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      Outrage as criminal who was jailed for trying to rob ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil says ‘you win some, you lose some’

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      THE criminal who attempted to rob former Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac has brazenly opened up about the altercation.In July 2019, the Arsenal duo were targeted by two men on a moped in Childs Hill, London.One of the men who attempted to rob Mesut Ozil has discussed exactly what happenedCredit: PA:Press AssociationSead Kolasinac jumped out of the car to stop the robbers and defend Mesut OzilCredit: Met PoliceAshley Smith has shamelessly told all about how he tried to rob Mesut OzilAshley Smith, left, and Jordan Northover admitted to trying to rob Mesut OzilCredit: PA:Press AssociationThey attempted to steal a watch before going for Ozil’s car, but Kolasinac heroically jumped out of the vehicle to fight them off.Ashley Smith and his accomplice, Jordan Northover, were both jailed four months later, with the former receiving a 10-year sentence.He was released earlier this year and disclosed the story from his perspective in a tell-all interview.Smith, nicknamed ‘Ashman’, told the BlueTick podcast: “I was on the run. I was wanted on recall. I had an argument with my mum and I cut my tag off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My co-de (co-defendant) rang me and was like, ‘I’m on the run too, let’s roll.’ So I’m like, ‘come meet me.'”We jumped on the bike, went out, done whatever we was doing and made about… Dumb change, innit, it was young Ps.”I’m saying park up, he’s saying no, stay out for another half hour.”We’re driving and I see my man Ozil and Kolasinac in the G Wagon. Pulled up, yeah my co-de tried to get it, it went left. We missed out on the belly that day.Most read in Football”But you win some, you lose some, you know.”I don’t even want to think about the figures to be honest with you. £150k minimum, easy.”Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsAsked if it would’ve been the biggest move he’d ever done, ‘Ashman’ shamelessly responded: “Yeah. I’ve had a few big ones, I’ve had a few little ones. It’s the luck of the draw, you don’t know what you’re going to get.”He went on to say: “It weren’t even a knife. It was a knitting needle. But where we’d seen it, we weren’t even thinking. It was the belly. We got too hungry. It wasn’t like we planned it.”In response to a question about what the knitting needle was for, he said: “That’s to get something. To get keys, to hook the keys innit.””When I pulled up next to him, the guy was a lump,” he added. “My co-de, he’s a savage. But on that day, my man was on, Sead was on.”Both “furious”, the perpetrators fled the scene but were later found.Smith was initially handed a 15-year prison sentence for attempted robbery, but his guilty plea reduced it to 10 years.After an appeal, he got it reduced again to a six-do-three – meaning a six-year custodial sentence followed by a three-year extended license period.However, he was then charged with a different burglary while in possession of firearms, taking his total sentence back up to nine years.Smith went on to serve four years and 10 months in prison. He was released in May this year.”This is the longest I’ve been out,” he said.Arsenal fans were left furious after seeing how brazen ‘Ashman’ was during the interview on social media.One person commented: “Sead Kolasinac looked at you and laughed. This guy just a full on mug.”Another wrote: “Made to look a fool by footballers 😂.”A third said: “Kolasinac didn’t even flinch, this guy should be embarrassed to even show his face!”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a fourth added: “Is he not embarrassed to show his face?”Ozil left Arsenal as a free agent in 2021. Meanwhile, Kolasinac now plays for Atalanta in Serie A.Sead Kolasinac, left, and Mesut Ozil in action for Arsenal in 2019Credit: Reuters More

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      Football’s 3pm blackout facing axe after more than 60 YEARS as EFL and Premier League chiefs believe concept is outdated

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      FOOTBALL’S Saturday afternoon TV blackout could be facing the axe after more than 60 years.While 3pm games across the Prem and EFL cannot be shown live on TV other than in specific circumstances, the UK is the last country in Europe with that policy in place.The new Premier League TV deal will see up to 270 matches per season shown liveCredit: GettyNo other country still has a 3pm blackout in placeCredit: AlamyAnd Sun Sport has been told of a growing belief among league chiefs that the concept is now out of date – and should be changed within five years.The new four-year Premier League TV deal, with up to 270 of the 380 matches being shown live, begins next term and will run to the end of the 2028-29 season.Sky’s £935m five year EFL deal, with more than 1,000 games per season being shown, will also run out at the same time, making way for a major rethink by the game’s authorities.And while the FA, which has policed the blackout since it was introduced to protect match attendances in the 1960s, had previously started its opposition to the policy being lifted, the wishes of the leagues could see a change of heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe existence of the blackout has been a factor in the number of illegal streams with decoder boxes being used to broadcast international TV feeds in the UK.EFL analysis of this season is understood to have demonstrated little significant impact on match-day attendances despite the extra number of Saturday lunchtime games being shown.European football for seven – potentially eight – top flight teams next season will also see even more matches moved from Saturday to Sunday TV slots.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Last month Prem club bosses agreed “unanimously” to end its 20-year partnership with media giant IMG and build the League’s own in-house production centre.Most read in FootballThat opens the possibility of a future “Premflix” direct to consumer offer to fans, with the remaining Saturday 3pm matches an obvious option to raise even more cash for clubs. More

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      Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton

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      RUBEN AMORIM surprised Manchester United fans before his first Premier League home match in charge.Amorim, 39, led United to a dominant 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.Manchester United players practiced corner-kicks before the match with EvertonCredit: XNew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim introduced an unusual warm-up training sessionCredit: RexThe Red Devils looked evidently different under the Portuguese tactician but there were moments during the match that showed the players are still getting used to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.And Man Utd fans quickly found out how different things are under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss the moment they took their seats at the Theatre of Dreams.United stars took to the pitch for the pre-match warm-up, as did their opponents.But then the home fans watched their favourite Premier League team practicing CORNER-KICKS.Read More on Man UtdAnd it seemed like Man Utd were actually focused on defending the set-piece.That is a very rare sight during the warm-up session before a competitive match kicks off.The Manchester giants ultimately didn’t have to worry about corner-kicks as they easily defeated a toothless Everton side.Nevertheless, Amorim refused to get carried away at full-time as he insisted there is still a lot of work to do, hinting there could be some more unusual tactics on the horizon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “The result was good but we were pragmatic. We were pragmatic and did our job. We can still adapt and have a long way to go.”In the right moments we had the goals and that changed the game. We don’t just focus on the result.Johsua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton “We have so much to do but it is better to work with victories.”Let’s focus on the performance more. We have good moments but some where we suffer.”Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed all about the MOVIE which inspired his ‘gun shooting’ celebration. Manchester United’s newest striker whipped out his signature moves after netting a double as the Red Devils’ thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Joshua Zirkzee has explained his to-go gun celebrationThe United striker bagged a brace against Everton at Old TraffordIt’s not exactly brand new to the Prem – Phil Foden bends down and poses with an imaginary gun whenever he scores too.But Zirkzee’s cele has left everybody talking – because he sprays an invisible machine gun.Lifting the lid on how he came to choose it, he said: “I started off with something else.”But I got it from the film Django Unchained. There’s a point where he (Christoph Waltz) teaches Django (Jamie Foxx) to shoot.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDElsewhere, Zirkzee also revealed that it pays tribute to Fiorentina legend Omar Batistuta.Argentine legend Batistuta, 55, is famed for creating the firing gun celebration more than 30 years ago.Zirkzee said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee said he was inspired by Jamie Foxx’s shooting scene in DjanoFiorentina fans booed Zirkzee for doing the celebration when Bologna converted a penalty against them in November 2023.They thought it was disrespectful to emulate Batistuta’s moves in his former Stadio Artemio Franchi stomping ground, as then manager Thiago Motta was forced to apologised after the game.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMeanwhile, Zirkzee will be hoping to award fans with it again and again, after an upward turn in form over the weekend.Many believed his United career was over before it’d even begun after news that he’d arrived overweight and that Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him. The former Bologna striker said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”The Red Devils forked out £36.5million for the 23-year-old but fans were hoping to lure Liam Delap from Ipswich next summer.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      Cole Palmer becomes second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals as he joins Stamford Bridge royalty

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      COLE PALMER does not yet have the silverware to match modern-day Chelsea legends – but he has become Stamford Bridge royalty in record speed.The 22-year-old capped his 60th Blues appearance with a goal, an assist and a man of the match performance in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa yesterday.Cole Palmer is fast becoming a Chelsea legendCredit: GettyHe is closing in on a Chelsea record set by icon Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was Palmer’s 33rd strike and 21st assist since his £40million move from Manchester City at the start of last season.In his debut year in West London, the England star scored 22 goals and it put him behind only Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts.And he has carried his fine form into this season, netting eight goals in 13 games.The attacking midfielder’s eye for a goal means he can only be compared to strikers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer’s stunning curler to wrap up victory against Villa was his 30th goal in the Prem for the Blues.In just 46 appearances, only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has reached the milestone quicker for Chelsea (41 games).The stunning stat means he has got to 30 goals in two matches less than Diego Costa and 21 fewer than Didier Drogba.Both of those iconic strikers fired the Blues to the title in their first season at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer has little belief he will achieve the same in his second term, scowling and shutting down a reporter that asked him about their title chances.When it comes to goals and assists in a calendar year, the No20 needs just three more to set a new club record.Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ Palmer has registered 34 with six Prem games remaining in 2024.Hasselbaink, who did the business in 2001, holds the record on 36. Since Palmer made his debut for Chelsea in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September 2023, he has been involved in 47 goals, which is more than any other player.Despite only playing against some teams twice, has now scored against every Premier League team he has faced except Liverpool and Leicester.And it has seen him and Joao Felix get high praise from Enzo Maresca, who said: “Cole and Joao is the reason why people pay for tickets; to watch that type of player.”Cole can see things, like Joao, that the rest cannot see. It doesn’t mean the rest are not good but they are different from the rest.”Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa as Cole Palmer adds to his ridiculous Stamford Bridge tallyCHELSEA moved to joint-second in the Premier League table with a resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa.Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer saw the Blues make light work of their opponents at Stamford Bridge.Here, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh delivers her Chelsea player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 6Kept Ollie Watkins at bay on two occasions in the first-half, which was welcome after questions were raised over his place as first-choice goalkeeper.Moises Caicedo – 6Rare start from right-back in the absence of Reece James, but was solid in an inverted role as Chelsea grew in confidence.Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure for the Blues.Wesley Fofana – 4Some uncomfortable moments for Fofana amid his battles with Watkins.Was subbed off inside the hour mark after seemingly twisting his ankle as he treaded on the ball while tussling the Villa frontman.Levi Colwill – 6Would have been lower before he cleared Ross Barkley’s blistering header over the bar from a corner.Went down easy when defending Watkins in the second-half, could’ve cost his side some chances against better opposition.Marc Cucurella – 7Chelsea’s most creative full-back won the ball high-up to set up Jackon’s opener.Put the defensive work in aswell after having Jaden Philogene’s number the whole game.Romeo Lavia – 6Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Fernandez when Caicedo isn’t in the middle, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 7His best goal in a Chelsea shirt this calender year with a slick volley past his Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez from the edge of the box.The Chelsea captain set himself up after playing a lovely one-two with Palmer and was involved creatively throughout.Pedro Neto – 6Didn’t get on the ball enough compared to his fellow forward team-mates.Lovely drop of the shoulder after Fofana was subbed off but a pretty quiet afternoon in comparison to Chelsea’s other attackers.Cole Palmer – 8Out of form? Nonsense. He’d been on the edges of it at times. But made one and scored an absolute screamer. You cannot keep a good man down.Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has netted 30 goals at Stamford Bridge in fewer games.Linked up well with Sancho and Fernandez and assisted the Argentine’s volley. The England star was a constant threat while charging at Robin Olsen’s goal in the second-half.Jadon Sancho – 6Full of confidence and a constant threat in a high wing-back role this afternoon.Could’ve won his side a penalty but stayed on his feet inside 30 minutes.Still not quite there in the final third, though, as he was replaced by Madueke midway through the second half.Nicolas Jackson – 7A poacher’s finish opened the scoring inside seven minutes – his eighth in the league this season.A wonderful goal saw him get his foot round to volley in off the post with his weaker peg after Cucurella’s cross awkwardly deflected off Matty Cash.Tangled with Martinez, who was replaced by Olsen at half-time.SUBSBenoit Badiashile (60’ for Fofana) – 6Nothing too dramatic from the towering centre-back after replacing the injured Fofana.Noni Madueke (70’ for Sancho) – 4Booked for simulation in the final five minutes. Unnecessary.Christopher Nkunku (70′ for Jackson) – 5Great cross for what should’ve been Chelsea’s third as Palmer and Madueke got mixed up in the 77th minute.Joao Felix – (86′ for Palmer) – 3Missed a sitter at the death after Madueke’s shot was kept out. Also booked within three minutes of coming on for a lunge on Tielemans. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee praises team-mates for ‘keeping my head up’ when Man Utd career looked over before it had truly begun

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career looked to be over before it had even begun.News that he arrived a stone overweight and was not even wanted by previous manager Erik ten Hag was backed up by his performances.Joshua Zirkzee praised his team-mates after he got back amongst the goals versus EvertonCredit: RexA goal on his debut against Fulham promised much but a drought of 17 games without one delivered little.Even on Sunday, the groans started to grow with his every touch.Then the 23-year-old Dutchman came to life and showed perhaps why the Ineos team at United decided £36.5million might be a good investment.Two goals of his own and a superb turn and lay-off to help in Marcus Rashford’s second put him among the contenders for man of the match as Manchester United ran out 4-0 winners over relegation-threatened Everton.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee was understandably delighted with his afternoon’s work, saying: “Obviously the longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet the more frustrating it gets.”But I have some great team-mates who always keep my head up as well when I’m not keeping it up.“They helped me a lot during that time so they were happy for me.”Zirkzee played in a front three with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes but tends to drop back a little.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe arrived not as a straight-out number nine but as someone who operates partly as a ten because he likes to get involved in the build-up play.He said: “I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.”Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – before he’d even playedRashford is certainly enjoying the new 3-4-3 formation and looked revived on Sunday.Amorim said the 27-year-old has to “want it” if he is going to get back to the sort of form that saw him post career-best figures of 30 goals two seasons ago, and he certainly looked like he wanted it against Everton.He is clearly enjoying the new tactics and ideas under Amorim.Rashford said: “It is encouraging and fun for us to try something new.”We feel like we can get a lot stronger in this formation as well but also for other teams we have not played this system before.“No one knows what to expect really from us and it puts us in the perfect position. We can change a lot and set up different for different teams.”Marcus Rashford is enjoying working under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyThe atmosphere inside Old Trafford suggests the fans are happy with what the new boss is doing, too.Rashford said: “It is exciting and I don’t want to get carried away, but the energy is what we want from Old Trafford.”It was a second consecutive win for United and marked seven goals in four days following the 3-2 defeat of Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League in midweek.The problems in front of goal look to have gone too with each of Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund getting a pair a piece in the last two games.I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.Joshua ZirkzeeRashford also scored inside 80 seconds in Amorim’s opening game, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich.For Zirkzee the return to form after struggles this season under Ten Hag shows the strength of character that lies within the squad.He said: “Hard times create strong people and strong people bond. I think that’s what’s happening now.“The most important thing is that we keep going.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the next test will be far tougher than Sunday’s, with a trip to second place Arsenal on Wednesday night.They will face the Gunners without fit again Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both of whom picked up their fifth bookings of the season on Sunday and so will be suspended for one game.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      Inside Kevin De Bruyne’s ‘bizarre’ Man City exile as Micah Richards hints at ‘rift’ with Pep Guardiola

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Pep Guardiola have found themselves in uncharted territory.The reigning Premier League champions extended their winless run to seven games on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.Manchester City have not won a match in over a monthCredit: AlamyThere is now speculation of a feud between Pep Guardiola and Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersIt saw them drop to fifth in the table, 11 points behind Arne Slot’s side.Pundits quickly began to question what has been going on behind the scenes at City.And one of the main focal points was Kevin De Bruyne’s lack of involvement.The Belgian has been one of Man City’s most important players since joining over nine years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his match time has been severely limited this term.De Bruyne has made just five starts for the Cityzens so far this season.His last appearance in the starting line-up was back in September against Brentford.The 33-year-old’s absence from the XI has sparked speculation of a potential feud with Guardiola.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManchester United icon Gary Neville questioned what has been going on at the club after Sunday’s match.Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, he said: “There are a couple of things that are interesting.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind'”The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?”We know he’s had injuries but why is he not out there? Because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, he’s confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”There’s something happening but Pep Guardiola has got complete control of the club, he’s extended his contract and he’s probably just waiting for the January and [summer] transfer windows.”Jamie Carragher echoed the claims at full-time, insisting “something isn’t right” between De Bruyne and Guardiola.The Liverpool icon explained: “Something is going on with De Bruyne.”For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn’t starting games and doesn’t come on at half time today.”I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn’t right between those two. “It is sad because we are talking about one of the greatest managers, and greatest players in the Premier League.”His contract is up this summer and I know he has had a few problems but something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”England legend Gary Lineker offered his view on the potential feud in Monday’s edition of The Rest is Football podcast.He said: “De Bruyne came on again with not long to go when the game was pretty much done.”Yeah, he nearly got a goal because of [Virgil] van Dijk’s error, but is there something going on there, do you think? Because he’s been coming on for five or 10 minutes, what, for about a month now?”You would imagine he’s getting fitter, even though I saw both of them – Pep Guardiola and De Bruyne – make interesting statements in the week, where it seems like all’s not well between those two? I don’t know. I’ve got no inside information whatsoever.”Meanwhile, ex-Man City full-back Micah Richards insisted there must be some context behind De Bruyne’s exile from the starting line-up.De Bruyne has been limited to four Prem starts this season”I think you’re right,” he said. “There’s got to be some context to it… this goes back [to] before the international break.”De Bruyne got some minutes, but after the international break, he didn’t start and then hasn’t started again. But he’s one who can unlock a door!”We know with Kevin De Bruyne, you’ve got to wrap him in cotton wool… but a big game like this, I thought [Guardiola] was sort of saving him for this game!”But even just the talks, [De Bruyne] potentially going to Saudi at the end of the year… it looks to me like there’s some sort of rift gong on between them.”Richards then went on to suggest that it “doesn’t seem happy” in the City camp.De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to enter negotiations for a new deal.Last month, the midfielder insisted he is “not worried” about his future.He said: “I honestly don’t know. At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen but then the thing [injury] happened in Brentford.”I was hoping to be out a couple of days, and then it was eight-nine weeks. I put it all to the side.”For the moment, I’d rather get better first and see how I am, the rest will come – I’m not too obsessed with things right now.”I’m not too worried. I’m fine. I’m happy, I just want to play good football again and the future – we’ll see.”Talks will come. If there’s no talks, it will be my last year, but I don’t know.”I had a conversation in the summer, but then I had the injury so I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to speak about that. I need to be back on the pitch and be myself again.”There’s no rush, I don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m not worried.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan City next face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Another defeat would see them drop below Forest in the table.Guardiola received taunts of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning,’ but responded by holding up the number of Premier League titles he has wonCredit: Getty More

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      Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’

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      COLE PALMER left fans in hysterics by scowling and shutting down a reporter when asked about Chelsea’s title aspirations.The 22-year-old scored and got an assist in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa yesterday.Cole Palmer looked unimpressed when asked about Chelsea’s title hopesCredit: BBCPalmer bluntly shut down the questionsCredit: BBCHe scored Chelsea’s third in the win over Aston VillaCredit: GettyAfter his man of the match display, Palmer was asked by Match of the Day commentator Mark Scott what part of the performance he was most pleased about.In typical fashion, he bluntly replied: “Three points.”The victory saw Chelsea go level with Arsenal in the table on 25 points after seven wins, four draws and two losses.And the London rivals’ goal difference is also identical, having both scored 26 goals and conceded 14.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey are nine points off leaders Liverpool, which led to Palmer being asked why Chelsea cannot be seen as title contenders.He gave the BBC reporter a dirty look and said: “Nah, it is too early, man.”Fans found it hilarious, with one saying: “Palmer is one of a kind.”Another added: “The face he made lol. Love him. Real non PR guy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third commented: “Palmer’s interviews are a thing of beauty.”More reacted: “A man of few words. Love the kid.”Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ The same question was put to Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who seemed far happier to expand on why they do not see themselves in the running.He said: “We are not ready and the reason why is because there are teams like Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal that for different things are better than us.”Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa as Cole Palmer adds to his ridiculous Stamford Bridge tallyCHELSEA moved to joint-second in the Premier League table with a resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa.Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer saw the Blues make light work of their opponents at Stamford Bridge.Here, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh delivers her Chelsea player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 6Kept Ollie Watkins at bay on two occasions in the first-half, which was welcome after questions were raised over his place as first-choice goalkeeper.Moises Caicedo – 6Rare start from right-back in the absence of Reece James, but was solid in an inverted role as Chelsea grew in confidence.Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure for the Blues.Wesley Fofana – 4Some uncomfortable moments for Fofana amid his battles with Watkins.Was subbed off inside the hour mark after seemingly twisting his ankle as he treaded on the ball while tussling the Villa frontman.Levi Colwill – 6Would have been lower before he cleared Ross Barkley’s blistering header over the bar from a corner.Went down easy when defending Watkins in the second-half, could’ve cost his side some chances against better opposition.Marc Cucurella – 7Chelsea’s most creative full-back won the ball high-up to set up Jackon’s opener.Put the defensive work in aswell after having Jaden Philogene’s number the whole game.Romeo Lavia – 6Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Fernandez when Caicedo isn’t in the middle, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 7His best goal in a Chelsea shirt this calender year with a slick volley past his Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez from the edge of the box.The Chelsea captain set himself up after playing a lovely one-two with Palmer and was involved creatively throughout.Pedro Neto – 6Didn’t get on the ball enough compared to his fellow forward team-mates.Lovely drop of the shoulder after Fofana was subbed off but a pretty quiet afternoon in comparison to Chelsea’s other attackers.Cole Palmer – 8Out of form? Nonsense. He’d been on the edges of it at times. But made one and scored an absolute screamer. You cannot keep a good man down.Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has netted 30 goals at Stamford Bridge in fewer games.Linked up well with Sancho and Fernandez and assisted the Argentine’s volley. The England star was a constant threat while charging at Robin Olsen’s goal in the second-half.Jadon Sancho – 6Full of confidence and a constant threat in a high wing-back role this afternoon.Could’ve won his side a penalty but stayed on his feet inside 30 minutes.Still not quite there in the final third, though, as he was replaced by Madueke midway through the second half.Nicolas Jackson – 7A poacher’s finish opened the scoring inside seven minutes – his eighth in the league this season.A wonderful goal saw him get his foot round to volley in off the post with his weaker peg after Cucurella’s cross awkwardly deflected off Matty Cash.Tangled with Martinez, who was replaced by Olsen at half-time.SUBSBenoit Badiashile (60’ for Fofana) – 6Nothing too dramatic from the towering centre-back after replacing the injured Fofana.Noni Madueke (70’ for Sancho) – 4Booked for simulation in the final five minutes. Unnecessary.Christopher Nkunku (70′ for Jackson) – 5Great cross for what should’ve been Chelsea’s third as Palmer and Madueke got mixed up in the 77th minute.Joao Felix – (86′ for Palmer) – 3Missed a sitter at the death after Madueke’s shot was kept out. Also booked within three minutes of coming on for a lunge on Tielemans. More