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    Crystal Palace 1 Tottenham 0: Jean-Philippe Mateta saves Oliver Glasner’s job and finally kickstarts Prem campaign

    FRENCH SAVIOUR Jean-Philippe Mateta may have saved Oliver Glasner’s job at Crystal Palace as he finally kick-started the club’s Premier League campaign.Having been winless in their opening eight matches – their joint-worst start to a top-flight season – the Eagles are now soaring thanks to this brilliant and much-needed home win over Tottenham.Jean-Philippe Mateta got the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace beat TottenhamCredit: AFPIn all likelihood, the Austrian head coach would have been axed come the November international break if there had not been a dramatic reversal in their fortunes.And the former Europa League winner will be forever indebted to the decisive actions of striker Mateta, who celebrates by kicking a corner flag.Overall, it was a sorry display by Spurs, who have now lost for the third time in the Prem in just nine matches and are nine points behind leaders City.It was a physical battle, too, as befits any London derby, and three Tottenham stars came off worse in hard-hitting challenges in the first half alone.First, James Maddison was flattened from behind by Maxence Lacroix and needed assistance to get back up – for the next five minutes he was seen clutching his painful lower back.Dejan Kulusevski had a forearm smashed into the side of his head by Palace’s Marc Guehi and it was a surprise that neither referee Darren Bond nor VAR decided to at least caution the England centre-back.Then Spurs full-back Pedro Porro was screaming in agony after coming off worse in a collision with Tyrick Mitchell close to the touchline.Selhurst Park used to be one of the best top-flight grounds to visit for match-day atmosphere with the Holmesdale Fanatics Ultras banging the drums and making their presence felt.Most read in FootballThat has not been the case so much this season, perhaps understandably given the dreadful sequence of results.No wonder it was a bit flat to begin with but come 31 minutes they were all shouting BOOOOOOOM as they saluted Mateta’s fifth goal of the season.Tottenham were mucking about at the back – no team decides to lump it long these days, they always want to play it out of trouble.A hospital pass by captain Cristian Romero was played over to Micky van de Ven on the left side but when the speedy Dutchman slipped, possession was quickly won by Daniel Munoz.The Colombian’s cross from the right was intelligently flicked-on by the backheel of Eberechi Eze into the path of his French colleague.And the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist controlled the ball with his right and then slammed it home with his left – before booting one of the corner flags, as is his signature celebration, as the crowd went wild.Palace were indebted to goalkeeper Dean Henderson for holding the fort until half-time as he produced a brilliant reaction save when Maddison struck goal-bound.Four minutes into the second half, Eze thought he had managed to break the Spurs high line and double the lead when he received an excellent through ball by the magnificent Adam Wharton.Racing clear of the last Spurs man, he managed to squeeze his shot past the body of Guglielmo Vicario and was convinced he had remained onside.Yet the assistant ref raised his flag and after a VAR review the on-field decision was not overturned.However, where was VAR when Eze was brought down minutes later?The England winger showed off his full bag of tricks in the Tottenham box and was then brought to the ground by a combination of pressure from behind by Kulusevski and Van de Ven grabbing his red-and-blue striped shirt.Even from a distance, it looked like a clear penalty, there had been contact with an opponent and the Palace team went ballistic that no spotkick was awarded.Soon afterwards, Van de Ven – the quickest man in the Prem – brought down Ismaila Sarr and as the last man, many wanted and expected a red to be shown.Controversially, ref Bond only gave a yellow as he felt Sarr was not running directly towards Vicario’s goal when the impact happened.Prior to that Ange Postecoglou had made a triple substitution on 62 minutes, which included taking off teenager Mikey Moore.At 17 years and 77 days old, Moore is the youngest player to start a Prem match for Tottenham since Stephen Carr (17 years and 28 days) against Ipswich Town in September 1993.READ MORE SUN STORIESThough he had an excellent display last Thursday against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League – Maddison said it was like watching Neymar – the South Londoner looked a bit leggy this time and did not offer much in attack.Tottenham were unable to find the equaliser they desperately wanted and were grateful for Vicario’s exceptional one-handed save to palm away Wharton’s 25-yard strike on 83 minutes.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. 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    Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Saka & Timber START for Gunners as Nunez & Mac Allister return for the Reds – updates

    ARSENAL and Liverpool are all set to battle at the Emirates in a thrilling Premier League Super Sunday clash.Mikel Arteta was sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber both players are fit to start.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier LeagueLive stream: NowTVArsenal XI: Arsenal: Raya, Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Diaz, Nunez.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Redknapp backs the RedsFormer Tottenham and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has predicted a 2-1 win for Liverpool at the Emirates the afternoon.He told told BetVictor: “What a game this is set to be! Things haven’t been right for Arsenal of late. Even before last week’s red, they’ve been winning games by the odd goal and haven’t been as dominant of late. “I think they badly miss Martin Odegaard’s class and composure in the final third and they seem to be accumulating more injuries.”Liverpool may not catch the eye as much as they did under Jurgen Klopp, but they look organised, they have the league’s best defensive record and that’s not by accident. A win here and they probably become the title favourites.”No William Saliba is massive. His absence probably cost them the title a couple of seasons ago and I think it’s bound to be a factor here, he’s just that good. “I think Liverpool edge it and Mohamed Salah could be the difference, particularly if it looks like Riccardo Calafiori will be out as well.”Copy linkCopiedLaur KiddingLaura Woods has claimed Arsenal are not Manchester City’s main title rivals this season.The TNT Sports host has also admitted the Gunners “don’t look the part” amid their poor disciplinary record this season.Ahead of the match, Woods admitted Arsenal’s disciplinary record is a worry.She told BetMGM: “I do worry for Arsenal, with injuries and suspensions.”No Ricardo Calafiori, no Martin Odegaard, no Jurien Timber and no William Saliba. I tell you what, it’s pretty infuriating being an Arsenal fan at the moment!”What’s even more infuriating is feeling like a broken record and mentioning that the next day Tosin Adarabioyo only got booked for a foul just like Saliba’s on Diogo Jota.”Yes, we Arsenal fans moan, but we should also all be wanting to see consistency in the league with decisions like this because next week it’ll be your team. “Taking a bit of responsibility, though, Arsenal need to stop getting themselves into these situations. We’re literally leaking points and throwing away games. We don’t look the part at all!”Credit: PACopy linkCopied30 minutes to go We’re now just 30 minutes from the big kick off at the Emirates with the Liverpool bus seen here arriving a bit earlier today.This is a massive clash between two sides who are expecting to mount a serious title challenge with Man City.Pep Guardiola’s team strolled to a 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday to put the pressure back onto Arne Slot’s team – who can go back to the top with a win.Arsenal are currently six points of City and another defeat today would be a bitter pill to swallow, even at this early stage of the season. Copy linkCopiedWhat it all meansIt’s all change at the back for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with Jurrien Timber coming in for Ricardo Calafiori, Ben White moving into the middle because of William Saliba’s red card and Thomas Partey starting at right-back.Raheem Sterling also loses his place with Gabriel Martinelli coming in, while Bukayo Saka is back in the team after lots of hand wringing by Gooners in the last few days.Liverpool, meanwhile, have made three changes from the win over Chelsea last weekend with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister coming back into the team.Diaz had missed Liverpool’s last three matches, having picked up an injury just before the international break, while Nunez and Mac Allister keep their places from midweek.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLiverpool team news – Diaz returnsLiverpool: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Diaz, Nunez.Subs: Jaros, Davies, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Quansah, Morton.Copy linkCopiedArsenal team news – Saka INArsenal: Raya, Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz. Subs: Neto, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Nichols, Myles-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool’s absentee listArne Slot’s side have some problems of their own.Alisson continues to be sidelined after suffering a major hamstring issue against Crystal Palace at the beginning of the month.And he’ll be joined in the infirmary by Harvey Elliot who sustained a foot injury, and Diogo Jota due to abdominal pain.Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are both uncertain.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedWill he cost the Gunners?Someone who isn’t injured but is unavailable for this match is highly-rated centre-back William Saliba.The French phenomenon earned his first-ever sending-off after VAR intervened and upgraded an initial yellow card to a red.William Saliba was initially booked for pulling back Bournemouth striker Evanilson.Saliba attempted to stop the Brazilian who was ready to burst completely clear mid-pitch.VAR Jared Gillett summoned on-pitch ref Rob Jones to the monitor.And after looking, Jones had no doubts as he waved a red to reduce the Gunners to 10 men.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal’s injury latest The Gunners have been struck with several injuries ahead of this huge Premier League clash.With Kieran Tierney out of the picture, Takehiro Tomiyasu suffering a fresh knee setback, Riccardo Calafiori being forced off midweek and Jurrien Timber not spotted in training, Mikel Arteta could struggle to field a back four.Looking further forward, Martin Odegaard is close to returning but this looks to be too soon and Bukayo Saka hasn’t featured since picking up a muscle strain on duties with England.However, images of Timber and Saka with the team at the hotel have been circulating on social media.Could this be mind games from Mikel Arteta?Copy linkCopiedWelcome to SunSport’s coverage of Arsenal vs LiverpoolThis is what Super Sunday’s in the Premier League are made of – English giants Arsenal and Liverpool facing off in a mouthwatering match at the Emirates – and SunSport will have the ENTIRE coverage right here.Going right back to last weekend, Arsenal suffered their first Prem away defeat since New Year’s Eve 2023 at the hands of a rejuvenated Bournemouth side.Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert was enough for the Cherries to seal all three points, but the Gunners were dealt an even bigger blow when William Saliba picked up a red card.However, Mikel Arteta’s men did bounceback with a midweek Champions League 1-0 win against Shakthar Donetsk, albeit was far from convincing.Elsewhere, Liverpool are flying as they come into this game off back-to-back wins against Chelsea and RB Leipzig.Furthermore, with all of Arsenal’s absentees, they’ll be tipped to continue this impressive winning run and climb back to the top of the tree.But one thing about the Premier League is that you have to expect the unexpected which even comes down to injuries in the squad.Copy linkCopied More

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    ‘Build him a statue’: Cole Palmer leaves Chelsea fans speechless with moment of genius in Newcastle clash

    CHELSEA fans demanded a statue be built in honour of Cole Palmer following a moment of genius against Newcastle. The Blues star briefly put the host’s ahead at Stamford Bridge until it was ruled out by VAR. Cole Palmer brilliantly set up Chelsea’s openerBut what followed minutes later was simply sublime as Palmer produced a stunning through ball to Pedro Neto. Neto was too fast for Fabian Schar and squared it to Nicolas Jackson for the opener. But it was Palmer who took the plaudits for his stunning pass as one fan said: “Build a statue for Cole Palmer man. I’ve seen enough.”Another added: “Cole Palmer is out of this world.”READ MORE IN football One hailed: “I cannot speak on Cole Palmer what a player.”Another gushed: “That pass from Cole Palmer, my word.”Despite Chelsea’s celebrations, they were pegged back before the break as Alexander Isak levelled for Newcastle. Palmer did eventually get on the scoresheet putting the Blues 2-1 up just after the break. Most read in FootballFollowing a counter attack, the England international peeled off to the left and beat Nick Pope at his near post. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More

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    West Ham 2-1 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: United lose after controversial late pen, Chelsea beat Newcastle, Spurs lose to Palace

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel to West Ham for a huge Premier League clash at the London Stadium this afternoon.Erik ten Hag’s men are looking to secure back-to-back wins in the top flight for the first time this season.Elsewhere, Tottenham face a tricky London derby clash against Crystal Palace, while Chelsea take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.Kick off time: 2pmTV/Stream: Not available in the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPremier League resultsCrystal Palace 1-0 TottenhamChelsea 2-1 NewcastleWest Ham 2-1 Man UtdArsenal vs Liverpool – 4.30pmCopy linkCopiedFT! West Ham 2-1 Manchester UnitedYet another Premier League defeat for Manchester United.Two huge talking points that will be talked about for this week – the West Ham penalty which was a bit iffy and that Dalot miss.Boy, did that turn out to be costly…Copy linkCopiedLatest – West Ham 1-0 Manchester UnitedAlmost FOURTEEN minutes of stoppage time has been played now!Garnacho slides a ball into the box for Zirkzee who has a side-footed attempt blocked!Copy linkCopiedFT! Chelsea 2-1 NewcastleChelsea back to winning ways in the Premier League!Copy linkCopiedLatest – West Ham 1-0 Manchester UnitedEmerson with the chance to kill the game but his shot is straight at Onana.Up the other end, a ball into the box for Hojlund is missed by the Dane as time starts to run out with only a couple of minutes of added time left.Copy linkCopiedFT! Crystal Palace 1-0 TottenhamMateta’s goal the difference at Selhurst Park for Palace’s first win of the season!Copy linkCopied90+6 – Crystal Palace 1-0 TottenhamEight yellow cards shown in this one but just that one goal still.Spurs have had more of the ball in the second half yet Crystal Palace have had more of the opportunities to kill the game.Copy linkCopied90+3 – Chelsea 2-1 NewcastleNkunku kicks the ball away after fouling Bruno G and is shown a yellow card this time.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Chelsea 2-1 NewcastleYeah, no penalty given. Good work from VAR.Nkunku escapes a booking for throwing himself to ground looking for it. Four minutes of stoppage time remaining.Copy linkCopiedLatest – Chelsea 2-1 NewcastleChelsea think they have a penalty when Nkunku goes down running alongside Burn.Simon Hooper takes his time to think about it before pointing to the spot.Having watched it back, it’s an absolute shocker of a decision and VAR will surely turn this over.Copy linkCopied90+2 – GOAL! WEST HAM 2-1 Manchester UnitedJARROD BOWEN scores from the spot!Onana goes the right way, down to his left but Bowen finds the corner. A huge goal for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedPENALTY TO WEST HAM!In the 90th minute and Manchester United are FURIOUS!De Ligt adjudged to have fouled Danny Ings. Very soft, very controversial. A huge moment.And there’s going to be 12 minutes of added time too!Copy linkCopiedVAR check…David Coote on his way to the screen to review a penalty appeal for West Ham!A few of their players were calling for it, for a foul on Danny Ings….Copy linkCopiedCompetitiveMuch better from the Hammers in this half as they ramp up the pressure.United have been better since falling behind and it sets up a great closing stages.Copy linkCopiedFrom Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeWhatever your loyalty, it’s heartwarming to see Romeo Lavia finally making an impact after such injury troubles.  Filling in for Chelsea’s captain Enzo Fernandez he has done a sterling job and set Palmer on his way for The Blues’ second goal.Copy linkCopied81 – GOAL! West Ham 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITEDWhat a huge goal this could well be!Diallo zips a clever ball to the back post to find Dalot all alone.He nods it back into a dangerous area and Zirkzee should be scoring with his head from there.Instead, he nods it into the path of CASEMIRO who heads from just a few yards out into the top corner.Copy linkCopiedLatest – Chelsea 2-1 NewcastleHuge let off for Chelsea there as Alexander Isak bullies Levi Colwill off the ball and then goes round Robert Sanchez.With the goal gaping – and a team-mate free in the middle – he only needs to pass it across for a goal, but instead tries to beat another Chelsea defender and the ball drops out for a corner.Copy linkCopiedLatest scoresJust as we were heading into the final quarter of an hour in the 3pm games yesterday, it’s looking tight across the division.Latest scoresCrystal Palace 1-0 TottenhamChelsea 2-1 NewcastleWest Ham 1-0 Man UtdCopy linkCopied74 – GOAL! WEST HAM 1-0 Man UtdThe deadlock is broken – and it’s CRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE!Garnacho – who has been woefully wasteful – with a poor ball inside which West Ham win back and get to Bowen wide on the right.He picks out Ings inside the area who scuffs his shot towards the back post and Summerville follows it in and slides in for a tap-in.His shirt is off as he bounds down the touchline in celebration!Copy linkCopiedFrom Charlie Wyett at the London StadiumWest Ham have certainly improved in the second half although they could not have got any worse. The triple change at half-time has made a difference, Crysencio Summerville has added a spark and the home fans have finally found their voices.Although West Ham are on top, they do remain open at the back. As stalemates go, this is entertaining.Copy linkCopiedFrom Rob Maul at Selhurst ParkEberechi Eze should have been given a penalty when he was brought down in the Tottenham penalty box on 52 minutes. But neither the referee nor VAR decided to give one.  You do wonder sometimes if the Stockley Park officials are having a tea break because they should have overruled man-in-the-middle Darren Bond on that occasion.Copy linkCopiedLatest – Crystal Palace 1-0 TottenhamWell then. Arsenal fans will be crying out for a red card for Micky van de Ven here.Not just as it’s Spurs, but because William Saliba is missing today for a similar challenge.The Dutchman with a last-man challenge on Ismaila Sarr but it’s only a yellow card….Copy linkCopiedLate gameIt probably won’t surprise you to hear Bukayo Saka actually STARTS for Arsenal against Liverpool later.Arteta might’ve fooled one or two, mind you. But I’m pretty sure Arne Slot wasn’t one of those.Jurrien Timber, who was another one seemingly set to miss out, also starts.Our Arsenal vs Liverpool blog is now LIVE.Copy linkCopiedIronic cheersThe home support do have something to cheer about as De Ligt goes into the book for stopping a West Ham attack.Ironic cheers, perhaps. But still something to get excited about and now the atmosphere is picking up!Copy linkCopiedAnother chance goes beggingDecent build-up from United as West Ham continue to struggle to live with them.Rashford’s deep cross from the left finds Garnacho unmarked outside the back post but his left foot volley is into the side net.Copy linkCopied More

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    Chelsea shatter Premier League record with another youthful starting XI as Enzo Maresca puts trust in young stars

    CHELSEA have shattered a Premier League record after fielding the youngest average starting XI ever against Newcastle.Enzo Maresca has made a strong start to his time at Stamford Bridge, sitting three points off the top four before kick-off.Cole Palmer won Young Premier League Player of the Year after last season’s heroicsEnzo Maresca has fielded the youngest XI of the seasonChelsea named the youngest average starting XI in the Prem this season (23 years, 220 days) for their clash against Eddie Howe’s outfit.Not only that, the Blues are the only team in history to play their first eight games without a single player over the age of 27.The last youngest XI was David O’Leary’s Leed United who had an average age of 24 years, 162 days when they finished in Europe in 2000.Midfielder Romeo Lavia, 20, was youngest Chelsea starter on Sunday, while defenders Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill are just 21 years old. READ MORE ON CHELSEAMeanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is the oldest member of the XI at 26 years old.Nicolas Jackson, who fired in an 18th opener against visitors Newcastle, is 23.But Tosin Adarabioyo has been their oldest player so far this season at 27.Chelsea’s youngest Prem squad player is Marc Guiu, who is just 18-years-old.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Blues are the only team in the league to not have a single outfield player over 30.On Chelsea’s tough fixture list, Maresca said: “We need to play against all of them. Chelsea fans pelted with missiles by Panathinaikos thugs as riot police forced to protect travelling supporters “We have met Liverpool and now have three games in a row against Newcastle, Man Utd and Arsenal but the Premier League is tough.”You can see Bournemouth last weekend, Wolves last weekend. Always the Premier League is tough.”Captain Reece James, 24, was back in the starting line up again after returning from hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield last Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. 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    Wolves lining up £20million transfer for Watford Euro 2024 star to help rescue them from Prem relegation

    WOLVES will make Watford’s Georgian star Giorgi Chakvetadze a top target in January as they seek a Premier League saviour.Gary O’Neil’s men need new attacking inspiration and lively Chakvetadze, 25, has been on top form this season.Wolves are eyeing a January move for Watford midfielder Giorgi ChakvetadzeCredit: RexScouts watched the midfielder against Leeds on Tuesday and he is short-listed as a buy if the Molineux club can wheel and deal in the window.Wolves have been sellers recently but a purchase may save their top-flight skins.Watford would want up to £20million for a player who signed a fresh five-year deal only a month ago, however, and other Prem clubs have an eye on Chakvetadze.The Georgian international initially joined the Hornets on loan from Gent last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis loan move was then made permanent in February for around £2million.As well as penning a new deal, he has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Championship appearances this term.Meanwhile, the midfield ace also has nine goals in 33 caps for Georgia.He made his international debut in 2018 aged just 18 and was part of the Crusaders’ Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilly Sagnol’s side were one of the surprise packages of the tournament in Germany during the summer.Chakvetadze played in all four of their matches as they reached the last 16, losing to eventual winners Spain.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredHis arrival would boost Wolves’ survival hopes after a difficult start to the season.O’Neil’s side are currently 19th following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton.However, they have yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League fixtures. More

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    Former Liverpool striker now runs ice cream shop selling award-winning Sicilian granita

    FORMER Liverpool star Krisztian Adorjan has this week announced his retirement from football aged 31.Having hung up his boots, the Hungarian will now be able to spend more time running his Budapest ice cream shop.Krisztian Adorjan excelled in Liverpool’s academyCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionHe has since opened an ice cream shop in BudapestCredit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoAdorjan joined the Reds aged 16 in 2009 and was on their books for five years.The forward impressed for Liverpool’s academy sides, and was even their Under-21s’ top scorer during the 2012-13 season.He trained with the Reds’ first team and also featured in pre-season under Brendan Rodgers, but never managed to earn a senior competitive appearance, despite coming close.Following a loan spell in the Netherlands with Groningen, Adorjan left Anfield permanently for Italian side Novara in 2014.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to play for clubs in Albania and Ireland, before returning to Hungary in 2021.That year, he launched a separate business venture.In an article published by We Love Budapest, it was confirmed that Adorjan had opened an ice cream shop in the Obuda region of the city alongside business partner Fabio Marconi.Having played in the country during his football career, Adorjan brought authentic Italian ice cream to his home city.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVisitors are spoiled for choice at Adorjan’s ice cream shopCredit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoThe ice cream shop received favourable reviews in 2021Credit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoMarconi has plenty of pedigree in the field.Having made ice cream for VIPs at the Sanremo Music Festival, he also won the 2017 world championship with his Sicilian granita.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassWith plenty of flavours available to customers of Adorjan and Marconi’s Bruno Dolce & Caffe, granita is something of a delicacy.It is described as being like a combination of ice cream, ice slush and sorbet.Adorjan most recently played for second tier side Budapest Honved.Earlier this week, alongside several photographs, including some from his Liverpool days, Adorjan announced his retirement.’THANK YOU FOOTBALL’He wrote: “How could I forget you when my first love was you?! I am who I am because of you.”I will be grateful for everything you taught me and gave me for the rest of my life.”Thank you Football.”His post received comments from several of his former Liverpool academy team-mates.Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin wrote: “What a player. Born on the half turn. Pleasure to play with you mate.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Stephen Sama said: “Was a pleasure to play with you all the best in your future.”Joao Teixeira added: “What a player ! And even better person ! Pleasure my friend.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ipswich star drops ‘worst performance in Prem history’ with red card, own goal and giving penalty away on first start

    HARRY CLARKE suffered a nightmare first Premier League start with the most unwanted hat-trick. The Ipswich defender, 23, got the nod from Kieran McKenna for the trip to Brentford.Harry Clarke endured the worst first Premier League start possibleCredit: GettyHe was sent off for two yellow cards in the second halfCredit: ReutersBut the right-back could not have had a worse afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium. It had all started well for Clarke and his Tractor Boys team-mates as they took a 2-0 lead, looking on course for their first win of the season – as fellow Premier League full debutant George Hirst scored.However, ex-Arsenal academy ace and England Under-17 international Clarke inadvertently ensured they would not secure all three points.Yoane Wissa pulled the first Brentford goal back on 44 minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen in the first minute of injury time, Wissa looked for goal again – as the defender slid in to try and clear.Instead, unlucky Clarke only managed to knock the ball over the line with his arm as the Bees equalised.They then took the lead six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot – after Clarke was penalised for pulling Keane Lewis-Potter down.Initially, a free-kick was awarded and a yellow card brandished – before VAR took a look and overruled for a spot-kick, which Bryan Mbeumo duly dispatched. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Clarke’s horror game culminated in a second yellow card and subsequent red for diving in on Lewis-Potter on 69 minutes. As a result, he became just the second player in Premier League history to achieve the triple whammy of scoring an own goal, giving a penalty away and being sent off. ‘I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstancesThe first was Jan Bednarek against Manchester United in Southampton’s thumping 9-0 defeat in February 2021. And fans were quick to take to social media to react to Clarke’s dreaded debut. One said: “Harry Clarke has got to hold the record for the worst game ever by a PL player. You gotta feel for him.”Another wrote: “Harry Clarke has had an absolute nightmare today.”A third added: “Harry Clarke will never forget this day.”And a final user joked: “Harry Clarke’s first ever Premier League start going well then.”To make matters worse, after Liam Delap looked to have rescued a point for Ipswich, Clarke could only watch on helplessly as Mbeumo’s cross ended up in the back of the net for a 96th-minute winner.The own goal bounced in off the right-back in unfortunate scenesCredit: GettyThe referee initially gave a free-kick but it was changed to a penaltyCredit: ReutersThe performance matched Jan Bednarek’s against Manchester United in 2021Credit: GettyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More