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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autism

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      MARC CUCURELLA wiped away tears as he revealed the emotional strain of his son’s autism.Cucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez opened up in series two of Amazon Prime’s Married To The Game.Marc Cucurella broke down in tears discussing his son’s autismCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez spoke on Married To The GameCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe Chelsea left-back, 26, has three children with his long-term girlfriend – Mateo, Rio and Claudia. Mateo was diagnosed with autism soon after Cucurella completed his £65million transfer from Brighton to Stamford Bridge in 2022. Now the Spanish couple have bravely shared how their son’s neurodevelopmental condition impacts family life. Autism – especially in children – can make it difficult to process emotions and deal with changes, often prompting inconsolable tears.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe spectrum of symptoms also includes being over- or under-sensitive to senses, having repetitive behaviours or struggling socially. Rodriguez said: “We saw that some things were different from the other kids. “We didn’t find too much help from the school and we had our worst months.”Every day we went together to drop Mateo off – I was pregnant with Rio as well – and we went back home every day crying.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs she said that, Cucurella broke down in tears.Cucurella said: “Okay, your kid is autistic, but the parents are not ready with this so we need to learn a lot. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer What is autism?Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.”When we speak about Mateo we always…” before choking up and added: “Ask Claudia now, I will come back soon.”Rodriguez encouraged her boyfriend as “really sensitive” about the whole situation. Speaking on holiday, Rodriguez explained: “It’s a lot of changes in the same week.”It’s difficult to be in other places, on another timetable, eating other food, on other plans with no school and no therapy. It’s hard for him.”You have to think about Mateo all the time. Sometimes you want to do some things but we can’t because it’s not good for Mateo.”Holidays is always difficult.”Key characteristics of autismThese are some features of autism that many people with it experience. Autism is a spectrum, so everyone shows symptoms differently.Sensitive to sensesAutistic people can be much more or less sensitive than non-autistic people to the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell).This also extends to senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states, such as hunger and temperature.Social differencesPeople with autism may find social interactions harder because they have difficulty; interpratiting social cues; facial expressions; maintaining eye contact; recognising sarcasm.They may find tehy prefer to spend time alone because social interactions can be confusing. Autism can be verbal (someone who uses communication) or non-verbal (they use other means to communicate). People can flit between the two.Repetitive behaviours‘Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ is often listed as a trait of autism, but the National Autistic Society says many people with the condition actually find these behaviours as positive and helpful.It is also sometimes referred to as stimming or self-regulatory behaviour.Examples include having a strong passion or interest in a hobby, repeated behaviours like hair twirling or rocking, and preference for routine or rules to be followed. Emotional dysregulationPeople with autism may struggle to manage feelings such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness, which could lead to a ‘meltdown’ (extreme or intense outburst of emotions) or ‘shutdown’ (withdrawal).Source: National Autistic SocietyThe emotional video ends with Rodriguez consoling and hugging Cururella as he continues to cry while holding her hand. The video – shared by Amazon Prime Video Sport – prompted a wave of classy replies from fans.One said: “This was so beautiful to watch, Cucurella and his partner Claudia are great parents.”Another wrote: “Cucu is a strong man!”A third added: “Mad respect man, love him even more now.”A fourth typed: “Respect. You’re a truly extraordinary father. You’ re doing great.”And a final user commented: “I hope football fans are more empathetic to footballers going forward when they have a bad form. They are human beings too and they could be going through personal challenges at home.”Read More on The SunCucurella has enjoyed a superb season under Enzo Maresca for Chelsea.After helping Spain win Euro 2024, he has proven himself to be a brilliant inverted full-back – chipping in with six goals and four assists. Mateo can struggle with changes which makes holidays trickyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe couple have three children togetherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportClaudia comforted Cucurella as the emotions poured outCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosport More

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      Arsenal should refuse to give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ – it’s a humiliating load of old b*****ks

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      CHELSEA will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.Chelsea give Manchester City a guard of honour in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLiverpool stars celebrate after winning the Premier League title following victory against TottenhamCredit: GettyBut like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks.It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It is as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals.But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough.I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’. During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions.But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point blank.That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys.I’VE got quite a lot in common with Jamie Vardy.We both came up from non-league football, through the Football League and into the top flight.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWe both wore ankle tags while playing football after criminal convictions in our youth.We both became long-serving club stalwarts, him at Leicester and me at Watford.I’m pretty proud of what I achieved in the game, but Vardy . . . he’s something else.This bloke is Roy of the Rovers. He is football’s greatest underdog story.Jamie Vardy kisses the Premier League trophy after Leicester’s incredible 2015/16 triumphCredit: APHe won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Golden Boot, he’s played for England and — unlike me — he got to leave his club on his own terms after 13 years of sterling service.Vardy is 38, 18 months older than me and approximately 18st lighter!But after announcing that he’s leaving Leicester, he can still do a serious job for someone in the Premier League next term.Wolves are keen on him and I could see that happening. But, for me, Everton would be a great fit.David Moyes will be bringing in a dozen or more players this summer for the Merseyside club’s new era in their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.And I’m sure he would love to have the option of Vardy. With his pace, he will always be dangerous coming off the bench against a tiring defence and he could still start in some matches.Vardy is unconventional, a maverick. Right down to his fitness regime and diet – which has often included vodka, Skittles and the tobacco product, snus.What I like most about Vardy is that he hasn’t tried to change one bit as a player or a bloke.Some players might win the Premier League and try to reinvent themselves, thinking they’re a real all-round footballer. But Vardy sticks to what he has always done best.He doesn’t drop back and try to dictate games, he just continues to dart in behind defences and score goals. Even this season, he’s scored eight times in a Leicester team that couldn’t open a front door, let alone a defence.Scoring goals in a terrible team which creates very few chances is a seriously tough gig, but Vardy has managed it.I get the Wrexham link — the Hollywood club meets the Hollywood footballer.Ryan Reynolds and Co have brought in a lot of veteran players on their journey up from the National League to the Championship, so you can see why Vardy would fit in there.But he would be a great option for many Premier League clubs and he could break Teddy Sheringham’s record as the oldest outfield player in the competition.Teddy was playing for West Ham in the top flight not long before his 41st birthday.Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: PALeicester play Southampton today as two of the worst teams the English top-flight has ever known.It’s sad what has happened to Leicester in recent years because what they achieved in winning the title in 2016 was probably the greatest story English football has ever known.That was our first season in the top flight after winning promotion with Watford and at the start of the campaign, we’d have considered them to be one of our rivals for relegation.But like everybody else, we couldn’t have been more wrong.What a team that was. The quality of Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in attack, the midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater was one of the best I ever played against.During that season, Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.Honestly, when you understand what an achievement it is to score in back-to-back Premier League games, your mind boggles at the idea of 11 in a row.And people often forget Vardy’s strike partner, Shinji Okazaki. What a work-rate he had. He would come off the pitch like a race horse, literally with steam coming off him!Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester played a 4-4-2 and their back four were old-fashioned defenders — head it, kick it, keep it out. And I mean that with the utmost respect.One of them, the captain Wes Morgan, I knew pretty well. And after Leicester beat us that season he told me ‘mate, we are seriously good, a really special group of players’.He said that they genuinely all got on brilliantly, they chose to socialise with each other all the time. And, believe me, that is really unusual, particularly at a Premier League club — or at any workplace, really.And when Leicester were confirmed as champions, as Spurs failed to beat Chelsea in a war of a game on a Monday night, who was hosting the players’ house party to celebrate? Vardy, of course.The last two home games of this miserable Leicester season will now be celebrations of Vardy’s career as they say farewell to a legend.And rightly so, because he is a player who should inspire EVERYONE in the non-league and lower leagues.Jamie Vardy is the miracle man. More

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      Man City 1 Wolves 0: Kevin De Bruyne follows in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with vital goal for City’s top-five race

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      LET’S be honest, no-one ever seriously expected he would go quietly, did they?After all, when you’ve been a big noise at the Etihad for a decade, it’s not going to be a hush hush farewell come the final curtain call.Kevin De Bruyne scored as Man City beat Wolves 1-0Credit: ReutersErling Haaland was all smiles as City moved third in the tableCredit: RexBecause for all Kevin De Bruyne has never sparked headlines with off-field rants or blasts, he has made many on-field ones with flashes of genius for Man City.Like Friday night, for example, where he joined Lionel Messi as the only player to reach 250 goal involvements under Pep Guardiola.And so an evening which began with fans stunned by Pep’s admission he may quit when his contract is up here, ended with all eyes on a man who is definitely about to.Not by choice, admittedly. De Bruyne’s decade as an Etihad darling is coming to a close because his manager opted not to offer him a new deal when this one expires.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the sad fact increasingly dawning on the fans who idolise the Belgian so much he will surely be the next with a statue, is that the sands of time are trickling away.And De Bruyne, playing his penultimate match at the stadium he’s called home since 2015, is certainly living up to the old adage of going out leaving ‘em wanting more.A couple of weeks ago it was by scoring one and creating three others in a five-star, five-goal win over FA Cup final opponents Crystal Palace.Against Wolves it was with the deliberate, side footed – although admittedly slightly scuffed – opener that broke the stalemate in a turgid game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe headline act in a down-the-bill display from Guardiola’s fallen champions, who somehow got through another of the finals they must win to seal a top five finish.To be fair, there was precious little sign of them doing so until De Bruyne pounced, ten minutes before the break, as City huffed and puffed their way to, well nowhere really.Ruben Dias and Maya Jama’s romantic debut at Baller League matchThe fans who stayed away for the first six minutes, in protest at the number of years it has been since an increase in available season tickets, missed nothing.Not in terms of edge-of-the-seat raids from the champions of the last four years, yet now not even sure of a Champions League-placed finish.Indeed, the first serious one should have put Wolves ahead, when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde beat the offside trap a yard inside the City half.He could have shot but took the safer option of squaring for Marshall Munetsi to tap into an empty net.Well it should have been the safer option, at least. But Bellegarde over-hit the delivery, a stretching Munetsi wouldn’t have reached it with extendable legs and the chance was gone.De Bruyne showed his class with a strike 10 minutes before half-timeCredit: GettyThe Belgian is leaving this summer but showed he is still an important playerCredit: GettyA slap in the face which stung City into action? Well it was the spark for an even closer call…but once again created by those in old gold, not sky blue.Matheus Cunha may well be plying his trade in Manchester on a regular basis next term, if United push the boat out and make him the marquee summer striker they crave.But he gave a glimpse of what the can expected with an angled burst into the box that ended with the ball falling kindly for Rayan Ait-Nouri.The Algerian’s first effort came back off the foot of the post, but his second from the rebound was heading in until Josko Gvardiol hacked it away.Finally, finally, stumbling City kicked into top gear, Nico O’Reilly stinging Jose Sa’s fingertips with a rising drive.De Bruyne joined Lionel Messi as the only players to reach 250 goal involvements for Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyCity are now looking on course to play in Europe’s top flight next termCredit: ReutersAnd then, 35 minutes in, came the moment they all wanted…from the goalscorer they all prayed it would be.Jeremy Doku’s quickstep blast took him to the byline, before deliberately pulling it back for the ginger genius.De Bruyne has hit plenty of crisper strikes over his decade as an Etihad darling, but this one still found the net despite bouncing first. Almost a bump-ball goal, you could say.Still, they all count and after a first half that was hardly blow-your-socks off impressive, City were quite happy to take it.Not that it ever looked like opening floodgates, or anything remotely close. There were still too many close calls for that.Erling Haaland was back on the bench after his injury layoffCredit: RexWolves were left flat after missing several good chancesCredit: AlamyNone more than Cunha’s out-of-the-blue snapshot that rattled an uprightUltimately, though, City hung on as their fans showed Guardiola what they thought of him by belting out his name louder and longer than ever in the closing stages.Read More on The SunMind you, nothing like the ear-splitting ovation they gave to De Bruyne when he took his bow five minutes from the end.With good reason, too. They didn’t need telling who had got them out of the you-know-what yet again. More

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      Man Utd ‘asked to buy back former left-back in order for Real Madrid to complete bizarre transfer’

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      REAL MADRID are trying to work out a bizarre arrangement with Manchester United in their bid to sign Benfica ace Alvaro Carreras this summer.Carreras, 22, moved to the Lisbon giants from United in 2024 as he and has attracted interest from Real during his counts a total of 63 appearances at Da Luz.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Benfica ace Alvaro CarrerasReal are looking to work with Manchester United in their bid to sign CarrerasAccording to AS, Los Blancos are so keen they’re using his old club as a “bridge” in their bid to sign the £51millon-rated left-back.The Red Devils agreed to sell the Spain Under-21 international to the Portuguese outfit for a mere £5.1m.However, the Manchester giants included a buy-back clause worth £15.3m.Real are planning to work with United in a way that would see the Premier League giants activating Carreras’ relatively low asking price, which is exclusive to the Premier League giants.Read More on Man Utd Then the reigning Spanish and European champions would buy the Spaniard straight from Man Utd at a lower price than Benfica’s release clause.Madrid rate the full-back at around £27m – a sum that would also help Ruben Amorim’s side raise funds for a busy summer transfer market.Amorim is planning a major squad revamp in order to bring players in who can operate in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation next season.If Carreras moves to the Santiago Bernabeu then that would signal a return to his old stomping ground from when he was a youth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defender spent three years at Real Castilla until his departure in 2020 at the age of 17 to Old Trafford.Carreras never broke into the first team and was instead loaned out to Preston North End, Granada and of course Benfica before they completed a permanent move. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashHe has shone bright this season for Bruno Lage’s side with four goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. More

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      Antony ‘could make shock transfer to Champions League giants as Man Utd receive enquiry after stunning Real Betis loan’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is attracting interest from a major LaLiga club amid his stunning loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax but never lived up to expectations as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Atletico MadridAntony has turned his fortunes around while on loan at Real BetisMan Utd will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for AntonyThat led Man Utd shipping the struggling 25-year-old out on loan as he fell out of favour in November once manager Ruben Amorim replaced the man that brought him to Old Trafford Erik ten Hag.The Brazil international has turned into a man reborn since moving to Betis as he has already amassed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.Many even claim that Antony has regained his glittering prowess from his time at Ajax, which led to his big-money move to Manchester.And the Brazilian’s resurgence has turned a lot of heads among football’s elite.Read More on Man UtdAccording to El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid are among those clubs keeping tabs on the forward ahead of the summer transfer window.Atletico are so keen that they have even made an enquiry for Antony, who would get a major second chance at top level as Diego Simeone’s side are set to play in next season’s Champions League.However, it won’t be easy to price the ex-Sao Paulo star away despite Amorim reportedly having very little interest in keeping him as he prepares a major squad revamp.That is because the same source claims the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for Antony.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid reports of Man Utd wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.United also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and of course Antony to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of Onana’s No2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. More