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    Man Utd legend facing FA charge after ‘furious tunnel-bust up’ with referee over Matthijs de Ligt drama

    MANCHESTER UNITED chief Darren Fletcher faces an FA charge after claims of a fiery tunnel bust-up with officials.United were furious as defender Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off the Old Trafford pitch in first-half stoppage time with blood on his head and face.Matthijs de Ligt sustained a nasty head injury and blood poured down his faceCredit: RexDe Ligt left the field for treatment but was sent back to the sidelines as the ref felt it was not patched up enoughCredit: GettyEthan Pinnock scored for Brentford while De Ligt was off the fieldCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher supposedly confronted the ref in the tunnelCredit: RexThis was the result of an earlier injury which medics had twice tried to patch up.As soon as De Ligt left the field, Brentford scored from a corner, sparking outrage with manager Erik ten Hag and No 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy booked for protesting.Van Nistelrooy continued his protests down the tunnel, while former United midfielder and technical director Fletcher waited inside where he allegedly verbally confronted ref Sam Barrott and fourth official Gavin Ward.The FA will now await the referee’s report before deciding whether to take further action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited came back to win the game with Alejandro Garnacho scoring just after the break and Rasmus Hojlund getting a 62nd-minute winner.Yet Ten Hag was still fuming with the ref’s decision after the game.He raged: “It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury.“I didn’t understand why he was sent off.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I went over to Matthijs and he said, ‘It is dry blood and I have to come off I don’t know why’.“It was a huge moment because Brentford is very good at corners and you are missing one of your best headers.”Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in trainingMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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    Curtis Jones gives heartwarming interview about becoming new dad after stealing show for Liverpool vs Chelsea

    LIVERPOOL ace Curtis Jones opened up about recently becoming a dad in a wholesome interview after a man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea.Jones, 23, led the Reds to a 2-1 win over the Blues at Anfield as he won the penalty that was followed by Mohamed Salah’s opener and scored the winner after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser.Liverpool ace Curtis Jones won over fans with a heartwarming post-match interviewCredit: Sky SportsJones led Liverpool to a massive win over ChelseaCredit: ReutersLiverpool ace Jones opened up about becoming a father last weekCredit: instagramJones and his girlfriend Saffie Khan welcomed their daughter Giselle Delilah JonesCredit: instagram @saffiekhan_The midfielder dedicated his first goal of the season to his newborn daughter Giselle Delilah Jones and girlfriend Saffie Khan.The couple made headlines with the joyous announcement in May that they were expecting their first child, with Saffie giving birth last week.The pair shared photos of them holding their baby as they beamed with joy.The ex-England youth international spoke to Sky Sports about his incredible performance against Chelsea and hinted it was a result of some extra confidence he acquired the last few days.Read More on FootballJones said: “It’s the best thing ever, I’m playing with a smile on my face. It’s a different type of joy.”I was in the spare room [last night]! But she’s a little dream, she wants a feed and change and back asleep. “So I wouldn’t have missed much sleep anyway. But I thought it was wise [to sleep in the spare room]. So I had some energy. Sorry dads around the world!”Social media went wild after the Liverpool ace’s heartwarming statement with many praising his inspirational words.Most read in FootballOne tweeted: “Loved that Curtis Jones interview.”Another commented: “That Curtis jones interview was f*****g mega! What a boy man, been a dad for a week and scores the winning goal and MOTM, killing it.”Liverpool ace Curtis Jones aims sly dig at Arsenal for ‘stealing their stuff’ after wild celebrations following huge winA third wrote: “Curtis Jones genuinely seems like a top bloke. Doesn’t interview like he’s reading from a script and seems like a lad who’s just buzzing on life. Fair play to him!This one said: “What a brilliant interview with Curtis Jones that was.”That one stated: “I love that Curtis Jones came on to that interview and spent a quarter of it talking about his new baby.”And finally this post read: “Happy dad Curtis Jones put up an amazing performance and an even better post match interview.” More

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    Jamie Carragher is warned ‘don’t bring that here’ live on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was ordered not to bring his “CBS chat” live on Sky Sports after covering his beloved Liverpool’s win over Chelsea.The Reds beat the Blues 2-1 at Anfield thanks to a stunning display by Curtis Jones, who won a penalty that led to Mohamed Salah’s opener and scored the winner after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser.Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates ordered Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards not to bring their ‘CBS chat’That comment led to the entire panel laughing their socks offCarragher and Richards work together at CBS with Thierry Henry and Kate AbdoCredit: GettyCarragher provided punditry alongside former team-mate Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards, with whom he also covers the Champions League on CBS.The ex-England international insisted Jones “should have” been awarded another penalty for Liverpool.Presenter Kelly Cates immediately responded: “You’ve firmed up a bit.”Richards addressed his fellow CBS analyst: “You were 50-50 at half-time, has someone been in your DM’s?”Read More on FootballThe panel then burst into laughter before Carragher quipped: “No it was a penalty, you leave my DMs out of it.”Cates replied: “Alright, don’t bring your CBS chat on here”And Sturridge ended the funny segment by saying: “Chill out man, what’s going on.”Carragher and Richards often find themselves taking a cheeky dig at each other live on the CBS studio alongside fellow legend Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the duo are usually more subtle when working with Sky Sports.The pair will be returning for the Champions League action this coming Tuesday on CBS.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’They will be covering Arsenal clash with Shakhtar Donetsk before Manchester City’s encounter with Sparta Prague and Liverpool’s visit at RB Leipzig on Wednesday. More

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    Is Fabrizio Romano a time traveller? Fans spot his eerie sub ‘leak’ during Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

    FORGET mystic meerkats, uncanny octopuses and even good old-fashioned crystal balls – this eerie Anfield tale might freak you out.Fans reckon Fabrizio Romano metamorphosed from transfer guru to “time traveller” – as he spooked them out with his mid-match messages in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was at the centre of a fun ‘time-travel’ conundrum after he got injured in the 2-1 victory over ChelseaCredit: APJota had to be replaced by Darwin Nunez after just 30 minutesCredit: RexThe journalist’s millions of followers already believe he is in the loop with his transfer insights – but never before in a TIME loop.Romano saw the Reds return top of the Premier League with Arne Slot’s 10th victory in 11 matches since his summer arrival as boss.But amid a new blitz of VAR dramas, the Italian sparked a conspiracy – with the mysterious timing of his posts about Diogo Jota.The Liverpool winger was caught up in a major first-half talking point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score goalless, the Portuguese hero escaped through the middle but was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo.The Chelsea centre-back was only booked, leaving Arsenal fans furious as they claimed William Saliba’s red-card foul 24 hours earlier was identical.Jota never fully recovered from the knock, meaning he was replaced by Darwin Nunez on the half-hour.Unfortunate, you might think, but nothing untoward.Most read in FootballHere’s how Fabrizio Romano sparked a mystical mysteryFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExcept, as one fan posted: “16:43pm: Fabrizio Romano tweets Diogo Jota has left the pitch with an injury despite him not.”17:02pm: Diogo Jota leaves the pitch with an injury. Is this brother a time traveller…?”Watch Wolves’ incredible player announcement video that savages both Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano in single strokeA second observer added: “At least now we know why he knows all the transfer news? He’s a time traveller.”A third supporter noted: “He also got the replacement correct.”And a few went even further down the “sub leak” rabbit hole with suggestions like: “This just proves that football is scripted.”But others attempted to ease the conundrum by pointing out: “He left the pitch for a few minutes earlier and Nunez was warming up.”At least Romano didn’t share extra-early details of how Jota suffered his blow.Otherwise it might have been a case of Whack to the Future.Romano baffled his millions of followers by posting as fact something that only happened 19 minutes laterCredit: Sportsfile More

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    England ace Phil Foden yells ‘it’s a big one’ as he bags monster carp on fishing trip with TV expert

    FOOTIE star Phil Foden nets again — reeling in a monster carp on a fishing trip.The Man City and England ace, 24, was thrilled to catch the 28lb beast at a fishery near Lechlade, Gloucs.Phil Foden was thrilled with his huge carp, pictured with ITV4’s Monster Carp host Neil SpoonerCredit: https://www.tiktok.com/@reel.quick.fishinThe Man City midfielder is a keen angler and plans to swap football for fishing when he retiresCredit: https://www.tiktok.com/@reel.quick.fishinIn a TikTok video, he boasted to his fishing partner — ITV4’s Monster Carp host Neil Spooner, with Phil: “It’s a big one!”The midfielder, who played in City’s win yesterday, is a keen angler and plans to swap football for fishing when he retires.After the Euros, Foden went on a £14-a-day angling holiday on the edge of the Cotswolds.The £200,000-a-week Man City star snubbed exotic destinations popular with his Three Lions team-mates to spend five days with his dad fishing for carp, catfish, tench, pike and perch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAn onlooker at Linear Fisheries in Witney, Oxfordshire, said: “Phil was happy as Larry camping out in a cheap tent,“He was so down to earth and was just hell-bent on trying to land himself a carp as the lake has some absolutely enormous ones in it.“While his England pals were living it up in posh hotels next to beaches, the most luxurious thing Phil had on his holiday was a Portaloo.”Foden was winding down after the Euros ahead of rejoining the City squad preparing for the new season.Most read in FootballHe is an avid angler and has boasted about his big catches on Instagram.Foden started fishing with his dad, Phil Senior, as a boy and said previously: “It’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.Inside Phil Foden’s surprise love for fishing“Probably about 95 per cent of the football lads don’t enjoy it.“The odd one likes fishing, so when people find out they say: ‘what a weird sport to enjoy’. “They don’t understand why you enjoy it.“Obviously, they need to go and try it. “I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”Foden has shared several of his top catches on social media from his trips to lakes across the UK and in Spain, which was the location of his biggest catch yet – a HUGE 130LB Catfish.Foden’s catch came in at 28lbCredit: https://www.tiktok.com/@reel.quick.fishinPhil playing for EnglandCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool player ratings: Curtis Jones outstanding all over pitch vs Chelsea but Dominik Szoboszlai flatters to deceive

    LIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.Liverpool picked up a big win over Chelsea at AnfieldCredit: EPAMohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool from the penalty spotCredit: RexCurtis Jones stood out for Liverpool against ChelseaCredit: ReutersThat was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.Read More on FootballBut how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5 For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5 Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5 Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.Most read in FootballVIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7 He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6 The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7 Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9 Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly thanks to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tactics DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7 What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4 Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5 Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5 Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.READ MORE SUN STORIESALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5 Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5 A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order. More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Nicolas Jackson shows he has something about him vs Liverpool but Jadon Sancho lacks any spark

    LIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Robert Sanchez had a shaky day between the sticksCredit: AFPJadon Sancho was hooked off at half-timeCredit: EPANicolas Jackson scored his fifth goal of the seasonCredit: EPAChelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLROBERT SANCHEZ – 5 Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6 Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5 Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly thanks to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tactics MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5 At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5 Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6 Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4 Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7 Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6 Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6 Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5 Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6 Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.READ MORE SUN STORIESCHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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    Liverpool 2 Chelsea 1: Arne Slot triumphs in first big test as Reds manager to lay down gauntlet in title race

    IF Thomas Tuchel tuned in to witness this heavyweight Premier League battle, there would have been one man who made him sit up and take notice.And while there were six Englishmen in the starting line-up of his former club Chelsea, it was Liverpool’s match-winner Curtis Jones who demanded his attention.Curtis Jones celebrating his winner in a match full of VAR dramaCredit: PAJones beat the offside trap to restore Liverpool’s lead on 51 minutesCredit: PAAt 23, and into his fifth season as a regular Anfield first-teamer, it is surprising that Scouser Jones is yet to win a full England cap.Many more performances like this and Jones will not be ignored by new Three Lions boss Tuchel.Jones did not just net the winner early in the second half to send Liverpool back to the top of the table, but he won the penalty for Mo Salah’s opener, was originally awarded a second spot-kick, and produced an outstanding all-round display.It was Liverpool’s seventh straight win in all competitions and their 10th in 11 outings under Arne Slot, as they re-asserted their one-point lead over champions Manchester City at the start of a run of demanding fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor Chelsea, it was the end of a seven-match unbeaten run but a performance with plenty of positives for Enzo Maresca, who is bringing sanity to the Stamford Bridge madhouse.Neither Slot nor Maresca seem inclined to spit poison as Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez often did during the golden age of the rivalry between these clubs.Both new managers had enjoyed fine starts but both had been helped by relatively gentle fixture lists.Maresca welcomed back skipper Reece James after an injury lay-off of almost a year, while Romeo Lavia was brought in for a rare start alongside Moises Caicedo – both midfielders having snubbed Liverpool for the Blues last year.Most read in FootballNicolas Jackson slotted Chelsea level, after an offside ruling was overturnedCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrom the off it was testy and tempestuous with ref John Brooks the centre of attention.First up, Tosin Adarabioyo pulled down Diogo Jota just inside the Chelsea half but with Levi Colwill covering the Chelsea defender escaped with a yellow card – narrowly avoiding the same fate as Arsenal’s William Saliba the previous day.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsNext Jadon Sancho went down after a tangle with Trent Alexander-Arnold but Brooks turned down his penalty appeals. Chelsea were playing some neat stuff early on. Noni Madueke, who was giving kittens to Andy Robertson, teed up for Cole Palmer, whose shot was blocked by Jones. But then the Liverpool penalty shouts began to rain down.Salah went down under pressure from Colwill but the Egyptian was too obvious in looking for spot-kick.Slot earned a yellow for dissent but he didn’t have to wait long for a successful spot-kick appeal against Colwill.This time Colwill tripped Jones and Brooks pointed to the spot, Salah hammering home and sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way after plenty of Chelsea delaying tactics.It was Salah’s seventh goal of the season and a kick in the wotsits for the club which allowed him to leave early in his career.Jota, struggling after an early knock, was replaced by Darwin Nunez but soon Liverpool thought they had doubled their lead.A poor kick from Sanchez put Chelsea under pressure and a slick move from Jones to Salah to Cody Gakpo, netting at the back stick, came to nothing courtesy of an offside flag.Maresca was hopping mad when Nicolas Jackson angled a shot narrowly wide of the near post when he might have aimed across goal.Tosin Adarabioyo escaped with a yellow card for this challenge on Diogo JotaCredit: XRobert Sanchez couldn’t keep out Mo Salah’s penalty openerCredit: GettyIn first-half injury-time, Nunez slipped a pass to Jones, who kippered Tosin with his turn and was brought down by an on-rushing Sanchez.Brooks pointed to the spot again but was sent to his screen by VAR Michael Oliver who spotted that Sanchez touched the ball before the man.The on-field ref concurred with his more senior colleague in Stockley Park – but Sanchez had got lucky – it was a subjective call and the ‘light touch’ VAR approach appears to be fading, as most refereeing edicts do.Before the break, Madueke teased Robertson again and laid back for Palmer, who shot over.It was a warning shot for Liverpool but one they didn’t heed because Chelsea were soon level at the start of the second.Caicedo’s through-ball was met by a perfectly-timed run from Jackson who drilled past Caoimhin Kelleher – although Oliver was needed again to overturn an incorrect offside call.Slot’s men were straight back at it, though, and regained their lead within 76 seconds.Salah’s low centre was met with a Jones surge to the back post, where he cheated the offside trap, controlled and poked past Sanchez.Maresca, who had sent on Pedro Neto for Sancho at half-time, responded with a triple substitution – introducing Enzo Fernandez, Benoit Badiashile and Renato Veiga.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Liverpool were sensible in managing their slim lead.Jones departed ten minutes from time to a standing ovation – and Tuchel might even have got off his sofa to applaud him as well. 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