Premier League

IF Thomas Tuchel tuned in to witness this heavyweight Premier League battle, there would have been one man who made him sit up and take notice.And while there were six Englishmen in the starting line-up of his former club Chelsea, it was Liverpool’s match-winner Curtis Jones who demanded his attention.Curtis Jones celebrating his winner in a match full of VAR dramaCredit: PAJones beat the offside trap to restore Liverpool’s lead on 51 minutesCredit: PAAt 23, and into his fifth season as a regular Anfield first-teamer, it is surprising that Scouser Jones is yet to win a full England cap.Many more performances like this and Jones will not be ignored by new Three Lions boss Tuchel.Jones did not just net the winner early in the second half to send Liverpool back to the top of the table, but he won the penalty for Mo Salah’s opener, was originally awarded a second spot-kick, and produced an outstanding all-round display.It was Liverpool’s seventh straight win in all competitions and their 10th in 11 outings under Arne Slot, as they re-asserted their one-point lead over champions Manchester City at the start of a run of demanding fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor Chelsea, it was the end of a seven-match unbeaten run but a performance with plenty of positives for Enzo Maresca, who is bringing sanity to the Stamford Bridge madhouse.Neither Slot nor Maresca seem inclined to spit poison as Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez often did during the golden age of the rivalry between these clubs.Both new managers had enjoyed fine starts but both had been helped by relatively gentle fixture lists.Maresca welcomed back skipper Reece James after an injury lay-off of almost a year, while Romeo Lavia was brought in for a rare start alongside Moises Caicedo – both midfielders having snubbed Liverpool for the Blues last year.Most read in FootballNicolas Jackson slotted Chelsea level, after an offside ruling was overturnedCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrom the off it was testy and tempestuous with ref John Brooks the centre of attention.First up, Tosin Adarabioyo pulled down Diogo Jota just inside the Chelsea half but with Levi Colwill covering the Chelsea defender escaped with a yellow card – narrowly avoiding the same fate as Arsenal’s William Saliba the previous day.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsNext Jadon Sancho went down after a tangle with Trent Alexander-Arnold but Brooks turned down his penalty appeals. Chelsea were playing some neat stuff early on. Noni Madueke, who was giving kittens to Andy Robertson, teed up for Cole Palmer, whose shot was blocked by Jones. But then the Liverpool penalty shouts began to rain down.Salah went down under pressure from Colwill but the Egyptian was too obvious in looking for spot-kick.Slot earned a yellow for dissent but he didn’t have to wait long for a successful spot-kick appeal against Colwill.This time Colwill tripped Jones and Brooks pointed to the spot, Salah hammering home and sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way after plenty of Chelsea delaying tactics.It was Salah’s seventh goal of the season and a kick in the wotsits for the club which allowed him to leave early in his career.Jota, struggling after an early knock, was replaced by Darwin Nunez but soon Liverpool thought they had doubled their lead.A poor kick from Sanchez put Chelsea under pressure and a slick move from Jones to Salah to Cody Gakpo, netting at the back stick, came to nothing courtesy of an offside flag.Maresca was hopping mad when Nicolas Jackson angled a shot narrowly wide of the near post when he might have aimed across goal.Tosin Adarabioyo escaped with a yellow card for this challenge on Diogo JotaCredit: XRobert Sanchez couldn’t keep out Mo Salah’s penalty openerCredit: GettyIn first-half injury-time, Nunez slipped a pass to Jones, who kippered Tosin with his turn and was brought down by an on-rushing Sanchez.Brooks pointed to the spot again but was sent to his screen by VAR Michael Oliver who spotted that Sanchez touched the ball before the man.The on-field ref concurred with his more senior colleague in Stockley Park – but Sanchez had got lucky – it was a subjective call and the ‘light touch’ VAR approach appears to be fading, as most refereeing edicts do.Before the break, Madueke teased Robertson again and laid back for Palmer, who shot over.It was a warning shot for Liverpool but one they didn’t heed because Chelsea were soon level at the start of the second.Caicedo’s through-ball was met by a perfectly-timed run from Jackson who drilled past Caoimhin Kelleher – although Oliver was needed again to overturn an incorrect offside call.Slot’s men were straight back at it, though, and regained their lead within 76 seconds.Salah’s low centre was met with a Jones surge to the back post, where he cheated the offside trap, controlled and poked past Sanchez.Maresca, who had sent on Pedro Neto for Sancho at half-time, responded with a triple substitution – introducing Enzo Fernandez, Benoit Badiashile and Renato Veiga.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Liverpool were sensible in managing their slim lead.Jones departed ten minutes from time to a standing ovation – and Tuchel might even have got off his sofa to applaud him as well. 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MICAH RICHARDS has admitted Manchester City were lucky to see their last-gasp winner against Wolves count.There was major controversy in the 95th minute when John Stones powered in a header from a corner to put the champions 2-1 up.Bernardo Silva appeared to impede Jose SaCredit: Sky Sports But the City star had moved out of the way by the time Stones’ header flew inCredit: Sky Sports The 95th minute goal won the game for the championsCredit: AlamyMicah Richards felt City were lucky to see the goal standCredit: GettyBut as the centre-back ran away celebrating, the officials decided to chalk off the goal offside due to Bernardo Silva’s interference.He was judged to have been impeding Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball travelled into the box.The stopper pushed him away and by the time Stones headed the ball, Silva had moved clear of Sa and ducked out the way.But following a VAR review, the referees decided the goal should stand because the City star was no longer in the way of the Wolves No1 as the ball travelled towards goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn on-field review saw Chris Kavanagh go over to the monitor and then award the goal.There was huge complaints from the Wolves players, who remain bottom of the table with just one point after the defeat.And City cult hero and Sky Sports pundit Richards admitted his old club were fortunate to pick up all three points.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I would like to see the goal given for this because I do not think there is too much contact.Most read in Football”But the fact of the matter is that he is still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play.Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyers”I think we go back the word ‘consistency’. I have seen them given and I have sometimes not.”It is just that nudge that sends him [Sa] off balance and then he is not set, so I understand why Wolves feel aggrieved in this particular moment.”Fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge added: “That used to be my role to be fair and Bernardo has played it perfectly.”As the header has gone into the back of the net, he is off the goalkeeper.But the fact of the matter is that he is still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the playMicah Richards”So it’s almost like ‘I’ve done my job guys, but I have not impacted him’.”But for me, I do believe he has impacted the goalkeeper, slightly, if I am being honest.”He has had to push him away and then go back on his line to set himself.”Wolves boss Gary O’Neil seemed to suggest Premier League match officials have a subconscious bias towards Manchester City and other big clubs. “There’s no chance that people are purposely against Wolves,” said O’Neil, who saw his side have a goal chalked off in similar circumstances against West Ham last season.”But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”My focus and my senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and Pep (Guardiola) and (Erling) Haaland. Are the officials the same, when it’s Haaland and when it’s Manchester City?”Is there something in there that influences decision-making? And I’ve spoken to them about this as well, and they obviously guarantee me there isn’t. They are human.”But Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It’s a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham. So maybe there’s something subconsciously that means that you are less likely to get them.Ref Chris Kavanagh went to the monitor and overturned the decisionCredit: Rex”I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys.”But there is something in there and they definitely don’t do it on purpose. I know they’re 100 per cent honest, and they’re doing the best job they can, and I respect them fully.”But maybe there’s something that just edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”City boss Pep Guardiola had less to say on the incident, other than stating Jose Sa’s vision was not impacted when Stones made contact with the ball, which echoed the Premier League’s explanation.Guardiola said: “At the moment the linesman raised the flag, I said, ‘It’s a corner, how can it be offside?’.”The situation, at the moment of the impact from John, Sa is watching perfectly the actions so it’s well-given.”City remain undefeated in the league this seasonCredit: AFPThe Premier League released a statement trying to clear up the controversy and it read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Fans are split over the decision, with one saying: “Wolves robbed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “He’s stood offside in front of keepers eye-line, and actually nudges him yeah it would be harsh but that is offside all day long.”But others felt it was the correct call, commenting: “Nothing wrong with this goal in the slightest, why is everyone kicking off?”Changes 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. 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OUTRAGED Arsenal fans claim Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo escaped a red card for an identical offence that saw William Saliba sent off 24 hours earlier.Tosin ended Diogo Jota’s surge through against Liverpool on mid-pitch – just like Saliba had done when fouling Evanilson at Bournemouth on Saturday.Tosin Adarabioyo was only shown the yellow card for his foul on Diogo JotaCredit: AFPGunners’ supporters blasted as “laughable” referee John Brooks’ decision to only show the Blues’ defender a yellow card.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

GARY NEVILLE is back working for Manchester United in India.The ex-Red Devils captain has returned to the fold as a freelance ambassador after attending an event at the Minerva academy in Mohali.Gary Neville works in his new Manchester United role in IndiaCredit: XIt comes in the same week Sir Alex Ferguson was axed by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: GettyNeville’s return came in the same week as Sir Jim Ratcliffe dropped Sir Alex Ferguson.Fergie, United’s greatest ever manager, had been a club ambassador at a £2m a year deal since his retirement as boss in 2013.But the Scot will leave the role as part of the latest cost-cutting by Ratcliffe’s Ineos part-ownership at Old Trafford.Neville posted on his Instagram stories of his visit to Asia where he attended the Apollo Tyres flagship grassroots football programme.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 49-year-old is also on United’s stadium taskforce alongside Ratcliffe where they will decide over whether to revamp Old Trafford or build a new 100,000-capacity stadium on the same site.The Class of 92 graduate, who went on to win eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, interacted with young footballers.Neville also won 85 England caps and was an assistant coach under ex-Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.He later had a three-month stint in charge of Valencia during the 2015/16 season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Neville now balances his punditry work with co-owning League Two side Salford City with the Class of 92.Meanwhile, Ferguson snubbed United’s win over Brentford on Saturday after being axed by Ratcliffe.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier.The Red Devils came from behind to beat the Bees 2-1 at Old Trafford and move up to 11th in the Premier League.Their legendary former boss was in Glasgow instead, though, where he was spotted in the stands at Celtic vs Aberdeen.Ferguson was treated to a thriller at Celtic Park, as his former club Aberdeen recovered from 2-0 to draw 2-2 with the Scottish champions.Gary Neville has started a new job with Manchester UnitedCredit: PA More