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      Man Utd ratings against Leicester: Marcus Rashford and David De Gea shine but Wout Weghorst cannot buy a goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED moved a step closer to sealing third place – and keeping themselves in with a sniff of the title – with a routine win over Leicester.The Red Devils ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford and a second-half strike from Jadon Sancho.
      Manchester United ran out 3-0 winners over Leicester thanks to a Marcus Rashford braceCredit: REX
      Jadon Sancho also got on the scoresheetCredit: AP
      Wout Weghorst, despite his best efforts, struggled in front of goalCredit: EPA
      Victory over the Foxes has seen United stretch their lead over fourth-placed Newcastle to eight points, although the Magpies do have a game in hand on them.
      Folllowing an impressive win for United, SunSport’s Martin Blackburns rates the performances turned in by Erik ten Hag’s troops.
      David de Gea
      Made a brilliant early save with his legs to deny Barnes early on and also clawed out a header from Iheanacho. Those saves proved vital as United got a grip on the game. 7
      Diogo Dalot
      Stretched to get on the end of Fernandes’ cross but somehow diverted it just wide – showing why he has still never scored a Premier League goal. Did his bit defensively, though. 6
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      Lisandro Martinez
      A thumping header from a Shaw free-kick hit the top of the bar early in the second half – and eventually got to grips with Iheanacho and Barnes after a testing opening. 7
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      Victor Lindelof
      Stepped in so Varane could have a breather. Diverted Iheanacho’s effort wide of post early on and a couple of vital clearances to keep United in control. 7
      Luke Shaw
      Curled a free-kick over the bar and put one on the head of Martinez, which the Argentine put against the bar. Could even have had a goal himself as United took control after the break. 7
      Marcel Sabizter
      Won the ball off Faes to set the wheels in motion for the opener. Has filled in well for Casemiro while the Brazilian has been suspended but may make way at Wembley on Sunday. 6
      Most read in Football

      Fred
      Made a great clearance under his own bar from a Tete cross and played Rashford in for his second with a superb pass before making way for McTominay just before the hour. 6
      Marcus Rashford
      Pushed further up front and showed why with a clinical first half finish. Repeated the trick after the break to make it 24 for the season. Even had a hand in the build-up to number three. What a season he is having. 9
      Bruno Fernandes
      Played a super ball to Rashford for the opener and a lovely cross which Dalot bundled wide. Also created the third for Sancho. Some real moments of class from the Portuguese international who helped lift his team from a lacklustre start. 8
      Alejandro Garnacho
      Just a fourth Prem start for the exciting teen, but this wasn’t his day. He skied an effort over the bar but did not reappear after the break with Sancho taking his place. 5
      Wout Weghorst
      Playing as a No10 but was moved further up after the interval, although he could not find the goal he needs. Tried a spectacular overhead kick soon after the break but his radar was off and he fluffed a couple of late chances. 5
      SUBS
      Sancho (for Garnacho 46 mins)
      Looked really sharp as a half-time sub and proved it by converting Fernandes’ cross for the third. 7
      McTominay (for Fred 59 mins)
      Came on at 2-0 with the game more or less won and kept United on the front foot. 5
      Elanga (for Rashford 68)
      Replaced the man of the moment but did not get a sight of goal. 5
      Read More on The Sun
      Wan-Bissaka (for Shaw 68 mins
      Put one on a plate for Weghorst but he couldn’t finish it off. 5
      Mainoo (for Sabitzer 80 mins)
      Made a brilliant tackle to deny Maddison a shot. 6 More

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      Fans accuse VAR of being ‘rigged’ as Marcus Rashford looks offside after scoring second goal in 3-0 win over Leicester

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      ANGRY fans claimed VAR is “RIGGED” after Marcus Rashford’s second goal in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Leicester was allowed to stand – despite replays suggesting he was offside.The striker’s second strike followed his opener in Sunday’s Prem clash, before Jadon Sancho stabbed the third.
      The initial view of the incident made it appear Marcus Rashford was offsideCredit: Sky Sports
      It was an incredibly tight call
      Rashford celebrates after his strike on 56 minutes was allowed, killing off Leicester’s hopes of a Prem comebackCredit: Getty

      Before the lines were drawn on the replay of Rashford’s controversial effort the images appeared to show he was just in front of Leicester’s last defender when Fred slipped him through.
      Some observers accused Prem chiefs of being “corrupt” and accused VAR of being biased towards United.
      But remember Japan’s winning goal against Spain in the World Cup – when post-match replays showed the whole of the ball hadn’t gone out of play before it was crossed?
      Some fans perhaps recalled it – as they pointed out that maybe the angles shown for Rashford’s position were also misleading.
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      When the lines were drawn, they showed Rashford was just behind the defender.
      Despite that, social media was staggered the in-form England hero’s goal was allowed.
      One viewer said: “How on earth was that onside? Football is rigged.”

      Another said: “Prem’s corrupt no red card or offside” and a third posted: “How on earth was that onside? Literally offside, so rigged”.
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      Victory put third-placed United three points off neighbours City and five adrift of leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand on both Manchester giants.
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      And Rashford now has 17 club goals this term, which OptaJoe pointed out is the highest total in a single campaign by a United player since 19 from Wayne Rooney in 2011-2012.
      Appreciative Red Devils’ fans posted tributes like “And they said @Cristiano is the GOAT” plus “And we’re only half way to the season”.
      United scorers Jadon Sancho and Rashford rejoice as the home side went third in the Premier League with a comfortable victoryCredit: EPA

      17 – Marcus Rashford has scored 17 goals at Old Trafford across all competitions in 2022-23 – the most by a player in a single season for Manchester United since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (19). Dreams. pic.twitter.com/etD25mIkmn— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 19, 2023 More

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      Comedian reveals touching act by footballer Christian Atsu as Premier League ace’s body flown home to his native Ghana

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      A COMEDIAN has revealed how the late Christian Atsu paid for his school fees in a touching act of kindness. Emmanuel Iwueke said he reached out to the Premier League ace, who was tragically found dead on Saturday in the rubble of the Turkey earthquake, for help in 2015.
      Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the earthquake rocked TurkeyCredit: Getty
      The Premier League ace was reported missing after the massive earthquakeCredit: PA
      The rubble of the apartment block where Christian Atsu was foundCredit: Splash
      The comedian, known as Craze Clown, said the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player offered to pay his fees until he graduated from school.
      Iwueke, from Nigeria, shared a screenshot of the conversation with Atsu – who promised to make sure he completed school.
      In the texts, Atsu told Iwueke: “I will make sure you complete your school. And get a good job.”
      The comedian described the late footballer as a “great friend”.
      Read more on Christian Atsu
      “Christian has been supporting me from way back in 2015,” he said.
      “When I lost my dad, he l reached out and offered to pay my fees till I graduated and he did.
      “You’ve been a great friend of mine, Chris, and I will surely miss you.
      “I really can’t hold back the tears. Rest well brother.”
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      Big-hearted Atsu donated to many schools and orphanages, and strived to help Ghanaian children.
      It comes as his body is due to be flown home to the country on Sunday evening.
      His body was found under the rubble 12 days after the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey.
      He had been scheduled to fly out of the country hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
      But the Ghana star reportedly cancelled his flight to stay with teammates after scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
      After days of desperately searching for Atsu, his manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
      Turkey’s foreign ministry said his body will be flown home on Sunday.
      “The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra at 7.40pm on Sunday,” it said.
      Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
      Atsu’s older brother and twin sister were at the scene when his body was recovered.
      His agent Nana Sechere said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
      “My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
      Atsu, who has three kids with wife Marie-Claire, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
      He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
      Several members of his new team had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
      Tributes poured in for the midfielder, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
      Players across the UK also held a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause before kick off on Saturday in a touching tribute to the star.
      His devastated wife Marie-Claire and kids were in attendance at St James’ Park as Newcastle paid tribute to the late winger.
      His club Hatayspor said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
      “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
      Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
      Terry, who captained the team at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
      Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, said: “Rest well king.”
      Newcastle United described Atsu as a “talented player and a special person”.
      “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” it said.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      Atsu is one of more than 46,000 people who have now died in Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes struck on February 6.
      The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
      The Sun Earthquake Appeal, which we launched to support the Red Cross, has now raised over £1 million with readers donating £110,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      Comedian Craze Clown said big-hearted Atsu paid for his school fees More

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      Man Utd 3 Leicester 0: Marcus Rashford’s incredible season continues with double as Prem title hopes are boosted

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      WHOEVER gets to own this football club in the end, the first cheque they have to sign is for Marcus Rashford.One big enough with a new contract to keep him here for the rest of his career.
      Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils ahead with a clinical finishCredit: Getty
      Rashford doubled United’s lead with another ice-cool strikeCredit: AP
      Rashford celebrates after scoring his second goal of the dayCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho came off the bench to score United’s thirdCredit: Reuters
      In the space of four days in the Nou Camp and at Old Trafford he backed up both Erik Ten Hag and Barcelona boss Xavi’s assertion that right now he is one of the best frontmen in Europe.
      His current deal finishes at the end of next season after the option of an extra year was triggered.
      Negotiations on a new deal are said to be ‘ongoing’ every time the question is asked but there will be nervousness amongst the fan base until pen is put to paper.
      His figures since the World Cup continue to be staggering but worth repeating every time he finds the net.
      Read More on Man Utd
      Against Leicester his pair of goals make it 16 times in 17 games since returning from the World Cup.
      He has already surpassed his best ever season’s total of 22 with 24, and counting, after he put United ahead in the 25th minute and added a second on 56.
      A task that seemed to torture him last season now comes with consummate ease, such is the success of the work Ten Hag has done with the England international to restore his confidence.
      A year ago he might have handed his chance for the first to Alejandro Garnacho who was screaming for it square in the box.
      Most read in Football
      He looked up and thought about it for a split second and then thought ‘no, I’ll finish this’.
      He had been put through by Bruno Fernandes – who had a superb game in this his 150th start for the club.
      Fernandes’ delivery with the outside of his right boot looked like it had caught 25-year-old Rashford offside so far ahead of the Leicester back four was he when picking the ball up.
      The anticipation and understanding between the teammates, however, had been that good, the flag stayed down and the VAR was not overruling it.
      On an angle on the right of the box Rashford had to be precise with the finish as Danny Ward backpedalled and tried to narrow his angles.
      There was nothing he could do as Rashford hammered a shot past him into the far bottom corner.
      These moments just keep on coming for the local lad who is living a dream.
      With that he became the first United player to score in seven consecutive home Premier League games since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
      It was the breakthrough for United after what had been a very positive start from visitors Leicester.
      The return of captain James Maddison has brought a four match unbeaten run including in the FA Cup away to Walsall.
      Their previous two games saw them score four in each in game away to Aston Villa and at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Maddison on target both times.
      They had the chances to be ahead here before Rashford’s goal, but De Gea, who is also in contract negotiations, was at his best.
      When Harvey Barnes swapped passes with Kelechi Iheanacho after just eight minutes he was clean through on goal but De Gea’s outstretched right hand denied him.
      Then when an unmarked Iheanacho executed a fine downward header at the far post the Spaniard clawed the ball back from behind himself to gasps from The Stretford End.
      This team can dig deep and weather these storms now, they have spirit and fight.
      Rashford had started the game upfront with Wout Weghorst in the number ten role behind him as he had been in the last 29 minutes at Leeds and from the start in Barcelona.
      When Jadon Sancho was brought on at the break he went into the number ten role, Rashford went wide left and Weghorst upfront.
      It doesn’t really matter where Rashford plays, he skates around the park with a freedom, impossible to anticipate or pick up.
      Fred this time provided the assist for his second and Rashford raced away into the box before firing the shot between the goalkeeper’s legs.
      He hits it with such power that even when the ball is close to the goalkeeper he can’t always react.
      This time the flag did go up but once again the run had been to perfection and the VAR overruled the assistant referee and gave it.
      Rashford can create as well as score as he helped set up the third on 61 minutes finding Sancho who exchanged passes with the fabulous Fernandes and side footed a left-foot shot home on the run.
      It was his second goal in four appearances, his fitness and confidence restored under Ten Hag’s careful management.
      Sancho could have had another, United could have had more.
      Read More on The Sun
      They are some team to watch right now.
      Someone should buy them.
      Erik ten Hag celebrates another vital three pointsCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Premier League boss shocks fans by turning out for non-league minnows… and gets an assist

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      NATHAN JONES is back in football – just over a week after being axed by Southampton.The Welshman was given the boot by Saints last week after a torrid run of results following his appointment last November.

      Nathan Jones was axed by Southampton last weekCredit: GETTY
      But rather than taking a break from the game, Jones jumped straight back in by lacing up his boots to play in the TWELTH TIER of English football.
      Jones, 49, signed up to play for Cranborne FC – who he made his debut for on Saturday against Wareham Rangers Reserves.
      And he made an instant impression at the Dorset Division One club, notching an assist early doors.
      Cranborne’s official account tweeted: “And it’s a goal early on!
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      “Debutant Nathan Jones puts a great cross in from the left, and Driscoll scores!”
      An image of Jones in action started doing the rounds on social media, with one footy fan saying: “What a bloke!”
      Another said: “He is a unique guy, you have to hand him that.”
      And another said: “Mad story. One week you’re managing in the Premier League, the next you’re playing in the Dorset League.”
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      One remarked: “Last Saturday managing Southampton, this Saturday playing for the mighty Cranes. Brilliant.”
      Another chimed in: “Fair play to him.”
      Jones’ debut, however, didn’t last long as he went off with a calf injury ten minutes into the match.
      According to reports, Jones answered Cranborne’s call for an extra body when they were a player short.
      And the former Luton boss is said to have jumped at the chance to help out the club, who one of his close pals plays for.
      During his playing days, Jones turned out for numerous teams including Brighton, Southend and Yeovil.
      Jones left Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League following one win in eight matches, seven of which they lost. More

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      Glum Harry Maguire sits in stands after Man Utd captain is ruled out of Leicester clash with new knee injury

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      HARRY MAGUIRE watched from the stands as Manchester United took on Leicester.The Red Devils skipper was ruled out of the game with a reported knee injury.
      Harry Maguire watched from the stands after being ruled out of Manchester United’s clash against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Maguire could not play in the game due to a knee injuryCredit: Reuters
      So instead the 29-year-old sat in the crowd at Old Trafford to watch the Red Devils in action on Sunday against his former side.
      Maguire appeared to chew on a piece of gum as he looked on from his seat.
      United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed before the game that Maguire’s absence was injury related.
      He told Sky Sports: “Harry is injured, and you have to keep everyone fresh but also look to the opponent tactical wise what can you do, where can you beat them.
      Read More On Man Utd
      “So [with] that approach every time you try and make the best selection.”
      MEN claim Maguire picked up a knee problem.
      However, Ten Hag doesn’t think Maguire’s injury will see him sidelined for too long.
      When asked if it was serious, Ten Hag told MUTV: “No, I don’t think so.
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      “We have to wait and see how it develops but I think he will be available again shortly.”
      The defender was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 2-2 draw at Barcelona.
      He has been in and out of the team under Ten Hag, but played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Leeds last weekend.
      His injury setback comes in the midst of a hectic schedule for the Red Devils.
      Ten Hag’s side take on Barcelona this Thursday in the return leg of their Europa League clash, three days before the Carabao Cup final meeting with Newcastle.
      The Red Devils play another three days later against West Ham in the FA Cup, ahead of a huge trip to bitter rivals Liverpool on March 5th. More

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      Man Utd star Marcel Sabitzer lucky to escape red card as Graeme Souness accuses him of DELIBERATE X-rated tackle

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      MARCEL SABITZER somehow avoided a red card for a horror studs-up tackle into Wout Faes’ knee.And Graeme Souness accused the on-loan Manchester United midfielder of DELIBERATELY trying to hurt his opponent in the X-rated challenge.
      Marcel Sabitzer escaped a red card for this tackle on Wout FaesCredit: Sky Sports
      The on-loan midfielder went into the knee with his studsCredit: Sky Sports
      Faes was fortunate to avoid serious injuryCredit: Sky Sports

      Faes and Sabitzer battled for the ball on the edge of the Leicester penalty area in the 41st minute at Old Trafford.
      The big-haired Belgian got there first and kicked it away.
      And with the ball already gone, Austrian Sabitzer arrived late and turned his body to stick a full set of studs into Faes’ knee.
      Faes needed treatment from the Foxes physios but was thankfully not seriously hurt and able to carry on.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Referee Stuart Attwell gave a free-kick to the visitors but inexplicably did not show a card.
      And during the stoppage, VAR Paul Tierney looked at the replays but decided against intervening.
      Souness said on Sky Sports: “I think this is red for several reasons. He’s on his heels when it breaks to him.
      “He’s turned side on to him – if you’re gonna do someone that’s what you do – go side on.
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      “He’s looking for the player.”
      After being told the VAR officials looked at the incident but felt no further action was needed, Souness added: “I don’t care what ref who’s never played the game has to say.
      “If that’s not dangerous I don’t know what is.”
      Ex-United defender Gary Neville thought the challenge warranted a yellow card because Sabitzer did not follow through or go in with lots of force.
      But viewers watching on at home were left in disbelief that the 28-year-old Bayern Munich man was allowed to continue on the pitch and were convinced the shocking tackle was worthy of a red card.
      ‘TERRIBLE’
      One said: “What is the actual point of VAR when this is not given a red card? Absolutely terrible from the referee and the VAR.”
      Another wrote: “Old Trafford luck saving Sabitzer from a clear red card.”
      A third added: “You can file that Sabitzer foul under the ‘Granit Xhaka gets sent off for that’ catalogue.”
      And a final user commented: “How Sabitzer was sent off for this I will never understand.”
      Leicester’s frustration only grew further immediately after midfielder Papy Mendy was booked early in the second half for a clean sliding tackle on Marcus Rashford, who had put the Red Devils in front on 25 minutes.
      And United got the break with VAR yet again at Old Trafford when Rashford made it 2-0.
      Read More on The Sun
      The goal was initially chalked off when the assistant’s flag went up and replays appeared to show he was just offside – only for the green line to appear and award the goal.
      Sub Jadon Sancho made it 3-0 on the hour mark as the 11 men of United ran rampant. More

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      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka booked AFTER being substituted for running across pitch to celebrate Jorginho winner at Villa

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      GRANIT XHAKA picked up his 56th Premier League yellow card at Aston Villa – but his latest came AFTER being substituted off.The Arsenal midfielder, 30, is well used to being told off by referees during his career in England.
      Granit Xhaka jumped in to join the Arsenal celebrationsCredit: https://twitter.com/halfanaquarius
      Xhaka had run across from the dugout after the own goalCredit: https://twitter.com/halfanaquarius
      He headed back towards the bench as his team-mates returned to their own halfCredit: https://twitter.com/halfanaquarius
      The Swiss ace was shown the yellow card by Simon HooperCredit: https://twitter.com/halfanaquarius
      But at Villa Park on Saturday, he got through his 79 minutes without having his name taken in ref Simon Hooper’s notebook.
      However, that did not prevent Xhaka from getting booked.
      Jorginho let fly in the 93rd minute, with his effort crashing down off the bar and bouncing against Emi Martinez’s head into the net to give the Gunners a much-needed winner.
      Everyone connected with Arsenal celebrated the fortunate goal wildly – including Jorginho and his fellow players.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      But not wanting to miss out on the fun, Xhaka sprinted across the Villa Park pitch to the corner in front of the jubilant away supporters and joined his team-mates in the huddle.
      However, a Twitter video shows as the men in black slowly trotted back to their own half for the restart, Xhaka made his way directly across the pitch to the away dugout.
      And as he made his sheepish journey back, Hooper brandished the yellow card.
      Fans on social media were loving the scenes and hailed Xhaka for his commitment to the cause in the dramatic comeback 4-2 victory which sent their beloved Arsenal back to the top of the table.
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      One said: “Xhaka had to run from the bench to come and celebrate this goal… what an incredible team this is.”
      Another wrote: “What a day – Xhaka managing to celebrate the opposite side of the pitch after being subbed is brilliant!!”
      A third added: “The most beautiful thing about all the celebration videos for the third goal is that Xhaka had to run all the way from the bench to come celebrate.”
      And a final user commented: “Xhaka is a leader so he needs to celebrate with his team-mates.” More