Premier League

MICAH RICHARDS defended his attire following an awkward exchange with Manchester City star Erling Haaland.The former defender appeared as a pundit pitchside for Sky Sports during City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.Erling Haaland questioned Micah Richards’ choice of shirtCredit: YouTubeRichards defended his outfit and poked fun at his colleaguesCredit: RexAfter the match Haaland, who scored the opening goal, was interviewed and he could not resist a dig at Richards, questioning his choice of clothing.Gary Lineker joined in on the ribbing by asking Richards about the incident on the Rest is Football podcast.Richards hit back, saying: “He questioned my shirt but come on, Jamie Redknapp he had white pants on surely he was the worst dressed.”Then we had [Daniel] Sturridge in a white suit and his button broke.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just thought I went with a classic Prada shirt, I thought I was looking smart, change it up a bit this season.”Haaland stared at Richards’ shirt as he shook hands with the former City star before giving his interview.That led Richards to say: “You don’t like this?”Richards is known for his daring outfits but he decided to poke fun at Redknapp for his look on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe retired midfielder was dressed in a shirt and blazer with some cream-coloured trousers.However, Richards disapproved of his outfit and suggested he had gone for a nautical vibe.Daniel Sturridge suffers wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports during Chelsea’s defeat to Man City The former Man City star said: “Can I ask what you have come as today? You look like you have just come off a boat.”Redknapp then replied: “Listen, don’t you start at me, I am the lead singer of this boyband. What you come as?”Sturridge then joined in by saying, “Yacht baby, yacht.”To which, Richards joked: “Are you keeping those sunglasses on all day?” More

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY urged the Manchester United fans to cheer for the players rather than him after their 1-0 victory over Fulham.New signing Joshua Zirkzee scored a late winner at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s men kicked off their Premier League campaign with three points.Ruud van Nistelrooy told the Manchester United fans to cheer for the players rather than him after their win over FulhamCredit: RexFans were loving Van Nistelrooy’s selfless actCredit: PAAs the Man Utd players paraded around the pitch following the final whistle, Red Devils supporters could be heard singing Van Nistelrooy’s name.The Dutchman, 48, who scored 150 goals in 219 games during his five seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, returned to the club in the summer as Ten Hag’s assistant.But as the Old Trafford faithful belted out his name in the wake of their Fulham win, he graciously pointed to the Man Utd squad, calling on the supporters to direct their love towards them.And fans were quick to cite this thoughtful gesture as a reason why Van Nistelrooy is the perfect man to replace compatriot Ten Hag.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “He’s 100 per cent the successor.”Another added: “Unpopular opinion but this guy was employed to replace Ten Hag, we’ll see very soon, I’m very sure.”A third replied: “That’s class from Ruud 👏.”While a fourth responded: “Could he really be our next manager? He would honestly have all the tools to succeed especially with Ten Hag in front of him to make the mistakes.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a fifth said: “He is taking over the job soon.”Van Nistelrooy spent one season as head coach of Eredivisie giants PSV, winning 33 of 51 games in charge and lifting the KNVB Cup.Man Utd and Chelsea transfer boost as Ivan Toney left out of Brentford’s squad for Premier League opener vs PalaceHe revealed upon his return to Man Utd the key managerial lesson he learned playing under Sir Alex.Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “The most important thing I took from working with Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson was their relationships with the individual.”It’s not a football player; it’s a person. When you reach that connection, you get the best out of people – and from there on you can help them build their careers. I never let that thought go out of my mind.”Sometimes you have to be tough on them and sometimes you have to get your arm around them. That mixture is important, but the most important thing is to always be honest and straight.”When you have knowledge about the game and what is necessary at the highest level, you must share it.”As a coach, you just try to help players reach their goals. And it is something that makes you feel really proud when you see young players develop.” More

ERLING HAALAND set an unwanted record on his 100th appearance for Manchester City.The striker opened the scoring in the 18th minute with what looked to be the only goal of the game before Mateo Kovacic double City’s lead late on.Erling Haaland set an unwanted record against ChelseaCredit: GettyHaaland brushed off a challenge from Marc Cucurella before dinking the ball past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.But after full-time he was left questioning his own game.That is because he was barely involved in City’s play, and broke a record thanks to his lack of involvement.Haaland completed just three passes, which is the fewest amount a player has managed in 90 minutes for a Pep Guardiola-coached team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Norwegian acknowledged he needs to improve despite notching his 91st goal for City in 100 games for the club.He said: “I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants.”But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved?”That’s the million-dollar question.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHaaland was wasteful with his passingHarry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it.”I want to get more assists and become a better player.”Haaland contributed little but still did what he does best by getting on the scoresheet and in doing so got one over on Cucurella after the defender taunted him in a song after winning the Euros.Exclusive: Lescott tips Guardiola to follow Klopp’s lead when he leaves Man City despite links with vacant England jobAfter the match Haaland aimed a dig at the Spaniard and he also refused to help him as he suffered with cramp in the second half.Haaland said: “Well, Cucurella is a funny man. Last season he asked for my shirt… and this summer he sings a song about me.”Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

JAMIE REDKNAPP slammed Chelsea for looking like “a bunch of strangers” against Manchester City as he highlighted two problem areas in the team.Enzo Maresca’s Stamford Bridge reign got off to a poor start as his Blues lost 2-0 to the champions on Sunday.Jamie Redknapp says Chelsea looked like ‘strangers’ in their defeat to Man CityCredit: GettyThe pundit pointed out two key areas Chelsea are struggling inCredit: RexGoals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic sealed all three points for City.The hosts were left to rue several missed chances in front of goal.While big-money signings like Enzo Fernandez were left chasing shadows in a new-look system.Chelsea have spent over £1.2billion since Todd Boehly led an American takeover in the capital.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd nearly two-and-a-half years later, pundit Redknapp believes the Blues have very little to show for it.He reckons Chelsea looked like a “bunch of strangers” on the pitch against City.The cousin of Blues legend Frank Lampard believes new boss Maresca has a huge job on his hands to gel an over-inflated squad currently boasting over 40 players.And Redknapp has also questioned the quality of Boehly’s spending, admitting he’s flabbergasted that Chelsea are still without a top goalkeeper and striker.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRedknapp said on Sky Sports: “This Chelsea team, it’s like you’ve thrown a bunch of strangers together and it’s very difficult to do that.“You’re bringing on players off the bench, you’re trying to make things happen.Fans claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has ‘had enough’ just one game in after spotting what he did when Man City scored“It’s going to take a lot of time for Maresca to get them playing how he wants and find out what his best XI is.“They have spent £1.2bn and they still haven’t got a top striker, and I’m not even sure they’ve got a good goalkeeper.“For all the money they have spent they haven’t really filled probably two of the most important areas.”Chelsea can attempt to pick up their first win of the season when they face Servette in Thursday’s Europa Conference League first-leg qualifier.The Blues then take on Wolves in the Premier League before further games against Servette, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

ROMEO LAVIA insisted this Chelsea team is made up of ‘winners’ despite their opening-day defeat by Manchester City.The Belgian was one of the Blues’ star performers in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, with Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic netting for the Premier League champions Romeo Lavia insisted Chelsea were ‘winners’ after their 2-0 defeat by Man CityCredit: AlamyNew boss Enzo Maresca has work to do with his new young teamCredit: GettyLavia was pleased with his display – which followed an excellent pre-season – and pleaded for ‘patience’ from Chelsea fans.The 20-year-old, who signed for £50million from Southampton a year ago, said: “I’m very happy to be back with the guys and have my first start in the Premier League for this amazing club.“It’s nice to hear that they (the fans) liked my performance, it’s mixed feelings because we didn’t get the win so I won’t get carried away too much – I’m not as pleased as maybe if we won.“The whole team is on the same page, from day one we knew that it’s a process and we can be happy that we managed to do something very good things against the best team in the world at the moment.”Read More FootballLavia is one of many young players brought in since Todd Boehly bought Chelsea – the average age of team against City was just 23.The midfielder, who lasted 67 minute before being replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, insisted the Blues can win something with kids.Lavia added: “We are young but very motivated players and winners.”You can talk about patience but we are competitors and we want to win. We want to show everyone that we can turn it around and get the results.”Most read in FootballHe also revealed the message new Blues boss Maresca is trying to drive home.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRomeo Lavia impressed in his return to PL action with ChelseaLavia said: “His main message was that we want to win.”Obviously he knows that it’s going to take time, he told us that, but at the same time we need to get the results because we’re good enough.Fans claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has ‘had enough’ just one game in after spotting what he did when Man City scored“It’s up to us now to do the job.”Chelsea added to their ranks last week with the signing of Pedro Neto from Wolves for £60m.Neto made his Blues debut against City, and has already impressed his team-mates in training.Lavia said: “He’s integrated very well and we’re happy to have him so it’s just about showing what he can do even though he’s already showed it in training. We’re pleased to have him.”Chelsea play Neto’s former club Wolves in their next league fixture.Pedro Neto plays against his old club Wolves in Chelsea’s next league gameCredit: GettyHarry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More

ERLING HAALAND brutally blanked Marc Cucurella after the Chelsea star was hit with cramp.The pair seem to be building a feud after Cucurella mocked the striker with a funny song earlier this summer.Erling Haaland decided not to help Marc Cucurella as he suffered with crampCredit: RexTeam-mate Pedro Neto had to help out the SpaniardCredit: ReutersAfter winning the Euros with Spain the Chelsea defender sang about “Haaland trembling” when he goes near him.But it was Cucurella who lost out when the pair met at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.It took Haaland just 18 minutes to make Cucurella eat his words as he shrugged off the defender before dinking the ball into the back of the net.The Norwegian then landed another blow on his opponent by refusing to help when he had cramp.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCucurella fell to the ground clutching his leg and called out to Haaland, who continued walking past without giving him aid.Team-mate Pedro Neto came to help the stricken Cucurella as fans enjoyed the ‘s***housery’ on display from Haaland.One reacted saying: “Football is so scripted 😭 Cucurella went from singing this to getting cramp and asking Haaland to help him. “Bro just walked straight past him and started laughing 🤣 I love this game.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “As if I just seen Cucurella begging Haaland to help his cramp and Haaland smiled and walked off😂 Just love to see it.”A third wrote: “Love Haaland walking past Cucurella when he asks for help with cramp 🤩”Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownHaaland did not stop his torment there and after the game fired another dig at the Chelsea defender.He said: “Well, Cucurella is a funny man. Last season he asked for my shirt… and this summer he sings a song about me.”Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More