Premier League

MICHAEL EDWARDS has sensationally agreed a Liverpool return to soften the blow of Jurgen Klopp’s departure.It’s widely reported that the transfer guru will take up a new senior role at Anfield, having previously spent six years as sporting director until 2022.Former sporting director Michael Edwards is set to rejoin LiverpoolCredit: PAHis return will soften the blow of Jurgen Klopp’s exitCredit: EPAThat role is expected to go to Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes, who is leaving the Cherries this summer.Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group were desperate for Edwards to return after Klopp announced his exit.The popular chief was responsible for securing huge signings including Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Liverpool owner John W Henry and FSG leader Michael Gordon both held talks with Edwards in Boston last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd having previously turned down an offer to return as sporting director, he will now be back at Anfield in a more senior capacity.It’s believed Edwards will front Liverpool’s data-led approach to the transfer market.And with a new boss set to arrive, his presence and experience will be a huge factor in any future success.Liverpool have already been through two sporting directors since Edwards’ exit two years ago.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGJulian Ward was promoted to the role as his successor but left in 2023.Jorg Schmadtke then got the job last summer on a short-term basis and moved on after the January transfer window.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two yearsBournemouth technical director Hughes is now set to take up the mantle after helping the Cherries become a Premier League force.He will work directly with the next Liverpool manager, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso favourite for the job.However, Liverpool are also keen on Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.And they also hold interest in Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.Xabi Alonso is favourite to take charge at AnfieldCredit: Getty More

FOOTBALL fans slammed Tim Sherwood after he left Chelsea forward Cole Palmer looking incredibly awkward with his comments during a live TV interview.Ex-Manchester City man Palmer, 21, has enjoyed a superb first season at Stamford Bridge on a personal level, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 24 Premier League appearances.Tim Sherwood’s comments left Cole Palmer looking at him awkwardlyCredit: Stadium AstroFans criticised Sherwood for creating the awkward moment of silence on live TVCredit: Stadium AstroOn Monday night, he scored and assisted for a fifth league match this season as he inspired Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a 3-2 victory over Newcastle.But he was then forced to overcome a cringe moment thrust upon him by pundit Sherwood during a post-match interview.Despite Palmer’s excellence, Chelsea are still languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table.And Sherwood proceeded to call out the England international’s Chelsea team-mates as Palmer stood there in silence.The former Tottenham manager said: “All you need is some players to play with.”This led to a hugely awkward moment of dead air, before Sherwood added: “I knew you can’t say that, but I’m saying it.”I just think you need more quality around you. For me he [Pochettino] needs to build the team around you with the quality you have.”But that will come with a few transfer windows, hopefully, once he gets the right players in.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Palmer has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League this seasonA baffled Palmer responded: “Yeah, there’s a lot of quality there, not just me. We’ve got loads of other players.”So hopefully the team can gel a bit more than everyone has seen.”Pochettino speaks out after Chelsea’s huge win over NewcastleThe exchange saw Sherwood criticised on social media as viewers were quick to pan his behaviour.One said: “Why the f**k would you say this?”To which another responded: “Yeah not professional at all.”A third replied: “It’s always these failed managers that have the most to say.”While a fourth added: “He’s trying to set him up, trying to put words in his mouth. But Palmer handled it really well.”And a fifth said: “Even Palmer was disgusted.” More

MICAH RICHARDS was stunned at Pep Guardiola’s decision to speak to Kevin De Bruyne on the bench after the midfielder’s angry reaction to being substituted against Liverpool.De Bruyne, 32, who assisted John Stones’ opener in their 1-1 draw at Anfield, was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 69th minute of the huge clash in the Premier League title race.Pep Guardiola explained his decision to substitute Kevin De BruyneCredit: APDe Bruyne was clearly upset at being taken offCredit: APGuardiola sat next to De Bruyne and spoke to him following their altercationCredit: Sky SportsAs he made his way off the field, De Bruyne appeared to be angrily gesticulating with Guardiola about the decision to bring him off.The Man City boss was then seen later in the match attempting to reason with the Belgian on the bench as he sat next to him and conversed once more.This was something ex-Man City defender Richards was shocked by as he had never seen the Spanish coach do that before.Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “I’ve never seen that before, Pep usually just leaves them.”It shows you how important Kevin De Bruyne is to this team, doesn’t it? I’ve never seen him do that ever with any player.”There was a couple of instances where Aguero got subbed, Aguero wasn’t happy. I didn’t see him go over to Aguero.”It just shows you how important he thinks Kevin De Bruyne is to this team.”Gary Lineker, who described it as an “unusual” moment, then added: “He’s obviously a leader in the dressing room as well. You want to keep the leaders on board, don’t you?”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Guardiola discussed De Bruyne’s angry reaction during his post-match interview.And he insisted he was pleased with the playmaker’s desire to remain on the pitch.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceWhen asked about De Bruyne being upset, he said: “That’s good, that’s good. He’ll have a chance next game to prove how wrong I was. It’s fine.”We have a player who keeps the ball, it’s not about pressing.”That is why Mateo is really good with that and [we put] Bernie [Bernardo Silva] in a central position with Phil [Foden] – in some positions he can keep the ball and make an extra pass when we arrive to the box.”So look what happened with Phil, two or three times he arrived in the final third because I know in central positions Phil is extraordinary.”De Bruyne has contributed two goals and 12 assists in 12 games since returning from injury in January.Next up for Man City is an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Newcastle on Saturday.They then host Arsenal in a crunch clash after the international break on March 31 as they look to overhaul the league leaders – who sit one point above them.Guardiola was pleased De Bruyne was not happy at coming offCredit: Sky SportsMicah Richards was shocked Guardiola opted to speak to De Bruyne on the benchCredit: Getty More

FANS told Gareth Southgate “we hope you’re watching” after Cole Palmer set a Premier League record against Newcastle.The playmaker was in splendid form as Chelsea beat the Magpies 3-2 at Stamford Bridge last night.Cole Palmer’s season keeps getting better with a goal and assist against NewcastleCredit: PAFans hope Gareth Southgate is keeping a close eye ahead of the EurosCredit: AFPPalmer got things off to a bright start as he assisted Nicolas Jackson’s opener.And after Newcastle levelled before half-time, he then put Chelsea back in front with a terrific finish with his magic left foot.Palmer now has 11 Premier League goals in his debut season for the Blues, as well as eight assists.But he is now top of the pile after setting the record for the most games with a goal and an assist this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer’s latest effort means he has done it five times this term, more than any other player.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins have both contributed a goal and assist in four games.While Liverpool winger Mo Salah and Man City striker Erling Haaland have achieved the feat three times.Fans certainly hope England boss Southgate – who was in attendance at Stamford Bridge – was watching as he plans his squad for the Euros.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGOne said: “Southgate, I hope you’re watching my boy Cole Palmer.”Another declared: “Palmer’s been great all season, Southgate there watching and he’s having a blinder again.”Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumOne noted: “Palmer surely has to be in the England squad for the Euros, what a footballer, still can’t believe City sold him.”Another added: “Palmer could win the Ballon d’Or if England win the Euros.”What’s more, Palmer has now also broken into the top five combined goals and assists in a debut Premier League season for Chelsea players.His 19 contributions put him level with Juan Mata while also placing him above Alvaro Morata, Mark Stein, and even legend Gianfranco Zola.Palmer is just one off Eden Hazard’s 20, and two behind Cesc Fabregas’ 21.Diego Costa’s 23 contributions will also be in his sights.But Palmer could have some way to go before matching the incredible 32 combined goals and assists by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, which was set in the 2000/01 campaign.Reflecting on his chances of going to the Euros, Palmer said: “If you had told me at the start of the season I had a chance to go to the Euros I wouldn’t have believed it.”I will just take it each game as it comes and see what happens in the summer.”I thought I was ready to play football week in, week out and that’s the reason.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I just wanted to showcase my ability and thankfully it has paid off. It was a very difficult decision to leave City, I was there since six years old.”I was ready to play football, had a chat with my family, had a chat with the club and moved to Chelsea.” More

COLE PALMER was the star of the show as Chelsea claimed all three points against Newcastle.The Blues took the lead at Stamford Bridge in the sixth minute thanks to a wonderful Nicolas Jackson flick from Palmer’s initial low drive.Cole Palmer was the star man as Chelsea beat NewcastleCredit: ReutersHowever, Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked sluggish after scoring once again, allowing Newcastle to dominate for large parts.Alexander Isak’s beautiful finesse finish from the edge of the box levelled the scores just before the break.But it was starboy Palmer who stood up once again, and struck a left-footed effort inside the near post to pick up his 19th goal contribution of the season.Mykhailo Mudryk then showed excellent skill and composure to pile more misery on Eddie Howe’s side, as he rounded Martin Dubravka and slotted home.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJacob Murphy scored a stunner in the 90th minute, but it turned out to be just a consolation for the Magpies, who went home empty-handed.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6/10Showed excellent composure on the ball and more quality than we have seen in recent weeks, often came out well and closed down attackers, commanding his area well.However, there was no stopping Alexander Isak’s excellently placed finish into the bottom right corner, nor Jacob Murphy’s consolation stunner.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL MARC CUCURELLA – 6The 25-year-old stepped into tackles brilliantly and looked comfortable going backwards and forward, although the Spaniard was fortunate not to be booked.A solid return to the side after a spell on the sidelines.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumTREVOH CHALOBAH – 6Shouts of ‘Trevoh Baresi’ were coming from the press box tonight, that was until he was caught out of position, lunging in for a tackle that was missed, allowing Isak to level the scoring.Looked a little rusty coming back from a lengthy injury, but ultimately it was a decent showing.AXEL DISASI – 7The Frenchman was strong at the back on his 26th birthday and didn’t make any real mistakes, but failed to keep a clean sheet.Was very good on the ball, particularly when playing out from the back.MALO GUSTO – 8Brilliant on the ball for large parts of the game, but was caught in possession for Newcastle’s equaliser. Looked a threat going forwards and strong defensively as per usual.Axel Disasi had plenty of reasons to smile on his 26th birthdayCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella made a fine return after his injury lay-offCredit: GettyENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Showed good moments passing-wise, and played a very neat ball into Cole Palmer who did the rest of the work to get him his first assist of the season.Reminiscent of a more mobile Jorginho in his regista role today, who Chelsea let go for just £12million…MOISES CAICEDO – 7Gave Chelsea’s midfield some snarl and bite, which was definitely needed. Broke up play well but was not at his best on the ball.Improved massively in the second half with some good professional fouls which saw him booked.Palmer kept his cool in front of goal once againCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling struggled to make his impact on the gameCredit: GettyCONOR GALLAGHER – 7So lively yet again in the No10 role. Tenacious in the tackles which were roared like a goal and drove his team on with relentless pressing and energy, a real captain’s performance.COLE PALMER – 9His weak-footed effort on goal was flicked in beautifully to give him his eighth assist of the season, and he continued to be a danger in the second half.His strong-footed strike left Martin Dubravka in awe, and the rest of Stamford Bridge at that.His 19 goals and assists in the league this season takes him ahead of Arjen Robben to give him the most goal contributions in a season by a player younger than 21 for Chelsea.RAHEEM STERLING – 5Failed to make a huge impact on the game in the ways in which we know Raheem Sterling can.Was booked for a late challenge on former Chelsea academy player of the year Tino Livramento, who gave him a tough night on the left-hand side.Should’ve squared the ball to Palmer when the scores were level, but opted to go round the keeper and failed to score.Nicolas Jackson’s clever flick opened the scoringCredit: Sky SportsMykhailo Mudryk rounded the goalkeeper to make it 3-1Credit: GettyNICOLAS JACKSON – 8Started very brightly with a gorgeous backheel flick to put the Blues into the lead following a Palmer shot on goal, which made it nine for him this season.It could have been ten, as he had a goal ruled out for offside.Worked tirelessly throughout the game and showed excellent on-the-ball ability. Unpolished, but better.SUBSMYKHAILO MUDRYK (FOR STERLING, 71) – 8Scored the pick of the bunch just five minutes after coming on, and instantly looked more dangerous than Sterling.His goal was a flash of the kind of quality you get when you pay big bucks.CESARE CASADEI (FOR PALMER, 86) – 6Didn’t have much time to make an impact, but looked strong in the air and composed on the ball when he got it.READ MORE SUN STORIESCARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (FOR JACKSON, 90) – 6Like Casadei, not a lot of time to make a difference.Played a nice ball into Mudryk and held it up well when required in the false nine role. More