Premier League

LIVERPOOL triumphed at Selhurst Park in the early slot loathed by their former boss Jurgen Klopp.The German often grumbled about 12:30 kick offs, but his successor Arne Slot has a wholly different attitude.Arne Slot was all smiles despite being in the early kick-off slotCredit: PALiverpool celebrate their ninth minute openerCredit: ReutersAnd the Dutchman was positively loving the early start when Diogo Jota gave his side the lead after just nine minutes.Following the Reds’ 1-0 triumph, here’s how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated each Liverpool performer on the day.ALISSON – 7Smart low save to foil Ismaila Sarr at the end of the first half after being a virtual spectator for 45 minutes.Second-half saves from Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah before hamstring twanged to spark major concernsREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Took advantage of Palace’s lack of threat to maraud forward and into the middle.Dead ball delivery was on the money, too. IBRAHIMA KONATE – 7Rarely flustered as Liverpool kept the home side at arm’s length and knew when to bring his physicality to bear.Will have tougher lunchtimes in the club canteen.  Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVIRGIL VAN DIJK – 8Calm as ever and barely got out of first gear as he neutralised Palace’s limited danger with positional and tactical intelligence.Lucky to escape punishment for his wrist-pull on Marc Guehi.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliationKOSTAS TSIMIKAS – 7Greek defender was targeted early on but played his part in the opener.Settled down and unruffled for much of what followed.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 8Patrolled deep and able to set the tempo from midfield with impunity.He looks utterly at home and comfortable in a Liverpool shirt now although one mistake might have been punished.Ryan Gravenberch was impressive for the RedsCredit: AFPALEXIS MAC ALLISTER – 7Spotted the gaps in the Palace rearguard from the start with his constant movement into space to create clever passing angles.Booking might have been a reason for his replacement at the break.MOHAMED SALAH – 7Sharp intakes of breath from home fans whenever he got the ball told the story.Even when not at his best he creates menace but a surprising substitution. Mo Salah was all smiles at Selhurst ParkCredit: PACURTIS JONES – 6Slotted into the middle on his first Prem start of the season.Might have wanted to make more impact but did little wrong. CODY GAKPO – 7Supplied the opener with a smart run and low cross from the left but left frustrated afterwards.Somewhat unlucky to be booked for a skirmish with Sarr and always available. DIOGO JOTA – 6Cold-blooded finish to get Liverpool on their way.Missed a similar chance before half-time and a simple header after the break. Diogo Jota fires Liverpool into an early leadCredit: AlamySUBSTITUTESDominik Szoboszlai (for Mac Allister, 46) – 6Struggled to make an initial impact after replacing Mac Allister but influence grew as the game wore on and tested Henderson with one effort.Luis Diaz (for Salah, 73) – 5Colombian went right when he came on for Salah rather than his usual role on the other flank.Andrew Robertson (for Tsimikas, 79) – 6On to shore things up at the back as the introductions of Will Hughes and Jean-Philippe Mateta finally gave Palace some attacking impetusVitezslav Jaros (for Alisson, 79) – 6Czech keeper would have been excused for being nervous at being summoned with a few minutes to go but delighted that Eze shot straight at him when in on goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESWataru Endo – (for Jones, 89) – 5Barely time to make any real impact but helped see out the win.Dominik Szoboszlai did not make a big impact after coming onCredit: Getty More

LIVERPOOL have suffered a major injury blow after Alisson was forced off with a serious hamstring injury.The Brazilian shot-stopper was replaced late on in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace by debutant Vitezslav Jaros.Alisson limped off late in the game against Crystal PalaceCredit: TNT SportsIt is Alisson’s second injury of the season after he suffered thigh problems last monthCredit: AFPAlisson was replaced by third-choice keeper Vitezslav JarosCredit: ReutersAlisson immediately went down after clearing the ball away and manager Arne Slot has confirmed he does not expect him back before November.Caoimhin Kelleher was unavailable due to illness, leaving 23-year-old Czech Jaros to come on in between the sticks.His previous match in English football was for Stockport against Salford in October 2022 as he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.And he was immediately forced into action as Eberechi Eze was played through and forced a smart save from the replacement Liverpool keeper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlisson missed Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth last month due to a thigh injury.He was also absent for their 5-1 Carabao Cup victory against West Ham.Now he is set for more time on the sideline as he went down and clutched his hamstring before being replaced.But while Alisson’s injury will be a blow to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, their positive start under the Dutchman continues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 1-0 win over Liverpool ensures they will head into the second international break of the season top of the Premier League table.They have won six of their seven matches – with their only dropped points coming in a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.Ex-Liverpool star John Arne Riise shows what he is made of on the training pitch Liverpool have also won their opening two Champions League games against AC Milan and Bologna. More

TYRONE MINGS has made his long-awaited return to football after starting for Aston Villa’s under-21 side.The England international has not featured for Villa since suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury 14 months ago.Tyrone Mings has returned to football after 14 months on the sidelinesThe 31-year-old has started Villa’s U21s game against NewcastleMings tore his ACL in Villa’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle on the opening day of last termMings picked up the serious knee injury on the opening day of last season in Villa’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.The centre-back has made strong progress in his rehabilitation considering the nature of the gruesome setback.And after a gruelling year-long absence, Mings has made another huge step forward after starting against Newcastle’s under-21s today.The 31-year-old played the first 45 minutes, with the score at 1-1.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMidfielder Boubacar Kamara also marked his return to the pitch by playing the first half against the Toon’s youth side.Kamara injured his ACL in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in February.Unai Emery said last month that he hopes Mings and Kamara will be able to return to his matchday squad after the October international break.Mings returned to full training at Bodymoor Heath last week and will be keen to get stuck into Villa’s success.Most read in FootballMings Instagram post showed as he started getting back to doing mobility workCMidfielder Boubacar Kamara was also back in actionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe veteran defender told Villa TV last month: “I’m super excited to get back playing, to see what the season holds. “I’m so proud of the players to finish fourth in the Premier League. To be part of it this season will be special.”Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich Mings would have been disappointed to have missed out on Villa’s historic 2023-24 season, as they defied expectations to finish fourth in the Prem and reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.He also missed out on a memorable night on Wednesday as Emery’s side beat Bayern Munich 1-0 at Villa Park in the Champions League.Pau Torres and Diego Carlos have formed a solid defensive partnership in his absence at the heart of Villa’s defence since.Fans left were taken aback after seeing both the extent and ramifications of Mings’ leg injury in March.An Instagram video highlighted the “muscle wastage” on Mings’ leg, with his right leg looking far thinner than his left.This is a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activityREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe underwent surgery and spent three weeks in the USA as part of his rehab programme.He missed the chance to compete for a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.Mings shared video footage of him doing exercise on a machine More

PHIL JONES has revealed that he used to hide his injuries from Manchester United team-mates.The former defender, 32, announced his retirement from football in August.Phil Jones retired from football in August this yearCredit: GettyJones, 32, played more than 200 times for Man UtdCredit: GettySince hanging up his boots, Jones has revealed that he consulted therapists and psychologists to work on his mental well-being as he struggled with persistent knee injuries.Jones enjoyed an enviable career at the top of the game; winning a Premier League title, FA Cup and the Europa League – and playing more than 200 times for Man Utd.He suffered terribly with injuries in his latter years at Old Trafford, however, making just six Premier League appearances in his final four years at United.In a heartfelt column for the BBC, Jones lifted the lid on how he didn’t want to share his injury anguish with any of his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe revealed: “Unfortunately there were times when I was at United when I did not look for help. My coping mechanism when I had any problems was to stay silent, and that was probably my downfall.”I didn’t open up to anyone, and I would hide my injuries from other players and the staff. I put a shield up so no-one knew what was going on, apart from my close family.”I only spoke about this for the first time on a podcast last week, but one of my lowest moments was when I was trying to play through the pain of my knee injury, when it had got to a point where the doctor had to inject my knee before every game I played so I didn’t feel it.”I was on the bench for a game at Brighton but one of our centre-halves was struggling in the warm-up, so I thought I would be pro-active and get the injection before kick-off.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was embarrassing for me because I didn’t want anyone to see that I was struggling, or in pain – I was meant to be a tough guy as a defender, remember – so I went into a cubicle in the changing room just as the manager started his pre-match talk, and got the doc to inject me in there.”Having now hung up his boots, Jones has revealed his desire to go into coaching and management.He spent last season working with United’s Under-18s, and has been going through his various coaching badges.On his managerial ambitions, Jones added: “I am only 32 and I know that I’ve got a long way to go as a coach or manager.”Just because I played for United for so many years, it doesn’t mean I can just walk into a job, but I am determined to get a chance somewhere.”It is something I feel passionate about and I feel I have so much to give with my knowledge about all aspects of the game, plus my drive to succeed even further in football because I missed out on two or three years as a player.”Ten Hag on Phil JonesThe Man Utd boss paid tribute to Jones upon the defender’s retirement in AugustFollowing the news of Phil Jones’ retirement, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was asked about the former defender.The Dutchman, 54, said: “I think he had a great career.”What he achieved; winning the Premier League, winning FA Cup, winning Europa League, be present at two World Cups, massive career at Man United.”So all the credit for his career.” More

THE relationship between Chelsea owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly may have healed in recent weeks, claims a former Premier League chief.Eghbali and Boehly were at loggerheads over the summer and wanted to buy each other out.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were spotted sitting next to each other at a recent matchCredit: RexThe professional relationship is said to have gotten so poor that the duo could not work together.Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital owns 61.5 per cent of the Blues, while Boehly and allies possess 38.5 per cent.Despite him being the minority shareholder, all major decisions over the summer required Boehly’s sign off, much to Eghbali’s ire.In recent weeks, however, the boardroom civil war appears to have mellowed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoehly and Eghbali were spotted sitting next to each other at Chelsea’s 3-0 win over West Ham on September 21.Then four days later, the Mirror reported that the Blues had poached David Beeston from Liverpool to be their new managing director.Former Everton and Aston Villa executive Keith Wyness believes that Beeston’s appointment could prove to be significant in the power struggle between Boehly and Eghbali.The Scot, 66, told Football Insider: “Just a few weeks ago, we spoke about how Clearlake and Boehly were at each other’s throats.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea have appointed former Liverpool executive David BeestonCredit: YouTube / Huron UniversityKeith Wyness has had his say on Chelsea’s power struggleCredit: Getty – Contributor”That seems to have thawed. It’s amazing what a few wins can do, not just in the dressing room but in the boardroom.”It does seem that peace has broken out. They will have known that it was a bad look, and hopefully, they’ve sorted things out.”Chelsea’s player ratings against GentOn Beeston’s arrival, Wyness added: “I don’t know whether there is still a control battle, but I’d imagine both parties would have to agree to bring a new executive into the fold.”They’d both have to give Beeston their backing. There is a lot still to be done at Chelsea.”The free-scoring Blues have won their last five games on the bounce in all competitions.Enzo Maresca’s side are fourth in the Premier League table, and are the top scoring team in the league with 15 goals from just six games.Tomorrow they host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, following their 4-2 European success over Gent on Thursday night.I really don’t think we can compete with City or ArsenalEnzo MarescaAhead of the contest, Maresca sought to play down expectations of his side this season, despite their promising start.The Italian, 44, said: “I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal.”I really don’t think that because we are not ready. The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal for five years. If you want to compete for big things you need that time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“After Arsenal beat PSG they asked Luis Enrique and he said the same thing that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years and them only a year-and-a-half.”Imagine us, only three months… so it’s a huge difference. So I am really convinced we cannot compete with those clubs.” More