Premier League

AT half-time in this bonkers game, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler looked to have been schooled completely by wise old Ange Postecoglou.But the remarkably young Albion chief showed no respect whatsoever for his elder by masterminding a stunning second-half fightback.Brighton stunned Tottenham with an incredible comeback to win 3-2Credit: RexThe Seagulls were down and out at half-time as they trailed by two goalsCredit: RexDanny Welbeck scored the winner in an incredible second-half showingCredit: RexSpurs were left devastated as they lost their grip on victoryCredit: ReutersThe 27-year, 138-day gap between the pair was the fourth biggest in Premier League history between two competing permanent managers.That gulf in experience seemed to show as Spurs dismantled Brighton’s high line to take a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to strikes from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison.But Hurzeler’s men hit back with three goals in 18 minutes during the second period through Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck.Postecoglou’s side, who had been coasting towards a sixth straight win, looked shellshocked. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they only had themselves to blame thanks to their weak defending, with lax left-back Destiny Udogie at fault in all three Albion goals.Their fans detest the term, but this was peak Spursy.While it underlined the faith Brighton had in giving Hurzeler such an early shot.Fans joked that this game would be played largely in the centre-circle due to the two managers’ penchant for a defensive high line.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpurs took just 16 seconds to capitalise on the space in behind as Timo Werner raced in but the luckless German overhit his cross to Johnson in the middle.That was the beginning of Postecoglou side’s dominance in the first half, while the hosts lost Adam Webster to what looked like a hamstring injury inside seven minutes.The incredible Rise of Tottenham’s Mikey MooreWerner’s first game in English football came here at the Amex in August 2020 after recently signing for Chelsea for a friendly in the early days of fans coming back to games post Covid.Just 2,500 supporters watched him net that day four minutes into his unofficial debut.Scoring goals pretty much ever since has been a tough ask for the man on loan from RB Leipzig, though he came close to breaking his season duck on 22 minutes here.The 28-year-old headed a Pedro Porro cross goalwards and the ball seemed to go over the line via Maddison – but it was eventually chalked off for offside.Brennan Johnson opened the scoring after 23 minutesCredit: ReutersThe Welshman has six goals in the last six matchesCredit: GettySpurs 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.Spurs shook off the disappointment and moments later they were 1-0 up thanks to, who else, but Johnson.The Welshman appears to be undergoing a one-man experiment exploring the benefits of coming off social media having ditched Instagram due to fan abuse after last month’s North London derby.His productivity levels have gone through the roof ever since with this his sixth goal in as many games.The finish he applied here underlined his sky-high confidence as he raced on to a Dominic Solanke through-ball and cleanly swept it past Bart Verbruggen with his weaker left foot.James Maddison doubled Spurs’ lead before the breakCredit: RexThe playmaker celebrated his strike in trademark styleCredit: ReutersSpurs’ brilliant pressing game, which has caused nigh-on every opponent a headache this term, was putting Brighton under constant pressure.So it was no surprise that the move that led to the opener was sparked by Udogie and Maddison combining to rob Rutter of possession.Fair to say fans had less faith in Werner’s finishing than Johnson’s but the ex-Blues forward was having Joel Veltman on toast with his pace down the left.And it was from Werner’s cut-back, after more brilliant build-up play by the excellent Solanke, that Maddison’s lukewarm strike somehow went through Verbruggen for goal No2.Brighton started their second-half comeback through Yankuba MintehCredit: ReutersThe ace revitalised Brighton’s hopes moments into the new 45Credit: ReutersBrighton had the odd opportunity – a Welbeck flick here, a header from the ex-Man Utd man there – but lacked the guile of recent years.The creative instincts of Pascal Gross, who said a proper goodbye to the crowd before kick-off following his summer move to Borussia Dortmund, were sorely missed.Johnson could and maybe should have trebled the lead just before half-time when played through but he fired a bobbling ball narrowly over from an acute angle.It did not seem like it would be at the time but it proved to be a costly miss.Georginio Rutter levelled the scores 10 minutes laterCredit: AFPHe sent the Amex wild with celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe first step of the comeback came when Hurzeler hooked the green-looking Ferdi Kadioglu for Pervis Estupinan.It was a smart switch but the reality was the turnaround was sparked by a moment of luck, when Udogie somehow failed to clear Kaoru Mitoma’s routine cross.Udogie would have been better off leaving the ball completely but his careless intervention allowed Minteh to slam home at the far stick.It woke the hosts up from their slump, with Mitoma suddenly looking dangerous.Welbeck netted what turned out to be the winner in the 66th minuteCredit: ReutersIt was a special header from the ex-Arsenal starCredit: ReutersThe Japan star fired a warning shot which stung Guglielmo’s fingers.Then, just before the hour, he received the ball from Kadioglu’s replacement Pervis Estupinan and played through Rutter.The ex-Leeds man held off weak challenges from Udogie and Micky van de Ven and expertly found the far corner.You would have thought those errors would liven up Udogie but the Italian somehow then let Rutter in behind him.READ MORE SUN STORIESRodrigo Bentancur was then guilty of foolishly trying to shepherd the ball out, allowing a sliding Rutter to loop up a cross for Welbeck to head home with glee.Spurs looked cooked from there after their midweek European travails, leaving Postecoglou scratching his head and young buck Hurzeler holding his high. 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TWO Chelsea stars will be banned for this month’s clash at Liverpool after becoming the first Premier League players to collect five yellow cards this season.Enzo Maresca’s Blues travel to Anfield after the international break, with victory on Merseyside making Chelsea’s Italian manager just the fifth tactician to win his first five away games.Marc Cucurella will miss Chelsea’s trip to Liverpool through suspensionCredit: RexWesley Fofana has also picked up five yellow cards this season and will be absentCredit: AlamyThe match will be extremely tough for the visitors, with Liverpool top of the Premier League with six wins from seven.However, Chelsea’s battle will be made all the harder after they lost two players for the crunch clash.Key defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana have both been ruled out of the trip to Liverpool after each man picked up a booking against Nottingham Forest today.The feisty game ended 1-1 as both sides missed several chances to win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd late on at Stamford Bridge, a huge brawl broke out which saw Cucurella receive his fifth yellow card of the new season.Fofana was booked earlier on for a clumsy challenge as he reached booking number five.And the pair will now miss out on a place in Maresca’s team when Chelsea line up against their old rivals.It means the Italian gaffer will have to tinker with his side, having only just settled on a consistent starting XI.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCandidates to replace centre-back Fofana include Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.However, based on appearances this term, Tosin Adarabioyo is the most likely candidate to line up alongside Levi Colwill.Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceAs for left-back Cucurella, Maresca could turn to misfit Ben Chilwell after the Englishman was reintroduced to the senior squad.But it is much more likely that new signing Renato Veiga will get the nod after kicking off his Chelsea career with a goal in Thursday’s 4-2 win against Gent.Maresca previously warned his Premier League XI that things can change very fast, with other talented players desperate to break into the side.And after the disappointing draw with Forest, plus an international break coming up, it could be the perfect excuse for a few more changes.Romeo Lavia is fit again after another injury lay-off and could come in for the underwhelming Enzo Fernandez.While Pedro Neto is hoping to take advantage of Noni Madueke’s frustrating moments in the final third.And Christopher Nkunku may finally get the nod ahead of the inconsistent Nicolas Jackson.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

NICOLAS JACKSON appeared to slap a Nottingham Forest player in the face during their draw with Chelsea.The feisty Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge descended into a brawl during the closing stages.Nicolas Jackson appeared to slap a Nottingham Forest player during their draw with ChelseaCredit: SunSportThe forward was involved in clash with Forest defender Morato during the brawlCredit: SunSportPlayers from both sides were involved after Neco Williams had shoved Marc Cucurella into Enzo Maresca.Exclusive footage from SunSport shows the moment tempers flared in front of the dugout.Members of the backroom staff, both managers and the substitutes even came onto the pitch as the fracas continued.Among them was Jackson, who had been replaced by Christopher Nkunku in the 81st minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it did not stop him from getting involved, with the footage appearing to show him reaching out towards Forest’s Morato.The Chelsea man is then dragged away by his team-mates as words are exchanged between the players.Jackson managed to avoid a booking, though, once referee Chris Kavanagh had calmed the situation.Instead, both Williams and Cucurella were shown yellow cards, along with Blues defender Levi Colwill.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJames Ward-Prowse had earlier been sent off for the visitors after picking up two bookings.As for the action, Forest took the lead through Chris Wood just four minutes into the second half.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Jackson could be seen raising his hand during the scuffleCredit: SunSportHe had to be dragged away by his team-mates as tensions boiled overCredit: SunSportChelsea did not trail for long, however, as Cole Palmer teed up Noni Madueke to equalise.Neither side were able to find a winner late on, though, after the scuffle broke out on the touchline. More

MANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.Ten Hag brought in Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans – after bringing on both centre-backs three days earlier to help United snatch a 3-3 Europa League draw at Porto.Veteran Jonny Evans brilliantly tamed Ollie Watkins and Jhon DuranCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho, seen evading Lucas Digne, finished poorlyCredit: ReutersAnd the Dutchman will surely feel that decision was vindicated, even though the Red Devils have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7 Guilty 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.READ MORE TOP STORIESHARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Booked 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.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJONNY EVANS – 9 Handled 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.Moment ex-Man Utd star was given bonus over 100 TIMES his salary after Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible birthday gestureDIOGO DALOT – 7 Sat 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 – 7 Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.Most read in FootballKOBBIE MAINOO – 7 Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6 Fired 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 – 8 United’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 – 7 Taken 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 – 6 Put 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.Red Devils’ keeper Andre Onana foiled Villa midfielder Youri TielemansCredit: RexSUBSTITUTESMATTHIJS 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESCASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More