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    Fans say ‘you love to see it after that terrible song’ as Haaland shrugs off Cucurella to score ‘most obvious’ goal ever

    ERLING HAALAND got his revenge on Marc Cucurella by shrugging him off to score the opener against Chelsea.The striker opened his account for the season with a dinked finish to put his side 1-0 up at Stamford Bridge.Erling Haaland shrugged off Marc Cucurella to scoreThe striker found the net with a clever dinked finishCredit: AlamyHaaland took just 18 minutes to open his account for the seasonCredit: APLevi Colwill’s attempted tackle could not stop Haaland, nor could left-back Cucurella.Haaland held off the Spaniard to score – just weeks after Cucurella sang a song poking fun at the City superstar.After winning the Euros with Spain Cucurella went viral on social media with the chant.He mocked Haaland, singing: “Cucurella eats paella, Cucurella drinks Estrella, Haaland trembles that Cucurella is coming.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans loved that Cucurella was forced to eat humble pie as Haaland scored the “most obvious” goal ever.One reacted saying: “We all knew this was happening 😂”Another added: “Football script writers are so predictable cause Haaland scoring a goal with Cucurella defending on him was the most obvious thing ever.”A third wrote: “Haaland embarrassing Cucurella there. Love to see it after that terrible song.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Cucurella….Haaland’s done you there fella.”Cucurella even sang the song in an advert for Estrella and dyed his hair red for the occasion.Inside Chelsea stars’ exclusive boxes at Stamford Bridge as Thiago Silva’s wife Belle clears out Brazil legend’s stuff More

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    Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future in doubt with star ‘seeking clarity’ after being AXED from squad for Man City game

    RAHEEM STERLING’S Chelsea future is in doubt after he was axed from the squad against Manchester City.The winger was part of Enzo Maresca’s plans in pre-season and his representatives have stated he remains committed to the club despite being omitted from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s season opener.Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future is in doubtCredit: GettyChelsea stars were welcomed by fans ahead of their season openerCredit: GettyNew signing Pedro Neto was selected ahead of Raheem SterlingCredit: GettyBut his future is now up in the air after he was axed, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto selected in the squad ahead of him.Sterling and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future and want clarity about his role in the squad.A statement: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with. “He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. “As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling, 29, is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus and if he leaves Chelsea could sign Joao Felix, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.But Sterling could return to Chelsea’s matchday squad after featuring in pre-season for the Blues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling dipped in form last seasonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously labelled Sterling an “important player”, revealed his axing was just a “technical decision”.He said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.Harry Redknapp runs rule over new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of new Premier League season“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.” More

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    Chelsea vs Man City LIVE SCORE: Erling Haaland puts Champions ahead with brilliant finish as Blues punished – updates

    CHELSEA are up against champions Manchester City but they’re losing thanks to an Erling Haaland goal. The Blues started the game reasonably well but were punished after an incisive pass found its way to the Norwegian in the box before he wriggled his way through to chip home. Kick-off time: 4.30pm BSTLive stream: Sky Sports/ NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier LeagueChelsea team: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer, Jackson, NkunkuMan City team: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Doku, Savinho, HaalandBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea 0-1 Man City39. City go short with the corner and it comes to nothing.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City37. Doku has a go from range which takes a wicked deflection off Fofana and loops up in the air and towards goal.Sanchez has to be alert and dives at full stretch to push it over. It was just above him but he does well.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City35. Savinho skips away from Cucurella and only has Haaland to hit inside the box.He pulls it back for Kovacic on the edge who sees his shot well blocked.Chelsea counter and Jackson is a yard or two offside but play is allowed to go on for about 16 seconds before the flag does go up.Jackson’s attempt at goal was pretty pathetic in any sense.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City33. Nothing from VAR either and rightly so. There was contact but it was just a poor touch.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City32. A chance for Chelsea and also a huge penalty shout.Enzo Fernandez receives a square pass on the edge of the box and takes a poor touch before Savinho comes into the back of him and bundles him to the ground.Huge appeals from the home fans but nothing given by the referee who was right there.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City30. Not much in the game then as we reach the half-hour mark.Not much in it in terms of possession but City a bit more clinical with theirs so far. As shown by the score-line.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City27. It nearly opens up for Palmer there, who receives a clever pass from Lavia on the edge of the box.As he sets himself, three sky blue shirts throw themselves in front of the anticipated shot, with one just nicking it away from the Chelsea forward.The Blues recycle it and Palmer’s cross is hit straight to Ederson.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City25. Ohhhhh. Akanji delays and delays on the ball five yards outside his box and Nkunku shuts down his pass.They battle for the ball and the City defender goes to ground inside his own box as Nkunku is in on goal but the referee blows for a foul.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City22. Frightening that this Chelsea midfield cost a quarter of a billion pound to put together.As they’re all over the place.Savinho drives inside and almost overruns it, instead toeing it to De Bruyne 25 yards from goal who is allowed two touches to set himself before trying to bend over into the corner. It flies a yard past Sanchez’s left post.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Man City18. City look dangerous coming down that left side, where De Bruyne has found himself a lot.It’s Doku who fires a pass across the box with Silva getting a touch onto it to force it into Haaland’s path just inside the box.He looks to have taken one touch too many as both centre halves try to push him off the ball.He swats them aside before finishing beyond Sanchez from close range.Copy linkCopiedIT STANDS!On his 100th Manchester City appearance, Erling Haaland puts City ahead with his 91st goal for the club!Copy linkCopiedHold on…VAR is checking it for offside against Bernardo Silva in the build-up….Copy linkCopiedIT’S ONLY TAKEN HIM 18 MINUTES!Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City15. De Bruyne skips by Lavia in the middle of the park before he’s tugged back.Free kick to Man City and that same foul will be a booking later on in this game.It’s taken to Doku wide on the left – as he and Savinho swap wings – but it comes to nothing.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City14. It’s Anthony Taylor that’s the man in the middle, by the way.He’s booed as Nicolas Jackson is running 1v2 against Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias.He tries to get in the box before the Portuguese defender steps across him to win the ball – and a foul off the striker.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City12. Doku is found on the corner of the area via a Rico Lewis pass.He cuts inside and tries an effort at goal with his left foot which is skewed well wide. It was somehow WORSE than his terrible attempt at a cross a few minutes ago.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City10. It’s taken quickly and short to Palmer.His cross finds Fofana who volleys towards goal from the edge of the box but well, well over.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City9. Excellent chance for Chelsea as Gusto again gets forward down the right.He’s over halfway and in behind the high-line of City.With two to pick out in the middle, his cross is cut out for a corner and he immediately puts his head in his hands. That was a major chance.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City9. The referee blows with the ball on its way in and gives Chelsea a free kick.A bit of a coming together between Enzo and Haaland, with the former having a little kick at the back of Haaland’s head as they went to ground.Not sure he needed to do that and that appears to be Haaland’s point.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City8. Great football from City through the middle of the park as they rip right through Chelsea.Savinho slides through Bernardo Silva who has his cross-shot cut out for a corner.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City5. Malo Gusto gets forward for the first time and has his cross blocked behind by Savinho.It looked that way anyway but the officials point for a goal kick.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City3. Terrible play from Enzo Fernandez, who hits a blind pass backwards on halfway into Haaland’s path.He finds Doku wide on the right and charges into the box, only for the Belgian to cross it deep and clear the crossbar. Woeful attempt really.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City2. De Bruyne gets Savinho involved a couple of times early on.The winger’s latest touch sees him square Gusto up before trying to cross into the box. It deflects off the defender and loops kindly into the arms of Sanchez.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Man City1. City go backwards with the goal kick, all the way to Ederson.He opts to put his foot through it and clear it well into the Chelsea half. Maybe it’s a new Man City!Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!We’re underway at Stamford Bridge as the visitors get us up and running!Copy linkCopied More

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    Brentford vs Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Bees face Eagles in first London derby of new Premier League season – updates

    BRENTFORD and Crystal Palace battle it out in the first London derby of the 2024/25 Premier League season.The Bees will be hoping for a less stressful season after battling near the bottom for most of the last campaign.While Palace will be determined to build on their 10th-place finish by breaking into Europe this time around.Kick-off time: 2pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier LeagueBrentford team: Flekken, Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Mbuemo, Schade, WissaCrystal Palace team: Henderson, Richards, Andersen, Guehi, Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Kamada, Eze, MatetaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS More

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    Nottingham Forest star Danilo posts injury update after horror incident saw opening-day clash vs Bournemouth suspended

    DANILO has provided an update on the horror ankle break he suffered against Bournemouth.The Nottingham Forest midfielder was forced off during his side’s opening day draw with the Cherries.Danilo has provided an injury update for Nottingham Forest fansCredit: instagram / @daniillo_10He was left in agony just moments into the match at the City GroundCredit: GettyHe landed awkwardly during the opening moments of the match before being taken off.Forest were held to a 1-1 draw after Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener.The result leaves Forest eighth in the table ahead of next weekend’s trip to Southampton.However, there were concerns for Danilo after his nasty injury caused the match to be suspended.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 23-year-old took to Instagram to provide an update for supporters.He wrote: “Hey guys, I’m stopping by to say that I’m fine, thank God, and I’m already home.”We’ll be back soon and thank you all for the messages of support.”Meanwhile, his manager Nuno Espirito Santo told reporters: “It was a horrible moment for everybody, he has broken his ankle.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It’s serious, we are going to miss him, not only on the pitch. He is a wonderful boy. He is always smiling, always with joy, and we wish him the best.”He is leaving hospital just now and he is going to be assessed tomorrow. It is serious but the good news is he is stable. He’s speaking.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThe Brazilian midfielder was forced off during the opening day clash with BournemouthCredit: GettyDanilo joined Forest in January 2023, signing a deal through to the summer of 2029.He has since made 50 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing four assists.His form has seen him linked with a move to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s side approaching Forest about a possible move.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

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    Leicester facing TWO points Premier League deductions for breaking spending rules during Championship campaign

    LEICESTER are facing two separate points deductions from the Premier League this season for breaking spending rules.SunSport has learned the EFL handed over their probe into the Foxes’ alleged PSR breaches in the Championship to the Prem who are expected to charge the club, owned by Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha for a second time.Steve Cooper’s Leicester City may face a two point deduction after overspendingJamie Vardy’s Leicester side are accused of breaking PSR rules in the ChampionshipLeicester are likely to suffer the same fate as Everton, who were given two points deductions for overspending in successive three-year periods ending in 2021-22 and 2022-23.The Toffees had November’s ten-point deduction reduced to six on appeal for the first offence.But they were then hit with another two-point rap for the next period.Leicester were charged by the Prem in March with breaching the £105million loss limit for the period ending 2022-23.Read more football newsBut the case was delayed as the club have launched a legal challenge.Leicester’s lawyers say the Prem had no right to charge them while they were in the Championship.The Premier League charges relate to Foxes’ top-flight seasons between 2020 and 2023 when they lost £215.3m, more than £110m over the limit.While the EFL are forecasting another large overspend for last season.The EFL even began investigating Leicester’s 2023-24 finances in real time last season due to concerns that they would breach the limits again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJannik Vestergaard and Leicester begin their Prem campaign against TottenhamAn attempt to impose an EFL-run business plan on Leicester was defeated on appeal but the club was given a transfer ban in the second half of the promotion season and the matter has been passed on to the Premier League.Sources have told SunSport that the Premier League are expected to push for two points deductions.Premier League Drama: Football Kicks Off and Glamour Models!Given Leicester are fighting the Prem’s right to charge them the eventual punishment is unlikely to be reduced due to mitigating factors, which Everton and Nottingham Forest benefited from last term.Everton’s second punishment was reduced from five points to two thanks to their co-operation.While Forest’s penalty came down from eight to six points due to their early guilty plea.Leicester’s tactics have varied during the case, which could cost them.Having co-operated with the top flight as they were running away with the Championship last season, the club sought to delay matters when poor results put promotion at risk.Leicester kick off the season at home to Tottenham tomorrow in Steve Cooper’s first competitive game at the club.The Premier League has declined to comment.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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    Watch incredible tunnel bust-up between Newcastle’s Burn and Southampton’s Bednarek after Schar sent off for HEADBUTT

    NEWCASTLE defender Dan Burn grabbed Southampton rival Jan Bednarek by the shirt amid an astonishing tunnel bust-up.Tempers exploded at half-time after Toon ace Fabian Schar had sparked a flare-up on the St James’ Park pitch by headbutting Ben Brereton Diaz.Rival powerhouses Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek squared up at half-timeBurn got hold of Bednarek in a crowded tunnel – the incident was shown by Sky Sports NewsPlayers were streaming off when the clash eruptedFabian Schar saw red for this clash with Ben Brereton DiazCredit: GettyPowerful centre-backs Burn and Bednarek were captured on camera pushing and shoving as players walked off at the break.Joelinton had sneaked the Magpies in front deep in first-half stoppage time after a blunder from Saints’ keeper Alex McCarthy.And the ill-feeling from all that drama spilled over at the interval.Bednarek was seen walking backwards in the tunnel – looking angry.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLHe then stopped in his tracks to exchange words with Burn.The 6ft 7ins Magpies star responded by shoving Bednarek and grabbing hold of his collar.That provoked pulling and pushing in the narrow, crowded tunnel – before the two main men were steered apart.Both teams then carried on their way to the dressing rooms.Most read in FootballToon boss Eddie Howe was animated on an afternoon of flare-upsCredit: GettyDiaz was accused of ‘s***housery’ by making the most of this clash which led to Schar being sent off in the Premier League openerCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSApart from that bust-up, Premier League new boys Southampton will rue 10-man Newcastle seeing out a 1-0 win in the season-opener.In fact, the Saints might get few better opportunities over the whole campaign of nicking points at any of the Prem’s big spenders.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThat’s mainly because of Schar picking up his straight red following the flare-up on 28 minutes.The Swiss defender was sent flying to the ground when Diaz barged him off the ball.Schar reacted angrily – shoving the striker and going head-to-head with him.He made things worse for himself by pushing his head towards Diaz, who slumped to the floor dramatically, holding his own head.Schar was sent off while the Saints ace was booked for his role in the skirmish.Newcastle felt aggrieved to go a man down – but the video assistant backed referee Craig Pawson.And a Premier League statement later confirmed the judgment.It read: “The referee issued a red card to Schar for violent conduct. VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.”Newcastle legend Alan Shearer posted on social media: “S***housery at its finest but so stupid from Schar.”Joelinton celebrates what turned out to be the Newcastle winnerCredit: RexSpeaking after the game, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: “I think it’s really harsh on Fabi, but I think we all know that you can’t give the referee the possibility to even give the red card, so that’s something we’ll learn from.”Opposite number Russell Martin’s view of the incident was understandably different.Martin said: “I just got asked there if Ben made a meal of it and all that stuff. But when you’re stood still and the guy leads with his head, you give someone the opportunity to make the most of that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I guarantee their players would have done the same.”And although Burn appeared to lose his cool during the interval, his team kept their heads in the second period to clinch victory.The Brazilian drilled the only goal just before half-timeCredit: RexChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Mikel Arteta compares Bukayo Saka to LIONEL MESSI after Arsenal star’s shining role in opening-day win over Wolves

    MIKEL ARTETA saw shades of Lionel Messi in Bukayo Saka’s strike against Wolves.Opponents must know by now not to allow the Gunners’ talisman to cut onto his left foot.Bukayo Saka celebrates his brilliant effortCredit: GettyIt was a familiar sight for Arsenal and England fansCredit: RexMikel Arteta is a huge fan of SakaCredit: AFPLionel Messi also boasts a wand-like left footCredit: GettyBut Wolves – like many before them – were powerless to prevent Saka, 22, getting off the mark for the season with another well-taken goal for his growing collection.Arteta drew comparisons to another left-footed maestro in 37-year-old great Messi when asked to explain why.He said: “With good players, it’s like that. “With Messi I know he’s gonna come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players.”Saka, Declan Rice and David Raya all played despite long runs at Euro 2024.And Arteta hailed the trio for their dedication to the cause.He said: “I’m not surprised [they came back straight away]. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That was their mentality straight away after the last game. “They said, ‘I’m gonna be ready for the first game.’ Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “I spoke to them after the summer, and tried to arrange a plan.”They wanted to come back and be here early. They were already getting prepared when they were on holidays. “This is the mentality that we need.”If players are doing that compromise, it will grow around the team and they will step up the level. That’s what we need.”Kai Havertz and Saka scored either side of the break for a 2-0 win that was perhaps slightly flattering for the Gunners.Wolves boss Gary O’Neil thinks Arsenal’s clinical finishes gave them the edge.He said: “I thought we were good. I was pleased. I obviously don’t like losing but we gave Arsenal a tough game. We restricted them to not too many chances.”In terms of being in the game and having a chance I felt that, at 1-0 down, we were more likely than them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They found two moments of quality and we just missed a couple of ours.”Wolves star Yerson Mosquera was lucky to stay on the pitch after appearing to grab Havertz’s neck and Gabriel Jesus’ BUM.Yerson Mosquera clashed with Kai HavertzCredit: ReutersMosquera also grabbed Gabriel Jesus’ rear More