Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino claims Chelsea are ‘not Cole Palmer FC’… but stats show they’d be in RELEGATION ZONE without him

      by

      DAMMING stats show Chelsea would be in the relegation zone if it wasn’t for Cole Palmer.The 21-year-old has been the Blues’ bright spark during a dismal season for the club. Cole Palmer has had a hand in 47.5 per cent of Chelsea’s goals this seasonCredit: APMauricio Pochettino claims they are not ‘Palmer FC’Credit: AlamyPalmer has scored 20 Premier League goals and is in the running to win the Golden Boot.He has also registered nine assists, meaning he has had a hand in 47.5 per cent of Chelsea’s league goals so far.In comparison, Nicolas Jackson has netted ten, Raheem Sterling six, Mykhailo Mudryk four and Noni Madueke three.England star Palmer missed the trip to title challengers Arsenal through illness as manager Mauricio Pochettino called on his other stars to step up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the game, the boss said: “It is a good challenge. I would be motivated to go there and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club.”But perhaps the “Palmer FC” allegations are true as the shambolic Blues were demolished 5-0 by the Gunners.Pochettino accused his players of “giving up” and a sign held up by a young supporter read: “I don’t want your shirt. I want you to fight for ours.”Chelsea also set an unwanted record, having now conceded 57 league goals this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTaking away Palmer’s goals and assists, Chelsea would be in relegation dangerIt is the most the club have let in during a campaign since the formation of the Prem in 1992/93.Looking at the stats with Palmer in the starting XI, Chelsea have won ten, drew six and lost 11 games.Pep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing yearIn the eight without him, they have won three, drawn two and lost three.The former Manchester City wonderkid is responsible for 32.8 per cent of Chelsea goals.And he has won 13 points for the West Londoners – only Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins have salvaged their team more often with big goals.With Palmer’s eye for the back of the net and creativity, Chelsea average net 2.2 strikes per game when he is in the side.But that number drops significantly to 1.3 when he isn’t playing.The win ratio also plummets from 45.5 per cent down to 37.5 per cent.Points per match suffer too, going from 1.57 to an underwhelming 1.38 without their star.And taking Palmer’s 29 goal contributions out the team, Chelsea would be in the relegation zone with 20 fewer points.They would have just 27 points on the board and sit 18th in the table – ahead of just Burnley and Sheffield United.The only improvement without Palmer is Pochettino’s men concede just 1.1 goals every 90 minutes compared to the 1.9 they ship when he plays.In the real table, Chelsea sit ninth – three points behind Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for a European spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut they face an uphill battle to qualify with a horror run-in to the end of the season.They face Aston Villa (A), Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Brighton (A) and Bournemouth (H). More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Phil Jones already achieving success as coach as former Man Utd star oversees incredible double in first season

      by

      PHIL JONES was celebrating today after he helped Manchester United return to winning ways.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Phil Jones pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson after winning the 2013 Premier League titleCredit: GettyThe former England star is now helping Man Utd’s youngsters to achieve successCredit: GettyBut the pressure is still mounting on boss Erik ten Hag ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.However, there was cause for celebration at the club yesterday as Man Utd’s U18s celebrated a league and cup double.Adam Lawrence’s young guns had already secured the Premier League North title last week with a victory at Wolves.They had gone unbeaten in the league until March only for neighbours City to end that incredible run.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, their season got even better as United claimed revenge on City to lift the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village with a 2-1 win in front of Wayne Rooney.Head of the academy Nick Cox, Lawrence and United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion have all been widely-praised for their work in transforming the club’s academy around.But Jones, who was part of United’s last Premier League title-winning side, has also played his part.The ex-England international retired last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 32-year-old then started a global football sport directorship course but has also been back on the training pitch at United as part of the U18s’ coaching staff this term.Lawrence, who took over the U18s last summer, spoke earlier this term about the impact Jones was having on the group of players while he studied for his coaching badges.Phil Jones presented with amazing memento by Man Utd after announcing exit but fans demand ‘proper sendoff’ for ‘legend’He told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.“He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy.“But for us, he’s been great. He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off the field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.“He’s added some real value from a different way.“Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Blackburn in 2011.He was plagued by injuries in his final years, making just five appearances since the start of the 2020/21 season until hanging up his boots.Jones made 229 appearances for Man Utd, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also racked up 27 caps for England between 2011 and 2018.Jones turned down a testimonial and explained he did so because “there’d be only my mum and dad who would turn up”. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with shock champions crowned after Arsenal’s demolition job on Chelsea

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted how the Premier League season will end – and it’s good news for Arsenal fans. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table after hammering Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates. So in the latest crunching of numbers, it’s looking good for Gooners. BonusCodeBets’ SuperComputer works as a probability model, predicting the outcome of every Premier League match. It estimates the outcome of each remaining fixture based on a team’s current strength based on factors such as table position and form. In their latest reading, it has Arsenal finishing the league top on 85 points with defending champions City a point behind in second. READ MORE IN football Liverpool would also miss out by the same margin while Aston Villa would get their first taste of a top four finish and Champions League football. Missing out on Europe’s elite would be Tottenham and Newcastle.Manchester United are predicted to finish in seventh, which would surely seal manager Erik ten Hag’s sacking. Look away Chelsea fans as the Blues come in at 11th, not far off their worst-ever Prem finish of 14th in 1994. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would mean West Ham, Fulham and Brighton all finishing above the West Londoners. Facing the drop is Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton with Nottingham Forest just about surviving. That is despite being hit with a four-point deduction in March after breaking financial rules.Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’ More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘make contact’ to sign Champions League star with two huge release clauses just hours after Arsenal thrashing

      by

      CHELSEA have reportedly made contact with RB Leipzig for star defender Castello Lukeba after shipping five goals against Arsenal.The Blues put in a shambolic display at the back as their rivals ran riot at the Emirates.Chelsea are chasing a deal for RB Leipzig defender Castello LukebaCredit: GettyAxel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile could not cope with Arsenal’s forwards.And Chelsea have now conceded 57 goals this season – the most in their Premier League history.Mauricio Pochettino is facing a huge issue this summer with Thiago Silva set to quit Stamford Bridge.Trevoh Chalobah is also set to be sold as Chelsea look to comply with FFP.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill remain long-term injuries.It means the Blues are in desperate need of at least one new centre-back.And Lukeba has reportedly emerged as Chelsea’s top target.Foot Mercato claims the Blues have reached out to Leipzig in the hope of striking a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLukeba only joined the Germans from Lyon last summer in a £30million move.The 21-year-old has already clocked up 37 appearances in all competitions.Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalAnd Lukeba’s fine form saw him rewarded with his first France cap last year.It’s reckoned he could be interested in a Premier League move.But there are currently two stumbling blocks in Chelsea’s way.The first is that Leipzig do not want to sell Lukeba at any cost this summer.Should they keep hold of him, the Germans will still be in a strong position in 2025 when a £77m release clause kicks in.And in 2026, it will only drop to £60m.Secondly, it’s added that Manchester United are also interested in striking a deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESLike Chelsea, they too will be in need of defensive reinforcements this summer.And if they gain European football at the Blues’ expense, it could swing the pendulum in their favour. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Arsenal: Gunners travel to fierce North London rivals as Premier League title race heats up – team news

      by

      ARSENAL make the short trip to North London rivals Tottenham for a huge Premier League clash on Super Sunday.The Gunners smashed Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates last time out with former Blue Kai Havertz bagging a stunning double.Kai Havertz netted a double in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Chelsea in midweekCredit: GETTYBen White also scored twice on the night as Arsenal comfortably avoided a potential banana skin in their run-in.Mikel Arteta will be hoping it won’t be another trophy-less season for his superb side, but they must win the Premier League title for the first time since 2003/04 for that to be the case.Tottenham go into Sunday’s clash without any midweek hangover as they look to beat their North London rivals for the first time since May 12, 2022.Spurs are battling it out with Aston Villa for a spot in the top-4, with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle ready to pounce if any slip-ups are made.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is Tottenham vs Arsenal?
      Tottenham vs Arsenal will take place on Sunday, April 28.
      Kick off will be at 2pm BST.
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host.
      What TV channel is Tottenham vs Arsenal on and can it be live streamed?
      Tottenham vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the match by following SunSport’s live blog.
      Team newsThe hosts will be without full-back Destiny Udogie after he was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a thigh injury that required surgery.Ange Postecoglou will be sweating over the fitness of right-back Pedro Porro following his second half withdrawal against Newcastle last time out.Most read in FootballRicharlison has missed Spurs’ last two Premier League games but could return for Sunday’s North London derby.For the Gunners, Gabriel Magalhaes went down with an ankle issue against Chelsea in midweek but was fit enough to finish the match and is expected to slot in a centre-back this weekend.Jurrien Timber featured in his first game for eight months on Monday, starring in a 2-2 draw for the Under-21s away to Blackburn Rovers.Sunday is likely to come too soon for the summer arrival, but the Dutchman could still play a part in the run-in.What are the odds?Match result
      Tottenham – 13/5
      Draw – 14/5
      Arsenal – 20/23
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch loved-up Arsenal fans’ romantic dancing in Emirates stands after 5-0 demolition of Chelsea

      by

      A PAIR of Arsenal fans have gone viral after being shown dancing and kissing on TV.The jubilant Gooners had just watched their team beat Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates.Two Arsenal fans were seen merrily dancing in the crowdCredit: X / footballontntThe pair were elated at their side’s 5-0 win over ChelseaCredit: X / footballontntThey shared a kiss together in the standsCredit: X / footballontntTheir moment was shown on TV by TNT SportsCredit: X / footballontntAt full time, the loved-up supporters were shown on TNT Sports.As pundits spoke, the camera feed showed the pair beaming and jigging as music blared.The duo twirled before sharing a series of kisses.Their moment did not go unnoticed by fans online.READ MORE ON ARSENALOne wrote on social media: “We can’t be having this winning the league lads.”While a second joked: “They were all walking out last week vs villa with 10 mins to go.”And a third posted: “Good lord. I’m off social media for months if they win it.”Another added: “Deduct them points.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut a further social media user did say: “Good for them.”Arsenal’s thumping win over Chelsea saw them climb three points clear of Liverpool and four above Manchester City at the top of the table.Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalJurgen Klopp’s men could go back level if they beat Everton this evening, although will still trail on goal difference.City, meanwhile, have two games in hand – starting with tomorrow’s trip to Brighton.After last night’s Arsenal drubbing, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino accused his side of downing tools.He said: “We gave up. We conceded a goal so easily for Arsenal.”After ten or 15 minutes we started to play a little bit. We started the game again. We talked about it at half time.“But then we conceded two goals very quickly. You can lose but in the way we competed there is no excuse.“After a tough game at Wembley we needed to provide the energy.“We are showing inconsistency because we have an amazing performance at Wembley and show the extremes.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we have bad days we are so bad when we are good we are capable of anything.”Arsenal will next be in action on Sunday, when they make the short trip to face Tottenham in the North London Derby.Mauricio Pochettino watched his side ‘give up’ against ArsenalCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea hero Joe Cole blasts Arsenal fans’ ‘fireworks’ celebrations after seeing their team’s 5-0 derby win

      by

      FORMER Chelsea hero Joe Cole blasted Arsenal fans for their “fireworks” celebrations after last night’s 5-0 demolition derby.The Gunners stunned their London neighbours by running riot at the Emirates.Joe Cole blasted Arsenal’s celebrations after their 5-0 win over ChelseaCredit: TNT SportsCole called out the fans for their ‘fireworks’Credit: TNT SportsTwo goals apiece from Kai Havertz and Ben White led the way for Mikel Arteta’s side, with Leandro Trossard also getting involved.And the result means Arsenal are now three points clear of Liverpool and four of Man City in the title race.As full time rang out in capital’s north last night, loyal Gooners toasted the moment with singing and dancing.But ex-Chelsea star Cole was not overly pleased with the reaction from Arsenal supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted the result was so unpleasant he almost walked out of the stadium at the final whistle.The former winger certainly didn’t stick around to hear Arteta’s gleeful post-match interview.And after being teased by Arsenal favourite Martin Keown, Cole responded by telling Gooners not to get carried away with their “fireworks.”He said: “I was in the back of the cab ready to go home but they told me I had to come back to work.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“No interest in (staying to hear Arteta).”Keown then quipped: “A bit like Chelsea’s team, he went missing!”Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalCole fired back: “Wow! All I will say is, I heard fireworks from the Arsenal fans.“I think that’s a bit early with five games to go. Celebrations were a bit too much.”Arteta’s talk saw him hail Arsenal’s efforts as they bid for a first Premier League title since the Invincibles.He said: “Very happy with the win, with the amount of chances and goals we scored. And with the clean sheet as well, it shows the consistency.“We weren’t disciplined enough with some stuff we did in the first half. We needed to be more disciplined and we did that in the second half.”Joe Cole’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      West Ham, 1998-2003: 150 games, 13 goals

      Chelsea, 2003-2010: 282 games, 39 goals

      Liverpool, 2010-2013: 42 games, 5 goals

      Lille (loan), 2011-2012: 43 games, 9 goals

      West Ham, 2012-2014: 37 games, 5 goals

      Aston Villa, 2014-2016: 16 games, 1 goal

      Coventry (loan), 2015-2016: 22 games, 2 goals

      Tampa Bay Rowdies, 2016-2018: 86 games, 20 goals

      England, 2001-2010: 56 games, 10 goals

      Trophies: Intertoto Cup (West Ham); Premier League x3, FA Cup x2, Carabao Cup, Community Shield (Chelsea) More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It was just MINGING’ – Premier League star pooed in bag and hid it in Micah Richards’ car

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed how he was the victim of a disgusting prank that left a horrible stench.The former Manchester City star is now a regular face on our TV screens for BBC’s long-running show Match of the Day and Sky Sports.Micah Richards revealed a gross tale on the latest The Rest Is Football PodcastCredit: Youtube @TheRestIsFootballRichards and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer are also part of the new hit podcast The Rest Is Football, which is hosted by MOTD pal Gary Lineker.The three former footy stars have provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments since.Shearer revealed how he once caught an unknown couple getting kinky on a piano in his hotel room.England legend Lineker was left hot and bothered on-air after being called out by Richards for “sexual innuendo” on the hilarious podcast as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the s*** hit the fan this week as 35-year-old Richards recalled a gross story from his playing days.After revealing he and his team-mates used to do the “usual” pranking around cutting laces he then dropped a bombshell.“Someone, and I still don’t know who it is to this day, basically s*** in a bag and put it in a little box – you know you have your boot, then underneath your boot, which you never go there unless you get a flat tyre.“I kept taking my car to the car wash and basically there was something not right.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“My car is stinking and I cannot find where it’s coming from. I’m not joking, can you sort it out.“I must have got my car washed 50 times. But still the stench.”Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseRichards, who also played for Fiorentina and Aston Villa, continued: “So one day I got a flat tyre, and I think I can do everything so I change the tyre.“I pulled the flap up that has all your tools in it, underneath the tools this poo had turned grey.“It was just minging!”Richards then issued a plea, adding: “Please, whoever did that, can you just own up now.“It’s been ten or fifteen years, admit it.”Meanwhile, Richards apologised to Frank Lampard live on air after a bust-up dating back nearly 20 years ago.But the Chelsea legend had the perfect response as Shearer joked about what Richards “really called him” backstage.Lamps joined the pair and Lineker for BBC’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final when talk turned to an infamous incident between him and Richards that occurred in 2007 when the Blues hammered Man City 6-0 in the Premier League.Richards admitted in October that he had vowed to “smash” Lampard on the field after he was blanked by his opponent in the tunnel but he is now full of regret.He said: “It was 6-0, I was at fault for probably five of the goals.“I’d like to apologise, live on air.”Lampard graciously said: “You haven’t got to apologise. I was probably in the zone.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut cheeky Shearer could not resist chiming in with: “That’s not what you were saying in the dressing room two hours ago before Frank arrived!“Tell him what you really called him!” More