Premier League

CHELSEA welcomed Liverpool onto the pitch as tradition demands with a guard of honour.The champions of England returned the compliment by opening up their defence for Enzo Fernandez to stroll through and score within three minutes.Cole Palmer nets from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersPalmer is congratulated for ending his goal droughtCredit: ReutersAnd they granted the Premier League’s most frustrated forward in Cole Palmer the opportunity to end his 18 game dry run with the last kick of the game.So nice to see two of the Premier League’s modern giants getting on so well.With medals around their necks and absolutely nothing to play for except contractual obligations, Liverpool stepped aside and allowed Champions League chasing Chelsea to record an important victory with relative ease.You could even argue they actively helped them in the cause with the embarrassing, bungling nature of the second goal from which there was no way back. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnzo Maresca’s team is the first to beat Liverpool since they clinched a 20th league title last Sunday. But don’t read too much into it.Maresca’s players remain fifth and still in a scrap for the fifth and final qualifying place for the top level of European competition next season.Liverpool are gone on this evidence. Boots packed away for a summer of self-congratulation with sandals at the ready. They’ll put more effort into the trophy parade in three weeks’ time.It wasn’t a fair contest even if Chelsea can take heart from their first Premier League win at home against this mob in seven years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFernandez, 24, celebrates his early openerCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez strokes Chelsea into an early leadCredit: RexAnd it should have been more than 3-1. A lot more. Palmer looked energised and played a key role in the opening goal. But having hit the inside of the post from an impossibly tight angle there looked no happy ending for Chelsea’s most naturally gifted player.’This guy is stupid’ – Moment Cole Palmer gets annoyed as Chelsea stars try to settle ‘100 men vs gorilla’ debateHe can now celebrate personal success after converting a penalty with the last kick of the game in a fitting finale to a lop-sided match. His first goal since January 14.And were it not for Nicolas Jackson’s three offside offences, the ending to the game would have been even more comfortable for The Blues.The contrast between Liverpool of last weekend and this was worth the entry price alone. Last weekend they went behind to Tottenham, only to fire up and hit five in response. That was never going to happen here with a team entirely switched off from the task in front of them.So much so that the formidable defence which has played such a part in this record-equalling title triumph self-combusted with a goal would not have looked out of place had it been conceded by hungover Sunday park players.Virgil van Dijk’s industrial clearance attempt from a yard off his line struck Jarell Quansah just a yard away and rebounded back over the line. Red faces all round to match the colours of the away team’s shirts. When Van Dijk grabbed a consolation in the dying stages from a corner there was a sense of personal redemption about it, because the game had gone from Liverpool by then.Chelsea double their lead courtesy of an own goalCredit: GettyMo Salah was barely given a sniff against his former clubCredit: GettyThe result for Chelsea is one of psychological benefit as much as numerical in the hunt for the top five.They went ahead through the kind of lightning strike counter attack that all fans love to see. Even more so here though with manager Enzo Maresca coming in for criticism over his sometimes slow and steady style of play.Romeo Lavia played a pass through the lines to Cole Palmer, who switched feet to feed Pedro Neto to his right.The Portuguese winger did not break stride as he dashed to the by line and spotted his skipper completely unmarked on the edge of the box.A deft cut back and Fernandez took a step forward and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.It was a sweeping passage of play from a team that has much to chase in the last weeks of the campaign.Chelsea are going to be fighting right to the last game of the season to earn their place back in the Champions League. Liverpool were given a guard of honour by Chelsea ahead of kick offCredit: ReutersVirgil van Dijk headed Liverpool back into the contest late onCredit: GettyLiverpool are the first and so far only Premier League team guaranteed their place in it next year.And already assured of the title, it must be almost impossible to motivate the players beyond their professional duty to turn up and roll a ball about for the cameras.It must be said that Arne Slot’s team does have a problem with Chelsea. Back in October they snatched a 2-1 victory over Maresca’s team at the same point of the weekend.But it was widely agreed they got away with it that day and found Maresca’s tactics and players particularly awkward to overcome before coming away with three points.That’s got to be a positive going forwards for a young Chelsea team that has found the consistency needed to achieve the things Liverpool have this season hard to come by.This win, however wonky it is, is the fourth in a row for Maresca. Of them all, the one at Fulham when they fought back in injury time, is the most significant.Read More on The SunThis win was nowhere near the toughest either. With European rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest still to come in the final three Premier League games, both are away, there will be sterner tests than facing the team metaphorically drunk on success. Van Dijk celebrates his late goalCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED players were outclassed as they were beaten by Brentford.Despite taking an early lead, a much-changed Red Devils team were overpowered by the London side.Manchester United were beaten by BrentfordCredit: AFPThe team featured many fringe playersCredit: GettyRuben Amorim made wholesale changes ahead of the Europa League semi-finalCredit: PAMan United fielded a weak-looking side as manager Ruben Amorim rang the changes.It was also the club’s youngest ever starting XI in the Premier League, including Chido Obi.But it was not enough to deal with Brentford as they succumbed to a 4-3 defeat that was only made more palatable after late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.SunSport’s Conor Jones has given his ratings for the Man United players…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAltay Bayindir – 4Altay Bayindir did not cover himself in glory against BrentfordCredit: GettyThe Turkish keeper put in an unconvincing display and Manchester United’s goalkeeper issue remains unsolved.He wasn’t entirely at fault for Mikkel Damsgaard’s equaliser, as the ball crept in after an unfortunate deflection off captain Luke Shaw, but very nearly got a hand to it. He did manage a solid stop to deny Kevin Schade and blocked a near post flick from Norgaard but conceding four is a terrible day out no matter the circumstances. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTyler Fredricson – 4Tyler Fredricson could not deal with Kevin SchadeCredit: GettyThe young defender relentlessly tracked Schade’s runs on the right but couldn’t prevent the German from rising to score the home side’s second. Most read in FootballLiam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesSchade became increasingly dangerous throughout the game and managed to lose Fredricson again to score the third goal. While he clearly has potential, Fredricson has a long way to go before he becomes a Premier League level defender. Matthijs de Ligt – 5Matthijs de Ligt went off injuredCredit: AFPThe Dutchman started well, making a number of important clearances to stop the ball entering the danger area until he was forced off after a challenge with Yoane Wissa.The Bees went on to score their second whilst De Ligt was down making for a disappointing run out, even if it did only last half an hour.For Amorim, this will cause a huge headache with a Europa League semi-final on Thursday marking his side’s biggest game of the season and only real lifeline. Luke Shaw – 5Luke Shaw was unfortunate to score an own goalCredit: AFPShaw returned to the Manchester United eleven to bring experience and composure amidst a sea of academy talent joining the lineup.The Englishman had a shaky start to say the least, nearly heading into his own net in the third minute as he tried to nod back to Bayindir.Defensively, United’s day went from bad to worse with the first two goals both resulting from set pieces and the English defender was pulled off at half time. Patrick Dorgu – 4Patrick Dorgu struggled to make an impactCredit: GettyThe Danish wing-back had a quiet first half, not finding much joy down the right and failed to prevent Kevin Schade from scoring with his back-post header to make it 2-1.When United struggle to create anything going forwards the wing back needs to offer more.The Dane was replaced at half time by Amad, wrapping up a disappointing display.Manuel Ugarte – 5Manuel Ugarte was outmuscled by Brentford’s midfieldCredit: GettyThe midfielder was tenacious and sat deep to sweep up behind Mainoo, allowing his younger counterpart more freedom to progress in the double pivot. However, loose passes let the Uruguayan down and the pivot struggled to match up to the Bees’ midfield trio. After Christian Eriksen’s introduction, Ugarte dropped further back and looked more comfortable, making a couple of important challenges. Kobbie Mainoo – 5Kobbie Mainoo tried his best to force his way into the Europa League teamCredit: PAThe midfielder is desperately trying to make a case for himself ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club.Linking up well with Garnacho after a sliced clearance from Flekken, the youngster set his winger free and kickstarted the move for Mason Mount’s opener – not a bad start.However, the young midfielder failed to create much else and Eriksen’s introduction felt necessary.Harry Amass – 4Harry Amass had a tough task against Byran MbeumoCredit: GettyAmass’ return to the first team was destined to be a challenging afternoon facing up against Bryan Mbeumo and Michael Kayode.Sadly, the academy star looked out of his depth against one of the Premier League’s strongest wingers and struggled to contain their attacks or offer anything going forwards.An opportunity came in the second half as he brought down a cross in Brentford’s area but the finish left a lot to be desired and sailed into the stands. Mason Mount – 6Mason Mount did put Man United ahead in the matchCredit: PAMount managed a goal on his return to Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup despite his side’s poor performance, ending a painstaking 400-day drought.A fantastic run and finish from the Englishman saw him score his second goal for Manchester United, the first also coming against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium just over a year ago.Mount should have had an assist after crossing to Garnacho at the end of the first half but his colleague could only produce a horrendous miss.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Alejandro Garnacho netted a stunning goalCredit: AFPThe winger provided a quality assist for Mason Mount’s opener, latching on to a loose slice from Flekken and neatly playing off of Mainoo before setting off down the left and releasing a deadly ball into the penalty area.Garnacho’s goal was a wonderful strike, but only acted as a consolation to round off a sad display in West London.Unfortunately, a number of loose passes and a huge missed chance to equalise before half time tainted the young attacker’s performance. Chido Obi – 4Chido Obi became the youngest ever starter for Man UnitedCredit: GettyChido Obi became the youngest player to start a Premier League match for Manchester United, aged just 17 years 156 days. While his appearance was record breaking, Obi failed to move mountains and led a limp Manchester United frontline which managed just one shot in the first half. Acting as a target man for the Red Devils’ deep lying defensive line, Obi struggled to hold up play or bring his wide players into the game.Subs: Harry Maguire – 4A reluctant introduction from Amorim who clearly wanted to rest the centre half for Thursday. Maguire came on and played fairly well, cutting out an important counter-attack early in the second half.However, Brentford still found their way through the Red Devils’ back line far too easily. Amad Diallo – 5Much like his predecessor, Amad struggled to create on the right hand side and, after being brought on to bring some life to the United attacking line, disappointed. He managed a good goal in added time as Flekken poorly allowed the ball to fly between his legs but will need to provide a lot more on Thursday if Manchester United are hoping to reach the Europa League final.Too little too late from the Ivorian winger.Leny Yoro – 4Came on to join Maguire and bring some much-needed experience to the third youngest starting eleven in Premier League history. Yet, their introduction didn’t stop Brentford easily creating chances and putting the game to bed with Schade and Wissa scoring.Christian Eriksen – 5The Dane came on to bring some experience into the midfield and push further forwards alongside Mainoo. Read More on The SunEriksen instantly tried to unleash Garnacho with a first-time ball over the back line and put a dangerous cross into the area later on.Still, the substitutions didn’t have enough to turn the game around. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and 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RUBEN AMORIM rewrote the history books by playing the kids.Yet unfortunately for the United manager, he is also breaking records for all the wrong reasons and in the club’s worst ever Premier League season, here was defeat no 16.Man Utd’s youngest-ever side was well beaten 4-3 by BrentfordCredit: AFPThe Bees ran riot in west London on SundayCredit: ReutersUnited were brought back down to earth after their Europa League heroicsCredit: RexThe Red Devils’ dismal domestic campaign shows no signs of letting upCredit: AFPAfter Mason Mount scored for only the second time since joining United, Luke Shaw scored an own goal, Kevin Schade grabbed two and Yoane Wissa added the fourth for Brentford. Alejandro Garnacho and sub Amad Diallo scored late goals but there was no stopping United collapsing to their 16 Premier League loss, a club record. Incredibly, Amorim is still stuck on just six top-flight wins.In most other seasons, United would be in a relegation fight so they are lucky the bottom three teams are so rubbish.At least the club’s fans have a Europa League final to look forward to as surely they cannot mess up their semi-final second leg against Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith one eye on Thursday’s game, Amorim made eight changes from the win in Spain. With an average age of 22 years and 270 days, this was the third youngest team to start a Premier League game. And at 17 years and 156 days,  striker Chido Obi became United’s youngest Premier League starter.But Brentford, an outstanding, intelligent and physically imposing team, were the last team any manager should play the kids against.After another impressive season, it remains a mystery why so-called bigger clubs are not going for manager Thomas Frank.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMaybe, United should not have been so snobby and moved for the Danish coach when Erik ten Hag was sacked in October.A Europa League success would be a big triumph for United and hand them a passport back to the Champions League.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliBut aside from the cash which United would earn, it is debatable whether the club would really want to play in the Champions League as this current squad could end up getting humiliated.But on a lousy day for Amorim, he also suffered an injury blow with Matthijs de Ligt going off with an injury after the second goal.Luke Shaw, given the captain’s armband, nearly suffered one of the most embarrassing moments of his career in what would have been a spectacular own goal but there was lots of spin on the ball and his header went wide.A relieved Shaw allowed himself a brief smile although that was nothing compared to the grin on the face of team-mate Mount a few minutes later. Mason Mount opened the scoring after 14 minutesCredit: GettyLuke Shaw got Brentford back into it with an own goal soon afterCredit: AFPGarnacho was at the heart of the move down the left and his low cross was superbly dispatched into the corner by Mount whose only other United goal came at the same stadium 13 months ago.This was Mount’s first start since the Manchester derby in December and it is an understatement to say his United career has been stop-start.In the crowd was England manager Thomas Tuchel although considering Mount has not played for his country since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to France in 2022, he will not yet be thinking about a Three Lions return quite yet.While Shaw got lucky earlier, he was not quite so fortunate as Brentford scored the goal they had been threatening.Kevin Schade then ran riot with two goals, one in the 33rd minute and the other in the 70thCredit: ReutersYoanne Wissa compounded United’s misery with a 74th minute effortCredit: PAUnited failed to clear a long throw from Michael Kayode, the Brentford defender raced into the area, beat Harry Amass to a header and Mikkel Damsgaard’s strike took a heavy deflection of Shaw past a wrong-footed Bayindir.Every time Brentford booted the ball into the air they looked like scoring and their second was down to more weak defending. De Ligt was on the floor after suffering the injury in a challenge with Wissa but the referee was never going to stop play as it was not a head injury.United failed to deal with Christian Norgaard’s cross with Schade getting between Patrick Dorgu and Tyler Fredricson to plant a header past Bayindir.Alejandro Garnacho gave United a glimmer of hope with a wonder strikeCredit: GettyAmad Diallo then came off the bench for United’s third but it was too little, too lateCredit: AFPLeny Yoro and Amad Diallo replaced Shaw and Dorgu at half-time while there was a mixture of jeers and applause when Christian Eriksen – who played for Brentford in 2022 – replaced Mount just before the hour.Although Odi did not see too much of the ball, he had a terrific chance to score on his big day but was denied by a stunning block by Norgaard.Amass, suffered a torrid day at the back, wasted a good chance and soon after, Schade put the game out of United’s reach with a far post header from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.Schade was given a standing ovation when he was replaced but the goals kept on coming with Mbeumo squaring for Wissa who had a tap in.Read More on The SunGarnacho scored a decent goal from outside the area and in the fifth minute of injury time, Diallo fired a shot through the legs of home keeper Mark Flekken.While the scoreline made the game look close it was anything but. 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WEST HAM’S season has fallen so flat they cannot even get up for the visit of their biggest rival.The Hammers and a much-changed Tottenham played out one of the feeblest London derbies in living memory.Jarrod Bowen equalised for West Ham against TottenhamCredit: ReutersThe Hammers captain kissed the badge in celebrationCredit: ReutersThere was no spark, no fight and not even a full-house in the stands.Graham Potter’s side have nothing to play for, but the fact he cannot get them going for this game – especially after a run of seven without a win beforehand – is cause for concern.Ange Postecoglou, on the other hand, will be glad to have avoided a record 20th defeat of the season and safely navigated their way past an awkward game between two European semi-finals.The Aussie made eight changes from Thursday night’s win and would have just wanted the afternoon to pass without incident.And beyond Jarrod Bowen, whose goal cancelled out Wilson Odobert’s opener, West Ham did nothing to trouble their rivals.Potter had irked some home fans by wishing Spurs well in Europe ahead of this game and at times his players rolled out the red carpet for them.For a sense of the apathy which has engulfed West Ham this season, you only needed to look in the stands here.Tottenham at home is traditionally the biggest game of the year at the London Stadium – but there were empty seats everywhere you looked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt made for another flat atmosphere early on, only livened up by the boos which followed Tottenham’s comical goal.Max Kilman, a £40million signing last summer, twice tried to clear the ball but kicked it straight at Mathys Tel – allowing the Frenchman to square for Odobert to score his first Premier League goal for Spurs.’Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’There was little in the way of quality on display from either side, though the one person who has been reliable for West Ham this season stood up again.Bowen has been the Hammers’ only effective player for the majority of the season and applied another cool finish to make the most of some sloppy Spurs defending.Mohammed Kudus spread the ball wide to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Allowed to move forwards, the right-back picked out Bowen’s run – something no Spurs defender had managed – allowing the England man to square up Gugilelmo Vicario and roll it through his legs.It offered West Ham a reminder that Tottenham have been almost as soft a touch as themselves all season.But for the most part, the Hammers were too disjointed to make chances count, and were keen on handing out encouragement at the other end too.Jean-Clair Todibo took a swing and a miss at a clearance while Lucas Paqueta rolled a simple pass straight to Richarlison, starting a move which almost led to a second for Spurs.Paqueta and Kudus both looked ineffective, as did Niclas Fullkrug – back in the side for the first time since calling his side “s***” last month.The hard work for West Ham was being done by Bowen and Wan-Bissaka, trying to force space down the right.Though that left gaps, one of which Tel slipped into and drew a save from Alphonse Areola at the near post.Bowen was trying to push his side ahead, flashing a volley wide of the far post, but too often being undermined by his team-mates.Paqueta, for a second time, played a simple pass straight to a white shirt which resulted in Aaron Cresswell having to hook behind for a corner.The Brazilian was having a terrible day, and even started crying after being shown a yellow card for a clear foul on Spurs sub Mikey Moore.It was another drab day in a poor season for the midfielder, who is still playing under the cloud of an FA investigation into spot-fixing allegations.Potter made sweeping changes but saw no benefit, while Spurs were simply ticking over now – Pape Sarr having a go from range and just putting one over.West Ham had no energy or inspiration, Tottenham were happy to save theirs for Thursday.It was still only Bowen refusing to accept the point for the hosts and the skipper saw a stooping header well saved by Vicario.James Ward-Prowse had swung in a dangerous free-kick to set up that chance up and also whistled an effort just wide of the post from a dead ball in the dying minutes.Read More on The SunPotter has warned that he is ready to make huge changes to the squad this summer.It would be hard to argue against selling everyone but Bowen on the evidence of games like this.Wilson Odobert opened the scoring on 15 minutesCredit: ReutersIt was the Frenchman’s first Premier League goal for TottenhamCredit: ReutersJames Ward-Prowse went close with a free-kick late onCredit: ReutersLucas Paqueta endured a nightmare afternoonCredit: GettyGraham Potter and Ange Postecoglou have both endured tricky times of lateCredit: Rex More