Premier League

RIO FERDINAND has told Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for his “disrespectful” act against Arsenal.The winger started his side’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having cemented his status as a first-teamer under new boss Enzo Maresca.Rio Ferdinand has urged Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wagesCredit: GettyMadueke stormed down the tunnel after being subbed off against ArsenalCredit: GettyBut Madueke struggled to make an impact down Chelsea’s right-hand side.Arsenal left-back Jurrien Timber made sure the England international was unable to dictate play when cutting inside.And Maresca decided enough was enough when he hauled Madueke off after the hour mark for Mykhailo Mudryk.However, Chelsea’s talented forward was not happy with the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd instead of taking his place on the bench, Madueke stormed off down the tunnel in anger.Blues boss Maresca attempted to play down the incident by claiming it was a natural reaction.But former Manchester United star Ferdinand reckons Madueke’s actions were a sign of disrespect.And he feels the winger should be docked a fortnight’s wages to teach him a lesson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England defender said: “You think Danny Welbeck or Tom Cleverley or Nani are going to storm off the pitch and throw their dummy out?“It’s a young team. Who are the experienced players who are going to go in there and say, ‘Woah, we don’t accept that here’.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem“And I understand his thinking but at the same time, I don’t understand why you are doing that.“That’s where the manager comes in, I think the manager protecting him is mad.“And that’s why I couldn’t be in there because I couldn’t come out and play the game where you say, ‘Yeah he was in the wrong but…’“Fined, that’s a two-week fine.”Maresca certainly didn’t seem to have a problem with Madueke’s reaction, explaining after the Arsenal match: “The problem is when you change a player, they are never happy.“Probably the only way to be happy is after the Wolves game where he scored a hat-trick and we changed him, so he was happy. It’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a good thing because they want to be there until the end. But in that moment, we thought in different ways, probably Pedro with Timber could be a little bit more aggressive.“And also with Misha, so it was a tactical decision, no more than that.”Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though. More

TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has a cuddly dad… and a not-so-cute future father-in-law.The Southampton defender, who captained England Under-21s to Euros glory last year, has been handed his first senior call-up by Lee Carsley.Roy Keane’s daughter Leah is engaged to a new England starCredit: officialkeane16 / InstagramSouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis is hoping to win his first senior capCredit: GettyAnd that delighted his football-mad father Martin, who for many years dressed up as Stockport’s mascot Vernon Bear. Yet there is someone who will be much harder to please.Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Leah Keane, whose dad is intimidating former Manchester United star Roy.The defender’s uncle, Steve, is Stockport’s president and his twin sister Becky was a top basketball player, so here is a family which loves sport.Harwood-Bellis was with Manchester City from the age of six before joining Southampton on loan last term, with promotion triggering a £20million transfer clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked about his family, starting with his costume-wearing dad, Harwood-Bellis said: “He did it a few times to be fair, it wasn’t just once.“He must have been good at it. It was sad to see him stop.“My sister doesn’t play any more but she represented Great Britain. She was good at basketball. We’re a sporty family.”Harwood-Bellis, though, did seem slightly nervous when the subject of the father of his fiancee Leah was mentioned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “Yes, it’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”Although England travel to Greece today for tomorrow’s Nations League clash, Sunday will see England face Ireland at Wembley, with the game nearly sold out.Man Utd legend Roy Keane abruptly walks off as he is repeatedly teased by ice cream manHarwood-Bellis has been a mainstay for the Saints this seasonCredit: ReutersFormer Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was a huge inspirationCredit: AlamyThat match will be of particular interest to a certain former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder.But swerving the next question about Keane and the Ireland showdown, Harwood-Bellis said: “Everything is focused on Greece. “It’s a big game with the result at home last month as we lost. We want to go over there and get a result.”One man who has featured prominently in the centre-back’s career is Vincent Kompany.The Belgian was manager in his loan spells at Anderlecht and Burnley.And the 22-year-old star said: “I had the best part of a year and a half under him so he’s helped me massively. He helped me personally to grow as a player and a human being, as well.”Asked about the England call-up by interim boss Carsley, he said: “Lee rang me in the morning. I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride.“I was with my partner. Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud.“The fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors, all my family were delighted.“He [Carsley] always said, ‘If you are playing well at the top level  and doing the best you can, there will be a  highly-likely chance that you get called up’ — and he stuck to his word. So I’m really happy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough he will not be at either game, manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel will be watching from his home in Germany.Harwood-Bellis said: “It will be a big motivation for all the lads that there is a new manager coming in and they will be wanting to keep their places.” More

RODRI hopes to be back in action for Manchester City before the season ends.The Ballon d’Or winner, 28, has been sidelined since injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Arsenal on September 22.Ballon d’Or winner Rodri hopes to return from injury before the end of the seasonCredit: RexHe suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal in SeptemberCredit: EPAMan City boss Pep Guardiola said it would be the start of the 2025-26 campaign by the time the Spanish midfielder was fit again.But Rodri is aiming for Fifa’s Club World Cup, which takes place in the US in June and July.City’s talisman said: “The seasons are getting longer and this one has the Club World Cup.“It is good to have a challenge and I have it in my head to return this season — we’ll see when.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Prem champions hope to persuade Rodri to extend his Etihad deal, which runs until 2027.He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has not ruled out a return to his homeland.Rodri added: “Renewal with City is not my priority right now. “I want to recover and we’ll see.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I have a contract and I’m very, very happy.“But I see the Spanish league and I’m not closing doors.”Inside Rodri’s humble lifeOne factor which could affect his decision is whether Guardiola stays beyond the end of his current deal next summer.Rodri said: “When I signed, I was told he would leave the following year… and we are still like that five years later.” More

RUBEN AMORIM met several of Manchester United’s squad yesterday — and instantly gave them some TLC.The new Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Ruben Amorim has been all smiles at CarringtonHe hugged Kobbie MainooAnd embraced Luke ShawHe was seen sharing a joke with summer signing Lenny YoroHe could have a big role for Mason MountIt came just 24 hours after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon.Amorim, 39, embraced Shaw, hugged Mainoo and Mount, shared a laugh with £42million summer buy Yoro and chatted to Collyer.The bulk of United’s players are on international duty — but some first-teamers have been working on their fitness in the gym.Amorim, whose first match in charge is a Prem trip to Ipswich on November 24, wasted little time making big calls off the pitch, too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDarren Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull, unlike interim chief Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was axed on Monday in a move criticised by ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand.Stalwart Fletcher was part of Erik ten Hag’s staff and is set to continue in a coaching capacity.The Scot had been technical director but new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appointed Jason Wilcox in that role earlier this year, so the ex-midfielder joined the backroom set-up where he is set to remain.Amorim is waiting for a visa before he can work with his squad — but looks set to bring in Sporting analyst Eduardo Rosalino.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.The Portuguese wants Premier League experience on his staff so Fletcher and set-piece coach Andreas Georgson are set to stay.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City Meanwhile, Ferdinand reckons Amorim axed van Nistelrooy, who won three of his four games as caretaker, as he felt threatened.The Dutch club legend departed along with coaches Rene Hake, Jelle van Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel.Ferdinand said: “It’s not easy to go in and have, sitting next to you, one of the most prolific strikers.“Fans love him. And any bumps in the road, they’ll say to get Ruud in as a manager.”Left-back Tyrell Malacia ended his 17-month injury nightmare with a start for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy at Huddersfield last night. More

THE Premier League could descend into chaos this season due to the growing injury toll on its stars.That is the warning from PFA boss Maheta Molango, who is alarmed at the increased casualty list across England’s top flight.Several England players have been hit by injury this season including Bukayo SakaCredit: PAJack Grealish has also seen his momentum curtailed by fitness issuesCredit: RexA staggering 232 Prem games have been missed by players at English clubs in Europe, while the Three Lions lost EIGHT to injury for this week’s Nations League clashes with Greece and Ireland.Molango said: “Players have been talking for a long time about the impact of the football calendar and fans can see it for themselves when they look at the number of players injured.“Nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch.”England’s lengthy injury list has added to worries that the demands on top stars are getting worse — and could end up being crucial in the title race.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInterim boss Lee Carsley is without Gunners’ Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka and Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale all pulled out.John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Eberechi Eze were previously ruled out through injury.And that is BEFORE the ramifications of this year’s final international break, two more rounds of European games, the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and a packed league programme.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat run could mean up to 13 matches in seven weeks for players up to January 1.City boss Pep Guardiola has seen Rodri KO’d for the campaign, not seen Oscar Bobb all season and spoken of his concerns for Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Foden. He admits his side’s title hopes are under threat from the injuries.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal And even after the Prem is decided City, along with Chelsea, will be playing in next summer’s expanded Fifa Club World Cup.But City, whose players have missed 42 games between them in the Prem, are not alone in sparking player welfare fears.Across Manchester, Erik ten Hag’s pre-sacking complaints about his injury misfortune had some validity.United players, including both his left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, have missed 57 matches so far.Incoming Ruben Amorim may be able to change the mood but he cannot wave a magic wand to bring those two, Maguire or Mainoo back any quicker than their bodies can heal.Injuries are part and parcel of football. Always have been, always will be.But as PFA chief Maheta Molango points out, extra demands on the biggest stars, with the fixture list becoming increasingly packed and this summer’s 32-team Club World Cup for City and Chelsea, the outcome is almost inevitable.Molango said: “It’s important to be able to back that up with numbers and evidence, so we can make the case for things like proper rest periods and restrictions around the frequency of games.“The No 1 principle behind the way we structure the calendar has got to be a proper understanding of the physical limits of the players.Injury problems have plagued Reece James for the past few yearsCredit: GettyA staggering 232 Prem games have been missed by players this seasonCredit: Reuters“We always say that this is not just a player issue but a football issue.“Fans are paying to see the best players competing for the biggest prizes, but that can’t happen if they are constantly injured.“It also has a knock-on impact, as it means even more workload on those who can play.“They are then pushed beyond their limits and put at greater risk of injury themselves. It’s a vicious cycle.”Molango’s argument holds water. While clubs have 25-man squads, even the biggest and best have a core of players who the manager knows he can rely on. If any of those are injured for a long spell, it means more minutes for the remaining key players.And that, inevitably, means those players are even more likely to pick up knocks, pulls, strains and other wear and tear injuries.Chelsea’s improvement under Enzo Maresca is doubtless due to hard work on the training ground.But it is helped by the fact that his players have missed only 15 games.Seven of those are accounted for by Reece James.Nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch. PFA boss Maheta MolangoLiverpool have been without Alisson for a month and Diogo Jota for the past few games, while Alexander-Arnold has pulled out of England duty with a hamstring problem.Arsenal’s recent drop-off coincided with injuries to Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White on top of the extended absence of skipper Martin Odegaard.The injury pattern has been getting worse in recent years.In their latest European Football Injury Index, insurers Howden totted up that Prem clubs paid £266million in wages last season to players who were not available for selection through injury, with United top of the crocks.Critically, the average length of absence for an injured Premier League player has almost doubled, from 15 days to four weeks, since the start of the 2020-21 campaign.Howden had already anticipated “a continuation of this upwards trajectory” and that “the squad depth of clubs will continue to be tested”.Even more so in the period after international players return from the various corners of Europe and the world next week.Unsurprisingly, given that clubs can play more than a sixth of their entire Prem programme in the four weeks of December, it is also the month Howden’s statistics found that most injuries are accrued.Part of it, too, is about the style of play of a number of coaches.Even in the Championship, where European football is the thing that takes place when they are facing another of the seemingly endless midweek fixture lists, front-foot chiefs can suffer the consequences.Norwich, who switched from a more patient style under former boss David Wagner after the arrival of Johannes Hoff Thorup, had EIGHT stars out as they lost at home to Bristol City on Saturday.But it is at the top end that it really shows.Molango’s argument that “nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch” is more than valid.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet it might well be that which determines the destination of the Premier League crown.The medical staff could be the most important members of every club’s backroom team. More