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      Everton 0 Man City 2: O’Reilly and Kovacic’s late goals sees Pep’s side leapfrog Nottingham Forest into top four

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      MANCHESTER CITY leapfrogged Nottingham Forest into the top four by edging past Everton at Goodison Park.Wonderkid Nico O’Reilly grabbed a crucial late winner for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Mateo Kovacic grabbing a second in stoppage time.Nico O’Reilly scores Man City’s late winnerCredit: ReutersMan City celebrate their dramatic late winnerCredit: AFPMateo Kovacic celebrates bagging City’s secondCredit: ReutersEverton and Man City did battle at Goodison ParkCredit: PAJames Tarkowski was forced off with injuryCredit: GettyStefan Ortega denies Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side found Everton a tough nut to crackCredit: GettyTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORE: Man City beating Everton, West Ham LEAD Southampton, Brentford beating Brighton

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action has returned for another thrilling Saturday with European ambitions on the line.Man City are leading Everton after Nico O’Reilly’s late goal, while Bournemouth level with Crystal Palace in a stalemate.And already-relegated Southampton are trailing to West Ham thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s strike.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Aston Villa starting XI:Ollie Watkins returns to lead the line for Unai Emery’s side in this important clash at Villa Park.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at Goodison ParkThey were late to the party but Man City got there in the end with two strikes in the final six minutes.It was 20-year-old makeshift left-back Nico O’Reilly that broke the deadlock before Mateo Kovacic added a second.Huge result for City in the chase for Champions League qualification as all eyes now turn on the battle between their rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle in half an hour.Copy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 0-0 BournemouthIt has ended all square at Selhurst Park.Despite going down to ten men in the first-half, The Eagles manage to salvage a point.Bournemouth dominated this game but could not find a goal to grab victory in the capital.Two points dropped for Andoni Iraola’s side.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Brighton90+8. A corner is swung in by Damsgaard and The Seagulls go to sleep, leaving players unmarked.Norgaard heads home from close range to put this match to bed.Thomas Frank’s side have been the better side in West London today.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Christian Norgaard (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 1-1 SouthamptonHeartbreak for The Hammers late on.A superb volley from Ugochukwu earns a point for The Saints.They are now level with Derby’s unwanted Premier League record as the lowest points return in a season.Copy linkCopiedFT: Everton 0-2 Man CityIt is an eighth straight win at Goodison Park for Man City.Not a great performance but at the business end of the season, sometimes you have to win ugly.They make it back-to-back wins for the first time since January.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 1-1 Southampton90+3. It has all gone pear-shaped for the hosts.You cannot say that The Saints do not deserve a point from the game however.Ugochukwu strikes a left-footed shot in the middle of the box and beats Areola to silence the London Stadium.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Lesley Ugochukwu (Southampton)Copy linkCopiedEverton 0-2 Man City 90+2. Kovacic doubles the lead for Guardiola’s side.The ball breaks to him in the middle of the box and he drills a low shot into the far corner.Flattering scoreline for Man City but an important three points none the less.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Mateo Kovacic (Man City)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 3-2 Brighton81. It is game on again at the Gtech Community Stadium.Hinshelwood finds Mitoma in the box and he slots his shot past Flekken to give his side a glimmer of hope.It could be an entertaining end to this game in West London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedEverton 0-1 Man City85. Bernardo Silva slides a pass out wide to Nunes.He drills a cross in and Pickford opts to try and deal with it by sliding in with his feet.Missing the ball completely, it leaves O’Reilly with a simple tap-in to give the visitors the lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Nico O’Reilly (Man City)Copy linkCopiedEverton 0-0 Man City84. Big chance for Man City to win this game.Keane fails to deal with a lofted ball forward, opting to let it bounce before his weak header sent Marmoush through.The striker drilled his shot into the ground but Pickford saves to deny the visitors.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Bournemouth81. This fast turning into a poor performance from The Cherries.They have had 70% possession and thirteen shots in the game but still have not found the back of the net.Considering they are down to ten men, Palace would take this.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at Goodison ParkEverton suffered a big blow when James Tarkowski was forced off early in the second half after pulling something while stretching for the ball. That could be him out for the rest of the season and potentially a disappointing final moment at Goodison.City are starting to up the tempo a little as we reach the final 20 minutes but they are still struggling to find a way past the Toffees as it remains goalless with neither testing the keeper.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 1-0 Southampton76. The Saints can feel hard done by in this game.With so little between the teams, Bowen’s strike looks like it is going to be the difference.The Hammers did have the ball in the net a second time but it was ruled out for offside.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEverton 0-0 Man City75. This has been a poor performance from Man City.Marmoush tries to drive forward but cannot find a way through, opting to lay it off to Savinho.The Brazilian gets a shot away but Pickford gets down well to make the save.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Matthew Dunn in West LondonIs that game over for Brighton? Joao Pedro is sent off for elbowing Nathan Collins, perhaps frustrated that moments earlier when he fizzed the ball across the face of goal, no Brighton player is there to convert it. The contact was not much, but it looked like enough – certainly VAR was not about to argue with referee Tim Robinson.Brentford have their tails up after second-half goals for both Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa – each of which deflected in off the unfortunately Brighton captain Lewis Dunk.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 3-1 Brighton61. It looks like this game could be over as a contest.Joao Pedro is sent off for violent conduct, reducing The Seagulls to ten men.A moment of madness as he throws an elbow at Collins and is given his marching orders.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedRed card – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ian Winrow at Selhurst ParkNo surprise Alex Scott didn’t make it out for the second half. The midfielder was already on a final warning following his early booking and Andoni Iraola clearly doesn’t want to risk his player seeing red.Referee Sam Barrott has set a very low bar with his dismissal of Chris Richards.No sign of Bournemouth making the extra man count though.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 3-1 Brighton58. A quick break from The Bees stretches the visitors.Mbuemo threads a pass into Wissa in the box, who drills the ball into the bottom corner.It looks a long way back now for Brighton.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      When can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?

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      LIVERPOOL are edging closer to winning the Premier League title – but when can they win it? Last weekend, Arne Slot’s team secured a late 2-1 win against West Ham that aided them move 13 points clear at the top.Virgil van Dijk can celebrate his new contract with a title as soon as THIS weekendSince taking over for Jurgen Klopp, Slot has only lost two league games, and it appears that he will follow in the club legend’s footsteps in his debut season.Following their defeat in the Carabao Cup final and subsequent elimination from the Champions League, the significance of preserving their advantage at the top has increased in recent weeks.Arsenal’s run in Europe’s elite club competition has aided Liverpool’s tilt at the title, with back-to-back draws to Everton and Brentford all but ruling them out of a domestic comeback. Additionally, the Anfield club have been handed an early summer boost as they secure the futures of key duo, Mohamed Salah and now Virgil van Dijk. READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEWhen can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?Liverpool can win the Premier League with just SIX points from their last six games.The Merseysiders would therefore have 82 points, whereas even if they won every game they had left, second-place Arsenal could only get to 81.However, Liverpool may win the league this Sunday. The Reds would need a win at Leicester to become champions if Arsenal lose at Ipswich in the early game of the day. With 15 points remaining and a far better goal differential, a Liverpool victory would almost guarantee the title if Arsenal drew.Most read in FootballIn order to postpone Liverpool’s coronation, Arsenal would need to avoid losing at home against Crystal Palace on April 23 if both clubs’ results were equal.Liverpool would win the title on April 27 if they defeated Tottenham Hotspur at home, even if Arsenal prevailed. More

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      Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Aston Villa?

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      NEWCASTLE face Aston Villa in a crunching Premier League encounter TODAY – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHarvey Barnes’ double sandwiched by strikes from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, saw off Manchester United on the weekend to reaffirm Newcastle’s position in the Champions League race. Then the Tyneside club thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in their game in hand, which was initially postponed due to League Cup final involvement.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Aston Villa?As announced on Newcastle’s social media account, Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.Read more on Eddie HoweA club statement read, “The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Howe was absent for the game against Manchester United with what the club cited as an “illness” at the time. The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening, having felt unwell for a number of days. In the club’s joint statement, Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Who will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave a re-update on Howe with the club’s in-house media ahead of the Wednesday night game. The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back. “Your health is the most important thing, that’s why it’s so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I’m sure he will do.”What time does Newcastle vs Aston Villa kick-off?Aston Villa vs Newcastle is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm BST.Villa Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 42,640 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Newcastle dismantled Aston Villa 3-0 when the sides last met. More

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      ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

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      Chelsea legend and FA Cup winner swaps football for completely different sport as he’s named tournament director

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      CHELSEA legend Ruud Gullit has swapped football for fairways – by taking charge of a top golf tournament.The Euro 1988 winner had three seasons as Chelsea player-boss, lifting the 1997 FA Cup.Ruud Gullit has taken up a shock new job in golfCredit: GettyGullit won the FA Cup as Chelsea player-manager in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe went on to manage Newcastle for a year, and has also played for AC Milan, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Gullit, 62, has recently taken part in a number of golf events.And he has now been appointed tournament director of the KLM Open, which will take place at The International near Amsterdam from June 5-8.The versatile ex-footballer hails from the Dutch capital city. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe KLM Open is part of the DP World Tour, with over £2million in prize money.Gullit declared: “Golf is a sport that brings me connections and pleasure. “The KLM Open is a great event, which brings together top-level sport and experiences.”For me to be able to take on this role in the year my home city turns 750, and at my home course, makes it extra special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I am crazy about the game and find it a huge honour to have been given the job.”Leading players including Guido Migliozzi, the 2024 winner, plus Jimmy Walker and Pablo Larrazabal, will compete at The International.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final Fellow tournament director Daan Slooter added: “The KLM Open has a very good name, and is a leading event for both players and fans on the DP World Tour calendar.”When Gullit tees-off in his spare time, he plays off a seven handicap. More

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      Marcus Rashford’s WILD stats will stun Man Utd fans before Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and detailed analysis to find the best value bets this weekend.There is an “egg-cellent” selection of games to watch over the Easter break and several punts have caught our eye.Marcus Rashford has been backed to play a huge part for Aston Villa versus NewcastleCredit: GettySunSport’s very own Will Pugh was joined by football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom to discuss this weekend’s tempting selections.The panel discuss Wolves’ trip to Manchester United, Aston Villa facing Newcastle and away from the Premier League, look at the World Snooker Championship and Irish Grand National.Man Utd vs Wolves, Sunday 2pmKweku: Wolves to win 5/2″Aside from Man Utd being awful, the stats back up a Wolves win. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”United have lost 14 Prem games this season, which equals their total from last season and the last time they lost more league games was in the 1989-90 season where they lost 16 games. “Wolves are in-form and have won their last four matches. That’s their best run in the top flight since January 1972.”United are only playing for Europa League football this year. So I think I’m on to a winner in this one.”Will: Over 4.5 goals 11/2Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Looking at the omens, United have won all four of their home league games played on Easter Sunday by an aggregate score of 9-1 and this is Wolves first ever league match played on Easter Sunday. Totally inexperienced, they are normally at home munching on their eggs.”Wolves have scored nine goals in their last four games and have not failed to bulge the net in their last 11. They haven’t drawn a blank since January 25th against Arsenal.”Since Ruben Amorim’s first game, he’s already lost more league games by three or more goals than he did in 167 games at Sporting.”It could be goals galore between United and WolvesCredit: AFPSam: Wolves to score first 7/5″Obviously a big night for them in the Europa League and I think they’re probably going to have a bit of a hangover.”I think the value is in backing Wolves to score the first goal in the game. When we look at the stats across United’s last nine Prem games at Old Trafford, they’ve only scored the first goal on one occasion, which is a disgrace, isn’t it?”Easter Sunday, United are going to get crucified.”Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score 3/1″Aston Villa have only kept six clean sheets in the last 37 on home soil. “And since losing their first home match of this season against Arsenal, Villa are unbeaten at Villa Park in the league, winning eight, drawing seven. “If you were to put this bet on midweek, you would have won some money. Put this bet on in the weekend, you’re winning some money.”Will: Rashford to score or assist 5/4″The stats show that he’s been progressively better. Per 90 minutes in the Prem this season, Marcus Rashford is having more touches, shots, creating more chances and attempting more dribbles per 90 minutes for Villa than he did at United. “I fancy that will show up again this weekend and he will actually convert that into a goal contribution.”Sam: Murphy to score or assist 13/5″Newcastle are on an incredible run of form. I wouldn’t want to back against them. They’ve won their last six games in all competitions.”Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 13/5, this is ridiculous value for me. “He has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 17 away Prem appearances for Newcastle, scoring four and nine assists. Unbelievable.”Jacob Murphy is in fine formCredit: AlamyWorld Snooker Championship, starts SaturdaySam: “Big price for Ronnie O’Sullivan. But I fancy John Higgins.”He has dropped out the top 16 in the rankings, however, he did bounce back with a win in the Tour Championship. 12/1 could be a nice each-way bet.”Irish Grand National, Monday 5pmSam: “We’ve seen Willie Mullins make history by becoming the only ever trainer to win the English Grand National and the Scottish in back-to-back years. “Everyone’s saying he will add the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise. High Class Hero his best shout.”The favourite, Haiti Couleurs, won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Got loads of stamina.”A brilliant season for Now Is The Hour, a win here would really top that off nicely for Gavin Cromwell.Read More on The Sun”Interestingly, this horse was cruising at the Cheltenham Festival, but fell at the last. Stamina won’t be an issue, just needs to brush up on jumping.”And then something else at a little bit bigger price that is standing out for me. Better Days Ahead for Gordon Elliott could be an each-way shout.” More

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      How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League title with Nicolas Jackson freeing Cole Palmer

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      CAST our minds back to the first-half of the Premier League season and Chelsea were being talked about as Liverpool’s closest competitors.After 16 matches, the Blues had just been on a five-match winning streak and they were sat just three points behind Arne Slot’s side.Enzo Maresca is facing tactical problems at ChelseaCredit: RexNicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are key to the Blues’ successCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca was asked about challenging for the league and he played down Chelsea’s chances, saying: “We are not in a title race. “It’s not about the pressure for the players, club or me. For me it’s just the reality.”We’re ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and points, as our mission for this season is to develop players and just try to do our very best.”I would like to have that kind of pressure… hopefully soon we can have that kind of title race pressure.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince those comments, Chelsea’s form has dipped and they have fallen to sixth in the table, 22 points behind Liverpool.Maresca can still transform the club into title contenders but a lot needs to change.The boss has missed Nicolas Jackson through injury in recent months and they have been unable to replace his running in behind, lay-offs and combinations with Cole Palmer.Maybe another striker is needed in Jackson’s mould to share the workload and stop a drop-off if he gets injured again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn the 3-0 win over West Ham, Maresca-ball was a joy to watch.Jackson can drop deep to combine and then spin in behind to drag defenders with him.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problemThere is a “box” midfield for the striker to work with as the full-backs invert to form the deepest points of a square as Enzo Fernandez pushes higher.This frees up Palmer for him to work his magic and he can pick up pockets of space that Jackson frees up by pulling defenders away with his movement.Chelsea have not been the same without JacksonThey have missed his movement and link-up play with the midfieldChelsea were up there at the start of the season due to the inverted full-backs working wonders.Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto impressed in the roles and Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were excellent. But Chelsea have been worked out and their play has become too focused in the middle of the pitch and predictable. The wingers are not good enough in one vs one situations.There is not enough creation from the wide players and they need a left-footer on the left who can go on the outside and take defenders on.With the full-backs inverted and the wingers cutting in – it is all far too narrow and Palmer then has no space in congested areas and his game is restricted.Chelsea’s games are being played in the width of the penalty box when someone must offer a threat on the flanks. Chelsea’s play has been too narrow and their wingers have not been direct enoughRuben Amorim at Manchester United and Thomas Tuchel with England have spoken about the need for direct wingers.Jamie Gittens, 20, is a target for Chelsea and they should break the bank to get him.Meanwhile, the other thing that must change at Stamford Bridge is the man between the sticks – Robert Sanchez is not good enough.He makes too many mistakes and his underwhelming passing has been putting pressure on the centre-backs.Read More on The SunMaresca wants his keeper to join the back line and become like an extra outfield player in possession.Sanchez has been shaky with the ball at his feet. The No1 at Chelsea must be a good shot stopper and be comfortable playing out.Chelsea should make a move for Jamie Gittens this summerCredit: Alamy More