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    Leicester 2 Southampton 0: Foxes finally put an end to humiliating Premier League record in battle of relegated sides

    JAMIE VARDY may be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season – but that has not stopped him from lining up yet another landmark piece of Foxes history.Trust Vardy to grab a slice of the action – in more ways than one – as he turned from goalscorer to whistleblower.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the matchCredit: GettyJordan Ayew doubled the lead before half-timeCredit: ReutersRuud van Nistelrooy’s side may be heading back to the Championship, but Vardy scored the first Premier League goal seen at the King Power Stadium since December.And that puts him one away from the 200-milestone for the club since joining from Fleetwood Town in 2012.He put Leicester ahead after 17 minutes after great work on the left by Bilal El Khannouss. His cross found Vardy who lashed the ball home with his left foot.It ended a run of nine home games without a goal – the last time was on December 8 against Brighton.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFoxes fans then sang ‘We’ve scored a goal’.But Vardy also found time to raise another laugh among Leicester supporters.When ref David Webb went down injured after colliding with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew, Vardy reached down and blew the official’s whistle to stop the game.It then became obvious that Webb – making his debut as a Premier League ref – was unable to carry on and a 12-minute delay followed while a replacement fourth official was found.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen the game resumed, Leicester increased their lead when Jordan Ayew found the net.Ayew’s free-kick from 20 yards hit the wall,  but he cleared the path for another attempt and drilled home the rebound from the edge of the area.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut rock bottom Southampton still cannot get to that magic 12 point mark that would keep them out of the record books.Their 11-point tally means that they are still on course for a share of having the worst ever Premier League return – an unwanted mention they currently share with Derby County.Saints rarely looked like pulling back Leicester’s lead and their fans turned on interim boss Simon Rusk in the second half.Rusk took off Matty Fernandes just before the hour – minutes after he had had a goal ruled out for offside.The travelling fans chanted ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and sang Fernandes’ name for the remainder of the game.Anyone who thought this game was the deadest of dead rubbers – with both teams relegated was made to think again.Although Southampton showed why they are going down in a game they might have been expected to take something from.Off the field, Leicester fans made their views known in numbers.A banner aimed at the owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Director of Football, Jon Rudkin, read: ‘Top, Rudkin, what’s so funny’. However, because the club were showing the broadcaster’s feed on the big screen, it was magnified in front of the entire stadium before the pictures were taken down.Read More on The SunThere were also chants of ‘sack the board’ – but they disappeared once Vardy had scored.Vardy was given a standing ovation as he left the field – and will now aim for his history-making goal at East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest next weekend.Referee David Webb was forced offCredit: GettyVardy was quick to act to help the officialCredit: GettySouthampton remain stuck on 11 pointsCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth LIVE RESULT: Cherries fight back as Gunners STUNNED before crucial PSG clash – updates

    BOURNEMOUTH fought back from a goal down to stun Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates.The Gunners preparations for the huge Champions League second leg against PSG on Wednesday were hit by an almighty blow after Evanilson and Dean Huijsen scored in quick succession.Mikel Arteta picked a strong team for the match with Thomas Partey returning after his suspension in the first leg against PSG last week.Kick off time: 5.30pm BSTTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier LeagueArsenal starting line-up: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, TrossardBournemouth starting line-up: Arrizabalaga; Araujo, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Adams, Kluivert; Tavernier, Ouattara. EvanilsonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Cooking Rice only bright spotThere wasn’t much for Arsenal fans to celebrate at the Emirates – but the performance of Declan Rice was a joy.On his 100th appearance for the club, his opener was his 15th goal for Gunners.It’s as many goals as he managed in 245 games for West Ham.Copy linkCopiedArteta: We must use our rageA furious Mikel Arteta insists his side must take all of their negative emotions and use them for good in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.Speaking after his side gave up a one-goal lead to Bournemouth, the Arsenal boss pulled no punches.We didn’t create the right momentum. We certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Now we have to use that for good on Wednesday. That is what we have to do.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from the EmiratesArsenal have now dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season – it is their joint-most ever in a single campaign (also 21 in 2019-20).Copy linkCopiedFull time – Arsenal 1-2 BournemouthAdvantage Cherries in the race for the Conference League!Bournemouth have won away at Arsenal for the first time in their history, completing an impressive double over the Champions League semi-finalists.The Gunners were hoisted by their own petard, losing to two set-pieces in second half, first when Dean Huijsen headed in from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw, and then when Evanilson bundled a corner in at the far post.Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do to pick his players up for a huge night in Paris on Wednesday.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+4. There’s a lot of head shaking going on as Arsenal move nowhere in their latest attack.Bournemouth are cruising towards an important, historic win that will leave them with a real chance of European football – and it’s thoroughly deserved.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+2. A modicum of excitement engulfs the Emirates as a free-kick is awarded to Arsenal 25 yards from goal.It soon evaporates when Odegaardly meekly hits it into the wall.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90. Six minutes of additional time are signalled but even those Arsenal fans who have remained in their seats aren’t enthused by the news.Just blow the whistle and let these poor people get home for Britain’s Got Talent.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth87. This has been a nothing performance from Arsenal.No wonder Declan Rice has his head in his hands on the bench.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth84. Don’t worry, Arsenal fans, the calvary are coming.Perhaps Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko and (the admittedly very good) Ethan Nwaneri can save the day. Yeah, I couldn’t type it with a straight face.Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the ones to make way.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth82. If you were expecting Arsenal to respond in fighting fashion after falling behind, you were severely mistaken.If anything, Bournemouth look as though they could score again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth79. This is the first time that Bournemouth have scored two goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) in a Premier League away game since January 2018.Arsenal are having a taste of their own medicine.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth75. Paris Saint-Germain will be shaking in their boots at this latest bout of pathetic defending.Alex Scott swings a corner over from the left for Marcus Tavernier to flick on across goal from the near post.At the back stick, Martin Odegaard is more concerned with wrestling Evanilson than dealing with the imminent danger of the football, and falls over as the Brazilian bundles beyond some equally shambolic goalkeeping from David Raya.There’s a VAR check for both handball and offside, but not wanting to upset the Cherries after last week’s mess, the officials decide that the footage is inconclusive in deciding whether Evanilson used his elbow to score.Bournemouth deservedly lead at the Emirates, and move into pole position in the race for the Conference League.Copy linkCopiedTurnaround!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth74. Never make a substitution at a corner, right?Well, both Arsenal and Bournemouth have done just that.Admittedly, the one for the Cherries is forced with Dango Ouattara in some discomfort; he’s replaced by David Brooks.The hosts, though, have made the decision to swap Declan Rice with Mikel Merino while having a set-piece to defend.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth70. Mikel Arteta is yet to make a change, and now Bournemouth are the team on top.The equaliser has shook Arsenal, and they’re being dragged all over the place by Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and co.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth67. Bournemouth have their equaliser!In the end, it didn’t take much finesse or even football, just one long throw launched into the box by substitute Antoine Semenyo.Young defender Dean Huijsen rose to meet it, and none of the five Arsenal players in his vicinity bothered to join him.One cleverly steered header later and the ball is beyond David Raya, and the travelling fans behind that goal are going absolutely beserk.All square!Copy linkCopiedThere it is!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth63. Andoni Iraola is preparing changes which is the perfect time for commentator Rob Hawthorne to remind us that Bournemouth have had 12 goals scored by substitutes this season.Only Fulham with 15 have scored more.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth61. “Bournemouth can smell an equaliser,” is Alan Smith’s latest worry.Mind you, he says it just as Kluivert turns and spoons one over from 25 yards.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth59. Evanilson is booked for a textbook foul that halts Arsenal’s progress in the middle of the pitch.No danger of a red card for the Brazilian on this occasion. Not even VAR can get this wrong.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth56. Saka is starting to influence the game a lot more now.Moving over to the left, he’s quick to skip inside Araujo and curl a shot towards the top corner. There’s not enough bend though, and it drifts agonisingly wide.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth54. “Arsenal need a second goal here,” worries Alan Smith.The big man’s got a point. This is a game that reeks of an 82nd minute equaliser from substitute Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth52. Back down the other end, and Saka – unusually quiet tonight – has a shot blocked behind for a corner.Let’s hope the Arsenal forward is saving himself for the Parc des Princes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth49. It didn’t take long for Kerkez to threaten again.The rampaging left-back pushes down the flank and whips in a teasing delivery that is just too far ahead of Tavernier.It’s a reminder of the threat Bournemouth carry.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth46. The action restarts at the Emirates, where Arsenal are in frnot. It’s a slender lead, but a lead nonetheless.The object for the Gunners in the second half is to see this game through without picking up any injuries while Paris awaits. Standing in their way, Bournemouth have very different ideas.Copy linkCopied More

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    Moment Graham Potter ‘loses entire West Ham fanbase in 20 seconds’ with shocking Tottenham comments

    WEST HAM manager Graham Potter has enraged the club’s fanbase after shocking Tottenham comments on Friday.The 49-year-old spoke about the Hammers’ London neighbours ahead of their Premier League meeting on Sunday with a lack of regard for the clubs’ longstanding rivalry.West Ham manager Graham Potter has angered his own fanbase over Tottenham commentsThe comments came after Spurs defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi final.Potter said: “They’ve had a tough season. I’m pretty sure if you speak to Ange [Postecoglou], injuries, young players, the double competition [has had an impact].”In this league, nothing is forgiven.”They’ve done well in Europe and hopefully they can finish the job and reach the final.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham fans were quick to jump to X in disbelief over the comments, some even calling for Potter to be sacked.One fan said: “How is a former Chelsea manager who’s now current West Ham coach wishing Spurs all that good?”What happened to rivalry? At least pretend to care about the fans. Come on.”Another kept it short: “Yeah sack him.”Most read in FootballThe two London clubs have traditionally endured a fierce rivalry, dating back to their early years.West Ham legend Mark Noble said to TNT Sports: “I was brought up as a West Ham fan and being around loads of West Ham fans myself, they always ingrained in me that ‘we’ve always got to beat Spurs’.”Potter adopted a much friendlier tone at his press conference, well-wishing a team that his fans hold in contempt.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe former Chelsea manager was already on thin ice with the fanbase, only winning three games since taking over from Julen Lopetegui in January.Even his predecessor managed more with a win percentage of 30 percent to Potter’s 21 percent so far.At 17th, the club have actually slipped three places down the table since their managerial change.It has been a disappointing season for the Hammers who started it with European aspirations.If they win on Sunday, however, they could leapfrog Spurs who currently sit at 16th. A positive result might be the only thing that could save Potter’s fractured relationship with West Ham. More

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    Moment Jamie Vardy grabs referee’s wrist and blows whistle to stop game while official lies prone on the ground

    THIS is the moment Jamie Vardy grabbed a referee’s wrist and blew his whistle top stop the game as the official lay prone on the ground.The bizarre incident occurred during Leicester’s Premier League clash against Southampton.Jamie Vardy grabbed a ref’s wrist before blowing into his whistleCredit: GettyThe bizarre moment occurred after David Webb went down injured after a collisionCredit: PAThere was nothing at stake for either side following their confirmed relegations to the Championship.But Leicester made sure they turned up in front of their home fans when Vardy bagged an opener in the 17th minute.The Foxes began to turn up the heat on Southampton at the King Power Stadium.But just four minutes later, the game was suspended after referee David Webb suffered an injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe official fell to the floor holding his face after a collision with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew.Webb rolled around on the turf as players from both sides gathered round to check on him.But Vardy left fans in stitches as he bent down to grab Webb’s wrist.The Premier League winner, who is leaving Leicester when his contract expires this summer, then took hold of Webb’s whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd he brought the game to a halt by blowing into it for a cheeky ‘peep’.Proceedings ended up stopping for 12 whole minutes as Webb received treatment.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut fans were left tickled by Vardy’s behaviour on a warm afternoon.One said: “There’s no f*****g way.”Another declared: “The PL is going to miss him.”One noted: “This is prime Vardy.”Another added: “Peaky Barclays man.”The delay failed to knock the wind out of Leicester’s sails though, with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men doubling their lead before half-time through Ayew. More

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    Leicester vs Southampton DELAYED as referee forced off on his DEBUT after undergoing treatment

    LEICESTER CITY’S Premier League clash with Southampton was DELAYED for 12 minutes after the referee was forced to go off for treatment.Ref David Webb – who was replaced on his Prem debut – fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with him as he ran past. Leicester City’s Premier League clash with Southampton has been suspended after the referee was forced to go off for treatmentThe referee fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with himThe official was making his Premier League debutDavid Webb was forced off down the tunnel for a concussion checkPlay was delayed for 12 minutesThe unfortunate incident happened in the 33rd minute after Jamie Vardy scored Leicester’s first goal at home since December 8.But Webb couldn’t have endured a worse Premier League refereeing debut.The official dropped to the turf and held his face for several seconds after catching the shoulder of Leicester star Ayew in the middle of the pitch.And Leicester captain Vardy felt compelled to step in as he bent down to lift Webb’s arm to blow the whistle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPREMIER LEAGUE LIVE – LATEST GOAL UPDATESIn fact, Vardy blew the whistle while it was still in Webb’s hand as he laid on the pitch face down.Vardy – who scored his 199th goal for Leicester – then instantly walked off, before physios stormed the pitch to come to the official’s aid.Webb came back to his feet after a few minutes before heading down the tunnel for a concussion check at the King Power Stadium.Most read in FootballWith play formally suspended thanks to Vardy’s intervention, both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waiting.Leicester star Ayew accidentally bumped into WebbJamie Vardy ran over to take the whistle from the referee and blow itCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Webb couldn’t continue the rest of the game, so fourth official Sam Barratt was subbed in to resume play after the lengthy delay.A commentator said: “Webb is said to be OK and is under observation.”Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsReferee’s delegate Phil Sharp was forced to step in as the fourth official during the unprecedented scenes.And it was Ayew who then extended relegated Leicester’s lead in the 44th minute.The former Crystal Palace star’s free-kick hit the wall from 25 yards, before he hammered in a half-volley into the bottom left corner.Both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waitingFourth official Sam Barratt was forced to sub in for Webb More

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    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Leicester vs Southampton DELAYED, Everton leading Ipswich, Arsenal up NEXT – updates

    SATURDAY’S Premier League action features four huge matches!The early kick off saw two teams with European ambitions, Aston Villa and Fulham, face off in the West Midlands, with Youri Tielemans scoring the only goal in a Villa win.Two 3pm fixtures see Everton welcome already-relegated Ipswich Town and Leicester City host Southampton in a basement clash.Saturday’s action concludes with Arsenal welcoming Bournemouth to the Emirates at 5.30pm.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pmCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…From Phil Thomas at GoodisonA day of nostalgia and tradition in the penultimate game at Goodison……so how fitting that Everton are maintaining their time-served custom of being consistently inconsistent to the end.Two up and cruising against a relegated side which looked ready to crumble, only to blow it and having to settle for a point.Well I did say if a fourth goal was coming, Ipswich were favourites to get it…Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the Emirates StadiumWhen it comes to injuries, you can have sympathy with Arsenal.This time they leave full back Jurrien Timber out as a precaution and in comes Ben White for only his third start since November.But in terms of the alleged refereeing plot against the Gunners, ask Bournemouth how they feel.They were set fair for a win over Manchester United that would have kept them right in the hunt for European football until Evanilson was sent off, a decision that was overturned on appeal Could it be that there was a cock-up instead of a conspiracy and that incompetence is dealt out at random?Mikel Arteta’s side were not quite on it when they drew with Brentford in between their quarter final clashes with Real Madrid.After Liverpool sealed the title, this is another test of Arsenal’s will not to come third in a two-horse race.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Leicester 2-0 SouthamptonThe Foxes come out on top in the battle of the bottom two and record a rare win.Southampton still have work to do to not be remembered as the joint-worst Premier League team of all time.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Everton 2-2 IpswichAn entertaining game comes to an end at Goodison.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Ipswich90. Six minutes of stoppage time has just been signalled at Goodison……and that has lifted Ipswich.Kieran McKenna’s relegated outfit believe they can win this!Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at the King PowerThings have calmed down after an incident-packed first half.If anything, Southampton have looked the most likely to score.They had a goal disallowed after 55 minutes when Matty Fernandes put the ball in the net, after sub Paul Onuachu’s header was saved superbly by Jacob Stolarczyk. But it was ruled out for offside.The travelling Saints fans let interim boss Simon Rusk know what they thought of his decision to sub Fernandes moments later.They sang ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and followed it up with a lengthy rendition of ‘Matty, Matty Fernandes’.Leicester have brought on 15-year-old Jeremy Monga – but can Vardy score again for his 200th Leicester goal?Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Ipswich79. From 2-0 down, Ipswich have clawed their way level.It’s substitute George Hirst who has bagged the equaliser, following in his father’s footsteps with an instinctive header at the far post.The striker took advantage of some good fortune when a cross from the left looped up off Idrissa Gueye, but he was alert and showed bravery to dart in and head down past Jordan Pickford.They may be heading back to the Championship, but Ipswich have something to celebrate here.Copy linkCopiedEqualiser!Copy linkCopiedLeicester 2-0 Southampton71. And yet somehow this game makes the game at Goodison Park look action-packed.There’s just been one shot on target in the second half at the King Power, and I can’t even remember who had it.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-1 Ipswich68. It has been 30 minutes since Everton last attempted a shot in this game.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back on the bench today. Maybe it’s up to him to put that right.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkOn easy street with half-time in sight… now scrapping like street fighters to keep their noses in front.At least Everton are consistent to the end – they’ve always been in a league of their own when it comes to making things hard for themselves.If there’s a fourth goal in this, you sense Ipswich will be the ones who score it.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-1 Ipswich56. Ipswich scorer Julio Enciso picked up a knock at the start of the second period but he appears to have shaken it off.And now he’s eyeing up Jordan Pickford goal again with another long range effort, but this time the Everton keeper comes out on top to comfortably save.Copy linkCopiedTeam news from the EmiratesArsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, MartinelliBournemouth (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Ouattara; EvanilsonCredit: @Arsenal on XCredit: @afcbournemouth on XCopy linkCopiedBack on it for the second halfWe are underway again at Goodison and the King Power, although the latter is a little behind following that first half stoppage.Can Southampton find a way back in? Will Everton start their farewells to Goodison in style? It’s time to find out.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at the King PowerAfter 12 minutes of stoppage time here – and an eventful first half – Leicester are in uncharted territory as far as 2025 goes.Ruud van Nistelrooy called on his relegated team to play with freedom – and they have. The Foxes are 2-0 up at half time with goals from skipper Jamie Vardy and a 43rd minute strike from Jordan Ayew who saw his free-kick hit the Saints wall before scoring from the rebound.But ref David Webb went down injured midway through the half and had to come off. There was a delay of almost 12 minutes before play could resume – with fourth official Sam Barrott stepping up to take the whistle, and a referees’ coach Phil Sharp, taking over on the touchline.As if that wasn’t enough, a fans’ protest banner aimed at the owner, Top Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin, was mistakenly shown on the stadium’s big screen. Leicester use the broadcast feed for match action and swiftly took down the banner shot.But Southampton still look a long way from that magic 12 point mark.Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Leicester 2-0 SouthamptonThe Foxes lead the battle of the bottom two at the King Power.Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew helped themselves to a couple of smart finishes but the first half was marred by a scare for referee David Webb.The official collided with Ayew, and was eventually replaced with a suspected concussion, leading to lengthy stoppage time.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkWhere did that come from? Nearly half an hour of pretty much nothing, then 20 minutes of blood and thunder…and a couple of worldies.Beto’s headed opener, Liam Delap’s come-and-have-a-go to anyone in sight – and then two rub-your-eyes, Roberto Carlos-style swerving strikes from Dwight McNeil and Julio Enciso.Bring on the second half!Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Everton 2-1 IpswichThe Toffees lead at the break, but not as convincingly as they would have liked.Goals from Beto and McNeil had them in total charge, but a stunner from Julio Enciso means this one has all to play for.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 2-0 Southampton44. Jordan Ayew rockets Leicester into a two-goal lead!The Ghanian appeared to have passed up his opportunity by chipping a 20-yard free-kick into the wall.But the forward readjusted himself quickly to take on the rebound, and promptly drilled it low into the bottom corner before the Southampton defence could react.Copy linkCopiedBelter!Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-0 Ipswich41. One of the goals of the season by Julio Enciso has Ipswich back in the contest!There appears no danger when the Paraguayan picks up the ball just inside the Everton half.But with a drop of the shoulder, he skips inside his marker and bursts forward.Thirty yards out, he takes aim with a strike that dips wickedly as it passes Jordan Pickford and crashes in off the bar.Copy linkCopiedWhat a goal!Copy linkCopiedLeicester 1-0 Southampton38. The game is back underway at the King Power, but has taken some time to pick up pace following that lengthy stoppage.Expect injury time aplenty at the end of the first half.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-0 Ipswich35. On his 100th appearance for the club, Dwight McNeil doubles Everton’s lead!The winger is revelling back in the side after injury, and his strike here deceives Alex Palmer by swerving all over the shop.As a result, the Ipswich goalkeeper barely moves to keep out McNeil’s 25-yarder and it promptly thumps into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedIt’s two!Copy linkCopied More

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    Aston Villa 1 Fulham 0: Early Tielemans goal fires Villans level on points with Chelsea in race for Champions League

    YOURI TIELEMANS’ bullet header was just enough to see off a Fulham side who fired blanks – as Aston Villa made it 17 home games without defeat.That equalled a club record set by Unai Emery’s team between March and December 2023 and kept them on course for a potential Champions League berth.Aston Villa earned a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa ParkCredit: ReutersYouri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 12th minute at Villa ParkCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon’s second-half strike was ruled out for handball five minutes into the second halfCredit: GettyIt also maintained the Spaniard’s remarkable record against the Cottagers, who he has now beaten in all seven encounters against them – the best record of his managerial career against any club.This won’t go down as one of his better performances but at this stage of the season that doesn’t matter.Villa’s players had suffered two absolute sledgehammer blows ahead of this crucial game.Losing to a stoppage time goal at Manchester City was painful enough.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut being spanked 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley really piled on the agony for Emery’s men.However this was no time to feel sorry for themselves, with the Premier League’s finishing tape in sight.In his programme notes Emery stressed the importance of putting the past behind them.”During the week, we kicked out from our mind any distraction, regret or fear,” he wrote.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No past and no future, football only knows about the present.”Do we want Villa in the top level of football again? YES.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebration”Are we aware of how important the Fulham match is? YES.” Fortunately for him Tielemans got the memo!The little Belgian has been the beating heart of this Villa side all season.Incredibly this was the 27-year-old’s 52nd consecutive start of the season. That made him the first player to clock up that many starts for the club since Earl Barrett and Kevin Richardson way back in 1994.And he celebrated the milestone with the goal which turned out to be the winner, after 12 minutes.Fulham will be kicking themselves at the ease with which the Belgian scored.John McGinn flighted in a corner from the right and Tielemans timed his run to perfection to burst between Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson and head beyond Bernd Leno.Although the German goalie managed to get a glove on the ball there was no chance of him keeping that particular bullet out.It was the midfielder’s fifth goal of the season – and Villa’s 15th set-piece goal – and Tielemans went on to produce a man of the match performance.It’s still hard to believe Emery snapped him up on a free from Leicester City two seasons ago.He was at the heart of everything that was good about Villa as he ran the show with his accurate passing.In an often frantic game, he seemed to play the game at his own pace, as he covered every blade of grass on Villa Park.In truth this was a slow burner however as both forward lines failed to find the spark needed to ignite the contest.Ollie Watkins was trying desperately to break Gabby Agbonlahor’s 74-goal haul to become Villa’s top Premier goalscorer of all time.But he headed wide following a short corner in seven minutes as Marco Asensio’s cross was just a centimetre or two too high for him.And that set the tone for another frustrating afternoon for the England striker who has now gone three games without a goal.In fact the only real other moment of note during a dreadful first half came from Tielemans again.He looked set to score a screamer of a second until Bernd Leno got his fingertips to prevent his 25 yarder finding the top bin!However none of the dozy officials spotted his brilliant save, which brought a wry smile to Leno’s face.And a dreary half ended when Martinez plucked an Alex Iwobi effort out from under his crossbar, with impressive ease.Fortunately things livened up after the break.Watkins just failed to get on the end of a teasing Cash cross before Fulham thought they had equalised.The ball struck Sessegnon’s hand on the way down to the shotCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon tried to tame Antonee Robinson’s lay-off by taking the ball down on his chest.But the ball brushed his hand before he lashed a screamer beyond Martinez and into the far corner.Referee Rob Jones spotted the handball and VAR agreed with the official that any handball in the run-up to a goal is a no, no as Fulham cursed their luck.Meanwhile, Emery cursed Ezri Konsa for losing the ball in midfield, leading to another Fulham chance which Harry Wilson just failed to take.The Spaniard was a flurry of arms as he vented his anger several times at Konsa who tried to argue back – which didn’t help the situation!Leno then denied Watkins, using his foot to divert the striker’s shot before Pau Torres missed a snip at the far post.Nerves frayed as the clock ticked down and Cash bravely blocked Joachim Andersen at the back post as Fulham pushed for an equaliser.Adama Traore then slashed a volley wide before Villa sub Donyell Malen almost killed off the Cottagers.Read More on The SunHe sprinted through onto Jacob Ramsey’s pass but smashed the ball off the underside of Leno crossbar.However Villa were relieved to leave with three hard-earned points, with on-loan forward Marcus Rashford set to miss the rest of the season through hamstring injury. 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    Chelsea to build 1,400 luxury football-themed £1m apartments in Dubai’s beachfront with a branded pitch on the ROOF

    CHELSEA’S new partners will build 1,400 luxury football-themed apartments in Dubai – with a Blues-branded pitch on the ROOF.The West London club signed a deal with Dubai-based property company Damac.Chelsea’s new sponsors Damac are set to build 1,400 luxury apartmentsCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe stunning complex will feature a Chelsea-branded pitch on the roofCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesPrices will range from £430,000 to £1mCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe long-term sponsorship sees the Middle East firm become a global partner of Chelsea.They will also see their logo splashed across the front of the team’s shirts for the few remaining games of the season – having been blank since the start of the campaign.But now Damac have confirmed they have designed the first-ever branded residence in collaboration with the Premier League club.The Chelsea Residences is set to be erected in Dubai’s Maritime City and “merges luxury lifestyle with world-class sporting heritage”. READ MORE ON CHELSEAArchitects Gensler have designed the stunning £1million flats with a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments all featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and boasting superb sea views. Damac say: “This landmark development features over 1,400 sea-facing units and a lifestyle that rivals match-day energy. “Expect bold design, breathtaking views, and amenities inspired by the spirit of champions.”The interiors exude modern sophistication with high-end finishes, state-of-the-art materials, and subtle Chelsea branding throughout.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Residents will enjoy a rooftop football pitch, grand lion statues, and exclusive waterfront experiences such as an infinity sand pool, aqua gym, and a starlit spa.”This is just the first half.”How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThere will even be a ‘Chelsea football simulation room’, ‘Chelsea Lion beach’ and the Blues badge on the rooftop pitch – making it the perfect home for any Blues fans based in the UAE.Jason Gannon, President and COO of Chelsea Football Club, said, “Damac are world renowned in building luxury properties, and we are thrilled to be working with the industry leader to bring to market a first of its kind branded Chelsea FC residence in Dubai.“With the club located in the heart of London, the collaboration will bring SW6 to life in Dubai, supporting our continued growth on the global stage. “We can’t wait to see Chelsea Residences take its place in the Dubai skyline.”The complex will be just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.But they will not come cheap.Prices start from £430,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.Read More on The SunBut the most expensive homes will set buyers back a whopping £1m.It is not the first time Damac have collaborated with big brands – with their other projects including a Roberto Cavalli Tower and Paramount Hotel in Dubai – plus the Versace Tower in Nine Elms, London. Fans can expect lots of ‘subtle Chelsea branding’Credit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe apartments are 20 minutes from Dubai International AirportCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesOwners can expect a ‘Chelsea football simulation room’Credit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesAll 1,400 flats will have a sea viewCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesDamac debuted their logo on the Chelsea shirt on ThursdayCredit: Reuters More