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      Chelsea player ratings: N’Golo Kante a welcome return to the Blues XI but Bruno Saltor’s men suffer in front of goal

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      CHELSEA smashed a Premier League record in their clash with Liverpool – but not one they would want.The goalless draw at Stamford Bridge was the fourth in row between the sides, including two after extra time in last season’s cup finals – the longest run EVER between two top flight sides.
      N’Golo Kante returned to the starting XI to play LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s Joao Felix missed a brilliant opportunity to put his side ahead in the first halfCredit: Getty
      The Blues sacked Graham Potter last week so Bruno Saltor took charge of his first game, but failed to get the win they so desperately need.
      Chelsea had plenty of chances to win the game, with both Joao Felix and Mateo Kovacic fluffing opportunities in both halves.
      Kai Havertz also had a goal ruled out by VAR after he was adjudged to have handled it into the net.
      Ultimately, the West London side played well, but like most of the season, they struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.

      Here’s how SunSport’s Matt Penn rated the Blues’ performances…
      Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
      The Spaniard made some decent saves, including one from Joe Gomez’s first-half effort, which looked destined to nestle in the top corner.
      Largely untroubled otherwise.
      Reece James – 8
      Chelsea’s driving force all evening was James.
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      He has struggled for form and fitness since recovering from a knee injury at the beginning of the year.
      When he’s on it, he’s unstoppable.
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      Wesley Fofana – 8
      Shades of John Terry in the first half when he blocked a Fabinho shot off the line with the first 45 minutes coming to an end.
      Commanded his back line well throughout and looked every bit a £75million centre-half as he willed Chelsea on in the second half with some lung-busting runs.
      Wesley Fofana was brilliant for Chelsea in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool
      Kalidou Koulibaly – 6
      Calm and composed throughout but didn’t have much to do at all.
      Could have passed forward at times he decided to pass back to Arrizabalaga.
      Marc Cucurella – 7
      Better performance this time after his horror show against Aston Villa at the weekend.
      The Spaniard has lacked consistency since joining but will hope he’s found his feet now.
      Ben Chilwell – 7
      Assured performance from Chilwell, who provided darting runs in behind and lofted a few nice balls over the top for the onrushing Joao Felix. Rarely has a bad game.
      Came off for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
      Enzo Fernandez – 8
      Brilliant in the middle of the park for Chelsea.
      The Argentine World Cup winner rarely gives the ball away and always finds the right pass when he’s put under pressure.
      Enzo Fernandez was controlled in the middle of the park against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Mateo Kovacic – 7
      The Croatian had a good game in midfield, but he misses out on an eight here due to his glorious chances going to waste in the first and second half.
      He should’ve pulled the trigger sooner on both occasions, and it ultimately cost him.
      N’Golo Kante – 8
      A welcome return to the Chelsea starting XI.
      The little Frenchman nearly looked backed to his best, making various interceptions and laying the ball off to his two midfield partners and attacking team-mates.
      Came off for Conor Gallagher in the 69th minute.
      Joao Felix – 7
      Chelsea’s best player when on the ball. But he should really have more goals to his name. He fluffed a chance in the first half after a brilliant run to go one-on-one with Alisson.
      And then he failed to pull the trigger again in the second after he approached the inside of the box.
      Kai Havertz – 6
      An okay performance from Havertz, whose lack of close control lets him down in the final third and in tight spaces.
      Had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball and still celebrated like a madman despite knowing it hit his hand.
      Kai Havertz had a goal ruled out by VAR in the first half against LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
      Subs
      Conor Gallagher – 6
      Did a job in midfield, shored things up and did what Bruno Saltor wanted him to just fine.
      Mykhaylo Mudryk – 5
      Didn’t have much time to make an impact but won the Blues a couple of late corners.
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      Raheem Sterling – N/A
      Couldn’t affect the game too much after coming on for Joao Felix. Was heavily booed by the Liverpool fans. More

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      Fans slam Kai Havertz’s ‘shameless’ celebration after handball in build up to goal against Liverpool

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      FOOTBALL fans slammed Kai Havertz’s decision to celebrate his goal before it was ruled out in Chelsea’s stalemate with Liverpool.The Blues forward, 23, went through one-on-one with Reds keeper Alisson in the second half of the Blues’ 0-0 draw on Tuesday night.
      Kai Havertz’s goal was ruled out for the ball hitting him on the armCredit: Getty

      Replays swiftly saw VAR disallow the goalCredit: Getty
      Havertz celebrated the goal despite knowing it had hit his armCredit: Getty
      His initial effort was saved by the Brazilian keeper, but it ricocheted back off Havertz and rolled into the net.
      Everyone around Stamford Bridge initially felt it was a legitimate goal as Havertz ran off to the corner to celebrate with his Chelsea team-mates.
      However, replays instantly showed that the ball had been turned in off his arm.
      It was swiftly disallowed by VAR as the home fans were left in despair.
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      And those on social media were quick to criticise Havertz for his decision to celebrate given he had put the ball in with his arm.
      One said: “Havertz is so shameless for celebrating that.”
      Another replied: “How did Havertz celebrate knowing it was handball 😭😭.”
      A third added: “The cheek of Havertz to celebrate that goal knowing he handled it 😭😭😭.”
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      And a fourth responded: “Lmao, why did Havertz even bother to celebrate there? Absolute clown.”
      The disallowed goal denied Havertz a third in four Premier League games.
      And his overall tally for the season remains somewhat unimpressive – nine in 37 appearances.
      Chelsea continue to struggle for goals having scored just 29 in the league – fewer than sides such as Leeds and Leicester.
      And the draw with Liverpool leaves them down in 11th place, 11 points adrift of the Champions League places.
      Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s side are also set to miss out on the top four as they sit seven points adrift of Spurs. More

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      Arsenal fans all have same theory about Liverpool after watching match against Chelsea

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      ARSENAL fans all have the same conspiracy theory after seeing Liverpool’s line-up for their clash with Chelsea.Jurgen Klopp made six changes ahead of their battle against the Blues at Stamford Bridge – with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk all absent.
      Ibrahima Konate was one of the few key players left in the starting 11 by Jurgen Klopp for the Chelsea game
      The decision came after they were dismantled by Manchester City last Saturday.
      And Arsenal supporters were convinced Jurgen Klopp was saving stars’ legs for their home clash with the Gunners on Sunday – as he doesn’t want them to win the league.
      One fan wrote: “Klopp dreads Arteta. He lost to City on purpose. He rests his best for Arsenal. We will thrash them at Anfield.”
      Whilst another added: “No way Klopp is resting Salah, Van Dijk & Trent for the Arsenal game”
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      One fan even suggested that an Arsenal win at the weekend would send the Liverpool boss’ career into decline.
      They wrote: “He despises Arsenal. Legacy declining game for Klopp this weekend because his era looks worse with an Arsenal title.”
      Jamie Carragher suggested that Klopp’s decision to rest so many key players was partly down to their poor performance against Man City.
      He said: “What he has done since he came in is certain players play every game.
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      “Some of those don’t tonight. Van Dijk possibly down to illness, Trent, Salah and Robertson are others.
      “He has changed mainstays from years gone by. Is that due to City performance or three tough games in a week? A bit of both.
      “The Etihad performance will be on his mind and he had to make changes.”
      Liverpool host the high flying Gunners at the weekend and despite Arteta’s side being in electric form the Spaniard has never beaten Klopp at Anfield in the league. More

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      Chelsea fans demand Wesley Fofana is given John Terry’s shirt number after incredible block against Liverpool

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      CHELSEA fans are in awe of Wesley Fofana – with one fan saying he should be handed John Terry’s No 26 shirt.The Blues shut out Jurgen Klopp’s side as their first game since sacking Graham Potter ended goalless.
      Wesley Fofana was brilliant in the first half for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Wesley Fofana has Chelsea fans drooling on social media after his sensational blockCredit: Getty
      But Chelsea had numerous chances to go ahead in the first 10 minutes of the game before things slowed down.
      Liverpool, however, grew into the game and began to get forward themselves.
      As the end of the half approached, the Reds piled pressure on and a late corner came into the box.
      The ball ultimately fell to Fabinho, who controlled the ball before volleying an effort that looked destined for the corner.

      But £75million signing Fofana got his head in the way to ensure Chelsea went in at the break with the score at 0-0.
      And Blues fans were absolutely loving it on social media.
      One fan said: “WOOOOOW! What a goal line block by Wesley Fofana! That’s one of the best headed blocks I have EVER seen.”
      Another added: “What a block by Wesley Fofana though.”
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      John Terry is now a coach at Chelsea’s famous academyCredit: Getty
      While a third wrote: “That vital block Wesley Fofana made in the box in stoppage time. Unbelievable.”
      Another Blues supporter said: “Fofana nice block, I like this guy, good signing just need him to stay fit.”
      And another went as far to say that Fofana should be handed the famed 26 shirt worn by Terry throughout his career – which is currently held by Kalidou Koulibaly.
      He wrote: “Should have given Fofana JT’s #26 shirt instead of the Senegalese Sylvain Distin.” More

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      Chelsea fans all say the same thing as Frank Lampard is spotted back at Stamford Bridge for Liverpool clash

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      FRANK LAMPARD was spotted at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s goalless draw with Liverpool on Tuesday evening.The former Blues head coach, 44, has been out of work since being sacked by Everton in January.
      Fraank Lampard was back at the Bridge for the Liverpool clashCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Blues legend looked happy to be in the standsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      He was seen by the Sky Sports cameras keeping a close eye on the match as he watched the club he scored a record 211 goals for during his 13-year stint as a player in West London.
      And SunSport exclusively revealed Chelsea are considering bringing Lampard back to the club as caretaker boss for the rest of the season.
      Lampard’s visit to Stamford Bridge comes just 48 hours after Chelsea sacked Graham Potter.
      Interim boss Bruno Saltor took charge of the clash with Liverpool as the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are linked with the permanent position.
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      But some Chelsea supporters were calling for the club to get Lampard back after seeing him at the Bridge – while their side laboured to a frustrating stalemate.
      Reacting to an image of him in the crowd on social media, one person said: “Interim till end of season??”
      Another replied: “Sign him up 💙.”
      And a third responded: “Bring him back.”
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      But a few were vehemently against the idea.
      Lampard spent 18 months in charge of Chelsea from July 2019 to January 2021.
      He was sacked with a 52 per cent win ratio and replaced by Thomas Tuchel – who went on to win the Champions League less than six months later.
      Lampard then joined Everton in January 2022 but was dismissed less than 12 months later with the Toffees languishing in the relegation zone.
      And plenty of Chelsea fans were quick to quash any thought of him returning.
      One said: “Man needs to stay away from [Behdad] Eghbali before he mistakenly appoints him for the job.”
      Another added: “Frank out.”
      And a third responded: “Whatever he’s cooking he should stop…Chelsea is not taking him back.” More

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      Leicester 1 Aston Villa 2: Traore scores stunning late winner to plunge ten-man Foxes deeper into relegation battle

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      BERTRAND TRAORE’S last-gasp stunner means Adam Sadler’s Leicester City could be Going Overboard.Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace saw the Foxes slip into the bottom three, cost Brendan Rodgers his job and left the club desperate for a glimmer of hope tonight.
      Bertrand Traore curled in brilliantly to grab the winner for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      The forward curled in beautifully to sink the FoxesCredit: Rex
      But that was smashed to smithereens after an almighty cock-up by Wilfred Ndidi gifted Traore the winner on 87 minutes.
      The sucker punch came after Harvey Barnes had looked like Leicester’s hero once again with a stunning 36th-minute equaliser to cancel out Ollie Watkins’ 24th-minute opener.
      There was chaos in the dying seconds when referee Graham Scott pointed to the spot for what looked like a penalty to Leicester after a tussle between Watkins on Patskon Daka.
      But a VAR check showed Daka had actually shoved the ex-Brentford striker and the decision was overturned after Scott checked the monitor.
      The result has plunged the Foxes further into the relegation mire in 19th place and just 25 points.
      For Villa, boss Unai Emery said he would have finally started dreaming about Europe if his side won here having now charged up the table into seventh and just two points off Brighton in sixth.
      And ex-Brentford striker Watkins has been the beating heart of Villa’s glittering run.
      He toasted his 100th Prem appearance with his eighth goal in ten games.
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      Only Christian Benteke (42), Dean Saunders (37) and John Carew (36) scored as many goals in their first 100 Premier League games for Villa as Watkins (36).
      All the headlines had been about Jamie Vardy, 36, making his first Prem start since 21 January.
      And he had a glint in his eye from the offset, making a crunch tackle on Ezri Konsa to set the tone.
      From then the hosts were building but Harry Souttar scuppered two golden chances to put them ahead following James Maddison’s inch-perfect delivery.
      Barnes then broke free with a blistering run and whipped a cross into the box but Vardy was unable to make the crucial touch.

      Ollie Watkins got his sixth in six on the road as he rolled inCredit: Rex
      Harvey Barnes levelled with a superb solo effortCredit: Reuters
      It had all been Leicester so it must have felt like a dagger in their heart when Villa were the ones to break the deadlock.
      Emiliano Buendia found Watkins with a cute through ball before the striker cheekily nudged the ball just beyond Daniel Iversen.
      There was a brief VAR check for offside but the goal stood meaning Watkins has now hit a whopping six goals in six games on the road.
      But Leicester were having none of it and hit back stronger than ever, finding the leveller 12 minutes later.
      Wout Faes sprayed a long ball out to Barnes who burst past Ashley Young and side-footed the ball across Emiliano Martinez and into the corner.
      Barnes may well be the reason the Foxes survive this season, with him hitting his best-ever Prem goal tally of ten and becoming the club’s top scorer this term.
      On 87 minutes Bertrand Traore came on for Leon Bailey and instantly won it for the visitors with his first goal for Villa since May 2021.
      Ndidi passed the ball straight to Traore 22 yards out and he curled a beauty into the top corner.
      Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, centre, was sent off for two bookingsCredit: Alamy
      Harry Souttar put his free header against the postCredit: Reuters
      Leicester thought they had an injury-time penalty before VAR intervenedCredit: Reuters
      James Maddison limped off after going downCredit: Alamy
      Here’s how the action unfolded at the King Power…

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      Leeds 2 Nottingham Forest 1: Steve Cooper on the brink after devastating defeat to relegation rivals

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      STEVE COOPER’S job looked safe for all of eight minutes. Orel Mangala’s eighth-minute opener catapulted Nottingham Forest up to 13th, piling the pressure on to Leeds in this crunch relegation clash. 
      Steve Cooper cut a deflated figure after Nottingham Forest lost to LeedsCredit: PA
      Orel Mangala had given Forest the leadCredit: PA
      However Jack Harrison equalised eight minutes laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Luis Sinisterra fired in the winning goal just before half timeCredit: Getty
      Yet the Forest boss is now praying for another stay of execution from owner Evangelos Marinakis after throwing this one away.  
      Goals from Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra leaves them 17th, without a win since February and with a pitiful six points on the road all season. 
      The volatile Greek’s show of loyalty back in October, handing Cooper a new contract instead of sacking him when the going got tough, was admired by all. 
      Marinakis stuck back then but with the threat of an immediate relegation looming larger than ever – and after splurging £160million on transfers – now could be the time to twist and make Cooper the 13th managerial casualty of this crazy campaign. 
      Leeds were good value for this priceless victory which leapfrogs them up five places from 18th to 13th. 
      Harrison started the comeback, firing through Keylor Navas after the keeper could only parry Marc Roca’s 25-yard effort. 
      But Sinisterra was the star – and how different their season might have been if the silky winger had stayed out of the treatment room.
      Providing a bit of X-factor in West Yorkshire, the Colombian trickster was a menace all night and his stunner could prove the final nail in Cooper’s coffin. 
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      Whatever happens, the Welshman will be a legend for life in Nottingham for taking over a ragtag bunch at the bottom of the Championship and ending their 23-year Prem exile eight months later. 
      And the travelling fans let their feelings known to Marinakis, singing Cooper’s name long before kick off. 
      They started the night one point above safety and it was almost a dream start, only for Emmanuel Dennis to stab a terribly cleared corner off the post from a couple of yards. 
      So woeful on the road all season, Cooper’s boys – set up to counter – started brilliantly and silenced Elland Road 12 minutes in. 
      Right back Luke Ayling was at fault, giving the ball away with an awful headed clearance. 
      Danilo fed Dennis down the left and he did brilliantly to tee up Mangala at the top of the box, with the Belgian midfielder taking one touch past Sinisterra’s weak challenge before burying in the bottom corner. 
      A great team goal – only their fifth on the road all campaign-  it was Mangala’s first since signing from Stuttgart last summer. 
      But the mardy Leeds supporters were smiling again just eight minutes later however when Harrison bagged his third in four games. 
      Emmanuel Dennis struck the post for ForstCredit: Getty
      The winger started it by darting in off the right and laying it off to Marc Roca 25 yards out. 
      His stinger proved too hot for Navas, who palmed it straight to the onrushing Harrison to bury. 
      It was all Leeds now in this error-strewn scrap as Forest stopped playing, and Sinisterra put the hosts ahead just before the break with a beauty.
      Twisting and turning as he came into the box from the left flank, Neco Williams was made to look like a Sunday league plodder as the South American did him all ends before and bent into the far corner.  
      Forest’s early swagger was clearly a flash in the pan as it was Leeds who continued to dominate. 
      Harrison and Sinisterra both flashed wide before Patrick Bamford butchered a huge chance from 12 yards. 
      Forest huffed and puffed but Whites keeper Illan Meslier was a bystander all second half. 
      Whites interim boss Javi Gracia is only here until the end of the season at present but he is making a strong case to be kept on next term too. 
      Javi Garcia and Leeds are now up to 14th placeCredit: Getty
      Steve Cooper is facing the sack from ForestCredit: Getty
      Cooper made five subs as the game ticked on, trying anything to save his – and Forest’s – skin. 
      Elland Road was nervy as hell whenever the visitors got near their box. 
      But the Reds never came close to scoring as Leeds held on to leave them outside of the bottom three only on goal difference and Cooper clinging on for dear life.
      Over to you, Evangelos. 
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      Bournemouth 0 Brighton 2: Ferguson scores again to boost Seagulls’ European hopes as Cherries’ relegation fears worsen

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      EVAN FERGUSON looks like a striker destined for the Champions League – and he might just fire Brighton there.The 18-year-old looks full of confidence and dumped Bournemouth back into the bottom three with an inspired finish on a night that showed the true value of a natural goalscorer.
      Evan Ferguson is making a name for himself at BrightonCredit: Getty
      Bournemouth will have confidence they can get back out based on the fight showed here, though it was in vain as sub Julio Enciso killed off any comeback with his first Albion goal in added time.
      Brighton’s success this season, which sees them still truly in the hunt for a top four place, has been built on collective effort – a well-oiled machine.
      But with that not quite running smoothly here in the face of a bruising Bournemouth side, it was composure and calm finishing that got them through.
      Ferguson is somewhat of a throwback striker, a towering figure for his age who can do a bit of everything.
      Back in the starting XI after picking up a knock on international duty, the youngster was battling defenders, winning headers and then showing a superb touch in the six-yard box to open the scoring.
      Captain Dunk had them in behind Bournemouth with a superb outside of the boot ball down the left flank.
      Pervis Estupinan picked things up but saw his cross pushed back to the feet of Kaoru Mitoma.
      The Japan international sent a low ball into Ferguson, who clipped into the far corner with a cool backheel – showing the composure and nous of a centre forward ten years his senior.
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      It was the sort of clinical touch Gary O’Neil would love to have seen on display from Hamed Traore.
      The midfielder, wonderfully played through one-on-one by Jefferson Lerma, somehow managed to prod the ball wide from ten yards.
      Jason Steele had got away with one, but the Seagulls stopper was sharp when tested either side of Traore’s sitter by Dominic Solanke, palming away two powerful strikes.
      The second effort fell back to Traore, who was denied his redemption by Adam Webster throwing himself in front of goal.
      There was no let up after the break, Solanke firing agonisingly over at the far post before his own looping cross almost snuck in.
      They were certainly keeping Steele busy, Lerma’s dipping volley needing to be tipped over his bar.
      The energy and endeavour from a side scrapping at the bottom had the home support bouncing and is why, regardless of this result, there is plenty of hope here that they can end the season above the dotted line.
      Ferguson was doing his best to give Brighton a more comfortable cushion to ride out Bournemouth’s pressure on, but turned Solly March’s cross agonisingly over the bar.
      Still in it, O’Neil’s side refused to give up.
      Neto made fine saves from Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck, but things were not falling their way at the other end – Solanke’s close range effort sent over the bar by the back of Dango Outtara’s head.
      Just as hope was building after six minutes of added time had been indicated, sub Enciso put the nail in the coffin.
      Moments after flaring up in the face of Jack Stephens, the Paraguayan kept a cool head to slot past Neto after a fine ball from Gross.
      Here is how the match unfolded…

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