not to find the net from a scrappy corner, hitting the bar with a toe poke. Wasteful in Villa’s box with two great chances squandered.Worked hard, but not as clinical as he has been.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 65) – 9Almost gave Villa the lead within seconds of coming on, losing Ezri Konsa at a free-kick with a volley looping just wide.But then, he pops up in the other box and instinctively curls in a beautiful finish.Played his part in Partey’s strike too with a perfect run in behind.RICCARDO CALAFIORI (TIMBER, 80) – 6Premier League debut for the Italian. Got in the good books of Arsenal fans by winding up Martinez almost instantly.REISS NELSON (SAKA, 87) – N/AArsenal themselves may need to dip into the market for another striker regardless of whether Nketiah gets his move or not with Gabriel Jesus injured yet again.The Brazilian – plagued with hamstring and knee issues last term – missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Aston Villa with a “slight groin issue” that will require an MRI scan this week.However, should Jesus’ layoff be minor then Arteta has suggested he is more than happy with his attacking options with or without Nketiah in the squad.Nketiah, who has been capped once by England, joined Arsenal in 2015 from Chelsea’s youth system.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Why Cole Palmer’s Chelsea goal vs Wolves should NOT have stood… with VAR unable to intervene due to little-known rule

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      COLE PALMER’S stunning goal against Wolves should NOT have stood – but VAR was unable to intervene due a little-known rule.The Chelsea star scored a worldie on Sunday as his side cruised to a 6-2 win at Molineux.Cole Palmer’s goal ‘should not have stood’ in Chelsea’s 6-2 win over WolvesA little-known rule prevented VAR from punishing Robert Sanchez for his ‘rolling’ passNicolas Jackson opened the scoring after just two minutes in the Midlands.While Noni Madueke netted a hat-trick in the thrashing, with all three goals laid on by Palmer.And there was also a strike for Joao Felix on his second Chelsea debut with an assist from ex-Wolves star Pedro Neto.But Palmer’s goal was the pick of the bunch as he capitalised on a mistake from Jose Sa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stopper was well off his line when Palmer received a headed ball from Jackson to his feet.Chelsea’s key man did not hesitate to pull the trigger as he beautifully lobbed the retreating Sa.And fans reacted by declaring it was already a contender for Goal of the Season.However, eagle-eyed fans have since spotted that Palmer’s goal should not have stood at all.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s after beIN SPORTS showed evidence that the “pre-assist” pass from goalie Robert Sanchez to Jackson was illegal.The Spaniard fired out a great long pass to his striker after a restart.Stunned fans say ‘this guy is ready to throw anyone under the bus’ as Enzo Maresca lays into yet another Chelsea star But slow-motion footage showed that the ball was still rolling when Sanchez launched his goal kick.Speaking on beIN SPORTS, host Richard Keys said: “It’s rolling. Strictly speaking it should be disallowed.”Technically, that meant play should have been restarted, thereby preventing Palmer from netting his wonder strike.And Chelsea were saved thanks to a little-known rule that VAR officials do not check restarts as part of their protocol.As Palmer’s strike came from an onside position, with Jackson also in front of Wolves’ defence, officials at Stockley Park had no reason to rule it out.And only intervention at the time from referee Darren England could have prevented play from continuing towards Jackson and Palmer.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More