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      Forgotten Premier League star, 45, sacked as manager just months after coming out of retirement and signing himself

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      FORMER Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has been sacked as manager at ninth-tier team Skelmersdale United.After coming out of retirement and signing himself as a player at the club the 45-year-old will now hang his boots up once and for all.Pascal Chimbonda has been sacked as manager at ninth-tier team Skelmersdale UnitedCredit: FC ISLE OF MANAfter a rocky six months at the North West side, Skelmersdale announced the departure of Pascal on their social media page.The club released a statement which said: “On behalf of everyone at Skelmersdale United FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Pascal for all his efforts during his time with the club.”Pascal joined the club when it was rooted to the bottom of the table, with the aim to resurrect the club’s fortunes.”And whilst there were many memories during his six-month tenure, it didn’t quite work out the way either party had anticipated. READ MORE ON FOTOBALL”As such the club believe it’s time to regroup and seek a new appointment.”Chimbonda was unable to turn things around at the Lancashire club with only eight wins in 34 games.And the club were relegated from the North West Counties Football League Premier Division after finishing bottom of the table.Since his arrival at the non-league side, the ex-Tottenham star hit the headlines after an X-rated half-time rant in a 6-0 defeat which saw him unleash 72 swear words.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Chimbonda was sent off during Skelmersdale’s clash with Barnoldswick Town in October, less than a week after joining.The Frenchman – who played in the 2006 World Cup – was handed a five-game suspension and £50 fine for leaving his technical area after a row.Jamie Redknapp forced to apologise after ‘stealing Sky Sports host’s thunder’ in awkward moment on live TVIt was later reduced to three matches.Chimbonda then registered himself as a player for the club and made four appearances for his side.While he might not play anymore the fan favourite dreams of climbing the ladder to become an established EFL boss within the next decade.Back in his heyday, he made 149 Premier League appearances for Tottenham, Wigan, Blackburn and Sunderland.He spent two seasons in North London from 2006-2008 and then left for the Black Cats only to return back to Spurs for another term in 2009.Pascal Chimbonda’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Le Havre, 1999-2003: 92 games, 5 goals

      Bastia, 2003-2005: 72 games, 4 goals

      Wigan, 2005-2007: 44 games, 2 goals

      Tottenham, 2006-2008: 98 games, 4 goals

      Sunderland, 2008: 16 games, 0 goals

      Tottenham, 2009: 5 games, 0 goals

      Blackburn, 2009-2010: 37 games, 1 goal

      QPR, 2010-2011: 3 games, 0 goals

      Doncaster, 2011-2012: 16 games, 0 goals

      Market Drayton Town, 2012-2013: 0 games, 0 goals

      Carlisle, 2013-2014: 28 games, 0 goals

      Arlesien, 2014-2015: 6 games, 0 goals

      Washington, 2017-2018: 3 games, 0 goals

      Ashton Town, 2018-2019: 4 games, 0 goals

      Skelmersdale United, 2023-2024: 4 games, 0 goals

      France, 2006: 1 game, 0 goals

      Guadeloupe, 2003-2012: 6 games, 0 goals

      Trophies: Carabao Cup (Tottenham)

      Chimbonda had two spells at TottenhamCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD More

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      Sheffield Utd vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Nuno’s side eye huge three points

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST travel to Sheffield United for a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are in need of a huge three points to boost their survival hopes.They face an already relegated Sheffield United side who go into the game with zero pressure.
      Kick off time: 3pm
      TV/Stream: Not available in UK due to 3pm blackout
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      Burnley vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Clarets seek much-needed win against high-flying Toon

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      BURNLEY host Newcastle in a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.The Clarets are in much need of a win to boost their top flight survival chances.But they will face a Newcastle side who still have aspirations of European football next season.
      Kick off time: 3pm
      TV/Stream: Not available in UK due to 3pm blackout
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      Brentford vs Fulham LIVE SCORE: Bees host Cottagers in a Premier League London derby – latest updates

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      BRENTFORD and Fulham face off in a Saturday afternoon Premier League London derby.The Bees were marginally beaten by a Everton side fighting for survival in their last outing.While Jeffrey Schlupp’s late strike forced the Cottagers to share the spoils with Crystal Palace last time out.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice at his mesmerising best but Saliba saves Gabriel’s blushes in Bournemouth victory

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      ARSENAL kept the heat on Man City in the title race with a 3-0 demolishing of Bournemouth.Goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice sealed an emphatic victory at the Emirates on Saturday.Declan Rice was on top form as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-0Credit: ReutersArsenal are now FOUR points clear of defending champs City, who have a game in hand and play Wolves this afternoon.But who was the best player for Mikel Arteta’s side?And did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Arsenal player ratings…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA – 7/10Spent the first half as a spectator. First called into action in the 53rd minute to stand firm against Dominic Solanke at the near post.TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 7Rewarded with another start at left-back and almost snuck in at the back post with a headed effort from a corner in the first half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWILLIAM SALIBA – 8Given a rollicking from Arteta inside the first few minutes for not being aggressive enough. Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of titleResponded with a goal-saving tackle on Solanke and almost scored one himself.As Arsenal were pushed back after the break, Saliba’s recovery runs and tackles were worth their weight in gold.GABRIEL – 6Almost cost his side in the 17th minute, sloppily losing the ball at the back. Luckily for him, Saliba was there to save the day.Was then involved in a messy scuffle that had Bournemouth score only to be bizarrely denied by VAR, which also ruled out his stunning goal for offside.Gabriel was not at his best with a sloppy defensive errorCredit: GettyBEN WHITE – 7Had his work cut out against Justin Kluivert so could not drive forward like he normally does. Remained solid and was made to suffer at times, but did his job.Produced the quality when it mattered, his long ball to Saka leading to Arsenal’s second.DECLAN RICE – 9At his physical, galloping, mesmerising best.Missed an absolute sitter in the 38th minute from a Havertz knock-down but kept his composure when his team needed him, especially when picking up a loose ball and putting on a plate for Trossard’s goal.To top it off, a lung-busting burst into the box from Jesus’ pass ended with a stunning finish from a narrow angle.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quietly productive in the middle of the pitch. Looks back to full fitness now and almost found the bottom corner with a curled strike.Martin Odegaard pulled the strings in midfieldCredit: PAMARTIN ODEGAARD – 8Slick passing through the channels from the off and almost grabbed an early opener and drove his team through a sticky patch in the second half to get over the line.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Lively, but largely wasteful in the first half. Was on the end of an awful studs up challenge by Ryan Christie that went unpunished.All was forgiven as he calmly slotted his penalty down the middle just before half time. Should have grabbed a second early in the second half with a rash first time shot.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7Had two great opportunities in the first 10 minutes, denied by some top blocks. Kept pushing and finally got his goal from a lightning counter-attack.Kai Havertz was a threat throughout the gameCredit: AFPKAI HAVERTZ – 9Elegant back-heel for White in the box to tee up a chance for Trossard and was provider again for Rice with a header before winning a penalty off of a Mark Travers lunge.A proper nuisance with a soft touch to match. Set up Saka which should have made it 2-0 and involved in everything good about Arsenal. Mr Undroppable.SUBS:GABRIEL MARTINELLI (TROSSARD, 81) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESPut through on goal almost instantly but such is his form in front of goal, he wasted the chance. Sums him up right now – just off it.GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/ATactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

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      Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Declan Rice adds vital third as Arteta’s side keep pressure on Man City

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      ARSENAL survived a second-half scare to beat Bournemouth 3-0 and keep their title challenge right on track.The Gunners have gone four points clear ahead of rivals Manchester City, though City have two games in hand starting at home against Wolves this evening.Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice got the crucial goals as the Cherries had a controversial goal chalked off by VAR.
      Kick-off time: 12.30pm
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      Live stream: Discovery+
      Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
      Bournemouth XI: Travers; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Ouattara; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Scott, Kluivert; Solanke.
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat’s all!
      Thanks for coming along as Arsenal maintained their momentum to stay in the title race.
      The Gunners will not have a nervy wait to see how Man City get on this afternoon against Wolves – all eyes on the Etihad.
      Read our match report from today’s 3-0 win below…

      Copy linkCopiedArteta will watch City
      Mikel Arteta revealed he will watch on as Manchester City take on Wolves later on this afternoon.
      But the Gunners boss won’t be donning a Wolves shirt to cheer on his title rivals’ opponents.
      Instead he said he will be watching on wearing his pyjamas with his wife and kids.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedArteta takes leaf from Wenger’s book
      Mikel Arteta claimed he didn’t see any of the controversial decisions surrounding the team today.
      The Arsenal boss joked: “The honest answer is I haven’t seen any of the incidents because I knew you were going to ask me.
      “They said do you want to see it and I said no so I can give you an honest answer!”
      Copy linkCopiedIraola on the decisions
      Andoni Iraola has claimed that the referee got the two big decisions against his team wrong.
      But the Cherris boss reiterated that regardless of those decisions Arsenal still desreved to win the game.
      He said: “I don’t agree wirh the decisions. The penalty one and he especially the disallowed goal.
      “But I want to repeat I think they were better than us and deserved to win the game.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratings
      SunSport’s Jordan Davies has given his ratings for every Arsenal player during today’s match.
      Here’s how some of the stars were rated…

      Declan Rice – 9
      Kai Havertz – 9
      Gabriel – 6
      Thomas Partey – 7

      Copy linkCopiedArteta on the first half
      Mikel Arteta claimed his team performed “the best we have played all season” in the first half against Bournemouth today.
      He added: “We could have scored three, four or five easily.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedThe game by stats
      Here’s how the game looked by its stats…

      Copy linkCopiedDifferent attitude
      Arsenal looked like the pressure got to them in the run-in last season as they tussled with City in the title race.
      The Gunners seem more assured this year and Declan Rice has explained that there’s no dread this time round, suggesting the side are instead “embracing” it.
      We are embracing the title race this yearDeclan RiceTNT Sports
      Copy linkCopiedGlove to see it
      David Raya’s clean sheet today means that his tally of 15 games without conceding cements him as this year’s golden glove winner in the Premier League.
      What a debut season he has had for the Gunners.

      Copy linkCopiedFollowing in the footsteps
      Bukayo Saka’s penalty today makes him the first English Arsenal player to score 20 goals in a season since Theo Walcott in 2013.
      Saka has now bagged 20 times and registered 14 assists this term.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedTalking points
      There’s plenty to discuss after that game including two disallowed goals and a potential red card.
      Bukayo Saka was left bleeding after a studs up challenge Ryan Christie that left him writhing in pain on the floor.
      Bournemouth had the ball in the back of the net from Semenyo but it was ruled out after Solanke was deemed to have pushed an Arsenal player in the build up.
      While Gabriel’s rocket was ruled out after Kai Havertz was deemed to be in an offside position when he flicked it on to the centre-back.
      Stay tuned as we bring you the reaction from the match.
      Copy linkCopiedGunning for glory
      Arsenal return four points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
      This season looks like it is going to go right down to wire.

      Arsenal – 83pts, 36 games played
      Man City – 79pts, 34 games played
      Liverpool – 75pts, 35 games played

      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME
      Rice’s goal is virtually the last kick of the game and Arsenal maintain their spot on top of the table.
      A comfortable 3-0 win to pile the pressure on Man City who face Wolves this afternoon.
      Copy linkCopiedGOAL!!!!
      THEY ARE OVER THE LINE NOW!! RICE MAKES IT THREE!

      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth
      90+4′ Chants of “We are top of the league” ring around the Emirates.
      The Gunners are within minutes of getting past another tough task.
      Man City’s move next…
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth
      90+2′ Nothing comes from the Bournemouth corner and Arsenal bring the ball up the pitch.
      This is a much more experienced Arsenal side this season and they are showing it by the way they are dealing with pressure today.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth – Cherries free kick
      90+1′ Ryan Christie whips a free kick across the box and wins a corner for the Cherries.
      Pressure mounting on Arsenal.
      Copy linkCopiedPlenty to play for
      The referee has indicated there will be EIGHT minutes of added time here.
      Could we see more late drama like we did last season?
      Copy linkCopiedDouble Cherries change
      89′ Faivre and Aarons come on for Bournemouth.
      It’s Smith and Kluivert who make way.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth – Goal ruled out!
      Arsenal have a third ruled out for offside.
      Gabriel Magalhaes rockets the ball into the top corner off a Havertz flick.
      VAR checks it and it’s ruled out.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal substitution
      85′ Arsenal make their second change of the game as they look to see out this performance.
      Bukayo Saka is substituted for Gabriel Jesus.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedYellow card – Adam Smith
      84′ Smith is shown yellow for diving in on a loose ball and catching Havertz on his follow through.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth
      82′ ALMOST AN INSTANT IMPACT. Gabriel Martinelli runs in behind and gets into the box.
      He falls to the ground under a challenge but the referee waves away any suggestion of a second penalty.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Bournemouth – Havertz hits bar
      80′ Right before that substitution Havertz clattered the woodwork with an effort from inside the area.
      The Gunners could be home and dry here.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal substution
      81′ Leandro Trossard is taken off for Gabriel Martinelli to add some fresh legs on the left flank.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Ipswich return to Premier League after 22 years away as ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna wins successive promotions

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      IPSWICH have been promoted to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season. Ipswich have been promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThey return to the Prem after 22 years awayCredit: PAKieran McKenna has guided the club to back-to-back promotionsCredit: PAThere was a pitch invasion at full-timeCredit: PAThey lost six league games all seasonCredit: RexIpswich came into the game knowing they only needed to avoid defeat against the relegated Terriers – but finished a fantastic season off in style as Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals.Ipswich have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a remarkable rise, McKenna has guided them to a second place finish in League One last season.And he has now followed it up with a successive runners-up promotion from the Championship.They are first so jump from League One to the Prem in two years since Southampton in 2012.The 37-year-old boss’ sensational work is highlighted by nine of his starting XI today playing in the division below last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcKenna was assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man UtdCredit: RexThere was a special atmosphere at Portman RoadCredit: GettyThe party continued into the dressing roomCredit: RexSince McKenna’s arrival, only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have a higher win percentage in English football than him.In the Championship this season, Ipswich have been beaten just six times this term, which is the lowest in the division.Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran downs pint in promotion celebrationWith 92 goals they are also the highest scorers.As Ipswich secured their Prem place, there was a party atmosphere in East Anglia.Fans set off blue flares and waved flags on the team’s arrival at Portman Road.And at the final whistle, there was a pitch invasion from supporters.But Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran was not at the home of his beloved club as he is attending the Miami Grand Prix.The pop star instead watched from a bar with some fellow fans and downed a pint in celebration, claiming his beer “tasted like promotion”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIpswich join title winners Leicester in sealing their spot in the Premier League next season.Leeds, Southampton, West Brom and Norwich will battle it out for the last promotion spot via the play-offs.Omari Hutchinson’s goal wrapped up the promotionCredit: PAWes Burns (centre) scored the other goal in the gameFans celebrated in styleCredit: ReutersIpswich get a trophy for finishing secondCredit: GettyIpswich fan Ed Sheeran celebrated from the US with a pintCredit: ESPN More

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      Kalvin Phillips’ Euro 2024 hopes all-but over as his disastrous West Ham loan spell ends in mystery injury

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS’S season has gone from bad to worse as the West Ham loanee has suffered a mystery injury.The England international who joined the Hammers from Manchester City for the remainder of the season in January may see his chances of playing in the Euro 2024 gone.Kalvin Phillips’s season has gone from bad to worse as the West Ham loanee suffers a mystery injuryCredit: GettyPhillips’ time in East London may be up as he could now return to City for treatment for an unspecified injury.The 28-year-old has made 10 appearances for David Moyes’ side, including eight in the Premier League.It is not yet confirmed where the midfielder will undergo his rehabilitation with both club medical departments currently in discussions.West Ham have three games left this season but Phillips is ineligible to face his parent club on May 19.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPhillips moved to the London Stadium in the winter transfer window for regular first-team football but has made just three starts in all competitions.The midfielder has 31 caps for his country and aims to impress Gareth Southgate to make the squad for Euro 2024 later this month.But his time at West Ham has flopped after his debut for the Hammers against Bournemouth saw him pass the ball to Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke who scored their opening goal, in the third minute.Then on his fourth game for Moyes’ squad, Phillips was sent off after two quick-fire yellows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was also involved in an incident with a supporter following the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle in March.The ex-Leeds star was filmed showing his middle finger to the fan after being called “useless” as he was boarding the team bus.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, Moyes in support of his player said: “Kalvin’s a human being and what he needs is support and people to help him, which is what we’ll do.”We need our fans to give all our players the support they require.“Kalvin’s a really good player and I do believe we can still make something out of the time we’ve got with him here.”West Ham have fallen in the table and now sit ninth in the Premier League and will next face Chelsea on Sunday. More