Premier League

NICOLAS JACKSON tried to take a penalty away from Cole Palmer because he wants to reach 15 Premier League goals this season, according to reports.The Blues striker, 22, was involved in an embarrassing incident involving Noni Madueke and Palmer during Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Everton on Monday night.Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke both attempted to take the penalty off Cole PalmerCredit: RexJackson and Madueke were involved in a bust-up as they tried to grab the ball from PalmerCredit: RexChelsea captain Conor Gallagher diffused the situationCredit: AlamyMadueke refused to give the ball to regular penalty taker Palmer, before Jackson attempted to steal it for himself.Captain Conor Gallagher eventually pushed Madueke and Jackson away as the pair became embroiled in an embarrassing row of their own.Palmer, who had already scored a perfect hat-trick in the first half, dispatched the penalty for his 20th league goal of the season.But The Telegraph have now claimed Jackson’s antics came about because he has his own personal objectives for the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Senegalese forward, who scored his 10th league goal of the season in the first half against Everton, wants to bag five more before the end of the campaign.He also believes he can reach 20 in all competitions – which means adding seven more, with seven Premier League games remaining and an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday.It goes some way to explaining his fury over the spot kick – with his emotions continuing after the game as he argued with midfielder Moises Caicedo.Jackson’s tally of 10 league goals means he has already equalled Chelsea icon Didier Drogba’s first season at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJackson has moved into double digits for Premier League goals this seasonBut the ex-Villarreal man, who has received mixed responses to his performances in West London, was given a stark warning by manager Mauricio Pochettino following the penalty spat on Monday.Blues boss Pochettino, 52, told Sky Sports: “It’s a shame because we can’t behave in this way.Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages on”This is the last time I accept this behaviour. The next time they’re all out.”It’s not a joke, it’s impossible to have this type of behaviour. It’s so clear, I made it clear to them and to the fans that Cole Palmer is the penalty.”If Cole Palmer wants to give it to another, but not in this way. It’s very sad and I don’t want it to happen again.” More

JOHN TERRY could have a future as a clairvoyant after past footage emerged of him successfully predicting Alfie Gilchrist’s rise to Chelsea stardom.The 20-year-old Cobham product scored his first-ever Blues goal in last night’s 6-0 demolition of Everton.John Terry’s prediction that Alfie Gilchrist will be Chelsea’s next big thing has come trueCredit: GettyTerry made his big call at a Chelsea Q&A in DecemberGilchrist, who signed a new contract this month, has impressed ever since his debut in December.And the versatile defender, who hails from a Chelsea-supporting family, has already become a fan favourite.Supporters chanted “one of our own” as Gilchrist passionately celebrated his late goal against the Toffees.But the reaction will have been of little surprise to one Stamford Bridge legend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Blues and England captain Terry won five Premier League titles during an incredible 19 years at the club.Chelsea have been crying out for a new Cobham defender to replicate Terry’s success ever since he left for Aston Villa in 2017. The path is now aligned for Gilchrist to become a west London icon.Yet Terry, who currently works as a youth coach at Chelsea, could see the prodigy’s potential before he had kicked a ball under Mauricio Pochettino.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSpeaking in December, just before Gilchrist’s debut against Crystal Palace, Terry told supporters at a Q&A that he was destined for greatness.JT said: “He (Gilchrist) is a really really good player.Conor Gallagher forced to intervene as Chelsea stars locked in furious row – days after same argument in Man Utd clashGilchrist scored his first Blues goal in the 6-0 win over EvertonCredit: GettyGilchrist would love to replicate Terry’s success at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters“He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s been at the club since the age of eight.“He performs so well on a daily basis and does everything right, I think he’s got a good chance.“I think Alfie’s next step is to go on loan next season but I’m expecting big things from Alfie, and to play a game or two as the season goes on.”Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Everton saw them close the gap to the European spots.A victory from their game in hand will put them into seventh, leapfrogging both Manchester United and West Ham in the process.That match comes against Arsenal, with tough clashes against Aston Villa and Tottenham to follow.But first, Chelsea must get past Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown at Wembley.John Terry’s career statsThose numbers in full:

Chelsea, 1998-2017: 717 games, 67 goals

Nottingham Forest (loan), 1999-2000: 6 games, 0 goals

Aston Villa, 2017-2018: 36 games, 1 goal

England, 2003-2012: 78 games, 6 goals

Trophies: Premier League x5, FA Cup x5, Carabao Cup x3, Community Shield x2, Europa League, Champions League (Chelsea) More

GARY NEVILLE has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was “scrawny and erratic” at Manchester United before he became a “machine”.The Portuguese star signed for the Red Devils in 2003 and had the task to replace David Beckham – as he was handed his iconic No7 shirt.Gary Neville has revealed how ‘scrawny and erratic’ Cristiano Ronaldo was at United before turning into a “machine”Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Portuguese star signed for the Red Devils in 2003 to replace David BeckhamCredit: GettyAs Beckham headed for Spanish giants Real Madrid, 18-year-old Ronaldo made his way to Old Trafford.The tricky winger transformed into a goal-scoring menace – claiming his first Champions League and Ballon d’Or in 2008 while playing for Manchester Utd.And former teammate Neville revealed he was sceptical about CR7 – as he was nothing like Beckham.The United legend told The Overlap podcast: “When Ronaldo came, he was quite scrawny and had not developed his body. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”His decision-making was erratic. If he should have crossed it, he dribbled; if he should’ve dribbled, he crossed it. “He always frustrated the players in the middle, because he’d go to cross it and they’d make the run and then he would turn back. “He was all over the place and I actually lost faith with him because he wasn’t delivering in an attacking sense, but he also didn’t run back that much – he wasn’t really helping. “Whereas Becks, he was always running back and we were always doubling up – I always had help.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut Ronaldo then stunned the ex-England star after he scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout as Portugal kicked the Three Lions out in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup.Neville continued: “It was quite frustrating. “In 2006, he scored (against England) and that’s when he knocked us out of the World Cup in Germany.Cristiano Ronaldo hits 64th career hat-trick in Al-Nassr win”He came back and all of a sudden his physique and his body had changed and that season, in 2006, when we first won the league again, he had a transformation into this machine, and I think he scored 35-40 goals.”Ronaldo has become one of the most decorated footballers in history including five Ballon d’Or, seven league titles, five Champions Leagues and the European Championship.At 39 years old Ronaldo is still going strong while some of his younger former teammates – such as Wayne Rooney – have retired.Neville added: “Their body shapes were different [Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney], I say that respectfully in terms of Wazza had more of a square, strong shape. “Whilst Cristiano had this physique like a super middleweight boxer, he was in the gym everyday doing pre activation. “He would stay afterwards [training] and do all sorts, the ice bath, he had all of the stuff in his house. “To be fair, Wazza, if you ask him, liked to drink and go out a little bit, and his body shape was different, but they were both unbelievable players. “Cristiano just went on and he is still going on now, you’ve seen what he has got, I mean it’s unbelievable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo is not slowing down anytime soon having already scored 42 times since making the move to Saudi Arabia.He is up to 206 caps and 128 goals for Portugal, and may even star in one more European Championship and World Cup. More

RAGING Mauricio Pochettino was caught on camera arguing with a journalist after Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Everton.The Blues boss clashed with the reporter following the post-match press conference.Mauricio Pochettino shouted at a journalist as his press conference descended into chaosCredit: Twitter @LondonsFirst_The Chelsea boss took exception to being asked about the penalty incident against EvertonCredit: Twitter @LondonsFirst_Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke were seen arguing over the penaltyCredit: GettyPochettino, 52, had just watched Chelsea demolish the relegation-threatened Toffees in their biggest win of the season.But the victory was soured by an unsavoury on-field row between Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson over a second-half penalty.The trio were seen arguing before Palmer scored his fourth goal of the match from 12 yards.Unsurprisingly, reporters were keen to know the boss’ thoughts on the incident.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut Pochettino did not appreciate that line on inquiry.In newly-released footage, the Argentine can be seen holding up his finger as he walks out of the press room,exclaiming: “You all, one (question) all press conference.”A reporter can then be heard shouting back: “You stopped the press conference!”We didn’t stop the press conference, you stopped the press conference!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPochettino replies: “Every question was (about the penalty incident).”As he walks out, a media member can then be heard saying: “S*** management of a press conference!”Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino speaks after his side thrashed Everton 6-0 Chelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires the ball down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”.

Fans slammed the scenes in the second half as the three Chelsea stars argued over who would take the penalty.The spot-kick had been awarded with the hosts already 4-0 up thanks to a hat-trick from Palmer and Jackson’s strike.Palmer later insisted his team-mates were laughing and joking about the incident by full-time.However, Pochettino blasted his young players for their petulant behaviour.He even threatened to drop players if a similar incident happened again.Pochettino said: “It’s a shame. I told the players [in the dressing room] we can’t behave in this way.”I told them this is the last time I will accept this type of behaviour.”They’re all involved in this situation, next time they’re all out. This is not a joke.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea’s comfortable win over the Toffees boosted their European hopes.Pochettino’s side are now ninth in the Premier League and just three points off sixth with games in hand on the teams above them. More