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      Brentford 3 Southampton 0: Brilliant Bees continue push for Europe and leave Nathan Jones’ strugglers rock bottom

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      FOR now, at least, Brentford are the pride of west London.At the turn of the century, the Bees were battling it out at the bottom of League One while their neighbours in the capital Chelsea and Fulham were flying high in the Premier League.
      Brentford are in the hunt for a European finishCredit: Reuters
      A brave Ben Mee climbed highest to fire Brentford aheadCredit: AP
      Just over two decades on and the tables have turned in ways no one would have dared to imagine.
      A comfortable victory over woeful Southampton saw the Bees buzz their way into seventh – Ben Mee, Bryan Mbeumo and Mathias Jensen all contributing.
      Eighth-placed Fulham and ninth-placed Chelsea have temporarily been left in their dust.
      The starstruck fans around these parts like to sing that they are nothing but a “bus stop in Hounslow”.
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      Yet that bus stop could be welcoming passengers from across the continent next season should their rapid rise in England’s top continue.
      It is now nine Prem games unbeaten, their last defeat coming an age ago in October. Only Arsenal and Newcastle have picked up more points since then.
      And with February upon us, Thomas Frank’s miracle men are just three points off fifth.
      Forget about west London – this lot can beat just about anyone, let alone a Saints outfit who just about have their heads above water in the fight to beat the drop.
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      Nathan Jones arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium in good spirits, having overseen four wins in seven in all competitions.
      The Welsh coach also had two Deadline Day attacking buys at his disposal from the bench – £22m record signing Kamaldeen Sulemana and £18m forward Paul Onuachu.
      Yet he will be heading back down south in despair at another tepid and lacklustre display. Eight losses in nine league games is a pig-ugly statistic, six of those coming under Jones.
      The chants from the away end were not much better: “Nathan Jones, your football is s**t” followed by, “You’re getting sacked in the morning” and, “Nathan Jones, get out of our club”.
      Results for relegation rivals Wolves and Everton have heaped on the pressure further. Where their next three points will come from is anyone’s guess.
      Jones stuck to the four at the back that saw his team improve in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle in mid-week.
      Four changes were made, but all eyes were on the dug-out as Sulemana and Onuachu awaited their chance in a Saints shirt.
      Frank handed right back Aaron Hickey a first appearance since October following an ankle injury and Yoane Wissa was added to a menacing looking Brentford front three.
      Wissa combined with Ivan Toney after just seven minutes, latching onto a cute chip and rounding Gavin Bazunu only to smack the bar with a rushed effort.
      Brentford were slick on the ball, while the visitors were showing some grit at the back – Mohammed Salisu putting his body on the line to block Toney and Bryan Mbeumo chances.
      In the 41st minute, however, Mee got the better of the dogged Salisu in the air, connecting brilliantly with Mbeumo’s delivery off his weaker right foot.
      Lengthy treatment to both involved meant the restart was delayed, but 24 seconds after kick-off, Brentford were gifted a second thanks to some awful defending.
      Josh Dasilva was given ample room to pick out Wissa on the left and Mbeumo was clinical with the goal gaping.
      Jones acted at the break, chucking on both his new-boys. The 6ft7 Onuachu at least provided some sort of focal point, not that it led to any real chances.
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      Those instead fell to the hosts – Toney having an effort cleared off the line before Rico Henry teed up the onrushing Jensen for a header into the far corner with 11 minutes left.
      Brentford are on the up once more. Southampton are nervously looking over their shoulders.
      Nathan Jones is under pressure from his own fans at SouthamptonCredit: Reuters
      Thomas Frank continues to do an outstanding job at BrentfordCredit: Reuters More

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      Wolves 3 Liverpool 0: Reds suffer huge blow to top four hopes as they’re torn apart by rejuvenated Wolves

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      JURGEN KLOPP must have felt such a fool sporting the armband denoting football’s green weekend as his team was left utterly humiliated.The climate change initiative spread across the English game is all about the sustainability of the planet with every player and boss wearing backing it.
      Joel Matip’s early own goal put Wolves aheadCredit: Getty
      Craig Dawson’s first Wolves goal made it 2-0Credit: Getty
      Ruben Neves scored the thirdCredit: Getty
      It was another disappointing afternoon for LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
      Yet sustainability is exactly what his team can no longer count on.
      And Klopp’s world looks lie it is coming the end.
      Liverpool are running on empty and delivered the shocking, shambolic performance that confirmed there is more than one club now in crisis on Merseyside.
      Joel Matip scored a horror own goal, Craig Dawson slammed in a second for Wolves in a nightmare opening eleven minutes that said everything about how far and how fast Klopp’s men have fallen.
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      Remember, they were two games away from completing an historic quadruple last season – the team Klopp proudly called his “mentality monsters.”
      Now so many of the same players – and especially those supposed to be guarding the back door – are not even going through the motions.
      The German declared after last month’s 3 – 0 Prem defeat at Brighton that it was the lowest point of a managerial career that now stretches 1,002 games.
      Yet this was worse, so bad that he stood transfixed on the Molineux touchline unable to comprehend the utter inadequacy of his team’s defending.
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      The displays of Matip, of Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as those in front of them supposed to be closing down opponents were a betrayal of all that Klopp stands for tactically.
      Geggenpressing ? This was simply depressing for the German.
      Liverpool have now conceded more Prem goals – 28 in 20 games – than they did throughout the whole of last season.
      True enough £75M defensive kingpin Virgil van Dijk is missing with hamstring problems and Ibrahima Konate has joined him having suffered the same injury.
      Yet Matip and Gomez have been there all the way through the good times.
      Now the going has become tough, but they are not getting going.
      The Anfield edifice is crumbling before our very eyes and Klopp’s opposite number Julen Lopetegui will not have believed what he was seeing.
      Only five minutes in Robertson slacked up instead of speeding up to close down Nelson Semedo who drilled the ball forward for Hwang Hee-chan.
      Matip was slow to react to the mistake able only to find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as Hee-chan swung from a narrow angle, the ball skidding into the net off the beleaguered defender.
      Robertson again didn’t know whether to stick or twist on his left flank as Matheus Da Cunha delivered for Max Kilman to shoot.
      Gomez’s header was weak, hitting Stefan Bajcetic on the penalty spot and Dawson, making his debut following a £3.3M entrance from West Ham blasted a right footer high into the net.
      To think that Wolves had only scored six Prem goals at home this season.
      Suddenly, before the Bovril had gone cold, they had the double that sent Liverpool into an even deeper downward spiral – that’s only one point from their last four games.
      Last season’s domestic cup double and that incredible surge towards greatness is only a memory now.
      While Klopp’s players have completely forgotten how to play.
      Indeed they could easily have been three down by the 26 minute as Matip, who had seemed in a daze from the start, was ambushed 30 yards out by Matheus Nunes, Alisson then doing a brilliant one on one job.
      Few of the goalkeeper’s team mates showed such defiance with Cody Gakpo a near by – stander, Darwin Nunez flattering to deceive as he does, Mo Salah all but isolated.
      Here seemed a decent shout for a penalty when Naby Keita’s short deflected onto Kilman’s arm but neither referee Paul Tierney nor VAR Lee Mason were interested.
      The coup de grace for a Liverpool team that has lost all identity as triple Champions League finalists with one triump, 2020 Prem champs and last year’s trophy double came in the 72nd minute.
      Gomez, as Matip had been mid-way through the first half was caught in possession, sub Joao Moutinho robbing him.
      The midfielder sent over a cross-field pass to fellow sub Adama Traore, Robertson stranded.
      The winger clipped back across to Ruben Neves who had run thirty yards forward to meet the pass.
      He sprinted past Thiago like he wasn’t there and the Spanish star certainly didn’t even see him as the Wolves skipper steadied himself to leave poor Alisson for dead.
      That goal summed up everything that has gone wrong within Anfield while it was met by the thunderous reception of Old Gold fans who know are beginning to believe they are onto a good thing with new boss Lupetegui.
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      Bruno Lage’s successor now has ten points from his six Prem games in charge with Wolves not only out of the drop zone but now looking up, not down.
      The opposite is the case for Klopp and a team that now have a new mentality – as losers. More

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      Casemiro SENT OFF after grabbing Will Hughes by the neck following huge brawl between Man Utd and Crystal Palace stars

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      MANCHESTER UNITED main man Casemiro was SENT OFF after grabbing Crystal Palace ace Will Hughes’ neck following a huge brawl.The Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford.

      Casemiro put his hands around Hughes’ neckCredit: Getty
      Casemiro was sent off following a 20-man brawl and a VAR checkCredit: AP
      Casemiro will serve a three-game suspensionCredit: Getty
      Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
      And Marcus Rashford continued his hot streak in front of goal, doubling United’s lead with just under half an hour to go.
      But eight minutes later, disaster struck as Antony tried to beat his man before being wiped out – sparking a huge brawl between the two teams.
      Casemiro stepped in to try and hold Palace’s Hughes back.
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      But the Brazilian had placed his hands around his fellow midfielder’s neck, resulting in a red card.
      After a VAR review, the big money summer signing received his marching orders.
      Following Casemiro’s dismissal, Palace pulled a goal back through Jeffrey Schlupp.
      Casemiro will serve a three-game automatic suspension – but will be back in time for Man Utd’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at the end of the month.
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      Before the February 26 Wembley dust-up, United play Leeds home and then away, followed by a date with Leicester.
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      Casemiro’s suspension could boost United’s chances of lifting the League Cup.
      The midfielder will be fit and ready for Newcastle, as well as United’s Europa League Round of 32 clashes with Barcelona. More

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      Crystal Palace fans taunt Manchester Utd in their first game since Mason Greenwood’s attempted rape charges dropped

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      CRYSTAL Palace fans have taunted Manchester United in their first game since Mason Greenwood had his attempted rape charges dropped.It comes as Greenwood missed training yesterday after the charges against him were dropped.
      Crystal Palace fans have been heard taunting Manchester United fans with chants about absent Mason GreenwoodCredit: AP
      Greenwood was cleared of all charges on FridayCredit: PA
      The Red Devils told him to stay away and not train with them until they complete their own internal probe.
      As the two teams faced off at Old Trafford today, Palace fans could be heard singing unsavoury chants including “Mason Greenwood he’s one of your own”.
      However, United fans were reported to be ignoring the chants and trying to drown out the away support.
      Unfortunately for Palace fans their attempts to rile up rival supporters and players had little effect on the field of play with the hosts holding on for a 2-1 win.
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      On Friday, the Premier League star had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped.
      Club gaffer Erik ten Hag broke his silence at a press conference yesterday.
      Greenwood said he was “relieved” after all criminal charges against him — including attempted rape — were dropped by prosecutors.
      The Man United star was informed that the Crown Prosecution Service had also withdrawn charges of actual bodily harm and coercive or controlling behaviour.
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      The move came after 12 witnesses — including the woman at the centre of the allegations — refused to co-operate.
      Striker Greenwood, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”
      But United bosses announced the club is now conducting its own probe into his behaviour surrounding the claims — which surfaced online in January 2022.
      Greenwood — who the club suspended following his arrest — will be unable to train or play for the Red Devils for the duration.
      Last Friday The Sun told the CPS that we understood it was struggling to build a case.
      It confirmed our information at 2pm this Friday, when the end of proceedings was announced.
      A CPS spokesman said: “A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      A spokesman said: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.
      “We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
      Greenwood has made 129 United appearances, scoring 35 goals and has one England cap.
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      He last played on January 22 last year against West Ham.
      Prior to his arrest, he was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of European football’s hottest young talents. More

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      Mikel Arteta ‘forced to drag Zinchenko off pitch after Arsenal loss’ after bizarre coming together with Everton’s Maupay

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      MIKEL ARTETA was allegedly forced to pull Oleksandr Zinchenko off the pitch after Arsenal’s loss at Goodison Park.The Ukrainian had been involved in an altercation with Neal Maupay towards the end of the game, and it has been suggested that the arguments continued after the full-time whistle.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko was agitated after a coming together with Neal MaupayCredit: Getty
      He continued to argue with Everton players after the full time whistleCredit: Reuters
      And Mikel Arteta had to take him off the pitchCredit: Getty
      Arsenal tempers were high after they slipped to defeat against Everton after James Tarkowski’s 60th-minute header.
      But Zinchenho was not letting go despite the game ending, as it has been claimed he continued to argue with the Toffees players after full-time, according to The Telegraph reporter Sam Dean.
      He also claimed that the left-back was carrying on his heated state and needed Arteta to remove him from the pitch.
      He tweeted: “Arteta dragging Zinchenko off the pitch after the final whistle.
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      “The Arsenal left-back had a few things he wanted to say to some Everton players.”
      Zinchenko would feel aggrieved with his clash with Maupay. The striker threw himself to the ground before appearing to kick out at the left back.
      At this point, the former Manchester City defender reacted, sharing some harsh words with the Toffees star.
      Both players were booked for their parts in the flashpoint.
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      Fans reacted to the moment, with one Arsenal fan praising Zinchenko for his “fight”, they tweeted: “The only player that showed a fight today.. we felt we were going to cruise through.. poor mentality.”
      A second commented: “I love the passion of the arsenal team but anger should be controlled. Great game by Everton, and that’s just beauty of football.
      “You can never play down a new manager effect, and Arsenal suffered for it but they are still on top of the EPL so nothing to be worried about.”
      A third wrote: “Just clocked why Zinchenko was so angry his Premier League win rate just dropped from 82 to 81%…..”
      A fourth said: “Zinchenko shows fight at the wrong place, IMO.”
      A fifth added: “Arteta just saved Zinchenko from a Gallas moment.” More

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      Reece James reveals Chelsea dressing room is ‘crazy’ after January spending spree

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      REECE JAMES admits it’s a “crazy” time at Chelsea as he returned from injury to find seven newcomers after a £280million January spree.The right-back made his comeback after six weeks out in Friday’s 0-0 home Premier League draw against Fulham.
      Right-back Reece James finally returned in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with FulhamCredit: Getty
      Ironically James is one of the few Blues whose first-choice position seems safe following Graham Potter’s huge shakeup.
      Potter spent £31million on wide defender Malo Gusto but immediately loaned the 19-year-old back to Lyon.
      James, 23, told Football Daily: “It’s a great feeling to be back. I’ve been out a long time.
      “It’s been crazy. We’ve had a lot of signings.
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      “We haven’t been performing to our usual standards, so it’s been difficult. We’ve got a big few weeks ahead.”
      Enzo Fernandez’s £107m deadline arrival from Benfica set a British transfer record.
      And the Argentina midfielder made his debut against the Cottagers alongside new £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
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      But the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk hero, who was also wanted by Arsenal, was replaced midway through his full debut by another January buy, Noni Madueke.
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      Potter, however, said Mudryk had been hit by a “heavy cold”.
      He told beIN Sports: “He’s suffered a little bit with that this week. So he was just feeling a little heavy-legged at half-time.”
      James, though, can look forward to an extended run in side – if he stays fit.
      Ninth-placed Chelsea have lost just one of the eight Prem games he’s started this term. More

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      Paul Merson warns of ‘domino effect’ at Chelsea as he slams ‘no logic’ January transfer deals

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      ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has warned Chelsea about a “scary ripple effect” from their “excessive” transfer policy.New owner Todd Boehly has spent more than £600MILLION on players since taking over from Roman Abramovich in May.
      Enzo Fernandez broke the British transfer record in his move to ChelseaCredit: Alamy
      Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea in an £88million January dealCredit: Alamy
      Paul Merson has criticised Chelsea’s transfer policyCredit: Rex
      That has included a £330m spree in the January window as the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge.
      Both Fernandez and Mudryk have signed huge eight-and-a-half year deals to keep them at the club until 2031.
      And Merson feels that could end up being an issue for Chelsea in the coming seasons.
      Speaking in his column for The Star, the ex-Arsenal man said: “I worry for the future of Chelsea when Todd Boehly is handing out eight-year contracts like there is no tomorrow.
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      Chelsea’s spending spree since Boehly’s takeover
      “Football is a funny old game and eight years is such a long time.
      “There is going to be a domino effect at Stamford Bridge – that’s for sure. It’s alright now but in five years, where are Chelsea going to be?
      “Boehly and the new hierarchy can’t keep doing this because if they don’t get Champions League football, they’re already in trouble.
      “Chelsea have to get rid of players at the end of the season in order to be sustainable but those on big contracts will now be digging their heels into the ground and trying to ride it out.
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      “The potential ripple effect is scary and it almost seems like there has been no logical thinking behind their excessive spending.”
      Fernandez and Mudryk – who joined Chelsea for a combined total of £198m – both made their first starts for the club on Friday night.
      But they could not lead Graham Potter’s men to victory as Fulham held them to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.
      And Mudryk was taken off at half-time, with Potter confirming after the game that he had been suffering with a cold during the week.
      Meanwhile, Fernandez impressed at a time when Chelsea have several midfielders out injured – including N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Denis Zakaria and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. More

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      Glazers could delay sale of Man Utd after success of Ten Hag’s rebuild as hated owners ‘want to hold out for $10BILLION’

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      THE GLAZERS could reportedly delay the sale of Manchester United following the on-pitch success of Erik ten Hag, which could see the price of the club rise to over £8billion.The Red Devils chiefs revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
      The Glazers could hold off on selling Manchester United should the club be successful under Erik ten HagCredit: AP
      The owners believe the value of the club could increase with Erik ten Hag’s successCredit: AFP
      But United look to be on an upwards trend.
      Ten Hag’s Man Utd are in the Carabao Cup final, which they will contest later this month against Newcastle, and they’re well in the race for a top-four finish.
      And according to ESPN, due to Ten Hag getting a tune out of the Red Devils, the Glazers could delay the sale of the Old Trafford club.
      Some within the ownership group believe that the value of the club could skyrocket if Ten Hag steers his team into a lengthy successful patch.
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      The report states that United as it stands, could still be bought for a world-record price for a sports franchise at close to £6bn.
      Should Ten Hag keep United competitive, crucially through a period that could see a redeveloped or rebuilt Old Trafford, the Glazers may be able to fetch £8bn.
      The Mirror, meanwhile, say “in one final cruel twist of pain”, the Glazers are planning to leave behind the £500million debts they have accrued at Old Trafford.
      Since the May 2005 takeover, they have taken out around £1.6bn in dividends and management charges, debt repayments and share sales.
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      Interest has also been lodged from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank tasked with the sale.
      British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen. More