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    Chelsea make Kounde top transfer target – Romano, Liverpool could hijack Spurs bid for Kessie, Neymar burgled

    CHELSEA have reportedly made Jules Kounde their top summer transfer target.The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
    Meanwhile Tottenham could be about to get gazzumped by Liverpool for Franck Kessie, as they were with Luiz Diaz
    Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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    Better own up
    For a split-second it was the ‘best own goal in history’.
    Romanian top-flight keeper Iustin Popescu blasted a goal-kick sideways at team-mate Adrian Scarlatache, who saw it cannon in off his heel.
    Social media had a Pop at the CS Mioveni flops – but referee Ovidiu Hategan ruled the goal out.
    He decided the ball was still moving when Popescu dropped it to take the goal-kick.
    FC Arges were outraged at Mioveni’s let-off.
    But they can’t complain too much as Mioveni had already gifted them a 1-0 win with a genuine own goal that was almost as crazy!
    Read more HERE.
    Breaking: The best own goal in the history of football was just scored in the Romanian top flight.The ref canceled it because the ball was still bumping when the keeper hit it. Scenes! pic.twitter.com/wkN2E2ASDD— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) February 13, 2022

    Keown praises Arsenal target Broja
    Arsenal legend Martin Keown waxed lyrical over Armando Broja for his starring display in Southampton’s 1-1 draw away at Manchester United on Saturday.
    The youngster proved to be a handful for Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire all afternoon.
    And Keown drooled over Broja’s pace and power while speaking on commentary for BT Sport.
    He remarked: “You have to applaud him, the pace he has. He’s really impressed for Southampton.
    “He’s a physical specimen as well, the ball has been going into him, and Maguire hasn’t been able to win them.
    “He’s got everything to his game. His pace there, look at how he wins it – he bullies Maguire there.
    “So quick, direct. Players around him. This man is so difficult to play against.”
    T-has enough
    Jermaine Jenas has blasted Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl for his comments after the Saints’ 1-1 draw with Man United.
    Speaking on Match of the Day: “I don’t like it, if I’m totally honest with you. I’m not a fan of it.
    “He’s had such a great week so he should focus on that and what his team are doing.
    “I get that he’s got that relationship with Ralf Rangnick but it didn’t sit right with me, talking about another team, especially when they’re going through a tough period.”
    Broja transfer pursuit
    Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a shock summer swoop to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
    But according to Football.London, the south coast side face competition from the Gunners in the race to secure his services.
    They state that Mikel Arteta’s side are monitoring his progress at St Mary’s ahead of a possible transfer.
    The news outlet adds that Arsenal have put the English-born Albanian international high on their wishlist after missing out on January target Dusan Vlahovic.
    Chelsea will back Tuchel
    Chelsea have vowed to back Thomas Tuchel this summer with an influx of cash, according to reports.
    Stamford Bridge bosses want the Premier League title back in West London.
    The Telegraph has reported that Abramovich will support Tuchel financially this offseason.
    The club were said to be impressed that their German manager did not push for unnecessary transfers in the January window.
    Chelsea have suffered with injuries but remain third in the table.
    Shearer rips into Man United
    Alan Shearer has torn into Manchester United as a ‘leaky, noisy, messy club’ living on excuses.
    He wrote in the Athletic: “When I look at Manchester United, I see chaos, a team lacking any kind of discernible identity and an institution bereft of strategy, whose last three managers, if you include Michael Carrick, have been temporary appointments.
    “They have become an interim football club — a club of caretakers, where authority has become diluted and players inhabit a world of excuses — who have spent an absolute fortune to become truly unexceptional.
    “On the pitch, they are frayed and ragged, edgy and bad-tempered, casting around for someone else to blame, unsure of who and what they are.
    “What a leaky, noisy, messy club they have become.”
    Real Rob-bery
    Robert Pires has revealed Arsene Wenger sent a private plane to snatch him for Arsenal ahead of Real Madrid and Juventus.
    Wenger swooped for the legendary French winger 22 years ago, turning him into a star member of the Gunners’ 2003-4 Invincibles.
    But Pires admits he was a Real fan as a kid and even posed in a Madrid top shortly before Arsenal leapt in to sign him from Marseille.
    The 1998 World Cup winner, 48, told L’Equipe: “In 2000, I was lucky to have Real, Juve, Arsenal…A very hard choice.
    “Everyone told me that I was crazy not to have gone to Real. 
    “It was very heated though. I even took the photo with the Real jersey during the Euros in Belgium! For the newspaper AS, I believe. 
    “And everything happened very quickly.
    “Arsene (Wenger) called me and upset my plans… he sends me a plane, I pass the medical visit and I sign.”
    Zouma cat storms
    West Ham fans have been blasted for a ‘vile’ Kurt Zouma chant in the wake of the defender’s cat-kicking shame.
    His name was loudly booed by home and away fans alike when he was included in the Hammers’ starting line-up for the Watford clash earlier this week.
    But now certain Irons fans seem to have made light of the situation with a chant joking about the incident.
    Outraged supporters have since taken to social media to condemn the offensive lyrics
    TV funnyman Adil Ray tweeted a clip of fans singing the chant and captioned it: “Rewarded with a chant. Vile.”
    Not a long Sess
    Antonio Conte has been slammed by Spurs fans after hauling off Ryan Sessegnon after just 28 minutes.
    A pair of Hugo Lloris blunders saw the team suffer a third straight Premier League defeat.
    Spurs were two goals down by the time Sessegnon got yanked from the game.
    One Twitter user said: “Conte making a public substitution of Sessegnon. This will completely ruin the player’s confidence. Toxic.”
    Another said: “Manager-in-his-prime, Antonio Conte publicly substituting young Ryan Sessegnon before half time.
    “I hope Gary Lineker and the rest of the English media have a word with him about it.”
    Derby’s fightback plan revealed
    Derby County are ready to turn the tables on the EFL — and make a compensation claim if they finish below Reading.
    The Rams administrators and their advisers have studied a legal report the League are using to justify Middlesbrough and Wycombe asking millions from them.
    The EFL have classed the pair as having ‘football related debts’, which means Derby have to deal with the problem and possibly look for money at the end of the season.
    Derby were docked nine points for Financial Fair Play offences — on top of 12 for going into administration.
    But Reading were only penalised six points for their offences under the EFL rules.
    If the gap between the pair is three points or less after 46 games it could lead to another club versus club legal claim.
    Derby’s argument will be that they were hit with more points than Reading — the same kind of technicality that has caused them such grief with Boro and Wycombe.
    Should Rooney’s men go down and Reading escape then the Rams intend to quote the EFL legal ruling by top lawyers  Stephenson Harwood that is currently being used against them
    Prem player attack scandal
    A Premier League star was arrested over an attack on his girlfriend after she called the police.
    The player, tipped for international honours, was nicked when cops swooped on his home.
    He is also said to have sent her abusive late-night messages.
    The player hired lawyers before agreeing a payout to her — thought to be a five-figure sum — in an out-of-court settlement.
    Don’t Tripp
    Kieiran Trippier scored the winner for Newcastle against Aston Villa – then left the stadium on CRUTCHES.
    The England international struck a sweet freekick on 35 minutes to seal three crucial points for the Magpies.
    But he was subbed off just three minutes into the second-half with a knock to his foot.
    And the 31-year-old was later spotted leaving St James’ Park on crutches with a protective boot.
    Toon boss Eddie Howe later confirmed the right-back had been taken to hospital for an x-ray.
    Con job
    Antonio Conte has admitted that his Spurs team aren’t even good enough for the Europa League after their loss to Wolves.
    Speaking after the game he said: “There are a lot of jobs to do but it is not simple because the environment is used to play for Champions League, Europa League, but everyone maybe has to realise something has changed and you have to try to work to build again and we have to know this.
    “I am trying with my players to do everything to improve the situaiton but the enviornment has to understand which is our position in this moment.”
    Chelsea intensify Kounde chase
    Chelsea are reportedly set to revive their interest in Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde with Thomas Tuchel desperate to sign the Frenchman.
    The 23-year-old saw a switch to Stamford Bridge fall through in the summer after the Spanish side priced him out of a move.
    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel has made signing Kounde his No1 priority.
    He tweeted: “Chelsea have Jules Kounde as top target in their summer list, as reported days ago.”
    Chelsea target Brighton defender Webster
    Chelsea are considering a summer splash for Brighton’s Adam Webster, according to reports.
    The Mirror reports that Webster, 27, is being considered by the new world champions.
    The Englishman has been in fine form for the south coast club.
    So much so that he has been tipped for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad.
    Zouma storm rages on
    Graeme Souness and Jamie Carragher clashed over Kurt Zouma ahead of West Ham’s trip to Leicester.
    Zouma was selected in the starting line-up for the second consecutive match despite the abuse of his cat being made public, but illness ruled him out of starting.
    Carragher defended Zouma in terms of the pressure he has been under and the backlash he faced, but Souness had little sympathy.
    Carragher said: “You don’t know what he’s been through in terms of scrutiny.”
    But Souness dryly hit back quickly: “Not as much as the cat has been through.
    “I’ve not no sympathy for him. The fact that they put it on social media, means they think there is nothing wrong with it.
    “For me, I wouldn’t have played him again this year and if I was still a player, I wouldn’t want to play in a team with him.
    “They’ve mismanaged it from day one, for me, I wouldn’t have played him again this year.”
    Zouma support
    Some West Ham fans have reportedly come out in support of Kurt Zouma amid his cat abuse controversy.
    Hours before the Hammers’ game against Leicester, a portion of Hammers fans were allegedly captured singing a chant in favour of Zouma and kicking an inflatable cat, Football.London reported.

    Newcastle vs Aston Villa delayed
    Newcastle clash against Aston Villa was temporarily halted following a medical emergency in the stands.
    Play was stopped late in the second half after referee Craig Pawson was alerted to the situation.
    Magpies gaffer Eddie Howe and Villans manager Steven Gerrard were seen pointing towards the fan in an attempt to stop the match.
    Commenting on the incident, Newcastle tweeted: “Play has been halted due to an incident in the Gallowgate Stand.”
    Pawson suspended play in the 74th minute to allow the supporter to receive attention.
    He then resumed the match two minutes later.

    Wayne of the game
    Wayne Rooney posed for a selfie with a young pitch invader after the plucky fan dodged stewards to sprint halfway up the pitch.
    The Derby manager, 36, took charge of his side away at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
    And with his side 3-1 down in the 84th minute, Wazza was suddenly joined in the dugout by the kid wearing a Manchester United home shirt.
    The lad then leaned up against his hero Rooney with his phone in hand to grab the priceless photo.
    The United and England record goalscorer put his arm around the youngster, almost shielding him from security personnel.
    And once he had got the snap, Rooney twizzled him around away from the approaching fourth official.
    The cheeky supporter then darted back down the touchline at the Riverside, cutting across the corner of the pitch then hopping the advertising boardings to get back to his seat.
    Tuch of class
    Thomas Tuchel has dedicated the Club World Cup win to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
    Abramovich, 55, was in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Blues becoming world champions.
    And Tuchel, who has had instant success since joining the West London club, took the time to congratulate Abramovich.
    The German boss admitted: “I said, ‘It is for you and it is your club. Your input and passion that made it possible.’
    “The trophy is for him.”
    Ll-ou gotta be kidding
    Hugo Lloris made two blunders inside the opening 18 minutes to gift Wolves a 2-0 lead at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    First the Tottenham captain failed to deal two Wolves shots, parring the ball out to Raul Jimenez who volleyed in from 12 yards out.
    And the goalkeeper did not respond well, giving away possession too easily to Daniel Podence, whose shot was turned in by Leonardo Dendoncker on the rebound.
    His performance was so bad Wolves fans sarcastically cheered when he managed to catch a cross.
    Spurs fans defy owners
    Tottenham fans ignored their club’s orders by chanting the Y-word in the first minute of their match against Wolves.
    Spurs were playing for the first time since a statement posted on Thursday.
    And a large section of the supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium refused to follow the advice.
    There were loud chants of: “Thing I love most is being Y**.”
    This was followed by: “We’ll sing what we want.”
    And another rendition of ‘Y** Army’ was belted out by the home faithful.
    Chelsea join elite group
    Chelsea’s victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final means they have now won EVERY major trophy.
    And in becoming world champions Chelsea have become part of an elite club – only four other European teams have won every major trophy.
    It is a difficult feat to achieve with Real Madrid missing out because they never won the Cup Winners Cup.
    That means they will never be part of the group which boasts Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Ajax as members.
    Jot gonna make it
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained why Diogo Jota won’t be in the Reds’ starting line-up against Burnley today.
    Jota picked up a dead leg when Liverpool beat Leicester mid-week, and now Sadio Mane will replace the ex-Wolves star.
    Klopp said: “Jota was due to start, with Sadio coming from the bench today but Jota had a dead leg and couldn’t train yesterday.
    “Now he looks fine but we were not sure.”
    Luk to me
    Didier Drogba has backed Romelu Lukaku to finally become a Chelsea hit.
    Lukaku has been a disappointment since his £97.5million return to the club from Inter Milan but scored the first goal – his tenth of the season – in Saturday’s 2-1 Club World Cup final success over Palmeiras.
    Chelsea ambassador Drogba, who was in the UAE, said: “Is it a turning point? Yes, I hope. We all hope for that because it is important for the club.
    “He put himself under a certain amount of pressure by coming back to the club where he started.
    “It is difficult and you come back because you want to prove a point, but he’s winning and I think he’s going to make it.”

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    Leicester 2-2 West Ham LIVE RESULT: Zouma WITHDRAWS from Hammers XI as Dawson nets last gasp equaliser in Premier League

    WEST HAM have drawn at Leicester after a last gasp Craig Dawson equaliser.Kurt Zouma pulled out of the starting XI due to injuries and vision problems, West Ham have stated.
    Zouma caused fury in the week after a video of him kicking and hitting his cat was uploaded to social media.
    On the pitch, Jarrod Bowen gave West Ham the lead before an inexplicable handball from Aaron Cresswell saw the hosts equalise from the penalty spot.
    Leicester then went ahead through a Ricardo Pereira header before Dawson bundled in a controversial late equaliser.
    The ball was found to have come off the upper part of the centre-back’s arm but VAR chose not to recommend a review.
    LIVE RESULTS:

    Tottenham 0-2 Wolves
    Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa
    Burnley 0-1 Liverpool
    Leicester 2-2 West Ham

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    Sunday funday
    It has been a great day of goals and drama in the Premier League.

    Burnley 0 Liverpool 1
    Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    Leicester 2 West Ham 2

    Newcastle put some distance between themselves and the drop-zone.
    Liverpool continue their pursuit of Man City.
    West Ham edge ahead of the pack chasing that fourth spot.
    FT: Leicester City 2 West Ham 2
    Brendan Rodgers’ team will feel hard done by the manner of this draw having been ahead at the 90 minute mark.
    You could see in the final ten minutes the tactics West Ham would employ to try and create opportunities for themselves.
    Leicester did not deal with the set piece and Dawson rose to steal a point.
    FT: Leicester City 2 West Ham 2
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    For the neutral, goals and late drama.
    West Ham will feel it is a point gained, Leicester two points dropped.

    Leicester City 2 West Ham 2
    90+3. Real disappointment for Foxes fans at the King Power Stadium.
    It is not the worst result in the world for West Ham considering other results this weekend.
    ‘You’re not singing any more’ rings out from away end.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 2
    90+1. Jarrod Bowen’s corner is ‘headed’ in by Craig Dawson.
    The replay shows he misses it with his head and it comes off the shoulder/upper arm.
    VAR has had a look and is happy, the goal stands.
    Goal – Leicester City 2 West Ham 2 (Dawson)
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    88. Time is running out for the Londoners.
    With only minutes left now it is easy for the home side to try and run the clock down.
    West Ham will hope there is time for one more chance.
    Tielemens comes off for Vestergaard.

    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    86. Lookman breaks away down the right, released by Tielemens.
    After a stepover or two he heads towards the box and fires a shot wide of the near post.
    He had eyes for nothing but goal once he got going there.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    84. Benrahma picks the ball up just outside the Leicester box.
    He has such ‘quick-feet’ he dances passed two players and into the box.
    Fortunately for Foxes fans, the shot is straight at Schmeichel.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    83. West Ham have a free-kick on the halfway line.
    The loft the ball into the box looking for knock-downs off Dawson or Soucek.
    The referee awards Leicester a free-kick of their own for the challenges.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    80. We are into the final ten minutes and this is make or break time for The Hammers.
    They need to find at least an equaliser but the point still does them no favours.
    They are trying to fashion chances but Leicester are remaining resolute.

    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    78. Nearly, just nearly.
    Tielemens runs through the centre trying to get onto a cheeky scoop by Harvey Barnes and the Belgian is literally a toe away from the third goal.
    Fabianski collects but had Tielemens got a touch, he would have been struggling.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    76. The creativity that West Ham were enjoying in the first half has been non-existent since.
    You have to put that down to Leicester having woken up in this game and not giving David Moyes’ players any time on the ball.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    74. Tielemens makes a difference to this side when they are playing their flowing, attacking football.
    He finds pockets of space in middle of the park, offering himself and then linking play for their front-three.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    72. What a difference this stadium is now to the first half.
    The fans are in full-voice cheering their side on.
    A draw is no good to either side here, Leicester will want to hold on to all three points.
    It would be a major blow to West Ham’s top-four ambitions if they were to lose today.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    69. The Foxes have West Ham pressed back in their own final third.
    They can always break quickly with Bowen but the more Leicester press themselves they prevent West Ham searching for that equaliser.
    We’re into the final twenty minutes.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    66. David Moyes puts Coufal out of his misery, bringing Fredericks on in his place.
    Tough test for the new addition to the game to deal with Harvey Barnes at full tilt.
    Leicester could do with a third to give them some breathing space.

    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    65. This is end to end stuff.
    West Ham attack, Fornals slightly over runs the ball and falls to ground looking for a penalty.
    The referee is not having it.
    Within minutes Harvey Barnes is running at the West Ham box again.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    64. Barnes is rinsing Coufal down the left-hand side over and over again.
    This time the Leicester player cuts inside, drops his shoulder and looks to shoot but his shot is blocked.
    Every time Leicester give him the ball the fans erupt.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    61. David Moyes looks enraged on the touchline.
    Understandably so.
    West Ham have now conceded 12 points from winning positions.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    59. The King Power Stadium is bouncing now.
    Cresswell’s day continues in the same manner as he is booked for a foul on Daka.
    The pace on the Leicester man is a problem for any back four.
    Leicester City 2 West Ham 1
    57. Brendan Rodgers has bemoaned their luck with injuries this season.
    They have been affected more than some.
    Harvey Barnes can change your season as a manager if you can keep him fit.
    He does brilliantly on the left-hand side of the box before chipping a cross to the back post where Ricardo heads in.

    Goal – Leicester City 2 West Ham 1 (Ricardo)
    Leicester City 1 West Ham 1
    55. Brilliant play by Harvey Barnes.
    He runs at his man again, beats him and puts such a teasing ball across the six-yard box.
    All it needs it a touch as the ball evades everyone.
    Leicester City 1 West Ham 1
    54. Foul by Coufal on Barnes.
    The Leicester man is giving him all kinds of problems in this second half so far.
    The free-kick is drifted in, the ball drops to Barnes, who lets fly.
    His shot is blocked as a wall of players confronts him.
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    Premier League LIVE RESULTS: Updates as Liverpool take on Burnley and Tottenham host Wolves – Stream, TV channel, latest

    TOTTENHAM will be looking to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at home to Southampton in midweek as they host Wolves today. Elsewhere, Newcastle are at home to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa while his boyhood team Liverpool travel to Turf Moor for a clash with Burnley.
    And then later on in the 4.30pm kick-off, Leicester are at home to West Ham.
    LIVE SCORES:

    Tottenham vs Wolves
    Newcastle vs Aston Villa
    Burnley vs Liverpool
    Leicester vs West Ham

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    Leicester City starting XI:
    Youri Tielemens and Harvey Barnes return for The Foxes.
    Credit: @LCFC
    Leicester City vs West Ham
    Jamie Vardy, Ryan Bertrand, Timothy Castagne, Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana are all still out injured.
    Youri Tielemens and Harvey Barnes return for The Foxes.
    Amazingly, Kurt Zouma starts for West Ham despite public outcry.
    West Ham are looking for their fourth consecutive win against Leicester, something they haven’t done since 1997.
    Michail Antonio has scored four goals in his last five games against Leicester.
    FT: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    The referee blows for full time after 7 minutes of added time.
    Newcastle fans will tell you the benefits of VAR in the modern game should happen to meet one this evening.
    The Geordies now have a four-point gap with the bottom three.

    FT: Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    Bruno Lage’s team bounce-back after defeat against Arsenal with a win against their North London rivals
    They were good today, created lots of chances whilst keeping Tottenham out at the other end.
    First time since April 1980 Wolves have won four successive away matches in the top-flight.

    FT: Burnley 0 Liverpool 1
    Fabinho’s goal in the first half settles this game.
    Dyche will be frustrated, they had plenty of chance.
    The injury to new striker Weghorst will worry him.

    Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    89. Tottenham have created chances in this second half.
    When called upon the Wolves’ keeper has been brilliant.
    Romero seemingly heads one into the roof of the net only for Jose Sa to come from nowhere and save.

    Burnley 0 Liverpool 1
    80. With ten minutes left Liverpool create a chance with the Burnley defender almost turning the ball into his own net.
    Burnley are still trying to create an opening but Liverpool are defending well and giving them very little in this second half.
    Cornet has a chance to take the ball around Alisson who sends him wide of the goal and he can only find the side netting.
    The linesman then raises his flag.

    Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    73. Bizarre stoppages here at St James’ Park.
    Firstly, Tyrone Mings has to change his shirt after Dan Burn took a section out of his last one at a corner.
    We think a fan maybe having a medical emergency in the ground.
    Play has restarted.

    Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    71. Loris has made another wonderful save in this half.
    Tottenham are getting frustrated the more they struggle to create or find the back of the net.
    The fans are getting annoyed too.

    Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    63. It’s a reprieve for the Geordie faithful.
    Ollie Watkin’s left boot lace was in an offside position.
    Goal – Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1 (Watkins)
    60. Some great play down the left from Digne.
    He squares it back to Coutinho who first passed it out wide with a sublime backheel.
    Coutinho’s shot is blocked and loops towards the back post where Watkin heads it in.
    VAR checking it.
    Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    56. The momentum has shifted completely in this second half.
    Villa are seeing more of possession and Coutinho is seeing more of the ball.
    Digne is getting forward to support the attacking play more too.

    Burnley 0 Liverpool 1
    53. From a Burnley corner Ben Mee has a free header no more than ten yards out.
    His header goes off at a right angle not troubling the Liverpool goal.
    Another Burnley chance goes begging.

    Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    47. It seems I have given Trippier the commentator’s curse.
    Apologies Newcastle fans.
    The new signing is forced off injured, Krafth replaces him.
    Hairdryer treatment
    I can only imagine Antonio Conte is in the middle of an Italian meltdown in the Tottenham dressing room.
    He will have to have some motivating words to turn this one around in the second half.
    Gerrard will be wanting to see his team get his little Brazilian magician involved more.
    Burnley fans will be hoping their team stop shooting like stormtroopers in the second half.
    May the force be with them all.
    HT: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0
    January signing Kieran Trippier separates the sides here.
    He could prove to be a shrewd signing with his set-piece ability.

    HT: Burnley 0 Liverpool 1
    Sean Dyche will be bitterly disappointed with that scoreline.
    He will feel they had two or three opportunities to score before Fabinho found the back of the net.
    Sums up your luck when you’re at the bottom.
    HT: Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    Conte will have Hugo Loris to thank that this hasn’t been a cricket score in this first half.
    Some fantastic saves by the Frenchman.
    Wolves look good, they are creating chances and could be leading by more.

    Goal – Burnley 0 Liverpool 1 (Fabinho)
    39. Corner comes in from Trent Alexander Arnold.
    Fabinho meets it on the run, his effort is saved by the keeper but the rebound comes back to the Brazilian who tucks it away.

    Goal – Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0 (Trippier)
    34. Firstly Newcastle thought they had a penalty when the referee awarded one but a free-kick was the decision of VAR.
    Trippier bends it around the wall. then taking a slight deflection from a Burnley leg, beating Martinez all ends up in the Villa goal.

    Burnley 0 Liverpool 0
    27. Big chance for the home side.
    A free-kick is swung into the box, it is not dealt with by Liverpool and the ball breaks to Rodriguez.
    Alisson comes out and smothers the ball at his feet.
    He really should have scored.
    It looks as though Jordan Henderson’s day may be over.

    Tottenham 0 Wolves 2
    26. Hugo Loris has kept Tottenham in this game with an outlandish save.
    Jimenez causing problems again.

    Newcastle 0 Aston Villa 0
    21. An evenly matched contest so far.
    Both teams trying to get forward when in possession of the ball.
    The final delivery needs to improve for both sides as neither has created any clean cut chances as yet.

    Goal – Tottenham 0 Wolves 2 (Dendoncker)
    18. Dendoncker silences the home crowd with a second.
    Brilliant awareness.
    Slotting home the rebounded ball, Wolves reacting to the second ball so well here and punishing Tottenham in the process.
    Burnley 0 Liverpool 0
    12. Quite a scrappy start to the game with Liverpool trying to probe the home defence and find a way through.
    Burnley seem confident on the ball in their own half but struggle to retain possession in the opposition half.
    Neither side creating anything of note in the opening stages.
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    Liverpool could hijack Spurs move for Kessie, Chelsea ‘offer Antonio Rudiger almost £200k per week’, Neymar burgled

    KURT ZOUMA has been condemned by club West Ham after a shocking video of him attacking his cat was revealed by The Sun.And Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller has also been accused of animal cruelty after his racehorse was injured while “rehearsing” for the breeding season.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to sell N’Golo Kante to sign Declan Rice, according to reports.
    The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
    Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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    Newcastle vs Aston Villa delayed
    Newcastle clash against Aston Villa was temporarily halted following a medical emergency in the stands.
    Play was stopped late in the second half after referee Craig Pawson was alerted to the situation.
    Magpies gaffer Eddie Howe and Villans manager Steven Gerrard were seen pointing towards the fan in an attempt to stop the match.
    Commenting on the incident, Newcastle tweeted: “Play has been halted due to an incident in the Gallowgate Stand.”
    Pawson suspended play in the 74th minute to allow the supporter to receive attention.
    He then resumed the match two minutes later.

    Wayne of the game
    Wayne Rooney posed for a selfie with a young pitch invader after the plucky fan dodged stewards to sprint halfway up the pitch.
    The Derby manager, 36, took charge of his side away at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
    And with his side 3-1 down in the 84th minute, Wazza was suddenly joined in the dugout by the kid wearing a Manchester United home shirt.
    The lad then leaned up against his hero Rooney with his phone in hand to grab the priceless photo.
    The United and England record goalscorer put his arm around the youngster, almost shielding him from security personnel.
    And once he had got the snap, Rooney twizzled him around away from the approaching fourth official.
    The cheeky supporter then darted back down the touchline at the Riverside, cutting across the corner of the pitch then hopping the advertising boardings to get back to his seat.
    Tuch of class
    Thomas Tuchel has dedicated the Club World Cup win to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
    Abramovich, 55, was in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Blues becoming world champions.
    And Tuchel, who has had instant success since joining the West London club, took the time to congratulate Abramovich.
    The German boss admitted: “I said, ‘It is for you and it is your club. Your input and passion that made it possible.’
    “The trophy is for him.”
    Ll-ou gotta be kidding
    Hugo Lloris made two blunders inside the opening 18 minutes to gift Wolves a 2-0 lead at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    First the Tottenham captain failed to deal two Wolves shots, parring the ball out to Raul Jimenez who volleyed in from 12 yards out.
    And the goalkeeper did not respond well, giving away possession too easily to Daniel Podence, whose shot was turned in by Leonardo Dendoncker on the rebound.
    His performance was so bad Wolves fans sarcastically cheered when he managed to catch a cross.
    Spurs fans defy owners
    Tottenham fans ignored their club’s orders by chanting the Y-word in the first minute of their match against Wolves.
    Spurs were playing for the first time since a statement posted on Thursday.
    And a large section of the supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium refused to follow the advice.
    There were loud chants of: “Thing I love most is being Y**.”
    This was followed by: “We’ll sing what we want.”
    And another rendition of ‘Y** Army’ was belted out by the home faithful.
    Chelsea join elite group
    Chelsea’s victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final means they have now won EVERY major trophy.
    And in becoming world champions Chelsea have become part of an elite club – only four other European teams have won every major trophy.
    It is a difficult feat to achieve with Real Madrid missing out because they never won the Cup Winners Cup.
    That means they will never be part of the group which boasts Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Ajax as members.
    Jot gonna make it
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained why Diogo Jota won’t be in the Reds’ starting line-up against Burnley today.
    Jota picked up a dead leg when Liverpool beat Leicester mid-week, and now Sadio Mane will replace the ex-Wolves star.
    Klopp said: “Jota was due to start, with Sadio coming from the bench today but Jota had a dead leg and couldn’t train yesterday.
    “Now he looks fine but we were not sure.”
    Luk to me
    Didier Drogba has backed Romelu Lukaku to finally become a Chelsea hit.
    Lukaku has been a disappointment since his £97.5million return to the club from Inter Milan but scored the first goal – his tenth of the season – in Saturday’s 2-1 Club World Cup final success over Palmeiras.
    Chelsea ambassador Drogba, who was in the UAE, said: “Is it a turning point? Yes, I hope. We all hope for that because it is important for the club.
    “He put himself under a certain amount of pressure by coming back to the club where he started.
    “It is difficult and you come back because you want to prove a point, but he’s winning and I think he’s going to make it.”

    Tierney ‘good enough’ for Real
    Rangers icon Barry Ferguson reckons Kieran Tierney is capable of making a step up to represent football giants Real Madrid.
    The Scot was linked with a move to the Bernabeu this week by Spanish outlet El Espanyol.
    Ferguson told Go Radio: “I could 100% see him playing at Real Madrid. Arsenal are a big club but they are struggling to force their way into England’s top four.
    “When Kieran Tierney went down to England and produced good performances, there was no doubt in my mind that he could go to the best about.”
    Liverpool battle Tottenham for Zaniolo
    Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to sign Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Calciomercato.
    The news will alert Spurs, who are thought to also be tracking the 22-year-old.
    Zaniolo’s future with Roma is uncertain, with the Serie A club reportedly open to selling the midfielder.
    And they have an asking price of £33.5million which could lead both clubs to challenge for his siganture.
    ‘Go and sign for Bournemouth’
    Richard Keys has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo as being “part of the problem” at Manchester United.
    And he thinks Ronaldo should leave now, claimign his attitude is having a negative effect on his team-mates.
    Keys said on BeIN Sports: “Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives about (Ronaldo) leaving at the end of the season.
    “My own view of that is that he should he leave now.
    “I’ve been of the opinion all season long that I think he’s as much a part of the problem – not the whole problem – as anything and anybody else.
    “The other night, when he went running down the tunnel at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everyone about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don’t do the sorts of things he does…how does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room?
    “Go and sign for Bournemouth and you’ll play every week.”
    Christensen linked to Bayern Munich
    Bayern Munich are interested in Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, according to German outlet Abendzeitung.
    Christensen is out of contract in the summer and has attracted the interest of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
    But after Bayern centre-back Niklas Sule agreed a pre-contract deal with Dortmund the German champions could make a move for Christensen.
    Chelsea have been keen to keep the Dane but so far he has not shown any signs of penning a new deal.
    Milner to extend Liverpool stay
    Liverpool are gearing up for another round of contract talks after Jurgen Klopp ruled out retirement for Reds general James Milner.
    Liverpool have plans afoot to offer Milner a new contract which would see the midfielder enter his 20th season as a professional, and rule out the possibility of retirement.
    In Klopp’s words, there is “no chance” the veteran hangs up his boots just yet.
    He said: “Talks will happen with Milly. We will see.
    “There is no chance he will retire next year. He is desperate to play on. I understand that. Life after football is much longer than your career so it makes sense to extend playing as long as you can, it is better than other things.
    “Milly will be fine after his career as well but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely.”
    Man City favourites for Haaland
    Manchester City are increasingly confident about signing Erling Haaland this summer.
    The Premier League champions believe they are in pole position to beat off competition from fellow European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
    City are ready to pay the £63million release clause in Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund contract, plus a further £35m in commissions to agent Mino Raiola and others.
    That combined initial cost of nearly £100m, plus the Norway striker’s demands for a net annual salary of £30m, puts the deal out of reach for all but the richest clubs.
    Real Madrid’s No1 summer target is PSG frontman Kylian Mbappe. If the Spanish side managed to strike that deal then PSG would be very much in the market for a high-profile replacement in the shape of Haaland.
    Liverpool to hijack Spurs again?
    Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer to Franck Kessie, who is also wanted by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, according to Sport.
    The 25-year-old central midfielder is out of contact at Milan at the end of the season.
    Barcelona are also keen on Kessie, according to Sport, who have added that Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici wanted to sign him for Juventus and is now prioritising bringing him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    However, Liverpool are reportedly a big threat from the Premier League to Tottenham for Kessie.
    Marca reported this week that Liverpool are keen on signing the Ivory Coast international central midfielder on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
    Chelsea rival Newcastle for Webster
    Newcastle United face a battle with Chelsea for the signature of Brighton defender Adam Webster, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror.
    The Magpies signed Dan Burn from Brighton last month, having failed in a bid for Webster.
    Newcastle continue to monitor Webster but Chelsea are also now said to be interested in signing the defender.
    The Blues could lose Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for nothing in the summer, so the club is targeting potential replacements.
    West Ham chase Youri Tielemans
    West Ham United are eyeing an audacious move for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans amid question marks over his future with the Foxes.
    That’s according to 90Min, who claim that West Ham are keen on luring Tielemans to East London at the end of the season.
    It’s stated that Tielemans isn’t interested in renewing his contract with Leicester and his representatives are making that stance clear.
    Cavani to leave in summer
    Edinson Cavani is eyeing a free transfer to LaLiga in the summer as he looks set to leave Manchester United.
    The Uruguayan striker’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
    According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, he is not expected to sign a renewal to stay on in the North-West.
    Instead, the report adds Cavani would prefer a switch to Spain.
    Good morning all football fans
    Chelsea have been crowned as Club World Cup champions after a 2-1 win against Brazilian side Palmeiras.
    Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock with a fine header, before Raphael Veiga equalised from the penalty spot.
    And with the game heading for penalties after no goals in extra-time, the Blues were awarded a spot-kick in the 177th minute after Juan handled Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot.
    Up stepped Kai Havertz – match-winner from the Champions League final over Manchester City – to tuck home into the bottom left corner.
    The victory means that Chelsea have now won every major trophy there is to win at club level.
    In other news, Tottenham have reportedly hijacked Barcelona’s move for Franck Kessie by tabling a ‘powerful offer’ for the AC Milan midfielder.
    Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season and was thought to have agreed terms with Barcelona over a free transfer.
    But now Spurs have put a spanner in the works with an offer of their own, according to Sport.
    Meanwhile, Birmingham fans lobbed TENNIS BALLS onto the pitch in protest against the club’s owners.
    The Blues welcomed Luton Town to St Andrew’s for the Championship clash on Saturday.
    And players and stewards were left with a first-half clean-up job as supporters threw tennis balls from the stands.
    And finally, Reading fans stormed onto the Madejski pitch following their 3-2 loss against Coventry to leave them two points above the relegation zone.
    It was the Royals’ seventh Championship defeat in a row and supporters made their feelings known towards boss Veljko Paunovic.
    A section of supporters raced onto the pitch as the club’s 150th anniversary game turned into a nightmare.
    Inside Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations
    Chelsea celebrated their Club World Cup triumph with injured team-mates – and some dodgy dancing.
    The Blues dispatched cup rivals Palmeiras with a Kai Havertz penalty in extra-time.
    Victory at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium saw Chelsea clinch the one trophy that had evaded them in the Roman Abramovich era.
    And it sparked jubilant scenes among their stars on the field and those who were still in the treatment room.
    England’s flying full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been long-term absentees for boss Thomas Tuchel.
    But they were able to join the squad in the Middle East to cheer on their mates.
    And the pair were among the chief cheerleaders in the changing room once the trophy was secured.
    Read more HERE.

    Maguire’s pace worries Owen
    Former Man Utd striker Michael Owen has spoke of his fear that Harry Maguire’s lack of pace is a real problem for the club.
    Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Southampton, Owen told Premier League Productions: “I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing.
    “He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Armando Broja). Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.
    “But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.
    “His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. The goal, he could have been squeezing up but he’s petrified of that space in behind.”
    Merson blasts Arsenal’s contract policy
    Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to focus on securing the futures of their young stars like Buyako Saka instead of on older players like Alexandre Lacazette.
    Merson said to the Daily Star: “Arsenal have young players who have come through the ranks and are getting paid next to nothing compared to him.
    “They are the ones the club needs to be sorting out.
    “It’s an absolute joke. Arsenal have got to tie these kids down. Give THEM the money.
    “It’s players like Saka who need new contracts. Not players like Lacazette.”
    Have it your way
    Kai Havertz once again proved to be the hero as his 117th-minute penalty crowned Chelsea champions of the world.
    The 22-year-old German held his nerve at the death in the 2-1 Club World Cup win over Palmeiras.
    The game then looked to be heading for penalties, only for Cesar Azpilicueta’s effort to be handled by defender Luan.
    With Jorginho on the bench and Lukaku already substituted, Havertz stepped up to take the crucial kick.
    And he said: “I was the third penalty taker but I was the only one left on the pitch.
    “My team-mates gave me trust. I dreamed always as a kid of this. This is an amazing feeling for me.”
    De light of the show
    Man United star Donny van de Beek was the star of the show on his debut for loan side Everton in their win over Leeds.
    According to planetfootball, The Dutch ace passed with precision and achieved an accuracy rate of 89.5%.
    He also won three aerial duels against The Whites, which was highest out of anyone on the pitch.
    De Beek’s defensive talents were also on show and he recorded the most tackles during the Premier League clash with four successful challenges.
    The 24-year-old rounded off his robust display by winning the most possession in the middle of the pitch on six occassions.
    Grealish’s injury scare
    Jack Grealish could be out of action for at least a MONTH after sustaining an injury during training this week.
    The 26-year-old star was not in the squad for Man City’s fixture against Norwich on Saturday.
    In his pre-match interview prior to City’s 4-0 win, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Grealish was unavailable due to the injury.
    He said: “Jack Grealish is injured.
    “He has the same problem that he had last season with Villa.
    “He trained after the game against Brentford, we did a test but he was not ready today, but hopefully [he will be ready] next Tuesday.”

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    John Ryder vs Daniel Jacobs LIVE RESULTS: Updates from big night of boxing at Ally Pally – Stream, TV channel, latest

    JOHN RYDER finds himself one fight away from a world title shot against Canelo Alvarez, but he must first overcome former champ himself Daniel Jacobs.American Jacobs has already faced big names like Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, but looks to be coming toward the twilight of his career.
    Elsewhere on the card, Johnny Fisher, Felix Cash, Ellie Scotty and Hopey Price are all in action.

    Start time: 7pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: DAZN UK

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Cash vs Madiev – Round 2
    Big left hand sends Cash hurtling to the floor.
    But Tony Sims’ fighter gets straight back up and back to business before finishing the fight strongly.
    Huge flurry of punches between both to end the round.
    Cash vs Madiev is up next
    Big middleweight fight coming next…
    “This is the time now; I can’t have any more slip-ups and I can’t have any more time off. I’m training hard and I’m staying around the corner from the gym,” Cash said.
    “I’m in the gym every single day and I just can’t wait now. It will be a big night for me and it will be one of the sweetest wins of my career after what I’ve been through.
    “I’ve won the Commonwealth, won the British, get the European and that’s three of the major belts as a British fighter.
    “The next step from there is a World Title so I definitely think I’m capable of beating Matteo Signani.
    “I need to make sure I perform well and put a good performance on this Saturday. If I could get Signani next around April or May then that would be ideal.”
    Scotney vs Guanini
    Bombs away here as Ellie Scotney fights for her first title at the Ally Pally.

    Ally Pally plays host tonight
    Here are the settings ahead of a big night of boxing in London…
    Credit: PA
    The Romford Bull is back
    Armed with 2,500 fans tonight, Johnny Fisher and his family are set to stage a huge takeover at the Alexandra Palace.

    Eddie Hearn has his say
    “For Danny Jacobs, it’s must win,” said Hearn.
    “If he loses in London to John Ryder, I think that’s the end of his career.”
    “Danny Jacobs’ performance against Rosado was under par but Danny Jacobs is an elite super middleweight.
    “He’s a world-class fighter and he’ll be looking to make a big statement. John Ryder will need to produce the performance of his career to beat Daniel Jacobs.”
    Credit: AP
    Jacobs’ last five fights
    A former world champion, Jacobs has been in the ring with the elite names in boxing, including Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
    Now in the twilight of his career, Jacobs is seeking one last big world title run at 168lbs.

    Jacobs BEAT Gabe Rosado SD12 – Nov 2020
    Jacobs BEAT Julio Cesar Chaves RTD5 – Dec 2019
    Jacobs LOST to Canelo Alvarez UD12 – May 4, 201
    Jacobs BEAT Sergiy Derevyanchenko SD12 – Oct 27, 2018
    Jacobs BEAT Maciej Sulecki UD12 – Apr 2018

    Credit: Reuters
    Ryder’s last five fights
    John Ryder has had an up and down career and even aruagably beat Callum Smith when the two fought in 2019.
    Under the tutelage of Tony Sims, Ryder’s career has progressed and he’s now looking to land a title shot against Canelo Alvarez.

    Ryder BEAT Jozef Jurko TKO 5 – Sept 10, 2021
    Ryder BEAT Mike Guy UD10 – Dec 18, 2020
    Ryder LOST to Callum Smith UD12 – Nov 23, 2019
    Ryder BEAT Bilal Akkawy TKO3 – May 4, 2019Ryder BEAT Andrey Sirotkin KO7 – Oct 27, 2018

    Credit: Reuters
    What have they said?
    Jacobs: “I’m super excited to be returning to the ring. It has always been a dream of mine to fight in London as a professional, and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of a great crowd. I’m putting my best foot forward.”
    Ryder: “This is the fight I need to really bring the best out in me.
    “Jacobs is a great fighter but he has had his time and now it’s my time to shine! My dreams are at stake and destiny awaits. It’s time to get right back to where I need to be.”
    Jacobs vs Ryder weigh-in
    Both men hit just below the super-middleweight mark for their WBA eliminator later tonight.

    Jacobs weighed in at 166.9lbs
    Ryder weighed in at 167lbs

    Credit: Mark Robinson
    Eddie Hearn has his say
    “For Danny Jacobs, it’s must win,” said Hearn.
    “If he loses in London to John Ryder, I think that’s the end of his career.”
    “Danny Jacobs’ performance against Rosado was under par but Danny Jacobs is an elite super middleweight.
    “He’s a world-class fighter and he’ll be looking to make a big statement. John Ryder will need to produce the performance of his career to beat Daniel Jacobs.”
    Credit: AP
    Jacobs vs Ryder full card
    Ammo Williams is currently on deck and piecing up his opponent in the process.
    Here’s the rest of the night’s action…

    John Ryder vs Daniel Jacobs
    Johnny Fisher vs Gabriel Enguema
    Ellie Scotney vs Jorgelina Guanini
    Felix Cash vs Magomed Madiev

    How can I watch?

    Jacobs vs Ryder will be shown live on DAZN in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the DAZN app, which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.
    A DAZN subscription will set you back £7.99 a month.

    Good evening!
    Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of John Ryder vs Daniel Jacobs from the Ally Pally in London!
    You read that right, boxing is back at the Alexandra Palace for the first time since Tony Bellew’s clash with Edson Miranda back in 2012.
    Tonight, super-middleweight contenders Ryder and Jacobs fight for the chance to become Canelo Alvarez’s WBA mandatory in what should be a barn-burner of a bout.
    Elsewhere on the card, Felix Cash is back in action against highly-rated Russian Magomed Madiev, while Ellie Scotney challenges for her first title under the guidance of Shane McGuigan.
    Big ticket-seller and exciting heavyweight prospect Johnny Fisher is also on the card, as is Dave Coldwell’s super-bantam charge Hopey Price.
    So strap yourselves in and soak up the atmosphere through my words – a big night of boxing awaits.
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    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras LIVE RESULT: Havertz penalty wins Club World Cup final for Blues after extra time

    CHELSEA are into extra time as they look to win a trophy that has eluded their cabinet against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final.Romelu Lukaku has netted a second half header to break the Brazilians’ stubborn resistance.
    But Thiago Silva handballed to give the Brazilians a penalty, which was converted by Bruno Veiga.
    However, Chelsea got a penalty of their own after a Palmeiras handball late in extra time, which Kai Havertz converted.
    And there was still time for Luan, who gave away the penalty, to be sent off for a last man tackle on Havertz.
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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    That’s all from Abu Dhabi!
    Chelsea have won the Club World Cup title, the one trophy they were missing.
    The Blues beat Palmeiras in the final at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium during extra-time.
    The west Londoners opened the scoring with a header by Romelu Lukaku, who met a brilliant cross by Callum Hudson-Odoi from the left on 55 minutes.
    But Thiago Silva handed the ball inside his own area soon after and the referee awarded the Copa Libertadores winners a spot-kick after checking with the VAR operator.
    Raphael Veiga beat Edouard Mendy from the spot and equalised for Palmeiras in the 64th minute.
    The game went to extra time and this time it was Chelsea who got a penalty.
    Palmeiras ace Luan handed the ball and the referee pointed at the spot after checking with VAR.
    Kai Havertz beat Weverton on 117 minutes and completed his team’s historic triumph.
    Chelsea lost Mason Mount to injury in the first half and the Alviverde saw Luan get a red card after fouling Havertz from behind during stoppage time on extra-time
    GETTY IMAGES
    Campeones, campeones, campeones
    Chelsea have officially won it all!
    The Blues became world champions in Abu Dhabi after beating Palmeiras 2-1.
    Cezar Azpilicueta raised the trophy in the air, 10 years after missing out with the previous Champions League-winning side.
    The west Londoners are taking it all in!
    GETTY IMAGES
    GETTY IMAGES
    GETTY IMAGES
    Thomas Tuchel reacts
    Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insists there is still more things to win for his club.
    Tuchel told Channel 4: “In the end if you score late, you need luck but we were relentless, we did not stop trying.
    “We took the effort and we didn’t give up. The penalty does not look nervous but of course he was nervous, he knows what was at stake. I am happy for him.
    “I am a part in it, and I am happy to have the chance. We said in the dressing room what an opportunity, everyone is jealous to play a game like this, and as boys we all dream to have finals like this.
    “We wanted to play with no regrets, and there’s still things to win and it never stops”
    GETTY IMAGES
    Kai Havertz reacts
    Chelsea star Kai Havertz admitted he was nervous before taking the game-deciding penalty on.
    Havertz told Channel 4: “Amazing, champions of Europe, now champions of the world, an incredible feeling.
    “I was nervous, it was as a big penalty. It was good that I kept my nerve and I was very happy.
    “I think I was third penalty taker, Jorginho and Rom [Romelu Lukaku] were out.
    “The rest of the players gave me their trust, I dreamed always of of this, an amazing feeling. I am thankful for everyone, my family, my girlfriend, it’s all for them”
    GETTY IMAGES
    Luk at that
    Kai Havertz scored the winner for Chelsea but Romelu Lukaku also made quite a statement.
    Lukaku is officially the Blues’ top scorer across all competitions this season.
    The striker netted his 10th cracker this term, before he was later subbed off.
    More below:

    History ma-Kai-er
    Chelsea star Kai Havertz led his team to their first ever Club World Cup trophy.
    Havertz made history as he also became the first player to score the winner in both the Champions League and subsequent World Cup Final since 2011.
    Not since Paris Saint-Germain superstar and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has anyone been able to achieve this!
    More below:

    Stats
    Chelsea dominated a whopping 70.4 per cent of possession throughout the entire match.
    The Blues registered a total of 20 shots, but only three of them were on target.
    Palmeiras, on the other hand, recorded 11 shots, three of which were on target.
    The referee showed four yellow cards, one for Chelsea, and one red card for Luan – but all of them came out during extra time
    FT: Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    Chelsea have won the Club World Cup title, the one trophy that has always eluded them!
    The Blues beat Palmeiras in the final at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on extra-time.
    The west Londoners opened the scoring with a thunderous header by Romelu Lukaku, who met a brilliant cross by Callum Hudson-Odoi from the left on 55 minutes.
    But Thiago Silva handed the ball inside his own area soon after and the referee awarded the Copa Libertadores winners a penalty after checking with the VAR operator.
    Raphael Veiga beat Edouard Mendy from the spot and equalised for Palmeiras after 64 minutes.
    The game went to extra time and this time it was Chelsea who earned a penalty.
    Palmeiras ace Luan handed the ball and the referee pointed at the white spot after checking with VAR.
    Kai Havertz beat Weverton on 117 minutes and completed his team’s triumph.
    Chelsea lost Mason Mount to injury in the first half and Palmeiras saw Luan get a red card after fouling Havertz from behind during stoppage time on extra-time
    GETTY IMAGES
    FT: Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    Chelsea have won the Club World Cup title!
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120+6 RED CARD
    And Luan is deemed to have fouled Havertz, which leads to a dismissal!
    Free-kick on the edge of the box for Chelsea!
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120+5 There is a VAR check going on or a possible red card.
    The referee will check the monitor for a third time.
    Luan tackled Havertz from behind while the Chelsea star was in good posititon to score
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120+2 We forgot to mention that Havertz got a yellow card also.
    The Chelsea star was booked on 118 minutes
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120+1 YELLOW CARD
    Palmeiras manager Ferreira is booked for protesting
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120 Three more minutes of stoppage time to go.
    Palmeiras are complaining as Silva is still receiving treatment
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    120 Game is paused as Silva has picked up a head injury.
    The Chelsea star went for the ball with Gomez
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    118 SUBSTITUTION
    Palmeiras manager Ferreira makes one last move as Deyverson replaces Rocha
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    117 Perfect penalty kick by Havertz!
    The Chelsea star sends the ball to the bottom right corner and Weverton on the other side!
    That may be it for the Blues!
    Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
    GOAL!
    And Havertz scores!!!
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    117 Havertz will take the penalty kick!
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    116 YELLOW CARD
    Palmeiras ace Atuesta is also booked for protesting
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    116 YELLOW CARD
    Palmeiras ace Luan is booked for his hand ball
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    115 PENALTY!
    Chelsea get a penalty after Luan’s handball!
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    115 Referee is checking with VAR as Luan appears to have handed the ball.
    What is the decision?
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    114 PENALTY APPEAL!
    Chelsea are complaining for a handball inside Palmeiras’ area.
    And there will be a VAR check!
    Chelsea 1-1 Palmeiras
    113 Palmeiras have been unable to produce anything.
    It’s obvious they are trying to hang on for penalties
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    Is Chelsea vs Palmeiras on TV? Channel, live stream FREE, team news as Mendy STARTS Club World Cup final

    CHELSEA will finally look to win the trophy that has eluded their trophy cabinet as they take on Palmeiras today in the Club World Cup final.The two sides will meet in Abu Dhabi, where Chelsea beat Al-Hilal in the semis on Wednesday, and Palmeiras overcame Al Ahly.

    Start time: 4.30pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: Channel 4/All 4
    Chelsea XI: Mendy, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi, Mount, Lukaku, Havertz
    Palmeiras XI: Weverton; Rocha, Gomez, Luan, Piquerez; Danilo, Ze Rafael; Dudu, Veiga, Scarpa; Rony

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    How did we get here?
    Chelsea made it this far after winning the Champions League last season thanks to a 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in the final with Kai Havertz’s winner.
    The Blues then defeated Europa League holders Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup on penalties to punch their ticket to the Club World Cup.
    The west Londoners made it to the final by beating Al-Hilal 1-0 in their semi-final with Romelu Lukaku’s winner.
    Palmeiras, on the other hand, became the first team to retain the Copa Libertadores trophy since 2001 last season.
    The Alviverde defeated fellow Brazilian giants Flamengo 2-1 in a dramatic final following Deyverson’s extra-time winner.
    Abel Ferreira’s men then overcame Al Ahly with a score of 2-0 thanks to Raphael Veiga and Dudu’s goals
    GETTY IMAGES
    Returning to the Tuch-line
    Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel looks ready to return to the dugout after a recent bout with coronavirus.
    Tuchel returned a negative COVID-19 test yesterday and that allowed him to fly to Abu Dhabi for the final.
    The Blues’ first-team coach Zsolt Low presided during the German’s absence against Al-Hilal.
    And it looks like the 48-year-old tactician will take charge during the Club World Cup Final
    Thomas Tuchel arrives in Abu Dhabi ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup final vs Palmeiras after missing semi with Covid
    Palmeiras formation
    Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira appears to have chosen a 4-2-3-1 formation against Chelsea.
    Weverton starts between the sticks with Marcos Rocha at right-back and Joaquin Piquerez on the other side, while Luan and captain Gustavo Gomez team up at centre-back.
    Danilo and Ze Rafael team up in midfield, with Raphael Veiga at No10.
    Dudu covers the right flank with Gustavo Scarpa on the other side, while Rony leads the attack
    Chelsea formation
    Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel appears to have opted for his usual 3-4-2-1 formation against Palmeiras.
    Edouard Mendy returns in goal with Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger in defence.
    Captain Cezar Azpilicueta plays at right wing-back with Callum Hudson-Odoi on the other side, while N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic team up in midfield.
    Mason Mount and Kai Havertz play behind Romelu Lukaku, who leads the attack
    Palmeiras subs
    5 Kuscevic, 6 Jorge, 11 Wesley, 12 Mayke, 16 Deyverson, 19 Lopes, 20 Atuesta, 26 Cerqueira, 29 Navarro, 30 Jailson, 31 Mateus, 42 Lomba
    Chelsea subs
    1 Kepa, 13 Bettinelli, 3 Alonso, 14 Chalobah, 31 Sarr, 5 Jorginho, 17 Saul, 18 Barkley, 23 Kenedy, 10 Pulisic, 22 Ziyech, 11 Werner
    Chelsea XI
    16 Mendy; 4 Christensen, 6 Silva, 2 Rudiger; 28 Azpilicueta, 7 Kante, 8 Kovacic, 28 Hudson-Odoi; 19 Mount, 29 Havertz, 9 Lukaku

    Palmeiras XI
    21 Weverton, 2 Rocha, 7 Dudu, 8 Ze Rafael, 10 Rony, 13 Luan, Scarpa, 15 Gomez, 22 Piquerez, 23 Veiga, 28 Danilo

    The team sheets are in!!!
    Palmeiras stats
    Palmeiras enjoyed an impressive campaign as they finished third in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
    The Alviverde have also been enjoying a stunning record across all competitions as they are undefeated since November 21.
    Abel Ferreira’s men have won a total of seven out of their last 10 matches, they have also prevailed in four out five games this year.
    Palmeiras’ most recent loss took place at Fortaleza where they lost 1-0 with Robson’s winner
    GETTY IMAGES
    Chelsea stats
    Chelsea are third in the Premier League table with a whopping 13 points separating them from high-flyers Manchester City.
    Liverpool are ahead in second with a game in hand and four points ahead of the Blues.
    Thomas Tuchel’s men have registered 48 goals in the top flight, which is the third best return, and conceded 18, which is the third best record.
    The west Londoners have won four of their last six matches across all competitions and lost one to City last month at the Etihad
    GETTY IMAGES
    Head-to-head
    This is the first time Chelsea and Palmeiras ever face each other across all competitions.
    In fact, Abel Ferreira’s side will be the second Brazilian team the Blues ever play against throughout their history.
    The west Londoners locked horns with Corinthians in the 2012 Club World Cup Final, which they lost – more on that later.
    Palmeiras have only faced one English team in the past and that was Manchester United in the 1999 Intercontinental Cup Final, which they lost with a score of 1-0 thanks to Roy Keane’s winner
    GETTY IMAGES
    Good afternoon from Abu Dhabi
    Welcome to our live coverage of the Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and Palmeiras at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
    The Blues are going after the one major title that has been eluding them throughout their illustrious history.
    Manager Thomas Tuchel arrived in the United Arab Emirates after spending the competition’s semi-final in his home in Surrey following a positive COVID-19 test.
    First-team coach Zsolt Low presided during his absence against Al-Hilal but Tuchel is expected to come back to the dugout, provided he returns a negative coronavirus test prior to the game.
    The west Londoners have a fully-fit squad, with the exception of long-term absentees Reece James and Ben Chilwell, who are out with a hamstring and cruciate ligament injury respectively.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek picked up a knock and is also sidelined but Mason Mount came off the bench on Wednesday and could even start today
    Tuchel will have to decide whether to reinstate Edouard Mendy between the sticks following his return from a triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Senegal or maintain Kepa Arrizabalaga, who impressed in goal during the former’s absence.
    Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has a fully-fit squad at his disposal but will be missing the injured Henri
    GETTY IMAGES
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    Premier League LIVE RESULTS: Updates as Everton LEAD Leeds, Brentford, Palace and Watford in action – latest

    FRANK LAMPRD’S Everton are back in Premier League action today against Leeds at Goodison Park. Elsewhere from the 3pm games, Brentford face Crystal Palace in a London derby while Watford host Brighton.
    And later on at 5.30pm, champions Man City travel to relegation candidates Norwich.
    LIVE RESULTS:

    Everton 2-0 Leeds
    Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace
    Watford 0-1 Brighton

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Kick Off
    All three games are back underway!

    Everton 2-0 Leeds
    Watford 0-1 Brighton
    Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace

    Half Time – Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace
    A fairly even game so far.
    The best goalscoring opportunity fell to Janelt in the 39th minute – his shot from close range was blocked.
    Half Time – Watford 0-1 Brighton
    The Seagulls deservedly took the lead late in the first half with a fantastic goal from Maupay.
    The striker has now levelled Glen Murray’s record as the highest scoring Brighton player in the Premier League with 26 goals.
    Watford are still yet to score a goal under Roy Hodgson.
    Credit: Reuters
    Half Time – Everton 2-0 Leeds
    Everton fans will be very happy with that first half performance.
    The Toffees have dominated throughout and are proving to be a real threat.
    Leeds really need to turn things around in the second half if they want to get anything from this game because it doesn’t look like Everton will slow down any time soon.
    Half Time

    Everton 2-0 Leeds
    Watford 0-1 Brighton
    Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace

    Credit: Getty
    44. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL BRIGHTON!!!!!
    Maupay breaks the deadlock just before half time!
    The striker receives the ball just inside the penalty area, he takes a touch before striking with a half-volley into the corner of the goal.
    Poor defending from Watford.
    Watford 0-1 Brighton
    40. Everton 2-0 Leeds
    Everton continue to dominate and are on the hunt for a third goal.
    Gordon and Iwobi have been causing problems along both sides.
    Leeds are certainly on the back foot.
    Five minutes to go until half time.
    34. Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace
    The biggest talking point of the game so far has been a controversial penalty decision.
    A cross was sent into the Crystal Palace penalty area but Guehi appeared to make contact with his hand.
    The referee denied Brentford’s penalty claims due to a foul in the build-up.
    Credit: Reuters
    23. GOOOAAAAALLLLLL EVERTON!!!
    Keane doubles the lead!
    Gordon sends a corner into the box, it finds Keane who rises above the Leeds defence before heading the ball past Meslier and into the goal.
    Everton 2-0 Leeds
    23. Watford 0-0 Brighton
    Brighton have dominated the game so far.
    Maupay and Gross have had some good opportunities to break the deadlock, but the score is still level.
    19. Everton 1-0 Leeds
    Stuart Dallas was forced off with an injury in the early stages of the game.
    He has been replaced by Leo Hjelde.
    10. GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL EVERTON!!!!!!
    Coleman puts the Toffees ahead with a header from close range!
    What a start!
    Everton 1-0 Leeds
    Kick Off
    All three games are underway!
    Southampton hold Man Utd to a point
    The Red Devils dropped points again after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton.
    Jadon Sancho’s first-half goal was cancelled out by a Che Adams equaliser just after half time.
    It marked Man Utd’s third 1-1 draw in three games.
    Credit: Getty
    Welcome to Watford, Roy!
    Roy Hodgson takes charge of Watford for the first time at Vicarage Road today.
    The 74-year old has not had the best start at the Hornets, with a defeat to West Ham on Tuesday and a 0-0 draw with Burnley last weekend.
    Watford will need to get at least a point from this game to help in their fight for Premier League survival.
    Credit: PA
    Brighton starting line-up
    Robert Sanchez, Tariq Lamptey, Marc Cucurella, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, Neal Maupay, Pascal Gross, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Danny Welbeck, Joel Veltman.

    Watford starting line-up
    Ben Foster, Josh King, Tom Cleverley, Hassane Kamara, Moussa Sissoko, Kiko Femenia, Samir, Emmanuel Dennis, Juraj Kucka, Edo Kayembe.

    Leeds starting line-up
    Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk, Stuart Dallas, Robin Koch, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison, Rodrigo, Raphinha, Daniel James.

    Everton starting line-up
    Jordan Pickford, Jonjoe Kenny, Seamus Coleman, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Alex Iwobi, Allan, Donny Van de Beek, Anthony Gordon, Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

    Crystal Palace starting line-up
    Vicente Guaita, Joel Ward, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard, Wilfried Zaha.

    Brentford starting line-up
    David Raya, Kristoffer Ajer, Pontus Jansson, Ethan Pinnock, Sergi Canos, Vitaly Janelt, Christan Norgaard, Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa.

    Good Afternoon!
    Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of today’s 3pm fixtures in the Premier League.
    Brentford will play host to Crystal Palace.
    Everton take on Leeds at Goodison Park.
    Brighton travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.
    Leeds, Everton and Watford are all positioned towards the bottom of the table so taking some points today will be crucial.
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