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      Micah Richards reveals major Liverpool change ‘different to under Klopp’ that could win them Premier League title

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      MICAH RICHARDS highlighted the change to Liverpool’s tactics since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman took over in the summer after Klopp emotionally ended nine years at Anfield. Arne Slot is being backed to win the Prem title with LiverpoolCredit: AlamyLiverpool currently lead the Premier League table with six wins in seven matches after their 1-0 away victory at Crystal Palace. And former Manchester City defender Richards said on Match of The Day: “Against Chelsea and Arsenal next, that’s when we can judge them. “But they look good in a different way to Klopp. Slower build-up but they’re doing well.”Prem legend Alan Shearer backed Slot’s Reds as title challengers. READ MORE IN footballHe said: “They certainly can, absolutely. If they can steer clear of injuries, you’ve seen a couple that they’ve had today. “But I think we’ve seen enough already in the first few games to say that they’ll be strong. It’s been a really good start.”Victory at Palace saw Slot become the first Liverpool manager to win nine of his first ten games in charge of the club. And he said: “It’s actually also quite special if you know how many great managers Liverpool had. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I also said last week I think that I hope they don’t only remember me in one, two, three, four, five years only for this. “We are hoping to do more special things than this. And it also says the luck I had that I inherited a very good squad and very good staff to continue getting the results that Jurgen had here as well.”Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ More

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      Ex-Liverpool and England star Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock shows off incredible body transformation after 11 STONE weight loss

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      FORMER Premier League star Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has shown off his incredible 11-stone weight transformation.The 56-year-old began his weight loss journey back in 2021 after meeting TV personality James Argent.Neil Ruddock has shown off his incredible weight transformationCredit: Marc AsplandThe ex-Premier League star has lost 11-stoneCredit: Marc AsplandRazor ballooned to 27st during the pandemicCredit: Andrew BarrRuddock had ballooned to 27st during the Coronavirus pandemic, which put his health at serious risk.But after meeting Argent – who experienced his own 14st weight loss journey in recent years – he decided to get a gastric sleeve fitted.The former Liverpool star now eats much less and has reduced his alcohol intake.In a recent interview, Ruddock opened up about why he started excessively eating and drinking in the first place.Read More in FootballOn his 28th birthday, the day before 1996 FA Cup final between Liverpool and Manchester United, the ex-defender found out that manager Roy Evans had dropped him from the squad.His dad had purchased 50 tickets so that friends and family could watch him at Wembley.So the realisation that he would not play made Ruddock feel like he had let his nearest and dearest down.He told The Times: “The greatest thing I’ve ever done in life is making my dad proud of me.Most read in Football”Roy just said it was the toughest decision he had to make. It was the toughest decision he’s ever had in management.”You know, I love the man to death, but it wasn’t . . . at the end of the day, I can’t blame him.Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock and wife Leah on being clinically dead during life saving surgery and the support that Robbie Williams has given to him in his recovery”He’s had to make a decision. But I just couldn’t handle it.”I remember ringing my dad in tears. My dad’s in tears as well. I still might want to cry. I want to cry now. My dad’s no longer here any more.”On the day of the final, Ruddock sat in the dressing room and began drinking cans of beer while his team-mates battled it out for the FA Cup.In his new book, Toxic, he explained: “All of a sudden, sport, the thing you have relied on all your life to deliver the good times, is doing exactly the opposite.”The Cup final was the start of a spiral which never ended. The start of mad, bad, sad, glad syndrome.”Until that day I had never ever doubted myself. Never. Not once. Now it was all I did. Anxiety bubbled underneath. I was gone — a volcano waiting to erupt.”Ruddock made 195 Premier League appearances during his career and played for the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace. More

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      Jonny Evans reveals major impact fears for Erik ten Hag’s future is having on Man Utd dressing room

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Jonny Evans admitted increasing fears about under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s future are affecting the players.United are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season having amassed a mere eight points in their first seven matches and saw their winless streak extend to five games.Manchester United ace Jonny Evans confessed fears about manager Erik ten Hag’s future have affected the playersCredit: GettyTen Hag is increasingly under pressure amid Man Utd’s worst ever Premier League startCredit: GettyThe Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa in front of club chief Sir Jim Radcliffe, which added pressure on Ten Hag’s volatile situation.And Evans, 36, confessed the uncertainty building up around the Dutch tactician’s future is affecting the dressing room.The experienced centre-back is adamant, however, that the players will have to find a way to shut the noise down.Evans told Sky Sports: “You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. Read More on Man Utd”They have supported the players massively over the years.“It was great for him [Ten Hag] to see that.”The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.”You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.Most read in Football”It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too. “I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United.United have endured two miserable 3-0 losses at Old Trafford to Liverpool and Tottenham.The Manchester giants have also played out three hapless draws with Crystal Palace, Twente and Porto.United’s board are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss Ten Hag’s future going into the international break.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Major change to airport rules for pampered Premier League stars after government closes ‘special’ loophole

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      PAMPERED Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment.Footie chiefs had argued they should be excused from anti-terrorism security laws on UK private charter flights for fear of an increased risk of injury.Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment (stock picture)Credit: GettyPlayers such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last seasonCredit: GettyPremier League boss Richard Masters said security probes could spark long queues before and after internal flights — meaning stars were in danger of being accosted by fans.Players such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last season.But the government has now insisted they should be scanned like everyone else.A source said: “This is not a good look for the Premier League. Read More on Sport“The government clamped down on potential security loopholes, with small planes included in checks.“Richard Masters’ lobbying raised eyebrows within the government. “It beggars belief he thinks footballers should be treated differently from the rest.“He even threatened to go to No 10. Most read in Football“It was an ill-conceived point to pick a fight on.“He was initially successful, but the footballers are now having to toe the line.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceThe rules were brought in last year. After the year’s exemption, players are now subject to the same additional screening as anyone else — even on short flights from regional airfields.Government sources confirmed to The Sun that special security arrangements were in place for some private charter flights used by football teams in the past — but this is no longer the case.The Department for Transport said: “Aviation security is of paramount importance to keep passengers safe. “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”The Premier League was approached for comment. More

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      Chelsea face hefty fine after ill-discipline in Nottingham Forest clash as Nicolas Jackson filmed ‘slapping’ rival

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      CHELSEA have triggered their second big fine of the season for ill-discipline in a fiery 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.But it’s not for a mass brawl, nor even for SunSport’s exclusive footage showing Nicolas Jackson appearing to slap  Forest defender Morato.Neco Williams and Levi Colwill were both booked over the brawlCredit: RexNicolas Jackson glared at Morata as the skirmish got worseCredit: RexInstead, the Blues picking up six bookings in a match means an automatic £25,000 penalty.Just three weeks earlier, Chelsea received the same-sized fine – after  helping set the Premier League record for most yellow cards in one game.On that occasion the Blues earned six of the 14 bookings dished out – with substitute Christopher Nkunku nicking a late 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Four of Chelsea’s half-dozen cautions against Forest came in the closing stages, starting with a huge flare-up on 89 minutes.READ MORE TOP STORIESForest left-back Neco Williams sparked the ugly scenes by shoving counterpart Marc Cucurella into Stamford Bridge chief Enzo Maresca.Our video of the incident captured tempers rising out of control near the dugout.Backroom staff, both managers and subs came on the field, as well as Jackson, who had been replaced by Frenchman Nkunku not long before.The Senegal frontman was caught on camera seemingly reaching towards Morato, before team-mates pulled him away.Most read in FootballTempers flared as players squared upCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Jackson escaped a booking.Rather it was Williams and Cucurella, plus Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who did get yellow cards for their roles in the brief mayhem.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedAll that came after Chris Wood had stunned the Blues by sliding home a 49th-minute opener for the visitors.Noni Madueke soon cut inside to level – Cole Palmer yet again the provider.However, a physical contest grew more tetchy, especially once Forest’s James-Ward Prowse was sent off on 78 minutes.Having already been booked for fouling Palmer, the midfielder saw red for a second caution when he handled to halt a counter-attack led by Jackson.There was still time for the widespread pile-in – with enough repercussions to earn the Blues a second £25k fine with 22 days.But Maresca insisted: “I like the way the team is fighting – I don’t see any problems with that.”Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      Tottenham break unwanted Premier League record with shocking collapse at Brighton as Postecoglou calls it ‘worst loss’

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      TOTTENHAM broke an unwanted record after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose to Brighton in the Premier League.Spurs led 2-0 at the break at the Amex and looked to be coasting to three simple points.Tottenham have become the first Premier League team to lose 10 games after leading by at least two goalsCredit: PATottenham suffered a devastating collapse at Brighton as they lost 3-2 after leading by two goalsCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson and James Maddison had struck, with Ange Postecoglou’s side seemingly in cruise control.But it all went horribly wrong in the second half as Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls turned the game on its head in a staggering 18-minute comeback, with strikes by Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck.And it was an all-too familiar heartbreak for the North Londoners.That’s because Spurs became the first Premier League team in history to lose 10 games after leading by at least two goals.Read More on FootballFans were left in shock with that stat as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “‘It’s the history of Tottenham’.”Another commented: “Spurs fans will never learn, they’ll go on a decent run, shout that they have the best players in every position, only for them to do what they’ve always done.”A third wrote: “It’s the Tottenham way.”Most read in FootballBoss Postecoglou called the loss the “worst defeat” of his 15-month reign.The raging Aussie said after full-time: “That’s disappointing. I’m frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. It’s the worst defeat since I’ve been here.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showSpurs ratings vs Brighton: Johnson silences doubters but it’s a horror show at the back in second-halfTOTTENHAM fell to defeat at the Amex Stadium in dramatic fashion.Spurs were leading 2-0, and appeared to be cruising at half-time, thanks to goals from in-form Brennan Johnson and James Maddison.But they collapsed after the break to somehow lose it 3-2 at the Amex.Here’s how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated Spurs’ stars.GUGLIELMO VICARIO – 6Was cool, calm and collected in the first-half but lost his composure in the second-half but wasn’t exactly helped by his shambolic defenders who conceded way too many chances.Expertly saved a shot from Mitoma to keep the visitors in it.PEDRO PORRO – 6Porro produced a lovely cross to set up Werner even though he was offside.Struggled to keep Mitoma in check after the break and will probably be seeing the Japanese winger in his nightmares tonight.MICKY VAN DE VEN – 5The second-half was a bad night in the office for Micky van de Ven who, alongside Udogie, was torn apart by Brighton’s blistering front line.You rarely see the Dutchman flustered but he really lost his composure at the Amex.CRISTIAN ROMERO – 5Romero went missing defensively in the second-half, let Brighton players past him and was the culprit of far too many mistakes.DESTINY UDOGIE – 5Udogie was the culprit of a major cock-up at the back to put the ball on a plate for Yankuba Minteh to pull one back for the hosts.Djed Spence has done well off the bench in recent weeks so a shake-up may be on the cards.DEJAN KULUSEVSKI – 6Kulusevski has looked different gravy since moving to a more central role, and that showed in the first-half.After the break he began to look clunky, ploughing into Kaoru Mitoma with a rash challenge.RODRIGO BENTANCUR – 6Bentancur needed to wake up as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions.JAMES MADDISON – 7Maddison was on target for the second with a lovely, low drive but faded out in the second-half and struggled to pick out a pass.TIMO WERNER – 6Werner messed up the final ball, scuppering a big chance for Spurs to go ahead just 15 seconds in.Nearly redeemed himself with what looked like the opener but Porro was offside in the build up. Played a key role in the second goal, squaring the ball to Maddison.The German striker needs to be on target himself though with a woeful zero goals in his last 13 games.BRENNAN JOHNSON – 8Johnson looking as dangerous as ever for Tottenham, with his goal making it six scored in his last six games.He recently deleted social media after coming under heavy criticism, but since then he has certainly silenced his doubters in style.DOMINIC SOLANKE – 6Solanke produced a peach of a pass to set up Johnson for the opener.Didn’t have a shot on goal though and was non-existent in the second-half.“It was an unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how we were going.”We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We paid the price.”The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself.”Tottenham are now ninth in the Premier League table after their Brighton collapse.Postecoglou’s side have won three and lost the exact same amount in their first seven Prem matches.Brighton, on the other hand, are sixth after winning their third match in the top flight. More

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      Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involved

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      CHELSEA fans loved Cole Palmer’s reaction to the huge brawl at the end of their draw with Nottingham Forest.Players from both sides were involved in a scuffle on the touchline in the 89th minute.Chelsea fans loved Cole Palmer’s reaction to the brawl against Nottingham ForestCredit: X / TheLampardViewPalmer sat on the floor instead of getting involved in the meleeCredit: X / TheLampardViewCoaching staff members also rushed out of the dugout to try and calm the situation as tempers boiled over.The brawl had been sparked by an altercation between Forest’s Neco Williams and Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella.Williams shoved Cucurella into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, sending the manager flying.Nicolas Jackson was also involved during the fracas as he appeared to slap Forest defender Morato.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer stayed out of trouble, however, with footage from the stands showing him watching on before slumping to the floor.Fans were quick to react on social media after seeing the playmaker sat on floor as he waited for the brawl to end.Commenting on Palmer’s response, one supporter wrote: “Look at Palmer man, not a single thought in his head.”However, others quickly pointed out that there may have been a reason behind his muted reaction.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother fan commented: “He was booked at the time, going into a fight was a sure fire way to get a red.”A third also added: “He was on a yellow already so he didn’t want to risk it.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceFans pointed out that Palmer had already been shown a yellow cardCredit: X / TheLampardViewMeanwhile, one more said: “Actually a lot of thoughts ffs. Aware enough to know he already has a yellow.”Palmer had been booked in the 75th minute after some pushing and shoving before a Forest free-kick.The visitors were also already down to 10-men following James Ward-Prowse’s second yellow card.Despite Palmer not involving himself, Williams, Cucurella and Levi Colwill were all booked by referee Chris Kavanagh before the match resumed.Neither side could find a winner, though, as it ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.Palmer added to his tally of goal contributions by setting up Noni Madueke to cancel out Chris Wood’s opener.It means he now has five assists and six goals in seven league matches this season after his four-goal haul against Brighton last weekend.Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      Richard Keys demands Aston Villa give fans their money back after ‘worst game in Premier League history’ against Man Utd

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      ASTON VILLA should give their fans a refund after making them watch the “worst game in Premier League history”.That’s according to Richard Keys who was far from happy after sitting through the goalless draw with Manchester United.Richard Keys claims Aston Villa should return the fans’ money after a goalless draw with Manchester UnitedCredit: X / beINSPORTS_ENKeys claims Villa’s match with Man Utd was the worst he ever watchedCredit: AFPControversial former Sky presenter Keys was hosting coverage of the Villa Park snoozefest for Qatar-based beIN SPORTS.Villa had earned a sensational Champions League win over German heavyweights Bayern Munich in midweek.But Unai Emery’s side looked leggy a United team desperate to avoid defeat, with boss Erik ten Hag on the brink of the sack.After watching the 0-0 draw almost totally devoid of goalmouth action, Keys was far from impressed.Read More on FootballAnd he suggested fans should even be compensated for being subjected to the bore draw.Immediately after full-time, Keys told his viewers: “I’ve watched every Premier League game one for or another since 1992… and that is the worst I’ve ever seen.”Villa should give those fans their money back.”Keys, who has enjoyed a 48-year career as a sports broadcaster, then doubled down on his assertion on X.Most read in FootballKeys tweeted: “I have watched every PL game since 1992 in one form or another – this one might just be the worst I’ve ever seen.”United came close to snatching a victory when Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick rattled Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s crossbar.Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Player Ratings BreakdownMan Utd almost left with a victory against Aston VillaThe Villans, though, were left fuming when Marcus Rashford escaped a red card following a rough challenge on Leon Bailey.This result extended the Red Devils’ winless streak to five games across all competitions.It also marked the Manchester giants’ worst start to a Premier League season with only eight points in the first seven matches.Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More