Premier League

THE WIFE of Chelsea defender Thiago Silva appears to have called on manager Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked.The Blues lost 4-2 at home to Wolves on Sunday afternoon as they dropped into the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Mauricio Pochettino watched his side lose again on SundayCredit: Getty
Thiago Silva’s wife, Belle, took to social media to call for changeCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
Three Premier League wins in a row and reaching the Carabao Cup final appeared to be showing some progress under the Argentine head coach.
But a hammering at the hands of Liverpool was followed up by a damning loss to Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
And Silva’s partner Belle, who has criticised the likes of Graham Potter and Timo Werner in the past, took to social media immediately after the game.
In the post, she seemed to take aim at the manager as she urged the club to shake things up.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said: “It’s time to change.
“If you wait any longer it will be too late 💙💙.”
Many Chelsea fans poured in to respond to the tweet as they agreed with Belle’s criticism.
One said: “Thank you for always speaking your mind.”
Most read in FootballMauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea recordMauricio Pochettino joined Chelsea last summer, permanently replacing Graham Potter following Frank Lampard’s stint as interim boss.

But his record since arriving at the club has been a dismal one as he comes under fire after just nine months.
Pochettino’s Chelsea record:

Won: 14
Drawn: 6
Lost: 11
Win percentage: 45.16

Another added: “I prefer you to manage Chelsea!!!”
A third replied: “Get Pochettino out now.”
While a fourth responded: “Safe to assume this is also how Thiago Silva feels then.”
Silva, 39, scored a consolation header in the defeat to Wolves but has received some criticism for his performances in recent weeks.
Yet despite his inconsistency, Pochettino has started him in 21 of Chelsea’s 23 league matches this season.
Belle has a history of criticising Silva’s Chelsea colleaguesCredit: Instagram @bellesilva More

CHELSEA fell into the bottom half as Wolves ended their run of ten games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in style.The Blues’ home form was one of the only things Mauricio Pochettino had to point to by way of progress, but Gary O’Neil’s men made light work of a shocking Chelsea side as Matheus Cunha bagged a hat-trick.
Raheem Sterling offered virtually nothing going forward
Cole Palmer put Chelsea in front but they trailed by half-timeCredit: PA
It started so well as Cole Palmer finished off a fine flowing move to put the hosts ahead, but they were behind three minutes later when Joao Gomes robbed Moises Caicedo before playing in Cunha, who grabbed a first with his deflected goal.
Some equally open defending allowed Wolves to get a second before the break, with Rayan Ait-Nouri converting Pedro Neto’s cross.
Neto set up the third too, racing through the Blues defence before cutting back for Cunha, who completed his hat-trick from the spot after 82 minutes.
Thiago Silva pulled one back from a late corner but Wolves had long had this wrapped up.
READ MORE TOP STORIES
Here is how the Chelsea players rated…
Djordje Petrovic – 6
Made a couple of good saves throughout and cannot be blamed for any of the Wolves goals. You would not envy anyone who has to play in goal behind this Chelsea side at the moment.
Malo Gusto – 5
The right-back came into the starting XI having impressed of late and certainly made his mark with a daft challenge from behind on Matheus Cunha to concede a second half penalty.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher tries to evade Mario LeminaCredit: Reuters

Axel Disasi – 5
Unfortunate to have Wolves’ first goal deflect off him and in but it was another unconvincing display from the Frenchman.
Most read in Football
Thiago Silva – 5
A nightmare afternoon up against Wolves’ speedy winger, Pedro Neto. The 39-year-old could not be expected to keep up with Neto and it was a fight he was never going to win from the off.
His consolation goal could not help a bad day for both him and Chelsea.
Ben Chilwell – 5
Played a few smart balls into the box which should been put away by his team-mates, but left a lot to be desired at the back.
Chilwell’s high position constantly left the veteran Silva exposed against the pace of Neto.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Often tries to get things going forwards from midfield, but still managed to throw his own mistake in, handing the ball over to Neto as he raced away to set up Wolves’ third.
Moises Caicedo – 4
The Ecuadorian looks a shadow of the midfielder Chelsea broke a transfer record to bring from Brighton at times.
Showed a flash of class to set up Palmer wonderfully for the opener before being pushed off the ball all too easily by Neto and Joao Gomes moments later as Wolves broke away to score. Constantly looks nervy on the ball.
Cole Palmer – 6
One of the few Chelsea players this season to look calm and composed in the final third, providing another fine first half finish here.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Some neat work leading to Chelsea’s opening goal but struggled to get a grip of things from there and resulted to hard tackling and picking a fight with Gary O’Neil to make his mark in the second half.
Raheem Sterling – 3
As one of Chelsea’s few senior players, Sterling has to start offering more to his team-mates. The former Manchester City man felt no need to track back and provide assistance to Chilwell and Silva, who were being routinely punished by Neto.
Sterling showed next to nothing going forwards either, missing a golden chance shortly after half-time. The England man was booed off by the home fans when replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk.
Christopher Nkunku – 5
An early flash of pace had the Blues fans excited that their striker could well be the missing piece, but as with everyone else who has led the line in this dysfunctional Chelsea team, Nkunku faded from there. Still not fully fit so has time to get going, but there was not much here to suggest he can be the saviour.
Subs
Thiago Silva headed a late reply in vain for the Blues

Nicolas Jackson (for Caicedo, 63) – 5
It will certainly help Chelsea having the striker back from international duty, but Jackson did not start a single game at AFCON and his rustiness showed, missing a good chance at the back post.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sterling, 72) – 5
A few stepovers from Chelsea’s young Ukrainian but nothing more than that to really trouble the Wolves defence.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Nkunku, 72) – 5
Poor decision making on the ball in dangerous spots as Chelsea pushed for a way back late on.
Benoit Badiashile (for Chilwell, 81) – 5
Delivered a couple of late crosses but none caused too much trouble.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Alfie Gilchrist (for Gusto, 81) – 6
Added some energy and drive from right-back but it was all too late by the time he was on. More

MARCUS RASHFORD has appeared in an awkward advert in Manchester United’s latest matchday programme.The forward featured alongside Mary Earps and Katie Zelem ahead of Sunday’s win over West Ham.
Marcus Rashford has appeared in an awkward Manchester United advertCredit: Getty
The forward featured in an ad for whisky brand Chivas Regal in United’s latest matchday programme
They were included as part of an advert promoting whisky brand Chivas Regal, United’s official spirits partner.
Rashford’s appearance comes after he was fined £650,000 for calling in sick for training last Friday just hours after being spotted leaving a nightclub.
The 26-year-old enjoyed back-to-back nights out in Belfast, which are said to have included a 12-hour tequila bender which ended with him passing out at 3am.
However, a source close to Rashford has claimed he returned to his hotel at 1.15am and did not drink any cocktails.
READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
As well as his fine, Rashford was also left out of the squad for last weekend’s FA Cup victory at Newport.
Manager Erik ten Hag told reporters in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the matter is now closed.
Rashford returned to the side in midweek, though, scoring in United’s away win at Wolves on Thursday night.
He also kept his place in the starting line-up for the 3-0 home triumph over the Hammers on Sunday.
Most read in Football
Rashford was fined £650,000 after back-to-back nights out in Belfast last weekCredit: PA
His goal against Wolves means he has now scored five goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances this season.
The Red Devils are also not expected to sell Rashford once the transfer window reopens in the summer.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a potential move for the England international.
Rashford currently looks set to remain with his boyhood club, though. More

MATHEUS CUNHA’S hat-trick dumped more trouble on Chelsea.Cole Palmer fired the hosts in front on 19 minutes.
Matheus Cunha completed a hat-trickCredit: Reuters
Chelsea struggled to cope with Wolves at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
But Cunha hit back just moments later to get Wolves on level terms.
An Axel Disasi own goal on the stroke of half-time put the visitors in front.
And Cunha grabbed his second of the game with a smart finish to make it 3-1 soon after the hour mark.
The Brazilian then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
Thiago Silva pulled one back with a late header with no players in blue remotely celebrating.
Chelsea had half-hearted appeals for a penalty turned down as they looked to mount a dramatic late comeback.
But it was another thumping – just four days after the Blues shipped another four goals at Anfield.
And there were boos around Stamford Bridge as the full-time whistle sounded.
Most read in Football
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Cole Palmer gave the Blues the perfect startCredit: Getty
The ex-Manchester City man tucked home from close rangeCredit: Getty
Cunha equalised three minutes laterCredit: AP
Axel Disasi accidentally turned into his own netCredit: Rex
Cunha made it 3-1 in front of the away fansCredit: PA
Cunha completed his treble from the penalty spotCredit: Getty
Thiago Silva pulled one back to make it 4-2Credit: Reuters
Mauricio Pochettino watched on anxiouslyCredit: Rex More

MANCHESTER UNITED eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils a first-half lead, lashing home superbly from the edge of the penalty area.
Alejandro Garnacho doubled the Red Devils’ lead at the start of the second halfCredit: EPA
Alejandro Garnacho then doubled the home side’s advantage shortly after the break when his shot took a wicked deflection off Nayef Aguerd and wrong-footed Lukasz Fabianski.
The 19-year-old then doubled his tally late on after being teed up by substitute Scott McTominay.
The three points lift Man Utd above West Ham into sixth place, eight points adrift of the top four.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn saw the performances of the Man Utd players.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Back in the side after brief stay at Afcon. Good early save from Alvarez set the tone for a confident afternoon for the Cameroon keeper.
DIOGO DALOT – 8
Tried his luck with a trademark long range effort but drifted past the angle however his best moment was the truly outstanding last ditch tackle to deny Jarrod Bowen.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
First start since mid-December – and looked comfortable before one rush of blood gifted Emerson Palmeri a chance early in the second half but he couldn’t take advantage.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
United look much more solid with him back in the team so the sight of him walking off gingerly towards the end will be a big worry for the Red Devils.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
LUKE SHAW – 7
First game at the Theatre of Dreams since mid-December and showed why he’s been missed. Linked up nicely with Marcus Rashford and won some important duels down his flank.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Match-winner on Thursday night kept his place and had another effective and energetic game in the middle. Given a well earned rest after the hour when Scott McTominay came on.
Kobbie Mainoo impressed once again in the Red Devils’ midfieldCredit: Getty
CASEMIRO – 7
Won a crucial ball in the middle for Rasmus Hojlund’s goal – then helped his team during some crucial moments. United have missed his experience over the last three months.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 9
A constant threat down his flank. Great bit of trickery to get his shot away for his first goal – via a deflection but second goal was clinical.
Alejandro Garnacho was in fine formCredit: Getty
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Long range shot pushed away by Areola – great pass to Garnacho for the second goal. The Portuguese playmaker was at the heart of most of United’s best work.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
First appearance at Old Trafford since his boozy antics in Belfast. Looked more like his old self but skied shot high over the bar which would have made the points safe.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 8
What a way to mark his 21st birthday, as he drifted past Aguerd before planting a shot past Areola. The Dane looks full of confidence right now.
Rasmus Hojlund scored a brilliant opener for UnitedCredit: Getty
SUBSTITUTES
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 64)
Great assist for the third goal from the Scot.
Raphael Varane (Martinez, 71)
Ensured Martinez exit did not matter in the end.
Victor Lindelof (for Shaw, 88)
Came on after the third goal when the game was won.
Antony (for Hojlund, 88)
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Not much chance to get into the game.
Unused subs: Bayindir, Amrabat, Eriksen, Diallo, Forson. More

A MAN tragically died at a hotel near Stamford Bridge on Sunday, leading to the premises being evacuated.Police were called just after 11.20am on Sunday following reports of an unresponsive man at a hotel.
All fans were able to get into the stadium ahead of kick-off following a brief delayCredit: Rex
The unnamed hotel was evacuated, before officers and London Ambulance Service attended, confirming that the man had sadly died.
The death is currently being treated as unexpected, and is not believed to be suspicious – with enquiries ongoing, Met Police confirmed.
Fans in the East Stand for Chelsea’s game against Wolves were temporarily unable to enter the ground.
However, they were able to get in before kick-off, while coaches were also unaffected.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
SunSport have contacted Met Police for further comment.
Chelsea went into the game off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
The Blues are languishing in mid-table in the Premier League despite spending £1billion across the last 18 months.
Speaking after the Liverpool loss, manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “Of course, a reality check. Liverpool are there because they deserve to be at the top of the table.
Most read in Football
“It’s a game we lose for different circumstances. Now we can talk in a different way and use different topics.
“It’s so important to realise why. It’s not only to work harder, but to improve as a team. In different periods of the game, we showed lack of experience as a team.
“Sometimes you can practise every single day but you have to arrive and show the right energy, the right attitude, to be brave, show personality and character. Football is also that.”
Meanwhile, Wolves’ run of seven games without defeat was ended in thrilling fashion on Thursday as Manchester United beat them 4-3 at Molineux. More