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    Pep Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra throws marriage split stories into doubt — by stepping out with her wedding ring on

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    PEP Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra throws marriage split stories into doubt — by stepping out with her wedding ring on.The mum of three, 52, was seen out and about in Barcelona, with her arm in plaster, days after a separation was reported.Cristina Serra was seen stepping out with her wedding ring on in BarcelonaCredit: GUSTAVO GONZALEZPep also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against ChelseaCredit: ReutersThe Man City boss, 54, also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against Chelsea.Pep’s wife has broken her silence following her split from the Manchester City manager to insist she’s “feeling great”.Cristina looked a picture of happiness as she shopped alone in Barcelona a week after news of the couple’s shock break-up emerged.She smiled as she was approached by a Spanish reporter in the city centre showing off a stylish look of white trainers and loose-fitting grey trousers with a designer handbag slung over the left shoulder of her cream-coloured coat.Read More on SportAsked how she was doing, the mum-of-three replied: ‘Perfecta, gracias’ – ‘Perfect, thanks’ in English.She added: “Everything’s fine” when quizzed again about her frame of mind.But the pretty brunette opted for silence when she was asked about speculation the cause of their breakup had been Guardiola’s decision to stay at Manchester City and sign a two-year contract extension with his club.Lorena Vazquez and fellow Spanish journalist Laura Fa, who make up a duo of well-respected showbiz reporters called the Mamarazzis, broke the story of the couple’s split at the start of last week.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in Spain More

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      in Boxing

      Dalton Smith vs Walid Ouizza LIVE RESULT: Smith blasts away Ouizza inside ONE ROUND, Scotney defends titles

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      DALTON SMITH blasted away Walid Ouizza with a stunning first-round KO to win the European super-lightweight title.Sheffield star Smith is now looking ahead to break into the world title picture.Elsewhere on a stacked undercard in Nottingham, Ellie Scotney defended IBF and WBO super bantamweight titles against Mea Motu – despite picking up a horror cut in the victory.Start time: 7pmMain event ring walks: 10pm approxLive stream/ TV channel: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…COMEBACK KINGConah Walker was 9-1 down and destined to lose his British title bid…Copy linkCopiedWHIZZ AIRDalton Smith was magnificent.But his opponent was dangerously overmatched.Copy linkCopiedWHAM, BAM, DALTON THE MANRound one and doneCopy linkCopiedDADDY COOLFather and trainer Grant Smith says: “We worked on certain shots that landed today and finished it.”I know he can be a world champion, and he is showing the business in here.”He will be boxing for the WBC world title next.”Copy linkCopiedSTRAP SEASONThe champ says: “Tonight I knew I would come here and perform. Because I am hungrier than ever.”I prepared for 12 rounds, he had never been stopped, so I will only get better.”I hope Walid is alright, he was respectful all week.”Nobody will blow smoke up my a*** but my dad praised me tonight and he never does that in camp.”I want the WBC world title.”Copy linkCopiedMR SMITHAssassin-like skills from the Sheffield Wednesday man.The opponent was appalling and the EBU should look at that.But the performance was superb.Copy linkCopiedSMITH VS OUIZZA R1Dalton “Thunder” Smith smoothly enters fittingly to “Thunderstruck” by ACDC & Arctic Monkeys. DING DING! Dalton smith starts fast with a hook and a repeated 1-2.Dalton smith is circling Ouizza and firing multiple monstrous combinations and as quick as it started, it has finished!Unbelievable, they call him “Thunder” and he followed up with a lightning finish.Copy linkCopiedDALT-ON NEXTDalton Smith’s back after his last win against Jose Zepeda to fight Frenchman Walid Ouizza for the vacant European super-lightweight belt.The much fancied Adam Azim fight has not yet happened due to politics but, after this win, Smith will have to focus on the world titles.Copy linkCopiedWALKING ON AIRThe champ says: “I always knew I could get here, I always do it the hard way.”I never take the easy route, I find a way.”I knew to stab the body and the head shot would come.”This was our dream to become British champion and now I want to try world honours. Show me the Money!”He’s a good boxer – but I am a dog.”Copy linkCopiedCONAH THE BARBARIANWalker was 9-1 down and lucky to be let out for the final few rounds.But Harry Scarff threw out a lazy left hand and Walker ripped up the script.Absolutely magnificent boxing.Walker said the Lonsdale belt would be his world title – he topped his Everest.Copy linkCopiedWALKER WONDERLANDA right-hand from the heavens shattered Scarff’s giant lead and chin.He climbed too his feet but was out on his feet.Walker steamed in and grabbed the Lonsdale belt.Magnificent!Copy linkCopiedWALKER WINS R11 KO!Unbelievable!Super!Scarff got tired to complacent and caught.Walker did the full Rocky story!Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R10Walker refuses to give up and tags Scarff with a left hook.But he must be running on fumes now after spending half an hour chasing Scarff around Nottingham.Everytime Walker gets a whiff of success, Scarff tags him a two or three punch combination.It’s been a clinic from Horrible Harry.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R9Two stunning uppercuts from Scarff land and Walker looks stung for the first time.Walker grazes him again with a lead left hook but only when Scarff gets lazy or tries to nick a breather.This version of Harry Scarff is a menace for any British welterweight, the Derby lad has never looked so good.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R8Scarff picking his punches now and Walker looking for a Hail Mary.The ref calls them in again for a warning, after Walker rubs his head into Scarff’s face during a clinch.Walker’s corner yell “he’s knackered”. But what does Walker have left either?Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R7Conah Walker refuses to quit but he also refuses to change his gameplan.Walker wrestles Scarff to the ground and he enjoys a brief break.The ref calls them together to stop the handbags.Maybe Scarff is tiring? Walker has not stopped chasing him, so we will see conditioning soon.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R6Scarff banks another round without barely breaking a sweat.Walker needs a total change of plan or to be falled out.It’s 6-0 and only half time.Any subs?Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R5Scarff ended the fourth with a little showboat and celebration.Walker is as game as can be but just too small and limited.Scarff could only lose this now by getting complacent and clipped.Walker’s corner should have a look after seven or eight rounds because he will have little way or chance of winning. Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R4Scarff is putting on a clinic here, making Walker look like a novice.Walker’s right cheek is swelling up from the constant southpaw jabs poking at his eye.Walker lands a right low on Scarff and he highlights it to the ref.Rodney is beating Delboy in this welterweight battle of little versus large.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R3Harry Scarff living up to his ‘Horrible’ nickname, making life difficult for Walker to get going.Scarff controls the fight on his backfoot, luring Walker on to dig after dig.Walker lands a punch right on the bell but Scarff, knowing he has banked another stanza.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R2Beautiful textbook boxing from Scarff, a one-two-hook scores brilliantly and secures him the round.Walker might wear him down, or he might let more and more rounds slip away.Scarff is 2-0 up and enjoying it.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R2Walker kicks into gear, attacking Scarff’s long trunk.But Scarff is so clever with a counter and a pivot and another blow.Walker grazes Scarff’s face with a leaping left hook but he smiles back and pings out his jab again.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R1Rangey Scarff jabs from his tall posture while Walker tries to duck and weave under his jab.Southpaw Scarff looks a foot taller and he clips and prods from distance.Walker is catching most digs on his high guard but he hasn’t landed back yet.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs Walker R1Walker enjoys his ringwalk, bumping fists with his fans in the Nottingham arena.But he gets a few boos with Scarff’s diehard followers.Scarff looks more focused and his team hold aloft his hard-earned 147lbs titles.Copy linkCopiedScarff vs WalkerHarry Scarff puts his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles on the line against Conah Walker now.Two tough and honest boys who have rebuilt from three defeats each.There’s been a nice bit of needle in the build-up, real and intense but not OTT.Derby versus Wolverhampton in some proper British boxing for the Lonsdale belt.Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes calls on Man Utd team-mates to ‘show some balls’ and says he AGREES on Amorim’s ‘worst side ever’ blast

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      BRUNO FERNANDES backed Ruben Amorim’s blast at his stumbling stars and stressed: You’ve got to have the balls to play for Manchester United.Boss Amorim caused a storm last week when he branded United’s fall-guys the worst side in the club’s history.Bruno Fernandes says Man Utd must handle the pressure betterCredit: RexRuben Amorim’s astonishing blast ‘inspired’ FernandesCredit: GettyHe later admitted he went too far — yet Fernandes reckons he was bang on.And the Red Devils skipper said: “The reality is to play here you have to have that pressure, you have to have the balls to play for this club — that is what it is.“You have to feel that in every moment in every game it is a new chance to bring us back to the position we deserve.“Unfortunately for us this season there have been too many ups and downs and every time we look like getting there, we get punched again and go down.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“What we have to do is every time we take a punch and go down, we must get up and try to punch back.”Fernandes certainly did that with his last-gasp winner in a dramatic Europa League clash with Rangers on Thursday.And he admitted Amorim’s outburst after last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Brighton inspired him to those final-second heroics.Fernandes added: “I don’t want to hear my manager saying certain things about the team because I know he doesn’t feel it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“But he made himself part of that and when the manager makes himself part of what he’s saying, no one can get angry or disappointed by it. “When he says ‘the worst team in Manchester’, he speaks about the position we are in and when you look at where we are in the league we ARE in the worst position we’ve ever been.Marco Silva snaps at reporter over question ahead of Fulham’s clash against Man Utd“So you have to take it, that’s the reality unfortunately. We are in this position for a  long time and the club doesn’t belong there.“But we have to accept that and understand we need to push ourselves to much bigger things and higher positions.”Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      in Soccer

      New boy Omar Marmoush can breathe new life into Man City but Abdukodir Khusanov has debut to forget vs Chelsea

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      PEP GUARDIOLA took a big gamble by throwing £92.5 million worth of new talent straight in for this top four showdown.It threatened to back-fire when Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov made a major blunder in the third minute of his Manchester City career to gift Chelsea the lead.Omar Marmoush showed he can become a key player for Man City with an impressive debutCredit: GettyAbdukodir Khusanov had a nightmare first appearance for his new clubCredit: GettyBut at least there was a hugely encouraging debut from Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush – who played a big part in helping City back into the game.The £59 million ace has been one of the stand out stars of the German league this season thanks to his 20 goals – not to mention the assists.And he has the energy to breathe new life into what has been a spluttering season for the champions.Marmoush had a couple of great chances and also saw a goal chalked off for offside during his 74 minute run-out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also showed promising signs of a link up with Erling Haaland – which almost led to a goal midway through the second half.The only downside was a habit of running offside – but put that down to over-enthusiasm as he tried to make an impression on his first run out.Fellow new arrival Khusanov will need more than an arm round his shoulder over the next few days after the way his debut started.Thankfully for him it didn’t get notably worse after that second minute blunder that gifted the visitors the lead – because for a while it looked like it might do.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe got a yellow card a couple of minutes later and on a couple of occasions he looked in danger of getting another one.Still there was a crucial block to deny Jadon Sancho a second goal of the night for the visitors and a sliding tackle that brought enthusiastic applause from his manager.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills for Egyptian National Team Boss Guardiola had some consoling words for Khusanov after his horror debutCredit: PAThe first Uzbek to play in the Prem lasted until the 54th minute when Guardiola replaced him with John Stones.City’s crowd are a forgiving bunch and he was given a generous round of applause as he made his way off – so that will have made him feel better.It always looked like a big gamble from Pep to pitch him straight in – after all he’s only played just over 30 games of top level football. More

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      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy undergoes celeb health treatment at top clinic within days of Rebekah launching vodka range

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      JAMIE Vardy started a “full body reboot” within days of wife Rebekah launching her own vodka range.The 38-year-old Leicester City star is undergoing a celebrity health treatment called “Icoone” at a top London clinic.Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is undergoing a celebrity health treatment called ‘Icoone’ at a top London clinicRebekah Vardy has launched a new vodka range called SK-TL vodkaCredit: Dan CharityBecky accidentally revealed his secret when she put a montage of photos on her social media to celebrate his birthday this month.It showed him in a grey bodysuit, with just a pair of paper pants underneath, preparing for a procedure which can also reduce fat, improve circulation and help detoxify the body.Loved by stars such as Paris Hilton and Gwyneth Paltrow, it is touted as “perfect for women on the go”.Becky, who has had treatments from top aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari, suggested ex-England striker Jamie give it a try.READ MORE ON VARDYA source said: “Becky goes to see Sadaf for treatments and suggested Jamie should go too. “Jamie’s having it as a muscle recovery treatment as he has to keep in tip top shape.“He had to wear a grey bodysuit to have it done. “He looked a bit daft but thought it was a good idea.Most read in Football“He had the first one before Christmas and neither he nor Becky put it on their socials at the time. “But when she did a round up of photos for his birthday this month she included it.Kylie Jenner officially launches Sprinter vodka soda – and fans say she’s ‘trying to compete’ with Kendall’s tequila“He got a bit of ribbing from the other players and he just laughed it off.“Jamie is superfit and takes huge care of his health and fitness these days. “This treatment is all part of that. “The days of Jamie Vardy having a party all night are over.”Becky says her fruity vodka SKTL was inspired by Jamie’s home-made version which had sweets in it.That tipple fuelled celebrations after Leicester’s Premier League win in 2016, and sparked the terrace chant “Jamie Vardy’s having a party”.Becky features in a promo for SK-TL vodkaCredit: SKTL More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Ellie Scotney suffers horror cut and left with blood gushing down face but manages to defend world titles

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      ELLIE SCOTNEY survived a first-round slashed eye to defend her IBF and WBA super-bantamweight world titles.The 26-year-old Catford queen went toe-to-toe with New Zealand warrior Mea Motu and was a bloody mess before the end of the opener.Ellie Scotney survived a first round slashed eye to defend her beltsCredit: ReutersScotney remains the IBF and WBA champCredit: GettyHer brilliant movement helped her against the constant Motu attacksCredit: GettyBut her cutman played a blinder and Scotney picked apart her relentless Kiwi opponent to land a unanimous decision, with all three judges calling it: 99-91.Both 122lb women threw early hooks to the head but Scotney started taking control with her jab.Motu, 35, did land an early right and Scotney was left with a bruise on her left cheekbone – and seconds later she was cut.As she walked back to her corner, Scotney was leaking loads out of her left eye but her cutman was rapidly working on the case.READ MORE IN BOXING Motu was raw and tough but constant and mean.Scotney was the sharper and smarter but Motu was a typical All Black and always coming forward in waves.Scotney found her range in the third and was able to pick Motu off but the tough challenger wasn’t taking a backward step.Motu was always on the front foot, but it was Scotney who had the better lateral movement and was controlling the fight on the edges of the ring.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMotu made a vicious start to the fourth, with a couple of right hands but Scotney coped and used her superior skills to dominate the backend of the session.The fifth was a wrestle until Scotney scored with body blows and a peach of a left hook to Motu’s face.Misfits Boxing star speaks out after collapsing following loss to Darren TillAnd with her cut just threatening to worsen, Scotney scored with a couple of crisp digs just before the bell.And, by the sixth session, Scotney’s class was showing as she landed lead left hooks and danced out of danger sweetly.Relentless Motu never stopped marching forward for another scrum but Scotney was tagging her regularly and a right hook was the pick of the seventh round.Scotney’s right hand was superb in the eighth, as a straight, a hook and an uppercut. Motu was a greedy punchbag walking on to every punch.And she kept her cool in the final two stanzas to keep hold of her belts and hopefully move on to adding more.The champ said: “I am not too happy with my performance, I hurt her at times but I looked for too many single shots.”She was a tough girl, 20-0, so I hope people put more respect on my name now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wasn’t born with this nose, I’m from Catford so I grew up having fights, but my trainer Shane managed to tame it in there tonight.”Of course I want to be undisputed, I want the two missing belts but I need those girls to take the fights too, otherwise I will go up to featherweight and fight Skye Nicolson.” More

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      in Soccer

      Trio of footballers caught using mobiles behind the wheel within minutes of leaving club’s training ground

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      A HAT-TRICK of Newcastle players have been seen using their mobile phones while behind the wheel of their cars.England star Anthony Gordon and his Toon team-mates Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman were all seen handling their devices at the wheel.Sandro Tonali was filmed holding his phone as he drove off after queuing in trafficSven Botman was also seen handling his device at the wheelWinger Gordon, 23, was seen using his while queuing at traffic lights in his £230,000 grey Lamborghini Urus S.Italian midfielder Tonali, 24, was filmed holding his phone as he drove off after queuing in traffic.And Dutch centre-back Botman, 25, used his phone while sitting at traffic lights in his £155,000 Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.They were all seen near Newcastle’s Darsley Park training ground by fans who approached and filmed them in their cars.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLERSIt is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or any other device that can send and receive data while driving a car or motorbike.The law still applies when drivers are stopped at lights or queuing in traffic. Breaking the rules can result in six points on a licence and a £200 fine.Nicholas Lyes, of road safety charity IAM Road-Smart, said: “Illegal phone use behind the wheel is distracting and dangerous.Most read in Football“In 2023, there were more than 200 people either killed or seriously injured in collisions caused by phone use.“The safest option is to put the phone somewhere safe and out of sight.”Jesy Nelson’s boyfriend risks fine and six points after she films him driving on his phone A source added: “Using phones behind the wheel is dangerous and irresponsible. “Football players are in a position of influence and should help to set the highest example.”Newcastle United declined to comment. More

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      in Soccer

      Here’s why it’s not all doom and gloom for Postecoglou and Tottenham… fans certainly don’t need to panic

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      WITH an injury list in double figures and the team stuck in mid-table, these really are dark old days for Tottenham fans.Points on the pitch are as rare as patience off it… there’s certainly no chance of being dazzled by smiles in this part of North London.Harry Redknapp believes there are reasons for Spurs fans to be positiveCredit: GettyIn Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham have a future world-class midfielderCredit: ReutersArchie Gray can be a future Spurs captainCredit: ReutersNever mind silverware, a silver lining will just do for now and with so many dark clouds above the place at the moment, there’s plenty to pick from.Which in Tottenham’s case is the emergence of three of the brightest young stars anywhere in the Premier League — Mikey Moore, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.All of them chucked into the thick of it far sooner than boss Ange Postecoglou would have liked, for sure.In an ideal world, I’m certain he would have far preferred to ease them in gently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut needs must, of course, so it was a case of sink or swim instead and all three of them never for one second looked like going under.They have been raving about Moore for ages, even though he’s still only 17, and it’s always great when a kid comes through the ranks and lives up to the billing.Well, Mikey is definitely doing that and more — this kid is going to be a big star, believe me.And before anyone jumps on my case, by the way, I know the other two were bought in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting to see a young talent come through.Bergvall is a “proper” player. I love the fact he’s got a bit of devilment about him already and there is no chance of him getting pushed around. More the opposite, to be honest.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis As for Gray, he came at a price and it’s easy to see why.Another teenager, but already a nailed-on Spurs captain of the future in my book.Archie’s played for England at every level from Under-15 up and it’s only a matter of time before he’s got the full set.So there HAS been some good from all the problems… not that it will keep anyone happy if results don’t improve, mind. And to be fair, nor should it.Although I do think it’s a bit harsh for the fans to be having a pop at Daniel Levy as they are.I’m not chairman of his fan club by any means, but I just don’t agree with it.Let’s be honest, what can Daniel really do? And don’t say get out of the club, because that’s not going to happen any more than he’s about to sack Ange.Levy’s given his manager a fortune for players, Spurs have the best stadium in the country and the training ground is second to none.Even with all those injuries, the squad is big enough to cope far better than it is.And with so many players, there is really no point in paying loads for even more.Some fans are calling for Ange Postecoglou to be sackedCredit: RexLook at the centre-backs, for example. When Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are fit, they go straight in again. Spurs already have defenders coming out of their ears. Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, James Maddison … big-money buys everywhere. They ain’t going to sign guys to sit on the bench further down the line.This is certainly no time to panic and, to be fair, there’s no chance of Daniel getting rid of Ange — whatever anyone says about him being under pressure.Levy will realise this is a time for solidarity. Although if things don’t improve by the end of the season, I know better than most about how ruthless he can be.If we get to May and they are still bobbing around in mid-table with no trophy on the table, that’s when Ange could find out, too.But, don’t forget, they’re a goal up going into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and the Europa League is hardly packed with the biggest names in football.Let’s be honest, it’s a second-rate competition with a load of sides who are Championship standard at best.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat gives Tottenham every chance of going all the way.If it all goes belly up then have a go, for sure, but for now just enjoy seeing those three young guns tearing it up.Mikey Moore is living up to the hype in his cameosCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea player ratings: Robert Sanchez given just ONE out of ten for disastrous performance as Madueke a rare positive

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      CHELSEA capitulated again after scoring first, this time in a 3-1 loss away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Three minutes is all it took for the deadlock to be broken, as City new boy Abdukodir Khusanov’s header was cut out by Nicolas Jackson, who squared it for Noni Madueke to tap into an empty net. Noni Madueke tapped home Chelsea’s only goalCredit: GettyPressure mounts on Robert Sanchez after another unconvincing displayCredit: ReutersA competitive first-half unfolded as big chances fell to Jackson and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom couldn’t convert from close range.But it didn’t take long for the hosts to level the scoring before half-time, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez couldn’t clear a long ball between them and Gvardiol made up for his two big missed chances with an easy finish into a gaping goal.A cagey second-half followed, until Erling Haaland sat down Trevoh Chalobah and curled the ball over Sanchez who was well out of position to give City a well deserved lead.Haaland shrugged off Levi Colwill and tapped the ball onto Phil Foden who pranced past the Chelsea defence and slotted to the left of the goalkeeper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 1It was much the same as what we have seen from Sanchez for Chelsea this evening. Not commanding in his area, poor distribution, and was more out of place than a penguin in the desert when Haaland lobbed him to give City the lead.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe sentiment of the travelling fans is that they are utterly sick of him.Sanchez was well out of position for Haaland’s goalReece James –  6Looked strong at the back and did his defensive duties well for the Blues for the most part. It would’ve been nice to see him more involved in an attacking sense, prancing down the right-hand side like we saw him do against Forest in the final game of last season.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him Trevoh Chalobah – 6His long ball upfield caused havoc for Khusanov on his debut and led to the opening goal after he stepped in to stop a Man City passage of play.Did well for large parts of the game, but Haaland sat him down 1v1 before giving his side the lead in the second half.Levi Colwill – 4Was booked for time wasting at a goal kick after just 25 minutes, and the home crowd were onto him after that.It was a tough evening for him against Haaland and the Norwegian’s relentless strength and power got the better of him at times, particularly for City’s third.Marc Cucurella – 4Wasn’t strong enough to get the better of Matheus Nunes who went on to set up Gvardiol for Man City’s leveller. Also failed to offer anything going forwards for his side.Moises Caicedo – 6A decent display against two of the strongest dribblers in the league in Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. Composed on the ball and a leader in this team, but looks far more comfortable with Romeo Lavia alongside him in midfield.Enzo Fernandez (c)  – 5Tried his best to get the team going and be a leader in this side, and progressed the ball well at times too.Not the game changing performance we saw from him against the likes of Spurs, but not bad by any means.Noni Madueke – 7Tapped home into an empty net with ease to open the scoring a couple of minutes into the game before troubling City’s left side on numerous occasions.Had bags of defensive work to do which is not his forte, and was caused major problems on the back foot by Gvardiol rampaging down City’s left-hand side.Cole Palmer  – 5Looked a shadow of the player who had such an impact in this very fixture last season. Should’ve done better with a pass for Jackson in the first half to make it 2-0, generally didn’t have the impact we have seen from him so often this season.Jadon Sancho – 5A few nice runs and touches, but no end product of any meaning which is something Enzo Maresca is desperate to see from his wingers.Worked hard defensively down the left hand side, but could soon have Alejandro Garnacho breathing down his neck for a starting spot.Nicolas Jackson – 6Played a vital part in Madueke’s opening goal after just two minutes, latching onto a loose header and calmly tapping it across for the winger to finish. Had a chance of his own a matter of moments later after a ball across the box from Palmer, but opted to look for Jadon Sancho instead – a confident striker probably scores that.Faded as the game went on and City started to dominate before he was subbed for Christopher Nkunku.SUBS:Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 61) – 5Was given 30 minutes to prove he’s worthy of a starting spot, or put himself in the shop window against City, and failed to do either. A severe lack of service doesn’t help that, but he looked invisible out there nonetheless.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Pretty much a like-for-like replacement for Sancho tonight. A few nice touches but no end product.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 73) – 5READ MORE SUN STORIESNot bad, but not as impressive as James. Looks a shadow of the player he was last season so far in this campaign. More