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      Luton 2 Aston Villa 3: Super-sub Lucas Digne boosts Villans’ top four hopes after they threw away two-goal lead

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      OLLIE WATKINS scored twice to seal his best ever Premier League scoring season but Unai Emery was bailed out by two of his substitutes.Villa striker Watkins grabbed goals no 15 and 16 in this impressive to leapfrog Mo Salah and move within one-goal of 17-goal Erling Haaland.Lucas Digne’s late goal spared Villa’s blushes after a stunning Luton comebackCredit: GettyThe Hatters had managed to fight back from 2-0 down but couldn’t hold outCredit: ReutersYet remarkably, showing they will not go down this season without a bloody huge fight, Luton pulled themselves back into the match by capitalising on some poor Villa defending with Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris both scoring inside six minutes.Yet Emery, knowing his team appeared to be on a suicide mission to lose this game, made FOUR subs in the 79th minute.These included Moussa Diaby and Lucas Digne and in the 89th minute, Villa grabbed the winner which sees them remain in a strong position in the top four.Digne had not scored in the Premier League since November 2022 yet he met Diaby’s cross at the far post and it could prove to be a huge moment in what is turning out to be a terrific season for Villa.As for Luton, this was gut-wrenching and a fifth successive loss in all competitions. At the end, the team was applauded off the pitch but Rob Edwards’ team, who have been so impressive this season, need to start picking up results again.In contrast, Villa go into Thursday’s Europa League visit to Ajax on the back of three successive League wins but they cannot afford lapses in concentration like displayed midway inside the second half.But with Watkins in terrific form, and he has beaten last season’s record of 15 Premier League goals, they have a chance.With Harry Kane moving to Bayern Munich and Ivan Toney serving his betting ban, you would not have put much money on an Englishman appearing at the top of the scoring charts.The stats show just how close the match was in the end – despite Villa cruising at half-timeCredit: The SunOllie Watkins’s double will have done his hopes of a spot in the Euro 2024 squad no harm at allCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWatkins couldn’t actually beat Haaland, could he? Well, probably not. Yet the fact he is playing with such freedom and confidence – he has also delivered 10 assists – is not only good news for Emery but for Gareth Southgate.When Watkins put Villa in command in the first half, the only question was whether he would leave with the match ball.The momentum tells the story of a topsy turvy gameCredit: The SunLuton keeper Thomas Kaminski will have been mightily relieved to have been given the night off on Tuesday when his no 2, Tim Krul, had six goals stuck past him by Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.Kaminski made a couple of decent saves to keep out efforts from Jacob Ramsey and Watkins but Luton’s third clean sheet never seemed a possibility.And Watkins was left completely unmarked to score with a near-post header from Leon Bailey’s corner.Watkins fired a shot against the post and then and then thought he had been denied a second by the linesman’s flag.Full marks to Douglas Luiz for having the intelligence to catch out Luton by floating a quickly-taken free-kick over the top of the home side’s square defence.Watkins took a touch before burying the ball into the bottom right corner and while he initially looked up to the sky in disappointment, his mood soon changed when, after a quick VAR check, it was obvious that he was being played onside on the other side of the pitch by sub Chiedozie Ogbene.The striker hit a double, taking his tally in the Premier League to 15 this seasonCredit: RexTahith Chong spurred on Luton’s comebackCredit: RexBefore Morris equalised, but the hope of a point against fourth placed Villa proved to be short-livedCredit: RexYet Luton once again proved they have some cajones and they were rewarded for their persistence by scoring twice to put themselves in a position to win the game.After Matty Cash blocked a header by Reece Burke on the line, Chong scrambled the ball over the line.And while Emery will have been disappointed with the fact his side failed to clear Alfie Doughty’s corner, he will have been livid with the second.Villa’s players seemed to just stand and admire Doughty’s free-kick over to the far post and Morris delivered that great finish by sweeping the ball past Emi Martinez.Emery made those four changes in the 79th minute and with Luton on their knees, Digne ended up the unlikely hero with just a minute left.Watkins’ stats have been so impressive this seasonCredit: The SunRelive how it all happened at Kenilworth Road… More

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      Chelsea ratings: Malo Gusto is full of energy but on the other flank Chilwell struggles at both ends of the pitch

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      AXEL DISASI spared Mauricio Pochettino’s blushes as his late header rescued a point at Brentford.Chelsea fans had turned on the board and manager after goals from Mads Roerslev and Yoane Wissa had the Bees ahead having recovered from Nicolas Jackson’s header.Axel Disasi saved a precious point for Chelsea against BrentfordCredit: PABrentford almost handed Chelsea another miserable defeatCredit: AlamyMalo Gusto stood out for Chelsea against BrentfordCredit: ReutersBut Disasi rode to the rescue, crashing his header home at the far post to avoid another Chelsea catastrophe.After a couple of first-half howlers, Jackson redeemed himself to bag the opener for the Blues.The striker rose highest to guide a wonderful Malo Gusto cross home with a well-placed header.Chelsea looked to be coasting towards another London derby victory after the goal, but were knocked back early in the second half as Roerslev equalised for the hosts.Read More on FootballThe Blues struggled to regain their hold on the game and collectively switched off to allow Wissa to score his stunner.Levi Colwill did his best to clear Sergio Reguilon’s cross but his headed clearance fell to Frank Onyeka, who flicked it up for Wissa to fire home with a bicycle kick.Chelsea looked to be heading for another disaster as fans turned toxic, but the introduction of Raheem Sterling got the Blues back on the front foot and he won a corner from which Disasi powered home an equaliser.But who stood out and who disappointed? Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated each Chelsea star:Most read in FootballDjordje Petrovic – 6Not a lot the keeper could have done to stop either of Brentford’s goals and had little of any difficulty to do beyond that.Will be very frustrated with those ahead of him.Malo Gusto – 7Full off energy down the right flank throughout and not afraid of a tough challenge when they were needed early on.Showed composure and quality to deliver a peach of a cross for Jackson’s header.Still pushed forward in the second half but should have been quicker to close down Reguilon as he crossed in the build-up to Wissa’s acrobatic goal.I broke down in tears in the en-suite’ reveals Steve Sidwell as ex-Chelsea star opens up on way football career endedAxel Disasi – 6The late leveller salvaged what had been a rather tough performance to watch at the back.Disasi was rash at times and often out of position, never looking comfortable on the right of the back three.However, he showed good power and desire to win a vital header and claim a point for Chelsea.Trevoh Chalobah – 6Perhaps could have done more to disrupt Ivan Toney before he hooked the ball into the box for Brentford’s equaliser.However, Chalobah put in a largely assured display at the heart of the back three – especially considering this was his first Premier League start of the season.Levi Colwill – 6Didn’t do much wrong throughout the afternoon but if this game is anything to go by it may be a while before we see Pochettino try a back three again.Ben Chilwell – 5Offered very little going forwards and never looked too solid at the back having to play as a wing-back.The Chelsea man has a chance to cement his place in the England starting XI for the summer after Luke Shaw’s injury but must do better than this to do so.Enzo Fernandez – 5A little slow to start but quickly got up to speed with things and was constantly looking to drive forward from midfield.Took up smart positions on the edge of the box but lacked quality when it really mattered and was hooked when things went south for Chelsea.Moises Caicedo – 5An improvement on some recent performances but still, even alongside his £105million partner Fernandez, struggles to dominate a game from the base of midfield and can look rash with some of his challenges.Conor Gallagher – 5Another all-action energetic performance from the Chelsea academy graduate, though lacked the quality to make a real impact.Gallagher always catches the eye with his fight and will to win the ball back, but struggled to show a composed and clinical side when it mattered.Cole Palmer – 6Some flashes of quality in terms of playmaking but missed a huge chance to put Chelsea ahead again when stealing Gusto’s cross from the toes of Jackson on 60 minutes.Despite a quiet performance he still stepped up to deliver a fine cross for Disasi to slam home the late equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6The Senegalese striker transformed a frustrating first half with his fine header to open the scoring.Jackson had made himself look daft with his first two openings. First he accidentally backheeled the ball when trying to do step-overs before managing to hit the only Brentford defender on the line after rounding goalkeeper Mark Flekken.But he put the two errors to bed with an impressive header from Gusto’s cross.Very quiet performance in the second half.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubstitutesMykhailo Mudryk (on for Fernandez, 71’) – 6Sent on to play in behind the front two of Palmer and Jackson and, despite it not being his natural position, combined well with Sterling.Raheem Sterling (on for Colwill, 79’) – 7Added some much-needed threat out wide after being introduced, won the corner from which Chelsea equalised and almost scored a winner himself minutes later.Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell struggled at BrentfordCredit: RexHow Chelsea’s players lined up throughout gameGusto put together an incredible performance down the right flank More

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      Brentford 2 Chelsea 2: Disasi equalises late after Wissa bicycle kick but dropped points pile pressure on Pochettino

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      IS THIS the day that Chelsea fans finally called time on Mauricio Pochettino?Moments after Yoane Wissa scored an overhead kick to complete Brentford’s comeback in the 69th minute, the away end at the Gtech Stadium began a chorus of chants with huge potential ramifications.Yoane Wissa produced a spectacular overhead kickCredit: PAMauricio Pochettino was clearly not feeling comfortable in West LondonCredit: RexFirst, they hailed their old owner Roman Abramovich, before turning on Todd Boehly, the American billionaire currently in the Stamford Bridge hotseat. “Boehly, you’re a c***”, they sang.And then, for the first time since he took over last summer, they took aim at Pochettino – the man they briefly believed could fix this mess and take them back to former glories.“F**k off Mauricio” were the cries, and to rub more salt into the wounds of the struggling Argentine coach, a rendition of “Jose Mourinho” filled the air.It seems the Chelsea supporters have produced their verdict. Another poor result in an abysmal season that sees them 16 points off the top four, 16 points off the bottom three.Axel Disasi’s late equaliser almost seemed irrelevant. Those chants cannot be unheard.When these West Londoners turn on you, it very rarely ends well. To come back from this will need a miraculous turnaround that right now looks a million miles away.In truth, the doubts over Poch began before kick-off with the announcement of the team news suggesting Chelsea would match Brentford with a 3-5-2 formation.In short, Poch had decided that Chelsea would not be playing on their own terms, instead adapting to a side that had lost ten of their last 12 Prem outings and fielding just two attack-minded players in Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat decision backfired, just like in extra-time of the Carabao Cup final, one that culminated in Virgil van Dijk’s winning header for Liverpool in the 118th minute and Gary Neville coining the phrase ‘Blue Billion pound bottle-jobs’.With Poch’s influence and decision-making, they fell apart against Klopp’s kids, and they struggled for large periods to do it against a club fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.Chelsea’s ‘billion pound bottle jobs’ MUST stick with PochettinoSince when did Chelsea accept their fate like this? Where is the confidence, the self-belief, the arrogance to turn up and play to win, instead of playing not to lose?It smacks of a team and a manager that is scared right now. Scared to be themselves. Scared to take risks. Scared of what will happen after another bad result.The days of Chelsea being an imposing powerhouse look to be well in the past. They are passive, predictable – everything Pochettino previously would not stand for.Chelsea’s start was tepid, struggling with the match-up in formation that rid them of any width or pace, with Jackson and Palmer isolated up top.Brentford were caught napping from the off last weekend at the London Stadium, conceding twice in the opening seven minutes in their 4-2 defeat at West Ham.Not today – the Bees could smell the hesitancy from Poch’s men.Ivan Toney’s volley at the back post was blocked by Ben Chilwell and Wissa’s curling effort went just wide after Moises Caicedo was stripped of the ball inside his own half.Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock on 35 minutesCredit: GettyJackson shushed the home fans before the turnaroundCredit: PAMads Roerslev pounced to poke home an equaliserCredit: PARoerslev and Sergio Reguilon roared in delightCredit: PAPochettino’s men were drowning in their hesitancy, summed up as Jackson was played in by Enzo Fernandez and rounded the keeper only to hit a shot so weak and lacking in any conviction that Zanka was able to get back and clear off the line.Five minutes later, the Senegalese international redeemed himself with an accurate header into the bottom corner from Malo Gusto’s cross.Chelsea hobbled into the break with a lead they arguably did not deserve, but got what was coming to them in the 50th minute.Toney raced in behind and delivered a looping ball that Disasi and Gusto did not deal with. Sergio Reguilon’s shot was blocked and Roerslev reacted first to tap in the extras.The Bees were fired up, while the visitors went into hiding. Vitaly Janelt smacked the post in a danger shot to Chelsea before Wissa’s spectacular acrobatic finish beat Djordje Petrovic all ends up.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea got their equaliser in the 83rd minute, but at what cost? How long will Pochettino fight on? How much more of this can the fans take?On evidence alone, you would suggest Poch is in big, big trouble.Axel Disasi headed in at the back post to make it 2-2Credit: GettyThe defender celebrates rescuing a pointCredit: PAEngland internationals Ivan Toney and Ben Chilwell battle for the ballCredit: ReutersPoch must have wanted to get on the pitch and grab a goal for himselfCredit: Getty More

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      Another Man Utd legend accuses them of forcing him out of Old Trafford seat after Norman Whiteside’s wife slammed club

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      ANOTHER Manchester United legend has accused the club of forcing him out of his Old Trafford seat. Gordon Hill, 69, played more than 100 times for the Red Devils between 1975 and 1978.Former Manchester United winger Gordon Hill complained about being moved from his Old Trafford seatCredit: GettyHe vowed to go to Sir Jim Ratcliffe to get the issue resolvedCredit: PACredit: XAnd after retiring in 1991, the former winger says he has had a season ticket at the leaking Theatre of Dreams for 28 years.But he took to X on Friday night to claim he had been booted from his regular spot in the stadium.Now Hill plans to go right to the top and take up the issue with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The six-cap England international footballer – who won the FA Cup with United in 1977 – wrote: “Looks like I will not be taking my season tickets after having them from 1996, and being told you will be relocated.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I cannot believe this from a club I represented and played my heart out for. “I was given a reason which was bloody ridiculous I will be speaking to Jim. Not happy.”Hill, who was controversially sold to Derby in 1978 despite being top scorer and a fan favourite, got a mixed reaction in the replies on social media.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “Welcome to being a ‘normal’ supporter with the rest of us.”Most read in FootballAnother replied: “Another entitled ex-footballer.”But a third added: “That’s so poor Gordon, and even more so as a former player come on @ManUtd sort it out!”Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson A fourth typed: “It’s a disgrace how they’ve treated your self as a former player and a lot of the older fans.”And a final user asked the reason for the change.Hill added: “Ale room for Academy and women’s team. That’s it.”The claims by Hill come just weeks after Norman Whiteside’s wife said her husband had received similar treatment. Dee Whiteside raged on X: “So, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a loyal supporter, doesn’t matter if you played for your club, @ManUtd can just dump you from your seat when they feel like it, so they can expand exec seating! Absolute disgrace!”The displacements of Hill and Whiteside, who made 278 appearances for United through the eighties, and won the FA Cup twice, is part of the plan by the club to centralise hospitality seats into one area.A Manchester United spokesperson said about the latest situation and online complaint from Hill: “We understand the disappointment felt by Gordon and other season ticket-holders affected by seat relocations.”These happen for various reasons, including, next season, the moving of matchday hospitality seats into consolidated blocks to address fan concerns about them being dispersed around the stadium.”Other changes next season include the removal of hospitality seating from the Stretford End and installation of further rail seating in the North-West Quadrant, bringing benefits to many fans but also causing some disruption.READ MORE SUN STORIES”No additional hospitality seats are being created at the expense of season ticket-holders — in fact, hospitality seating will reduce by more than 500 next season.”We are committed to working with all season ticket-holders affected by relocations, including Gordon, to find them the best possible alternative seats elsewhere in the ground.”Norman Whiteside’s wife ranted about similar treatmentCredit: RexHill, right, helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup in 1977Credit: Rex More

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      Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard appears to be BOOED as he comes on for Seoul FC debut in South Korea

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED ace Jesse Lingard appears to have received loud boos on his K League 1 debut with FC Seoul in South Korea.Lingard joined the Korean outfit last month after a long spell as a free agent following his departure from Nottingham Forest last June.Jesse Lingard appears to have been booed during his debut with FC SeoulMan Utd hero Lingard moved to South Korea after a long spell as a free agentCredit: APThe versatile midfielder made his first appearance on Saturday in a league match against Gwangju as he came on as a second-half substitute.The ex-England international replaced Gyeong-Min Kim in the 77th minute.The crowd at the Gwangju Football Stadium came alive and took their phones out to record the United academy graduate’s first game in their country.Cheers could be heard from the visiting fans as their new star stepped inside the pitch.Read More on Man UtdBut it appears like there were also some loud jeers taking place, which could have been from the home crowd.Lingard didn’t enjoy a dream debut as his team conceded a second goal shortly after his introduction and lost 2-0.Hui-Gyun Lee opened the scoring on 21 minutes and Gabriel Tigrao sealed the three points 18 minutes after the Warrington star came on.Lingard was also booked in the fourth minute of stoppage time after a late tackle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Forest ace is expected to make his home debut on Sunday when Seoul host Incheon at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.The former United ace opted to move to South Korea after turning down 26 other offers and is currently on £17,500 per week which is a far cry from the £100,000 a week he made at Old Trafford.Jesse Lingard swarmed by fans as ex-Man Utd star arrives in South Korea ahead of shock FC Seoul transferLingard said: “I’m very excited. It’s a new challenge. I’ve accepted it, I’m here and I’m ready to embrace the culture.”It’s a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career. I just want to enjoy playing football again, putting a smile on people’s faces and showing Korean fans what I can do.” More

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      Former Chelsea star’s glam daughter cheekily exposes cleavage in racy red lingerie in risque video

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      CHELSEA hero Frank Leboeuf’s daughter Jade set pulses racing with a risque video on social media.The 33-year-old has built up a huge online following as she often shares raunchy photos across her Instagram channel.Chelsea hero Frank Leboeuf’s daughter Jade shared a risque videoCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufJade teased some red lingerie during a clip on InstagramCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufThis time the French beauty shared a clip that showed her lip syncing to Nicki Minaj’s FTCU song.The social media model cheekily exposed some racy red lingerie before switching to a smart outfit.Some of Jade’s 242,000 followers took to the comments’ section but her post barely attracted more than 3,000 likes.One fan commented: “POP STAR.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “Too pretty.”A third said: “Magnificent.”This fan wrote: “Beauty.”And that one gushed: “Superb.”Most read in FootballLeboeuf spent five years at Chelsea where he amassed a total of 24 goals and four assists in 203 appearances.The legendary defender won the FA Cup in 1997 and 2000 as well as the League Cup in 1998.Chelsea legend’s daughter strips to racy black lingerie for Valentine’s Day as fans gush ‘what a woman’The now 56-year-old, though, also enjoyed immense success with France as he helped his country win the 1998 World Cup as well as Euro 2000.Scroll down to see more pictures of Jade Leboeuf…Jade often shares racy snaps on social mediaCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufThis isn’t the first time Jade posed in lingerieCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufJade has amassed over 242,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @jade_leboeufJade rarely leaves much to imaginationCredit: Instagram / @jade_leboeufJade has shared a series of glam pics in elegant dressesCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufJade has also tried on a series of bikinis for her followersCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHere’s Jade enjoying the sunCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufJade’s popularity continues to rise on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

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      Fulham vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Cottagers look to build on last-gasp win at Man Utd

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      FULHAM host Brighton in a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.The Cottagers go into the game on the back of a last-gasp win at Manchester United last weekend.Brighton are eyeing up a European space for the second season in a row but face plenty of competition from top Premier League clubs.
      Kick off time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout
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      Everton vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Hammers eye back-to-back wins – stream, TV

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      WEST HAM travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton this afternoon.The Hammers are eyeing back-to-back wins following their thrilling 4-2 triumph over Brentford on Monday night.Everton will be aiming to extend the gap between them and the bottom three after their 10-point deduction was reduced to six after appeal.
      Kick off time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout
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