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      Fulham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Neto’s last-gasp strike earns Blues vital three points in London derby – latest updates

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      CHELSEA have snatched a vital three points from their London rivals Fulham as they continue their Champions League charge.Alex Iwobi initially scored the opener to stun Enzo Maresca’s men before Blues youngster Tyrique George bagged his first-ever goal to put the sides on level terms.And just when it seemed as if the points would be shared, Pedro Neto scored a sublime strike to earn a crucial win for the Blues.RESULT: Fulham 1-2 ChelseaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Neto heaps praise on George He said: “What a finish it was. He has been working with us for a while. “Today he showed what he can do, he scored a beautiful goal and we go from that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied’It is not easy’ Neto added: “I think it could be a big part of the season for us. We showed character. To be honest, I have no words.”It is not easy to spend all season in the top four and we were out before this game. “The character the team showed, we now need to think about Everton.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHit and hope Pedro Neto admitted his wonder-goal came from just leathering it as hard as he could. He said: “When I received the ball, I just span around and shot as hard as I can. The ball went in. “The first one, Leno did an unbelievable save and I was so frustrated that the second one I had to put all the power into the shot.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFull-time stats Possession – 40% – 60%Shots – 6-13Big chances – 0-1Corners – 5-4Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-2 Fulham – FULL-TIMENot quite a snatch-and-grab from the Blues but it teetered on it for much of the contest. The bitter rivals were separated by sheer quality in the end; two gorgeous strikes late in the second-half see Chelsea re-take their position in the top five. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-2 Fulham – GOAL93 – A goal deserving of winning a derby from MOTM contender Neto. A quick move engineered by midfield duo Caicedo and Fernández got the Blues up the pitch in seconds, beofre the latter’s cross deflected perfectly for their Portuguese winger to have a sweet crack at it and beyond Leno. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham90 – Six minutes have been added on. It will go beyond that as Carlos Vinícius hobbles off the ground after contact with Sánchez. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham88 – Gusto pulls up with hamstring discomfort and is replaced to former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who gets a mixed reception with a smattering of you-know whats.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham – GOAL83 – And just like that we have a game. In search for an equaliser, the ball bundles itself to the path of substitute Tyrique George as he dispatches first-time past Leno and sparks some life into a contest that was meandering. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham77 – A couple subs to ring through: Chelsea: Jackson OUT, George IN. Fulham: Sessegnon and Tete OUT, Wilson and Castagne OUT. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham75 – Fulham launch a hopeful ball forward to Jiménez, which is dealt by Sánchez and offloaded to Caicedo. The Ecuadoran midfielder is fouled and in the act of wanting to restart quickly plays the resulting pass out of play. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham71 – The home side make their first change of the afternoon as the industrious Lukić comes off for Cairney. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham68 – Palmer finally has a chance to make his mark on the game as he goes driving into Fulham’s box. His shot blazes off target into the stand. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham65 – A moment of cat and mouse with Palmer and Pereira. The Fulham playmaker had seemingly jinked enough to win a corner, or so he thought, with referee Taylor and his assistants ruling a goal-kick to the dismay of many. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 FulhamThe official attendance has floated past the press pack with the figures standing at 27, 000. It feels double that inside Craven Cottage. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham55 – After a 15-second of “shoot” from the home support, Chelsea get the ball clear and into an advantageous potion with Jackson. The striker’s releases Neto with a clear sight on goal from yards out but Leno makes himself big, literally and figuratively, to stop an equaliser. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham52 – A bit more pip to Chelsea’s step. Play is worked out to Neto who sets up Gusto in open space. A curling shot on his unfavourable weak foot is easily handled by Leno but signs of hope are seemingly emerging. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham47 – Sancho’s introduction has shifted Neto to the right, but the industry and threat remains. He earns free-kick, which results in a corner that Fulham eventually deal with. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 FulhamAnd we’re back. Two changes from Maresca: Sancho and Gusto on, James and Madueke for the Blues. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham – Half-time statsPossession – 41% – 59%Shots – 2-4Big chances – 0-1Corners – 3-1Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham – HALF-TIMEFor much of the half, Chelsea were just participating to manage the gushing Fulham momentum that was coming from all four corners of the stadium aswell as on the pitch.Alex Iwobi dispatched the half’s only goal with composure. Chelsea have lacked it, and the fight to go with it. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 45 – Over the set-piece, Andreas Pereira delivers a looping ball which is headed away before the unmarked Berge can do anything about it.A corner was the assumption but Anthony Taylor blows the whistle for half-time to the frustrations of the away fans. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 43 – Fulham have managed to stave any potential signs of danger from Chelsea expertly. Intricate build-up play on the left between Neto, Fernández and Cucurella was marshalled before being seized away. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 35 – Robinson snuffles out Madueke’s attempt to craft a chance out on the right wing. No real breathing room for Chelsea. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 31 – A rarity for Chelsea, but they manage to break out of Fulham’s half with purpose. A move two-man led by Jakcson and Neto on the left wing, as the latter cross has too much pace for his striker to connect with.Promising no less. Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

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      FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ollie Watkins sends message to Aston Villa boss Emery and admits he’s FUMING at being dropped for Champions League games

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      OLLIE WATKINS was left “fuming” over his Champions League axe.The  striker scored as Aston Villa sunk top-five rivals Newcastle — four days after being benched for their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.Villa striker Ollie Watkins didn’t hold back over his feelingsCredit: Sky SportsUnai Emery’s Champions League selection angered WatkinsCredit: RexWatkins celebrated his opener in the 4-1 win over NewcastleCredit: GettyOn boss Unai Emery’s snub, Watkins said: “I was fuming I wasn’t playing after I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games.“I let him know that. He’s the manager and I respect his decision.“But I’m not one of those players happy to sit on the bench.“Rather than let it hinder you, you have to use that anger and let it spur you on to prove the manager different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I found myself out of the team for a few games so today I was raring to go and  wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.“The manager is going to have a headache as I’m banging on the door asking why I’m not playing.”Watkins netted after just 33 seconds and set up Villa’s crucial second goal in the rout.Emery’s men sit sixth in the table, level on points with Nottingham Forest in fifth and two points off third-placed Toon.Most read in FootballWatkins took only 33 seconds to make the breakthroughCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis win followed their painful exit to PSG and Emery praised Watkins’ inspiring performance.Spanish gaffer Emery said: “To be angry is  fantastic. To play like he did today is fantastic.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeat“Last week he helped  us out, too. On Tuesday, he played 20 minutes.“His commitment is always high to get to  his best and this is what we want and need.“This morning I was speaking with some  players about how they feel. It is a real key moment to find our best.”On their quarter-final exit to PSG, Emery added: “We have to feel angry when we are not winning.“Of course we enjoyed the Champions League — we have to be proud of our effort but we lost.“I’m very proud of how the players responded.”Jason Tindall,  in interim charge at Toon while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, admitted his team were well beaten.After a five-game Prem winning streak, he said: “It was a difficult evening.Read More on The Sun“First half I thought  we did well off the back of the early setback.“Maybe it was one step too far and three games in six days was too much physically for the players.” More

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      Man Utd to go all out for Crystal Palace’s £50m-rated ace Eberechi Eze but face Premier League competition for star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim wants Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace as a key summer signing — and is hopeful of winning the race.But the Red Devils will not have it all their own way with Aston Villa potential rivals if they cannot land United loanee Marcus Rashford.Manchester United want to sign Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersRuben Amorin is keen to add more players to fit his styleCredit: AlamyUnited believe England international Eze would bring the class they lack and will go all out for him this summer.Midfielder Eze, 26, still has two years left on his deal, with the final 12 months an option the Eagles are sure to take up.But even so, time is running out and he is bound to have widespread interest in his signature with Palace braced for offers in the £50million range.The Selhurst Park favourite could fit into Amorim’s system in the front three, where his ability to make and take goals would be a huge upgrade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is not a clear run for Amorim as Villa are also considering Eze — and the Villans will turn to him if they fail to keep Rashford, 27.Palace know Eze’s price will drop after the summer window.It could be a tricky few months for the FA Cup semi-finalists.Eze is 27 in June and hitting his peak years, so he knows this transfer window is the time for his main career move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne way to deal with Aston Villa’s interest in Eze could involve Rashford.Reports have claimed that the Red Devils could offer the out-of-favour forward in a swap deal for striker Ollie Watkins.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd The report suggests that the club could offer Rashford as well as cash in order to land the England striker.Should this deal go through, then it could clear the way for Man United to sign Eze.Meanwhile, Eze did have a moment of misfortune in the week as he fluffed a penalty, Palace’s 5-0 hammering by Newcastle.The tame effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Nick Pope, which was labelled as one of the “worst” ever.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Liverpool still want to sign Brentford’s £50m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite Mo Salah agreeing new contract

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      LIVERPOOL are lining up a move for Brentford hitman Bryan Mbeumo — despite Mo Salah signing a new deal.The pace and power of the Cameroon forward has really caught the eye of Kop scouts, who have been at a string of Bees games.Liverpool are lining up a move for Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the seasonMo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPMbeumo looked a ready-made replacement for Salah but the checks have continued after the Egyptian superstar signed on for two more years.Brentford would want around £50million for Mbeumo, who has one year plus an option of a further season with them.The Reds want to freshen up their forward line and Mbeumo has all the qualities they like.The 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMbeumo, who will be even more popular at Anfield if Darwin Nunez leaves this summer, can play wide right as well as through the middle.Insiders reckon Liverpool may even splash out as much as £200m in the summer on new faces — despite their imminent title success.Mbeumo, signed by Brentford in 2019 from Troyes for £5.8million, has been likened to Salah in terms of his style and impact.The duo play in similar positions and incredible data shows the pair even score from similar places.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat Mbeumo is out of contract in the summer of 2026 is likely to force Brentford to make a decision on whether to sell for big money this summer.SunSport understands Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen on the French-born forward.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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      Virgil van Dijk’s image rights company banks eye-watering sum from sponsorship deals as he agrees £400k-a-week contract

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK earned £3million in image rights and sponsorship deals last season.And the Dutchman has amassed nearly £12m in the company he set up to handle his off-pitch earnings.Virgil van Dijk recently extended his Anfield stayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s captain raked in the equivalent of £60,000 a week ON TOP of his mega Anfield pay.His earnings are set to increase with his new two-year Reds deal  reportedly worth £400,000 a week — including bumper image rights payments.Latest paperwork for VVD Promotions Limited shows the 33-year-old’s company has assets of £11,689,424.Van Dijk launched his image rights firm in May 2017, several months before he joined the Anfield giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender also has a property firm, set up in 2023, with assets worth £5,685,584.Upon penning his new deal, Van Dijk revealed his delight at staying at Anfield.He said: “I’m very happy, very proud.”There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.”The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.” Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup finalHe went on to add: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case.”It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool.”Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”Van Dijk, 33, is set to stick around at AnfieldCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’

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      NICLAS FULLKRUG launched a blistering attack on his West Ham team-mates.The Hammers handed rock-bottom Southampton the point which brought them level with Derby’s all-time low record of 11, before Fullkrug let rip in an X-rated rant.Niclas Fullkrug launched a furious rant against his own team-matesWest Ham’s German striker apologised for being “s***” and accused his team-mates of lacking motivation and ability in a scathing assessment.Graham Potter’s men took the lead early in the second half through Jarrod Bowen before sitting back and finally conceding to Lesley Ugochukwu in the 93rd minute.Fullkrug, who set up Bowen’s goal, fumed: “It is a mindset problem. Very angry today.”Not disappointed, just angry with what we did after the goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was difficult to bring the boys back to push up, we didn’t push up anymore.”We tried, but we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again. I am very, very angry that we played like this.”We had some minutes where we showed what we can do against an opponent like that at home.”We showed the possession we can have, that we can go in behind and have the chances to score again.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFullkrug was in action for the HammersCredit: Getty”But the motivation, sorry we were s*** and I’m very angry.”It is not the first time where we score a goal and then the next goal kick we just shoot the ball long.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”We don’t try to play football anymore.”We don’t push up anymore, we just sink and that’s not the way we want to play.”Why we play 65 minutes before with possession, even if it’s not perfect.”We try to play with possession, try to create chances, we try to score and then we score and after that half of the team try to score again and the other half just try to defend very deep.”That is not the way it works.”We have to find a way to have togetherness, to have the idea, where we want to go and what we want to do.”The coach was very clear with what he wants, we have to do it all and everyone has to do it.”‘NEVER HEARD TRUER WORDS’Potter, who has just three wins as West Ham boss, had also criticised his team for their inability to control games and dominate at home.Several West Ham fans loved Fullkrug’s rant.One wrote on X: “Give Fullkrug the managers job, never heard truer words.”Read More on The SunWhile a second commented: “Some players need to look at this and be more like it, as fullkrug has said nothing but the truth!”And another added: “That Fullkrug interview is spot on.”West Ham threw their lead away against the SaintsCredit: Reuters More

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      Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 1: Unai Emery’s genius subs down Toon and throw Champions League race wide open

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      MAAT’S the way to do it.When you have been on the wrong end of Champions League heartbreak, this is how to bounce back and boost your chances of having another go next year.Aston Villa stunned Newcastle with a 4-1 victoryCredit: PAIan Maatsen netted his first goal for the clubCredit: ReutersAmadou Onana scored a fantastic goal to wrap up the matchCredit: GettyAnd to dent the challenge of one of your top-five rivals into the bargain.Just when Newcastle were threatening to frustrate Unai Emery’s vibrant team, Ian Maatsen had his own moment of redemption. The Dutchman had been at fault when Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first-minute opener, but just past the hour he finished off a brilliant move that typified the hosts.Villa had fallen agonisingly short of forcing Paris Saint-Germain to extra time in their quarter-final, despite having plenty of chances.READ MJORE ON FOOTBALLBut less than four days later, in front of a rapturous home crowd, they capitalised on their dominance and put Newcastle to the sword.Substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana made sure the scoreline reflected Villa’s superiority.Ramsey’s first major contribution was to force Dan Burn to put the ball in his own net and then Onana smashed home a wonderful fourth.It was a classic one-two combination to settle a brilliant and sometimes bruising brawl between two sides who are now Premier League heavyweights.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had gone toe-to-toe in an end-to-end first half.But Villa, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always the ones doing the most damage.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksIt was a day when something had to give, with Villa on a four-game winning streak in the league, one behind Newcastle’s five.There was also an element of needle.The teams had threatened to take Boxing Day literally when they met at St James Park in DecemberWind-up merchant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and sparked a 10-man festive fracas that ended with both being sent off.Villa noted in their report on the game that Tindall later reappeared to celebrate Newcastle’s 3-0 victory while wearing a Wham! Last Christmas hoodie.With that context, it was never going to be a case of wake me up before you go-go for the return at Villa Park.Although some of the Newcastle team did seem to be asleep when Watkins scored after only 33 seconds.Ollie Watkins netted the opener via a deflectionCredit: GettyFabian Schar headed Newcastle back level in the first halfCredit: RexThe England star had initially chased down Sandro Tonali, whose clearance was weak and the ball broke to Youri Tielemans.As the Belgian passed, Tonali was playing Watkins onside. The striker cut inside and his shot took a heavy deflection off Fabian Schar that left Nick Pope with no chance.The Newcastle goalkeeper was equally helpless minutes later when Watkins strode through the away defence and smacked a shot off the crossbar.There were already some tasty tackles flying in, and Villa fans will feel Schar should not have been on the pitch to equalise.Was the Swiss defender’s cynical foul on Watkins a denial of a goalscoring opportunity? Referee Jarred Gillett clearly thought the Villa man would not have reached the ball and showed Schar a yellow card, with VAR Michael Salisbury seeing no reason to intervene.Everyone of a claret and blue persuasion was soon even more annoyed by Gillett.The Australian decided Boubacar Kamara’s challenge on Tino Livramento was worthy of a free kick.It wasn’t, but the home side should have defended it better. Instead, they only half-cleared it and when Harvey Barnes swung in a deep cross, Ian Maatsen allowed Schar to steal in and head the ball through Emi Martinez.Maatsen almost enjoyed immediate redemption but from his fine cross, Marco Asensio mistimed his finish horribly.In a parallel universe, Watkins soon completed his “hat-trick”. But in this world, he hit the woodwork again, this time with a header from an Asensio free kick.Unai Emery’s side have blown the race for Champions League football wide openCredit: GettyJason Tindell was on touchline duty as Eddie Howe continues to be absentCredit: PAAt the other end, Martinez scrambled away a long-range effort by Tonali before Pope kept out a Morgan Rogers effort and Tielemans’ goalbound corner.Watkins dragged a shot wide, then claimed a penalty in vain after going down under a challenge from – guess who? – Schar.It was entertaining, compelling stuff, and so it continued.The excellent Morgan Rogers played in John McGinn and Pope had to intervene. After Tonali cleared a Tielemans header that was probably going wide, Rogers found space only for Schar to block his shot.Bruno Guimaraes somehow escaped a yellow card for a late, spiteful foul on McGinnThe Villa captain almost had revenge, but his shot from Kamara’s through ball was straight at Pope.Alexander Isak was having a very quiet game by his very high standards, which reflected his team’s limited ambition. His first proper effort on goal, after more than half an hour, was comfortably held by Martinez.And then came the move of the match and one of the most important goals of Villa’s season.The ball moved swiftly from Martinez to Rogers to Asensio to Watkins, who rolled it into Maatsen’s path.The Dutchman did not break stride before lashing the ball past Pope.Maatsen had never scored in the Premier League before and he will do well to notch a better one.Tindall made changes, but it was Emery’s that decided the match.After another fine move, Ramsey reached the byline and Burn could only divert the ball into the net as he tried to deny Tielemans.Read More on The SunVilla smelled blood, and when Rogers laid the ball back to Onana on the edge of the area, there was only one place it was going.On this form, Villa will be back in the Champions League before they know it. More