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    Premier League top scorers 2024/25: Who is the leading the way as Erling Haaland eyes a third successive Golden Boot

    ERLING HAALAND has stopped Premier League rivals from getting anywhere near the Golden Boot recently – but it’s up for grabs once again.The Manchester City goal-scoring machine secured the prestigious award for a second successive season despite being injured for approximately 8 weeks last campaign.Erling Haaland’s 27 Prem goals last season fired Man City to a third consecutive titleCredit: ReutersAnd after scoring a record-breaking 36 goals during his first year with the Premier League champions, Haaland scored 27 during the 2023/25.But can the Norwegian superstar make it three in a row? Who are the 2024/25 Premier League top scorers?Here is the current top 10 Premier League top scorers for this season:Erling Haaland – Man City – 1Bukayo Saka – Arsenall – 1Mo Salah – Liverpool – 1Kai Havertz – Arsenal – 1Joshua Zirkzee – Man Utd – 1Jamie Vardy – Leicester – 1Lucas Paqueta – West Ham – 1Joelinton – Newcastle – 1Amadou Onana – Aston Villa – 1Pedro Porro – Tottenham – 1Read more on Premier LeagueHas any player won the Golden Boot three times in a row?Arsenal legend Thierry Henry did the tremendous trio from 2003/04 to 2005/06.While the Premier League’s top goal scorer and Newcastle hero Alan Shearer did it a few years earlier from 1994/95 to 1996/97.If Erling Haaland wins the Golden Boot this season, he’ll be in the company of a couple of sporting icons.Thierry Henry is the last player to win the Golden Boot three times in a rowCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho has previously won the Premier League Golden Boot?1992/93 – Terry Sheringham (Tottenham), 22 goals1993/94 – Andy Cole (Newcastle), 34 goals1994/95 – Alan Shearer (Blackburn), 34 goals1995/96 – Alan Shearer (Blackburn), 31 goals1996/97 – Alan Shearer (Newcastle), 25 goals1997/98 – Chris Sutton (Blackburn), Dion Dublin (Coventry), Michael Owen (Liverpool), 18 goals1998/99 – Michael Owen (Liverpool), Dwight Yorke (Man Utd), Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink (Leeds), 18 goals1999/00 – Kevin Phillips (Sunderland), 30 goals2000/01 – Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea), 23 goals2001/02 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 24 goals2002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd), 25 goals2003/04 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 30 goals2004/05 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 25 goals2005/06 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 27 goals2006/07 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea), 20 goals2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), 31 goals2008/09 – Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), 19 goals2009/10 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea), 29 goals2010/11 – Carlos Tevez (Man City), Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd), 20 goals2011/12 – Robin van Persie (Arsenal), 30 goals2012/13 – Robin van Persie (Man Utd), 26 goals2013/14 – Luis Suarez (Liverpool), 31 goals2014/15 – Sergio Aguero (Man City), 26 goals2015/16 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 25 goals2016/17 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 29 goals2017/18 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), 32 goals2018/19 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), 22 goals2019/20 – Jamie Vardy (Leicester), 23 goals2020/21 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 23 goals2021/22 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Son Heung-min (Tottenham), 23 goals2022/23 – Erling Haaland (Man City), 36 goals2023/24 – Erling Haaland (Man City), 27 goals More

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    I played alongside a Man Utd legend as a youth star… now I’m playing alongside his two SONS in the Under-21s aged 38

    TOM HEATON played with the SON of one of his former Manchester United team-mates on Tuesday night.The 38-year-old goalkeeper started for the club’s under-21 side against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy at Oakwell.Tom Heaton played alongside the son of a Manchester United legend on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher’s son Jack scored twice in the under-21 side’s win over BarnsleyCredit: GettyJack Fletcher, the son of United legend Darren, also starred for the Red Devils.The teenager came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning volley, in a 3-2 victory.Heaton played the full 90 minutes as an overage player having signed a new deal through to next summer back in July.It comes after he was part of a United squad featuring Darren Fletcher during the early years of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the pair never played together in a competitive match, with Heaton leaving in 2010 without a first-team appearance to his name.On playing alongside the 17-year-old, though, he told the BBC: “I played with Fletch for a long time.”I started with Fletch from sort of 14, 15, so I had a long relationship with him, long time playing with him.”So, to play with his lad Jack tonight – both of his lads (Jack and Tyler), actually, at certain points – is a bit surreal. But I think he’s got fantastic potential, a fantastic attitude. The two of them are real good lads.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJack’s twin brother Tyler is also on United’s books after the pair joined the academy from rivals Manchester City last summer.Heaton was full of praise for Fletcher, adding: “It is a big night for him. To come on and deliver that, what he did, made a big impact on the game.Tartan Army hero’s son hits screamer to seal huge Man Utd win as fans say ‘needs to hurry up and declare for Scotland’Heaton and Fletcher were part of the same United squad during the goalkeeper’s early careerCredit: GettyFletcher is currently a technical coach at United after returning to the club in 2020Credit: PA”He’s certainly the stand-out performer from tonight, and hopefully that will give him a real good foundation to kick on from. But there’s some real good performances in there beyond that as well.”I think everything’s looking rosy through the club at the minute.”The former England international returned to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2021.He has since gone on to make his first-team debut and has three senior appearances to his name.As for Fletcher Sr, the 40-year-old has been back at United since retiring in 2020.The Scot has held several roles but is currently serving as a technical coach with the first-team.During his playing career, he scored 24 times in 342 United appearances and won 15 major trophies including five league titles and the Champions League. More

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    Ilkay Gundogan signs autographs as Man City icon meets Pep Guardiola at boss’ Manchester restaurant to seal transfer

    ILKAY GUNDOGAN has arrived back in England ahead of sealing his free transfer to Manchester City from Barcelona.The midfielder was pictured signing autographs for fans after returning to Manchester.Ilkay Gundogan has arrived back in England ahead of his Manchester City returnCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeGundogan signed autographs for fans as he prepares to complete a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was spotted leaving a restaurant where he met City manager Pep Guardiola.The pair held a 50-minute meeting at TAST Restaurant in Manchester, which is owned by the Spaniard.City have agreed terms with Gundogan ahead of a dramatic return to the Etihad Stadium.The Premier League champions have seen off rival interest from Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes just over a year after he left for Barcelona following seven years in England.Gundogan signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 before going on to make 304 appearances for City.The German scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists as well as serving as captain in his final season.He also won 14 trophies including the treble during the 2022/23 campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust 12 months after moving to Barca on a free, though, he has all but left the Spanish giants.Gundogan leads a fire-sale at the club with up to 10 players expected to leave before the transfer window closes. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaDuring his time in Spain, he made 51 appearances for Barcelona, scoring five goals.As well as his imminent City return, Gundogan’s international future has also been finalised this week.The 33-year-old announced his retirement from Germany duty after winning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for his country.He is now set to become Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.City have already added Brazilian winger Savinho to their ranks after bringing him to the club from French side Troyes. More

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    Raheem Sterling granted LEAVE from Chelsea training after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca as winger seeks Blues exit

    RAHEEM STERLING is training at home after being frozen out at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca.The winger is set to leave the Blues this summer and after reportedly ruling out a move to Saudi Arabia is now seeking a new club with the help of the Blues.Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea’s training ground ahead of a potential transfer exitCredit: GettySterling has been frozen out by new Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: AlamyThe winger has ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia but is attracting interestCredit: GettySterling was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.He has since been left out of first-team training at the club’s Cobham training ground.The 29-year-old is now training at home after a mutual agreement for him to leave Chelsea’s base this week.Sterling is said to be keen to revive his international career by leaving Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has had clear the air talks with Chelsea and both sides are now working together to find him a new club before the window shuts next Friday, the Daily Mail reports.He has 20 goals in 82 caps for England but has not appeared for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup.Juventus have previously shown interest in signing Sterling, who has also been offered to Aston Villa.However, the BBC also report he has ruled out a move to the Saudi Pro League as it stands.Most read in FootballNew boss Maresca bluntly admitted this week that Sterling is not part of his plans after axing him against City.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe forward’s team revealed he was “seeking clarity” after the snub and he has also been left out of the squad for Thursday’s Conference League clash with Servette.Maresca addressed the situation as well as that of Ben Chilwell during his pre-match press conference, explaining: “They are training apart. As I said, the situation is quite clear and there is not any update on the situation.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementRaheem Sterling’s statementAfter he was left out of the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City, Raheem Sterling’s team released a statement.The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.””They are Chelsea players until they are not Chelsea players. But it’s impossible to give them all minutes.”Those who want minutes, they are better off to leave.”He also added: “I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason.”Sterling has lost his shirt number as his Chelsea exit edges closer, with Pedro Neto taking the number seven from him.He joined the club on a five-year deal from City in 2022 after seven years at the Etihad Stadium.In the two seasons since, Sterling has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah also appear on their way out of Chelsea.Chalobah has lost his squad number to new signing Joao Felix, whilst Chilwell has reportedly been offered to Manchester United.Sterling’s Chelsea statsAppearances – 81Goals – 19Assists – 12Minutes played – 5,339 More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot Raheem Sterling’s No7 shirt given to another Chelsea player with frozen out star NOT given number

    CHELSEA have given Raheem Sterling’s shirt to another player after he was frozen out.The winger has not been given a new number as his time at the club appears all but over.Chelsea have given Raheem Sterling’s number seven shirt to Pedro NetoCredit: GettyEagle-eyed fans spotted the change on the club’s website before it was confirmedCredit: chelsea megastoreSterling had worn the number seven since signing from Manchester City in 2022Credit: RexSterling was left out of the squad for Sunday’s season opener against Manchester City and is training away from the first-team.He took to social media to reveal he was “seeking clarity” following the axe but has since been brutally snubbed by manager Enzo Maresca.The former England international is free to leave the club and will once again not be involved against Servette in the Conference League on Thursday.Sterling has even lost his number seven shirt to summer signing Pedro Neto.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea completed a shock £54million move for Neto earlier this month as they continued their transfer business.Eagle-eyed fans first spotted the change on Chelsea’s online store, with “Neto – 7” available when personalising a kit.The number seven had been held by Sterling since his arrival from Manchester City two seasons ago.Trevoh Chalobah has also lost the number 14 to Joao Felix after he re-joined the club on Wednesday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea later confirmed the squad number changes, although neither Sterling or Chalobah have been given new numbers.Meanwhile, fans have been given the chance to exchange any “Neto – 19” shirts they had purchased.BREAKING: Chelsea confirm Joao Felix transfer from Atletico Madrid and play perfect song in announcement videoTrevoh Chalobah has also lost the number 14 shirt he has held for the last three seasonsCredit: GettyLatest signing Joao Felix will instead wear 14 for the Blues this termCredit: GettyThe Portuguese forward wore 19 as he made his debut off the bench against City before taking the number seven.Sterling is now expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes on August 30.The 29-year-old still has three years remaining on the deal he signed after joining the Blues in 2022.He has since scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances for the club. More

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    Watch Rafa Benitez ‘do Carragher dirty’ as he reveals how much Liverpool legend would cost today

    FORMER Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez poked fun at club legend Jamie Carragher with a brutal comment about his playing career.The Spaniard joined Carragher, Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jill Scott and Roy Keane for the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet.Rafa Benitez made a joke at Jamie Carragher’s expenseCredit: YouTube/The OverlapCarragher and Gary Neville were left in stitchesCredit: YouTube/The OverlapBenitez claimed Steven Gerrard would cost £180m while Carragher would cost £20mCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe discussed his football career from leading the Reds to Champions League glory in 2005 to working in the Premier League.But he also took a moment to make a joke at Carragher’s expense while talking about money and transfer fees.Asked how he set Liverpool up to compete against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United during his time at Anfield, he explained: “It’s not what you have spent in one year, it’s what you have spent already.”So Chelsea has spent £300million in the last two years – in the last year before and the year that we were there.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So they were much better, much better players. So it’s like when they say, ‘Ferguson has spent this or that,’ no no.”Because you have the two Nevilles, you have [Paul] Scholes, you have [Ryan] Giggs. These players were millions if you go to the market, so you have this advantage.”We had Carragher and [Steven] Gerrard, that was millions also but…”Benitez then went on to joke: “If you want to buy Gerrard and Carra this time, you pay £200m…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”£180m for Gerrard and £20m for Carragher!”Everyone in the room erupted into laughter – including Carragher.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviourFans also found it hilarious, with one person taking to social media to write: “Hahahaha he always has a unique sense of humour!”Another commented: “Rafa did Carragher dirty man!”A third said: “Rafa’s such a class bloke. And that’s a fact!”While a fourth wrote: “Rafa cooking Jamie 😂.”Benitez managed Liverpool for six years between 2004 and 2010 and oversaw 350 games. More

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    The incredible McDonald’s perk every Premier League player got which ‘shouldn’t have been allowed’

    FORMER West Ham and Chelsea full-back Scott Minto has revealed every Premier League player was handed FREE McDonald’s when the company became a sponsor almost three decades ago.Nowadays, top-level footballers are given detailed nutrition plans to optimise performance on the pitch.Scott Minto has revealed he once received free unlimited McDonald’sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat means fast food is largely off the table most of the time.But when McDonald’s became the official restaurant of the Premier League back in the 1990’s it was a regular for many stars.That’s because they had access to free unlimited food all year round.Ex-Prem star Minto has recalled the time he received his very own card and how it made him even more popular among friends.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ ‘Gaffer of all Accas’, he said: “I’ve forgotten most of the things that I got up to, back in the day, which is probably a good thing!”I do remember the McDonald’s card I got given, though. I was at West Ham at the time, so I was in my late twenties.”Obviously, McDonald’s sponsored the Premier League, and so we were all given a McDonald’s card, where it was basically free McDonald’s, for Premier League footballers, which shouldn’t have been allowed, really!”I think some of the really professional guys will have given the card away to their friends; you know, I can’t imagine Paolo [Di Canio] walking into a McDonald’s at three o’clock in the morning in London… but I did!Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I told my mates I’d got this card, and so we used to go out, up in London, and we used to do Titanic, and Sugar Reef, those type of places, and then we’d come out at three or four in the morning. ‘Scotty, Scotty… you got the card?'”‘Yeah, I’ve got the card!’SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines”So we’d go into McDonald’s – it wouldn’t be every week! – and I’d order, like, seven Big Mac meals with milkshakes, or whatever, and they’d just look at me like ‘who are you?!’ That was a great time.”Minto kicked off his career with Charlton and went on to play for Chelsea, Benfica, West Ham and Rotherham.He made 105 Premier League appearances in total. More

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    Chelsea make last-minute change to Europa Conference League squad after ADMIN ERROR saw new signing miss out

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO has been included in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad for Thursday’s match against Servette.The centre-back was not originally named in Enzo Maresca’s squad on Tuesday.Tosin Adarabioyo has been named in the Chelsea squad for ThursdayCredit: ReutersHowever, it has now been claimed that it was simply an admin error.Adarabioyo was always deemed part of the squad.Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana all remain absent, while Levi Colwill is expected to be named on the B-list.Sterling was left out of the Chelsea squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe winger’s team subsequently released a statement to say they are seeking clarity on the situation.It read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.”He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.”As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Meanwhile, full-back Chilwell is expected to be forced out of the club entirely. Jamie Carragher says ‘players should stop joining Chelsea’ and ‘sign a four-year deal at a proper club’ in stunning rantDiscussing the England star’s future during a press conference on Friday, Maresca said: “Chilly is with us but he has not been training for the last few days because he has been ill.”The reason he did not play versus Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.”This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.”When you train every day and do not get any minutes it is not good for them or for me.”I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.” More