Premier League

JOSE MOURINHO has hailed two of his less glamorous former Manchester United stars for their role in overpowering Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final.And the Special One claims European giants today are copying some of the “route one” aspects to his gameplans.Man Utd beat Ajax in the 2017 Europa League finalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdJose Mourinho is the only manager to have won all three European trophies – the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference LeagueCredit: PABack-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero played a key part in delivering Man Utd the trophyCredit: PAMourinho also had special praise for Marouane FellainiCredit: PA:Empics SportUnited were comfortable 2-0 winners over the Dutch side in Stockholm, with Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan bagging the goals.But Mourinho has now revealed that central to his tactics were a back-up goalkeeper and a midfielder who was a figure of fun for much of his time at Old Trafford.He told The Telegraph: “I won a Europa League final with [long balls from] Sergio Romero to Marouane Fellaini.”Ajax pressing – but pressing oxygen because the ball was not there.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”Ball to Fellaini’s chest. Play from there. Two-nil. Bring the cup home. Three titles. Disaster of a season.”Mourinho this month sat down and watched Barcelona take on PSG in the Champions League.And he was delighted to see Barca – a club that had proved not just one of his biggest rivals, but a nemesis in terms of playing style – implementing many of the ideas he had taught at United.Mourinho commented: “Lots of long balls from [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen to [Robert] Lewandowski on the build-up. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJose Mourinho’s career statsThose numbers in full:

Benfica, 2000: P11 W6 D3 L2

Uniao de Leiria, 2001-2002: P23 W12 D8 L3

Porto, 2002-2004: P127 W91 D21 L15

Chelsea, 2004-2007: P185 W124 D40 L21

Inter Milan, 2008-2010: P108 W67 D26 L15

Real Madrid, 2010-2013: P178 W128 D28 L22

Chelsea, 2013-2015: P136 W80 D29 L27

Man Utd, 2016-2018: P144 W84 D32 L28

Tottenham, 2019-2021: P86 W44 D19 L23

Roma, 2021-2024: P138 W68 D31 L39

Trophies: Primeira Liga x2, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup, Champions League, Uefa Cup (Porto); Premier League x3, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x3, Community Shield (Chelsea); Serie A x2, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); La Liga, Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid); Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Europa League (Man Utd); Europa Conference League (Roma)

“Paris trying to press higher, Ter Stegen to Lewandowski, Lewandowski chest, control and play from that position.”Marouane Fellaini was brought in under David Moyes from Everton in 2013 and was mocked by many fans for his playing style, despite proving essential to Mourinho’s ideas.Retired Man Utd star, 39, was banned from dressing room and forced to train with U16s leaving Gary Neville shockedHe would leave the club in 2019 – a month after Mourinho’s own departure – and spend four seasons at Chinese side Shandong Taishan before hanging up his boots last year.Sergio Romero played second fiddle to David de Gea for the entirety of his six years at Old Trafford, despite being Argentina’s first choice.However, he was chosen as the cup goalkeeper under every United manager he played for.And Mourinho maintained his trust in the Argentine right the way through to the Europa League final against Ajax.The Special One’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on the other hand, would normally bring De Gea back for the showpiece occasions, and was sacked in 2021 without delivering a trophy.This would cause issues with Romero, whose wife was a stinging critic of Solskjaer’s, especially as De Gea underperformed in the 2020 FA Cup semi-final loss against Chelsea and the 2021 Europa League final defeat to Villarreal.Romero now plays for Boca Juniors alongside former Man Utd team-mate Marcos Rojo, and reached the Copa Libertadores final last season before losing to Fluminense. More

SOL CAMPBELL is urging Premier League chiefs to finally award Arsenal’s Invincibles special medals to honour their 2004 title success.The Gunners legend says it is “embarrassing” that Arsene Wenger’s legends were not officially recognised for finishing the 38-match campaign without losing a game.Sol Campbell thinks Arsenal’s Invincibles needed to be recognisedCredit: GettyThe Gunners were a dominant force in 2004Credit: GettyThe club received a gold trophy to mark the achievement — which was gifted to boss Wenger when he left in 2018.But, in an interview on the Gunners website, Campbell declared: “I’m still disappointed the Premier League did not award all of the players a replica trophy or commemorative medal.“It’s the only time this has been done for 100 years and I truly believe that if Manchester United or Liverpool had done it, it would have been  recognised more.“It’s really embarrassing the players never received anything like that.Read more in football”Maybe we will this year for the anniversary but something should be done.”Arsenal ended their unbeaten season by downing Leicester 2-1 at Highbury on May 15, 2004 but had already clinched the title with a 2-2 draw at bitter rivals Tottenham.Campbell was branded “Judas” by angry Spurs fans for making the switch to their hated rivals in 2001.He recalled: “I’ve got a big heart and wide shoulders and my courage was such that it brought out the best in me.Most read in Football“My character suited this scenario. I was laser-focused. I was a different human being on the pitch.“That’s why I became, at one stage, the best defender in the world, pound for pound.The Wags of the North London Derby“It’s so romantic the way it happened, like it’s been written by a novelist.“To go and win it there, it’s just nuts.Tactics 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.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

CRYSTAL PALACE are set to start building work having sealed funds for a £150million facelift at Selhurst Park.The club should get going this summer with completion in 2027.Crystal Palace will start building work after sealing funds for a £150m development at Selhurst Park.Credit: Getty – ContributorCrystal Palace aim to not lower capacity by building behind the existing standCredit: GettyPalace will replace the old Main Stand to increase overall capacity by around 8,000 seats to 33,674.Profit and Sustainability Rules now make match-day revenue more vital than ever to raising funds.The expansion was first estimated at £150m six years ago.Chairman Steve Parish said it will provide an extra £20-30m a year.Read More on FootballParish pumped in funds along with Palace’s other major shareholders, John Textor as well as US private equity investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer.Palace aim to not lower capacity during the work by building behind the existing stand.They will mark 100 years at Selhurst Park in August.And Palace are set to spend next season in the Premier League following a turn of fortune under new manager Oliver Glasner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGlasner took over from Roy Hodgson in February and has since led the Eagles to four wins and three draws in all of his first 10 matches in charge.That included some stunning victories over Newcastle, West Ham and Liverpool.Crystal Palace seal £22.5m Adam Wharton transfer as he leaves Blackburn on deadline day Under the Austrian tactician the south Londoners have climbed up to 14th place in the Premier League table.Palace are now comfortable with 15 points away from the relegation zone.Tactics 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.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

CHELSEA proved they do have a backbone as they clawed their way back from two goals down to keep their European hopes alive.They could even have won it at a push – and thought they had – until VAR spotted Benoit Badiashile’s shove on Diego Carlos just before he crossed for sub Axel Disasi to head home.Axel Disasi thought he had won it at the deathCredit: GettyChelsea were denied a famous win by VARCredit: GettyConor Gallagher has been a key figure for Chelsea this seasonCredit: GettyGallagher scored a curling effort from outside the area to snatch a pointCredit: ReutersChris Kavanagh spotted the infringement and invited ref Craig Pawson to look at the pitchside monitor.And amid dramatic scenes it was Aston Villa fans’ turn to cheer as Chelsea’s late strike was controversially chalked off.The Villans will feel as if they Blue it as they allowed Mauricio Pochettino’s boys back off the canvas after storming into a two goal lead by half-time.An early Marc Cucurella own goal and a Morgan Rogers strike just before the break appeared to have Chelsea on the ropes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut unlike last week when they collapsed and crumbled against Arsenal, this time Poch’s battlers gritted their teeth and came out fighting.Noni Madueke pulled one back just beyond the hour and captain Conor Gallagher swept a wonderful drive beyond sub goalie Robin Olsen with nine minutes remaining.Chelsea might even have won it four minutes into injury time when Cole Palmer crashed through Villa’s defence only for his shot to be deflected wide by Olsen’s legs.Villa may go on to make it to the Champions League after opening up a seven-point gap over Spurs, who have three games in hand.Most read in FootballBut Chelsea showed enough here to suggest they will be a force next season.In a mad finale Villa might even have snatched all three points but Jhon Duran’s header ripped the roof of the net.Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalPochettino and his players came in for scathing criticism following that dismal 5-0 defeat by Arsenal.Meanwhile Unai Emery’s decision to commit himself to the club for a further year, until 2027, was the latest positive news to maintain the feelgood factor around Villa Park.Rarely can Villa fans have turned up so confident of beating a Chelsea side, who had won on seven of their last nine Premier League visits to B6.”We must stay humble and hungry,” said Unai Emery in his programme notes.Hungry? Villa were ravenous as they ripped into Chelsea from the start.It took them just four minutes to seize the lead.Pau Torres surged forward and timed his pass to perfection as he set Lucas Digne down the left.The French full-back drilled in a wicked low cross, John McGinn stabbed the ball goalward and it flew into the net off Cucurella’s shin to leave Djordje Petrovic helpless.It was the kind of breakneck start Villa fans have grown used to this season.And it was the last thing Poch needed, hard on the heels of the Arsenal drubbing.Villa almost added a rapid second while Chelsea were still reeling.Digne combined with Rogers and lashed a half-volley which ripped into the side net.Then Watkins nicked the ball off Thiago Silva’s toes, combined with McGinn and drilled in a low shot which Petrovic safely gathered.But to their credit Chelsea recovered their composure and they carved Villa open after 16 minutes.As Villa’s high defensive line advanced, Caicedo chipped the ball over Konsa and Torres and Nicolas Jackson shrugged off Matty Cash to loft the ball over Martinez to find the top corner.Initially it looked as if Cash may just have played Jackson onside.But once VAR Chris Kavanagh drew in his lines Chelsea’s joy was cut short as it turned out Villa’s well-oiled offside trap had worked to perfection again.Undeterred Chelsea, with Caicedo pulling the strings in midfield, continued to swarm forward.Mykhailo Mudryk cut inside Cash and flashed a shot over, then Caicedo fired a long-ranger straight at Martinez.Aston Villa thought they had it in the bagCredit: PAAston Villa raced out of the trapsCredit: PAMorgan Rodgers scored a brilliant goalCredit: AFPNoni Madueke’s effort set up a thrilling finaleCredit: ReutersVilla suffered a blow when Youri Tielemans went down clutching his left groin and was replaced by Moussa Diaby, with McGinn dropping into a deeper midfield role.While Emery’s players were still sorting themselves out Chelsea almost cashed in.Caicedo sent Cucurella clear on the left and when the full-back’s cross came in, Jackson headed off the base of the post, with Martinez beaten.Villa were being penned in but Rogers dragged them up the park when he broke forward and released Watkins, whose angled shot was beaten out by Petrovic.But the Villa midfielder’s next contribution rocked Chelsea as he fired Villa into a two-goal lead just before half-time.Cash collected a loose ball and swept it wide to Rogers.The 21-year-old chopped inside onto his right foot and fired in a shot which flew between Trevoh Chalobah’s outstretched leg and nestled in the corner of the net behind Petrovic.It was the bargain £8million buy from Middlesbrough’s third home goal in a row and it was a harsh lesson in clinical finishing for Chelsea.Villa’s night took a turn for the worse when Martinez failed to come out for the second half and his place was taken by Sweden international Olsen.Perhaps that encouraged Poch’s men who looked a different team after the break.They came out fighting – literally – and Caicedo and Douglas Luiz were both booked following an angry tussle.Then Madueke rifled a shot wide before Silva had a header cleared off the line by Cash’s chest.Chelsea were rampant and pulled a goal back just after the hour.Luiz was robbed off possession, Gallagher charged into the box and was sent crashing by McGinn.But before referee Pawson could think about a penalty Maduake swept the ball low past Olsen.Game on!Rogers was booked for sending Madueke sprawling as he surged forward and Palmer drilled the free kick wide.Bailey was booked for trampling on Caicedo’s foot before Petrovic beat out Bailey’s shot and Watkins just failed to cash in.Chelsea were in the ascendancy though and it was no surprise when they clawed themselves level with nine minutes remaining.Madueke fed Gallagher and, as the Villa defence stood off him, the Chelsea captain curled a sensational shot high beyond Olsen.But the drama was really only just beginning!READ MORE SUN STORIESOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
There is so much wrong.
After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

MAURICIO POCHETTINO got the stirring response he demanded to Chelsea’s 5-0 loss at Arsenal – with captain Conor Gallagher leading by a glorious, thunderous example.Gallagher’s brilliant late finish capped the Blues’ 2-2 comeback draw at fourth-placed Aston Villa.Conor Gallagher rifled an equaliser to reward Chelsea’s improvementCredit: ReutersNoni Madueke cut Chelsea’s deficit to 2-1 with this fine finishCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella’s early own-goal and a fierce near-post shot from Morgan Rogers had rewarded Villa’s handful of dangerous counter-attacks before the break.But as Chelsea turned possession into real pressure after the interval, Noni Madueke drilled them back into it before Gallagher rasped his equaliser.And there was controversy after that – with the Blues’ 90th-minute sub Axel Disasi bundling a “winner” only for VAR to rule it out for a push. Here’s how Pochettino’s men rated individually after believing they deserved more than the point they took.READ MORE TOP STORIESDJORDE PETROVIC – 7Beaten unluckily by an own-goal deflection off Cucurella, then slightly unsighted when Rogers whistled Villa’s 20-yard second goal past him low at the near post.Untroubled for large spells due to Chelsea regularly bossing possession. But the Serb had to plunge down quickly to palm out Ollie Watkins’ rapier shot – before kicking the loose ball away.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTREVOH CHALOBAH – 6Looked comfortable defensively coming in at right-back for his fifth Prem start this season.Most read in FootballMauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’But nothing to suggest he’ll be a long-term challenger to currently-injured Reece James in that position – with central defence a more likely option. Replaced by Disasi in the 90th minute.THIAGO SILVA – 6Returned to the backline, and in fact was thwarted by Watkins when he had surprise sniff of goal in the first half.Did nothing wrong after that – but was also rarely involved.BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Stretched to flash an early volley well wide before appearing nervy as Chelsea briefly faced pressure.Steady enough after that, however, although not a towering presence. MARC CUCURELLA – 5Floundered early on when Villa poured forward, which left him operating more like an orthodox left-back.Indeed, was all over the place on the way to his own-goal in the fourth minute.But once the Blues settled he linked up busily on the touchline much further forward – in his more comfortable wing-back role.Delivered the fine cross from which Jackson headed off the post on 34 minute.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Dodgy start, but then, just like his team, grew into it. Won a few challenges in advanced positions and neatly fed Jackson for a decent 29th-minute chance that was blocked.Booked soon after the break after reacting angrily to Luiz grabbing hold of him. Then wriggled free to tee up scorer Madueke for a half-chance – before Chelsea got their leveller.Gallagher hails his late point-saver before more drama eruptedCredit: GettyCONOR GALLAGHER – STAR MAN 8Seemed set for a typical display – nothing spectacular but non-stop workrate to help drive the Blues’ forward.But then cut in for a screamer into the far bottom corner on his weaker, left foot for an 83rd-minute equaliser.Before that, had kept possession steadily enough but not always with the creativity Chelsea craved. NONI MADUEKE – 7Showed up well on the right touchline, looking busy and willing.And just when he was struggling to conjure any direct threat, Chelsea were rewarded for feeding him more and more in the second period.The winger neatly let the ball run across him before he rifled the Blues back into it with a classy left-footer on 63 minutes. Just seconds later he scythed through the middle of Villa’s defence, only to be brought down inside the penalty area D.COLE PALMER – 7Fit to return – and fizzing to trouble Villa.Made space for himself for two fierce long-range left-footers before the break.Perhaps not involved enough early in the second half, considering he was Chelsea’s main man whenever he did have the ball.Screwed an inviting free-kick wide just after Chelsea had cut the deficit.Then flashed a low first-timer from further out inches off target.And in stoppage time he squirmed through for what seemed a certain winner, only for his sidefooter to be blocked behind.MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 5Appears to still lack total belief as well as a regular end product.Operating inside of Cucurella on the left, showed flickers of promise. A classic example came when he followed up a deft first touch by flailing a shot from distance out for a throw-in.An iffy first touch then ruined his chance of a late winner inside a congested box.Replaced by Casadei on 90 minutes.NICOLAS JACKSON – 6Defied the common perception that he’s a poor finisher with a Drogba-style three-touch dispatch into the net on 16 minutes, only for VAR to rule him narrowly offside.Was then unlucky to head a Cucurella cross onto the foot of the post and drove in from the right to drill a left-footer wide.Still not looking like the all-round talent to make him a top-class Prem striker.At times appeared a mobile menace, but one or two heavy touches marred his influence.READ MORE SUN STORIESSUBSAxel Disasi (for Silva, 90 minutes).Cesare Casadei (for Mudryk, 90 minutes).Tactics 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.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More