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      in Soccer

      Newcastle 2-3 Tottenham LIVE RESULT: Toon beaten by Spurs as Saudi reign off to losing start – Premier League reaction

      by

      NEWCASTLE’S first game under Saudi ownership has done anything but gone to plan on a surreal afternoon on Tyneside.The new owners’ reign could hardly have started better as Callum Wilson headed the Toon in front after just two minutes, but nothing since then has followed the script.
      Spurs equalised on 17 minutes when Tanguy Ndombele fired a powerful strike into the top corner to level, before Harry Kane netted a deft chip to put Nuno’s men ahead.
      The match then had to be suspended after a fan was tended to in the stands, with the Spurs players praised for alerting the officials to the incident.
      And once the match resumed, Kane squared to Son to double the North Londoners’ advantage.
      Then to compound the home fans’ woes, Jonjo Shelvey was sent off after a second booking for hacking Sergio Reguilon down.
      An inexplicable Eric Dier own goal then gave Newcastle hope, but in reality they were well beaten on the day.
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      GOODNIGHT
      It’s been a day of differing emotions at St James’ Park, but the feeling among Newcastle fans as they make their way home is a familiar one: disappointment.
      The Toon Army are still without a win eight games into the campaign and have another 12 to get through before any of Public Investment Fund’s money can be spent on a squad overhaul.
      So a new era begins, a new manager will almost certainly follow, but it’s likely to be the same old relegation fight for Newcastle as far as this season goes.
      Tottenham, meanwhile, are up to fifth following a second consecutive win, while Harry Kane is back in the groove – and back among the goals.
      Action turns towards another North London club tomorrow as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in an all-capital affair. Be sure to join us.
      BRUCE BOWING OUT?
      Steve Bruce was unable to mark his 1000th game as a football manager with a win, and once again came in for heavy criticism from home fans towards the end of today’s home defeat.
      After the game, he faced up to the media, and explained that’ll he keep on keeping on, but the writing looks on the wall.
      “We were beaten by the better team after making a wonderful start.
      “The problems defensively that we’ve had for a while were there for all to see. Some of the defending left a lot to be desired. We huffed and puffed in the second half but never had any sustained pressure on Spurs.
      [My future] is for other people to decide. If I believed everything I read last week, I wouldn’t have been here today. Whoever you manage, if you haven’t won in seven or eight games, you become under pressure. I’ll carry on as best I can until I hear otherwise.Steve BruceSky Sports

      KANE ON THE MARK
      Harry Kane finally ended his Premier League goal drought with a well-taken goal, and then struck the right tone in his post-match interview by steering his opening question away from football to send his best wishes to the Newcastle fan taken ill inside the stadium.
      Firstly hopefully the fan who needed medical attention is going ok. Everyone at Tottenham sends their best wishes! Great away win and a good performance, time to keep this momentum going. pic.twitter.com/0JGUL2rWDJ— Harry Kane (@HKane) October 17, 2021

      NUNO DELIGHT
      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was delighted with his players for the way in which they responded after a slow start at a raucous St James’ Park.
      I think we handled [the game] well, but we didn’t start it well. We knew what was coming with what’s happening at Newcastle and the atmosphere around the club. We didn’t handle it but we reacted fast and played really good football.Nuno Espirito SantoSky Sports

      PLAYERS QUICK TO ACT
      Players from both sides have been praised for the manner in which they acted in the first half when a Newcastle supporter was taken ill in the East Stand.
      Eric Dier and Sergio Reguilon in particular have been saluted for their actions. Dier was quickly over to the dugout to ask for the defibrillator while Reguilon was responsible for making referee Andre Marriner aware of the unfolding situation.
      I heard the fans saying ‘stop, stop!’ and I saw the fan lying down, and one man [giving him CPR]. I was very nervous and I went to the referee and said ‘look at this, we cannot play, stop the match.’Sergio ReguilonSky Sports
      “I went to the referee and said ‘look at this – stop the match’.”Sergio Reguilón explains what happened during the incident during the first-half of #NEWTOT… pic.twitter.com/L9ayEFWuhx— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 17, 2021

      HOME HELP REQUIRED
      Newcastle’s soft centre was once again exposed despite taking an early lead in front of their own fans. Making St James’ Park a fortress again is another essential act for the club’s new ownership.
      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter

      CHALLENGE AHEAD
      St James Park’ was a cauldron of anticipation and excitement earlier today ahead of their first game post-takeover.
      However, under the watchful eyes of their new owners, Newcastle were well off the pace set by Tottenham Hotspur. If Public Investment Fund were under any delusions as to the rebuild in front of them, they won’t be now.
      Credit: @Squawka Twitter
      FULL TIME STATS
      One shot on target and two goals? Perhaps Newcastle’s new owners are working their magic already. Now to concentrate on a defence that gave up 14 attempts to Tottenham, and has conceded more goals than any other in the Premier League.

      FT: NEWCASTLE 2-3 SPURS
      “No noise from the Saudi boys,” sang the Tottenham travelling fans in the second half as their side paraded to an away win. The 3-2 scoreline flatters the hosts, who – the first ten minutes aside – were second best throughout in front of their new owners. The game began and ended with Newcastle finding the back of the net, but in between Spurs were razor sharp and netted through Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. Jonjo Shelvey’s sending off for two bookable offences 23 minutes after coming on as a substitute summed up the performance of Steve Bruce’s men.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FULL TIME WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
      NEWCASTLE 2-3 SPURS
      90+3. Joelinton becomes the 93rd Newcastle player to be booked this afternoon, and the 47th for the act of fouling Ndombele.
      NEWCASTLE 2-3 SPURS
      90. Four minutes are displayed on the fourth official’s board.
      Can the ten men of Newcastle rescue a most unlikely point?
      NEWCASTLE 2-3 SPURS
      89. What on earth?!
      Newcastle have a goal back with one minute of normal time remaining thanks to a bizarre own-goal from Eric Dier.
      With no home player near him, the Spurs centre-back makes a hash of defending Jacob Murphy’s deep free-kick from the right, and diverts it past Hugo Lloris with what looked like his knee.
      Newcastle haven’t looked like scoring in this second half, so the visitors have decided to help them out to set up a grandstand finish.

      OWN-GOAL!!ERIC DIER PUTS THROUGH HIS OWN NET!!
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      86. The Newcastle players react to the sending off with a slight change in shape.
      Ryan Fraser has dropped into central midfield with Allan Saint-Maximin now playing on his own up front.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      83. If Jonjo Shelvey’s first yellow card was inevitable, his second is sheer stupidity. In fact, they were both pretty daft and utterly needless.
      Chasing after Sergio Reguilon, the Newcastle substitute has no hope of getting to the ball yet still attempts the challenge from behind which, of course, brings the Spurs left-back crashing to the floor.
      Andre Marriner has no choice, and Shelvey’s 23-minute cameo is over.

      RED CARD!JONJO SHELVEY IS SENT OFF FOR A SECOND BOOKABLE OFFENCE!
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      81. Handball appeals in both areas within the matter of seconds, neither of which end in penalties being awarded.
      Tottenham certainly had more of a shout after `Ritchie again was leaping with his arm up, whereas the Newcastle claim appeared to strike Dier on the back.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      79. As certain as night following day, Jonjo Shelvey receives a yellow card,
      Not content with clambering all over the back of Ndombele, the Newcastle midfielder then clatters the calves of his Spurs counterpart from behind.
      Shelvey was part of a double substitution that also saw Jacob Murphy introduced with Callum Wilson and Joe Willock making way.

      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      78. Jonjo Shelvey gets booked.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      75. Tottenham force a succession of corners, but you get the impression that the visitors are keeping it sensible and saving themselves for greater tests ahead.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      73. Saint-Maximin often has to do it all himself so it’s no surprise to see him try as much here.
      It starts well after he bursts in off the left and past an opponent in the blink of an eye, but his resulting shot is high, wide and heading for the Tyne Bridge.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      72. In desperate need of two goals, Newcastle have been responsible for just 15% of the possession in the last ten minutes.
      I’m not sure Steve Bruce will make it to his 1001st match anytime soon.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      70. His display won’t make many headlines, but Oliver Skipp has again excelled alongside Hojbjerg in midfield.
      The youngster demonstrates great composure and some very smart positional play.
      NEWCASTLE 1-3 SPURS
      68. Another minute passes, another Newcastle player goes into the book.
      This time Isaac Hayden is the guilty party for the crime of climbing over the back of Lucas Moura – and not for the first time today.
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      in Soccer

      Newcastle vs Tottenham LIVE: Stream, TV channel, score – Kane and Ndombele turn game on head after early Wilson goal

      by

      NEWCASTLE fans are seeing their team for the first time today after the completion of their long-awaited Saudi takeover.And things could hardly have started better with Callum Wilson heading the Toon in front after just two minutes.
      But it didn’t last Spurs showed what they’re made of 15 minutes later when Tanguy Ndombele fired a powerful strike into the top corner to level.
      Then on 22 minutes, Harry Kane netted a deft chip which VAR rules was onside to put Nuno’s men ahead.
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      TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event.
      Live stream: Sky Go/Now TV
      Newcastle XI: Darlow; Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie; Hayden, S.Longstaff; Willock, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton, Wilson
      Tottenham XI: Lloris; Emerson, Dier, Romero, Reguilón; Skipp, Højbjerg, Ndombele; Lucas, Son, Kane

      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      36. Martin Tyler uses the term ‘box office’ to describe Allan Saint-Maximin.
      How do you do, fellow kids?
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      35. A slight change in shape for Newcastle with Joe Willock drifting out to the left to allow Joelinton the opportunity to roam centrally.
      How Newcastle could do with the goals of Willock’s purple patch that ended last season.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      33. Ooof! Longstaff finally picks up a yellow card.
      The Newcastle midfielder is cautioned for tripping Lucas Moura.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      31. Nearly! The Newcastle front three combine again as Joelinton slides Wilson through on goal.
      Rather than taking the opportunity on himself, the striker instead looks for a pass to Saint-Maximin at the far post, a decision that is only thwarted by some excellent defending from Reguilon.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      29. Newcastle need to summon the energy of the first ten minutes, and need the help of the crowd. This is where being the self-proclaimed best fans in the world really earns its money.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      27. This game has turned around completely, not just in scoreline but pattern of play.
      It’s now the visitors that look dangerous at every turn, this time forcing a corner off Saint-Maximin.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      25. The cameras pick out Newcastle’s new owners, Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Amanda Staveley, in the director’s box and they look a lot less enthused by the task ahead of them than they did with two minutes on the clock.
      If they think this is a topsy turvy game, wait until they’re in the Championship.
      NEWCASTLE 1-2 SPURS
      22. What a turnaround!
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg chips a pass over the Newcastle defence for Harry Kane to latch on to, and expertly lob over the approaching Karl Darlow.
      However, no sooner had the ball hit the back of the net, Kane’s huge smile turned to a wry one as he noticed the linesman’s flag.
      The video officials take charge of the situation, and soon realise that the Tottenham striker had been played onside by Javier Manquillo on the far side.
      The news filters through to Andre Marriner on the pitch, the goal is awarded and finally the visitors are able to celebrate.
      GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!TOTTENHAM LEAD!!AND HARRY KANE HAS HIS GOAL!!
      NEWCASTLE 1-1 SPURS
      20. Lascelles gets his head on a corner in pursuit of restoring Newcastle’s lead, but his effort whistles over.
      NEWCASTLE 1-1 SPURS
      17. Spurs do punish Newcastle as soon as the intensity drops off!
      Harry Kane and Sergio Reguilon combine on the left with the Spaniard finding the room attack down the flank.
      He picks out the run of Tanguy Ndomeble through the middle, who responds with some lovely close control as he faces up to Jamaal Lascelles.
      With the Newcastle captain backing off, the French midfielder moves in and plants a delicious curler into the far corner past a flat-footed Karl Darlow.
      All square!
      GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!A SUPER TANGUY NDOMBELE EQUALISER!!
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      15. Newcastle take the opportunity to sit back after their electric opening – and Spurs sense their chance.
      Ndombele brings play forward and opens up the home defence with a slick pass into the path of Lucas Moura. The Brazilian looks up, sees a number of teammates awaiting his cross, and promptly overhits the ball out of play for a Newcastle throw-in.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      13. The visitors finally get themselves forward. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was an unlikely goalscorer last weekend, and he fancies his changes again here.
      The midfielder’s long range drive is straight at Darlow, and easily gathered by the Newcastle goalkeeper.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      11. Just two touches for Harry Kane in the opening 11 minutes. The striker’s anonymity is becoming a regular concern.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      9. It’s been a slow start from Spurs, and they’re almost caught cold again.
      Wilson’s delivery into the box is met by Clark, up from the back. The Irish defender’s header loops over the crossbar.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      8. Another heavy challenge, this time from Hayden on Ndombele. The midfielder can count himself fortunate to avoid a booking from Andre Marriner.
      The Newcastle players may have to curb the eagerness from some parts of their game.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      6. The home side pour forward with intent once again. Joelinton makes the running, but this time he’s unable to get his pass to Saint-Maximin inside the area.
      It’s like watching a different club already.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      4. The Newcastle players are full of renewed enthusiasm, a little too much in Sean Longstaff’s case.
      He races full pelt and catches Cristian Romero with a late challenge that leaves the Spurs defender in a heap.
      NEWCASTLE 1-0 SPURS
      The Newcastle revolution begins!
      There are just 107 seconds on the clock when Callum Wilson stoops to blitz a header past Hugo Lloris and send St James’ Park into raptures.
      It’s a slick move from the hosts, one that sees Joelinton come in off the left and find Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman bides his time, and then plays in the overlapping Javier Manquillo on the right.
      The full-back’s first time cross is full of pace and perfect for the arriving Wilson to meet with power.
      A dream start for the club’s new owners!
      GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!CALLUM WILSON SCORES!! WHAT A START!!
      NEWCASTLE 0-0 SPURS
      1. Can Tottenham poop the party? It’s the Londoners that get the action underway, wearing a light purple away kit officially described as ‘wild berry.’
      Newcastle are in their traditional black and white stripes. Get used to seeing those wherever you look over the next few years.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      It’s a deafening roar that greets the Newcastle players as they follow their opponents out on to the field.
      Black and white flags wave from the stands as the theme from Local Hero is blared out at even greater volume than usual to be heard over the home supporters.
      Tottenham haven’t had much of a look-in during this build-up, and that won’t be lost on their players and fans once the match starts.
      KICK-OFF APPROACHING
      Less than ten minutes until the action gets underway, and St James’ Park is rocking in a way that it hasn’t rocked in years.

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      in Boxing

      Savannah Marshall vs Lolita Muzeya LIVE RESULTS: Marshall scores second round TKO after Hughie Fury and Eubank Jr wins

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      SAVANNAH MARSHALL has picked up a thrilling second round TKO win over Lolita Muzeya in Newcastle.The Zambian opponent came storming out of the traps but was unable to maintain the momentum as she ended up on the end of punishing shots from the boxer from Hartlepool.
      Earlier in the night, Hughie Fury beat Christian Hammer after the Romanian retired with a bicep injury after round five.
      And Chris Eubank Jr was victorious over Wanik Awdijan after his opponent also retired, to the Brit’s frustration.
      Get all the latest updates here…
      MARSH WORDS
      Marshall is shown a video of decade-long rival Claressa Shields vowing to fight her soon.
      And after it is announced they will fight on the same Sky Sports card in December, before a grudge match in 2022, Marshall said: “What a load of crap.
      “Claressa couldn’t last two minutes with me, let alone two rounds.”
      MARSH-ALL MIGHTY
      Over the din of Sweet Caroline, the WBO middlewright queen said: “I am overwhelmed, I cannot get over this because I am still a woman in a man’s sport.
      “Everyone stayed to watch and didn’t leave early, it means the world.
      “I was told to weather the early storm after forst round and she only lasted one more.
      “She came at me like a bat put of hell but I was told to catch her shots and pick my own.
      “Anyone who just watched me celebrate by jumping on the top ropes will not recognise me – I don’t know what came over me.”
      MARSHALL WINS!
      Marshall scores with a body shots, an uppercut and crisp jabs, without leaving second gear.
      Muzeya is wild and reckless but terrifically brave and relentless.
      The Englishwoman looks so loose and relaxed but hits with such venom and force.
      And Muzeya is stopped on her feet after a barrage of ruthless punches
      MARSHALL VS MUZEYA – ROUND 1
      The Zambian challenger races across the ring and slings right hands at the WBO middleweight champion.
      But the Hartlepool ace picks her off with trademark assaults from range.
      Muzeya hurled the kitchen sink, dishwasher and cupboards at the Brit for those opening two minutes and already looks shattered.
      Marshall will be close to a finish very soon.
      EU WHAT?
      Eubank Jr says: “With everything that has happened it is good to be back home in the ring, that is my life.
      “I would have liked to have put on more of a show but the guy said I broke his ribs and he could not continue.
      “Some guys take head shots all day but nobody can take bodyshots all day.
      “He came out southpaw and I was told he was an orthodox fighter and trained for that so that was something else.
      “I am getting a big fight, a big name, a fan-friendly fight in December.”
      EUBANK WINS!
      Wanjik Awdijan annoys the Newcastle arena by quitting on his stall after five rounds.
      Eubank is angry but if he wants real competition he needs to take on more serious opponents.
      Not sure what the son of British legend Chris Sr will have learned from walking down and tagging another body-for-hire.
      Liam Williams will not be worried about their potential December clash on the basis of that showing.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 5
      Awdijan feels the fists of Eubank slash into his ribs again but remains upright and bouncing around the ring.
      Eubank is prowling for power shots and ignoring his jab.
      A couple of left hooks are whipped into Awdijan’s guts but Eubank is not a concussive puncher.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 4
      Eubank scores with a body shot and wobbles Awdijan.
      The leftie handles the pressure and ships another dig.
      The round ends with Eubank loading up and inflicting damage on the Armenia-born underdog.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 3
      Eubank pins his prey on the ropes and fires off some body shots but Awdijan copes and wriggles free.
      This is not the sort of fight or opponent Eubank needs to be making a long night of.
      Dangerous Liam Williams is rumoured to be the next opponent and the Welshman is levels above Awdijan.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 2
      Roy Jones Jr gives Eubank Jr some instructions before the second gets going.
      The Brighton man tries a screwshot uppercut with his lead left hand but it misses.
      Southpaw Awdijan is making things awkward but if the Englishman wants to land a world title shot he needs to win these warm-ups impressively.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 1
      Very cautious opener until Eubank leaps in with a left hook that Awdijan avoids.
      The Germany-based visitor goaded Eubank online in the build-up to the fight but made a very respectful start to the battle.
      Barely any punches thrown in the first but Eubank will take it after a right to the body.
      EUBANK VS AWDIJAN – ROUND 1
      This is Eubank’s first bout since the tragic death of his brother Sebastian.
      The middleweight should have boxed on October 2 but he had two opponents pulled on medical grounds.
      He did have something to smile about this week, though, when a resourceful Newcastle fan brought him a MICROWAVE to sign in the middle of the street.
      50% FURY
      The proud winner says: “I was going through the gears and the plan, I had a lot more to do and he was getting sick in there.
      “I was letting shots go and that was only 50 per cent of my potential.
      “The stoppage was coming, he was getting hit constantly, ask Hammer how good I am. I love to fight.”
      HAMMER TIME
      Sky’s MC announces Hammer was pulled out of the bout due to a bicep injury.
      Fury does not often score stoppages so that will improve his record.
      Hammer has gone the distance with some very hard men.
      FURY WINS!
      Hammer’s corner decides to pull him out at the end of the sixth round.
      The Romanian-German might be injured, shattered or just plain bored of eating jabs all night.
      The Hammer chucks in the towel before round seven begins.
      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 5
      Hammer lands an early right to grab a lead in the round.
      Fury lands a left uppercut but Hammer laughs it off again.
      Ouch! Hammer loses a point for a nasty punch on the break.
      Then the Brit steams in for revenge and rocks the visitor with a left hook
      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 4
      Fury’s left cheekbone got plenty of attention in that interval.
      Fury hits the deck but is clearly a slip after their feet got entangle and no count is given.
      Hammer then feels a right hook and an uppercut as Fury switches to southpaw.
      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 3
      Fury – who suffered a gruesome cut against Kubrat Pulev in 2018 – has a nasty mark growing under his left eye.
      The Traveller scores with a double-jab and right hook.
      Hammer charges at him like a bull ansd then Fury ends the session with a right hook landing.
      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 2
      Fury lands a three-punch combo but Hammer smiles and shakes his head.
      Then the Englishman walks the Germany-based bruiser onto an uppercut.
      Hammer swings his right hand like a drunk in a car park and misses by a couple of feet.

      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 1
      Fury the far busier fighter in the opener, patting out dozens of jabs.
      The Hammer lands with his honeyshot left hook but the Brit deals with it.
      Peter Fury tells Hughie he needs to throw more combinations in the second.
      FURY VS HAMMER – ROUND 1
      Christian Hammer does his ringwalk draped in a Romania flag, not sure if he is patriotic or cold.
      Fury glides to the Newcastle ring in a perfect white gown – almost virginal.
      Hammer was beaten by Hughie’s cousin Tyson way back in 2015, will it be repeat or revenge?

      FUR REAL
      Emotional Sky Sports promo between trainer-father Peter Fury and heavyweight charge Hughie.
      Both are usually very quiet and stoic but they share a few smiles ansd giggles discussing their bloody and business relationships.
      Can dad make his 27-year-old son a world champion?

      THE RE-TOON
      After two years out Georgia O’Connor made her pro-debut in Newcaastle tonight.
      The 21-year-old Geordie said she felt rusty but the she impressed plenty of people at super-welter.

      OLD S-COOL
      Brad Rea and Jes Smith smashed lumps out of each other for eight rounds “for nothing”.
      Not tinpot WBA interim international belt, not even a WBC franchise title.
      Just two throwback lads desperate to prove themselves in big fights…

      BANK MAN
      Chris Eubank has grown up in the boxing buiness and knows exactly what it’s like when it’s a family affair.
      The son of British ring legend Nigel is watching the YouTube generation of boxing stack cash.
      But he has a word of warning for fellow Brit fighter Tommy Fury over his planned Jake Paul bout.
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      in Soccer

      Brentford 0-1 Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Chilwell rocket the difference as Mendy saves Blues after backs to the wall display

      by

      CHELSEA have beaten Brentford after Ben Chilwell fired a rocket into the top corner on the stroke of half time.But the Bees pushed them all the way with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the post once in each half.
      Edouard Mendy was named man of the match after a string of fantastic saves to deny the hosts and give the Blues a precious point.

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      THAT’S A WRAP
      If West London derbies in the league are like that all the time, then you don’t mind waiting 74 years for them to come back around.
      The visitors were dominant in the first half, not letting Brentford get a foot hold of the game and when Ben Chilwell put Chelsea in front, it looked as if it was going to be a long evening for the Bees.
      However the last 20 minutes of the game, Thomas Frank’s men were superb.
      Brentford were all over their West London rivals, hitting the post THREE times and carving out fantastic opportunities.
      Christian Noorgaard had five shots on goal himself and he’s a defensive midfielder so that is saying something.
      However Edouard Mendy was determined to keep a clean sheet and that is exactly what the Senegalese keeper did pulling off some fantastic saves which eventually led to Chelsea leaving the Community Stadium with all three points.
      Brentford can look back at tonight’s game with their heads held high but they’ll all be wondering how not one of those chances flew into the back of the net.
      Thanks for sticking with us tonight and I hope you enjoyed that just as much as I did.

      PLAYER RATINGS
      Fancy finding out what we rated Edouard Mendy and the rest of the Chelsea squad this evening?
      CLICK HERE FOR PLAYER RATINGS

      MAN OF THE MATCH
      A special shout outs to Edouard Mendy who single (or double) handedly kept his side in front and helped Chelsea to scurry out of the Brentford Community Stadium with all three points.
      In addition to that, today’s clean sheet was the Senegalese keeper’s 20th Premier League shut out in only 38 starts and what a way to do it too.
      20 – Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy kept his 20th Premier League clean sheet in this game (38th start) – only Petr Cech (26), Pepe Reina (32), Alisson (36) and Roy Carroll (37) have needed fewer starts to reach 20 shut outs in the competition’s history. Saviour. pic.twitter.com/KT14xlFoAG— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 16, 2021

      FURIOUS FRANK
      Brentford manager Thomas Frank was proud of his team’s performance and was adamant that there was only one winner on the field today.
      But he couldn’t quite wrap his head around how not one of those countless attempts on goal hit the back of th net.
      Firstly I am very proud of our performance but if you look over the 90 minutes, there is only one deserved winner and that is us and that is by quite a large margin.
      We kept the Champions of Europe and the number one in the league to 5 shots. 5 shots the whole game, that is very impressive.
      I know they dominated a little bit more of the ball in the first half and a little bit in the beginning but in the end we were all over them and that was impressive. Thomas FrankSkySports
      FIXTURES TO COME 
      After a hard fought three points at the Community Stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s and co will be glad that their next three matches are back at Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues welcome Swedish side Malmo to the Bridge on match-day three in the Champions League as well as Southampton in the Carabao Cup for a place in the quarter-finals.
      But in between those games, Chelsea take on struggling side Norwich in the Premier League which is a match most will expect the Blues to win.

      UP NEXT 
      The Bees need to dust themselves off and go again next weekend because they welcome 2015/16 Premier League winners Leicester to the Community Stadium who will be coming into that game off the back of a huge 4-2 win over Manchester United.
      They then travel to Stoke in the Carabao Cup round of 16 before taking on Burnley, Norwich and the club who now have the richest owners in world football, Newcastle United.

      REFRESHED TABLE
      Thomas Tuchel will be delighted that it’s not a cup game and a league encounter instead because those were three HUGE points that have taken his side back to the top of the table.
      As for Brentford, they remain in 7th but they can’t afford to go on a winless run otherwise they will start slipping down the table.
      Credit: Premierleague.com
      TUCHEL’S THOUGHTS
      The Chelsea gaffer gave away his insight to how the game went where he mentioned that the last 20 minutes was similar to a cup game and I couldn’t agree more.
      Well in the end, the last 20 minutes was suddenly a cup game and they had nothing to lose.
      They found the belief, they found the momentum with spectators and the crowd and suddenly it feels like we have one player less on the field.
      They played with the energy like in a cup game.
      Thomas TuchelSkySports
      SEVEN HEAVEN
      The Blues are the first club from London to win seven consecutive away derbies in English football history.
      London is certainly blue.

      FULL 90 STATS
      Chelsea still had more possession and passes overall but the pressure Brentford were inflicting on the Blues was immense and you could see that through the shot count.
      Thomas Frank’s side just couldn’t get the ball over the line.

      FULL TIME
      Fantastic efforts from Brentford but unfortunately, Chelsea still hold the West London derby crown for now.

      GOBSMACKED GARY
      Even Gary Linekar is couldn’t work out how Brentford weren’t on the score-sheet tonight.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      I WAS WRONG!
      THERE’S NO TIME LEFT BECAUSE THE REF BLOWS FOR THE FINAL WHISTLE!
      A HARD FOUGHT THREE POINTS FOR CHELSEA!
      BUT HOW BRENTFORD DIDN’T SCORE A GOAL I WILL NEVER KNOW!
      FT: BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      90+4. N’Golo Kante gets it clear but there should be a little more time for Brentford to come knocking one more time.

      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      90+3. Reece James is bringing out the old injury trick to take the sting out of the game.
      But Chelsea have to still face a long throw without the defender.
      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      90+2. MY WORD MENDY YET AGAIN! RIGHT ON CUE!
      Gary Neville just awarded the Chelsea keeper with the man of the match award and 30 seconds later he denies Christian Noorgard a bicycle kick goal from point blank range.
      How that never went I don’t know.
      Brentford have done everything but scored a goal tonight.
      Brentford (1.88) 0-1 (0.28) Chelsea— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) October 16, 2021

      ON THE MEND
      Eduouard Mendy keeping Chelsea’s noses in front with not one but two big saves.

      FOUR MINUTES OF ADDED TIME!
      CAN BRENTFORD GRAB THE EQUALISER?!
      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      87. Brentford have been brilliant in the last 10 minutes forcing Thomas Tuchel into making a substituion at the back.

      Cesar Azpilicueta – OFF
      Reece James – ON

      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      84. MENDY AGAIN! WOW WHAT A KEEPER!
      He didn’t know too much about this one as Mathias Jensen’s strike smashed him right in the face.
      The Senegalese keeper has been so brave and he could be the difference between three points and a point here at the Community Stadium.
      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      81. HUGE SAVE FROM MENDY!
      Saman Ghoddos who has just stepped onto the field went one-on-one with the Chelsea keeper but the Senegalese stayed big and denied the substitute of an equaliser.
      TOUCHLINE THEATRICS
      Thomas Tuchel is going crazy on the touchline.
      What would you guys name this perfomance?

      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      78. Brentford have really come alive this second half and the stats are their to prove it.
      They have had five attempts on goal to Chelsea’s one but they need to make this pressure count because the visitors are more than capable enough to put this game to bed.
      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      77. Thomas Tuchel is reacting quickly to how things are progressing in this game and has decided to make a change.

      Romelu Lukau – OFF
      Kai Havertz – ON

      BRENTFORD 0-1 CHELSEA
      75. Chalobah Chalobah Chalobah.
      The Chelsea defender got let off the hook a second time in the game because he fouled Ivan Toney in the box and it was a stone wall penalty.
      However, Toney was offisde in the run of play so the flag went up.
      The Brentford striker is giving Chalobah a torrid time in this second half.
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      Brentford vs Chelsea LIVE: Stream, TV channel, teams, kick-off time – Loftus-Cheek and Sarr start in Premier League

      by

      CHELSEA have named a changed side for a big West London derby with Brentford.Intriguingly, Thomas Tuchel has decided to hand Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Malang Sarr their first league starts of the season.
      Brentford meanwhile are looking to continue their fantastic form.

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      Brentford vs Chelsea kicks off at 5.30pm UK time.
      Brentford vs Chelsea is live on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      Brentford XI: Raya, Zanka, Jansson, Pinnock, Canos, Jensen, Norgaard, Onyeka, Henry, Mbeumo, Toney
      Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Christensen, Sarr, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Chilwell, Werner, Loftus-Cheek, Lukaku

      THOMAS’ THOUGHTS
      Despite Brentford beating the likes of Arsenal, Wolves and West Ham as well as holding Liverpool to a draw, coming up against the current Champions of Europe in my eyes is their toughest test to date and Thomas Frank seems to agree.
      But not only does the Bees coach think it will be a huge test, Frank oddly believes that it will be funny too.
      As far as I know, they won the Champions League last year. I also can look at the table and I think they’re number one so they are one of the biggest favourites to win the title this year so it’s going to be a huge task and quite interesting and funny whatever you say.
      When we won our promotion in the play-off final, they won the Champions League, I think that’s a very picture of a difference between the two clubs.Thomas Frank brentfordfc.com
      TAYLOR MADE 
      With the first elevens and substitutes announced, it’s only fair that I give the man in the middle his own section too.
      Today’s referee is none other than Anthony Taylor and to keep it as respectful as possible, Chelsea fans are not happy.
      The 42-year-old has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2013 and has been in charge of many fixtures including FA Cup semi-finals and finals.
      It’s fair to say that Taylor has made some controversial decisions in his career and one of those decisions came in a fixture between Chelsea and Liverpool where Blues defender Reece James was sent off for blocking a potential goal scoring opportunity with his arm.
      Following the game, Chelsea fans launched a petition which was reportedly signed by 80,000 people for the Englishman to never referee a game involving Chelsea again.
      Well here we are, almost six weeks later and Taylor is set to dictate another match with Chelsea in the mix; things just got spicy.
      TUCHEL IS IN TOWN
      The town is only big enough for one Thomas and Thomas Tuchel will want to prove that he is number one.

      CHELSEA BENCH
      1 Kepa Arrizabalaga, 3 Alonso, 5 Jorginho, 17 Saul, 18 Barkley, 19 Mount, 20 Callum Hudson-Odoi, 24 James, 29 Havertz
      That is one strong bench.
      CHELSEA XI
      Thomas Tuchel has so much talent at his disposal so it is a surprise to see that the German hasn’t made wholesale changes from the side who swept the floor with Southampton before the international break.
      However, two players who he probably would have wanted in the first eleven are Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva but the pair are absent due to international duty issues so in steps Malang Sarr and Christensen.
      The only other change is N’Golo Kante slots into midfield meaning that English youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi drops to the bench.
      Everyone else keeps their spot in the starting line-up.
      (3-5-2): 16 Mendy, 14 Chalobah, 4 Christensen, 31 Sarr, 28 Azpilicueta; 12 Loftus-Cheek, 7 Kante, 8 Kovacic, 21 Chilwell; 9 Lukaku, 11 Werner

      BRENTFORD BENCH
      40 Fernandez, 2 Thompson, 4 Goode, 9 Forss, 14 Ghoddos,  20 Ajer, 28 Bidstrup, 30 Roerslev, Maghoma
      BRENTFORD XI
      The Bees head coach has fielded the exact same starting line-up as the side who earned a hard fought victory against West Ham a couple of weeks ago.
      Mathias Zanka, Pontus Jensson and Ethan Pinnock make up the back three.
      Thomas Frank has stuck with the midfield five of Sergi Canos, Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Frank Onyeka and Rico Henry.
      Which leaves Bryan Mbeumo and Championship top goal scorer record holder Ivan Toney to cause trouble to the Chelsea defence.
      (3-5-2): 1 Raya; 22 Mathias Zanka, 18 Jansson, 5 Pinnock; 7 Canos, 8 Mathias Jensen, 6 Norgaard, 15 Onyeka, 3 Henry; 19 Mbeumo, 17 Toney

      IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN FOLKS!
      THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!
      CRUNCH TIME AT THE COMMUNITY 
      When they say don’t judge a book by its cover, it’s true.
      Brentford Community Stadium only opened for business on the 1st September 2020 and its capacity of 17,250 makes it officially the smallest football stadium in the Premier League.
      However, when big boys such as Chelsea step onto their field, I have no doubt that the tightly knitted seating arrangements, are going to give the Community Stadium an atmosphere comparable to a sold out Wembley Arena.
      The stadium is so great that Brentford Football Club and Premiership Rugby Club London Irish made an agreement that both of them could use the pitch as their home.
      A Premier League football club and a Premiership Rugby Club, it’s Premier all round.
      Say what you want about it but you can’t deny that it is a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

      CHELSEA TREATMENT TABLE
      Thomas Tuchel had some huge injury news boost to discuss in his pre-match press conference on Friday involving Romelu Lukaku.
      The £97.5 million man missed out on Beligium’s UEFA Nations League third place play-off defeat to Italy last weekend due to muscle soreness but the Chelsea gaffer has revealed that Lukaku ‘is fine’ and ‘has been involved in both training sessions’ which means that the Chelsea hit-man is likely to be in the starting line-up.
      However, Christian Pulisic is still nursing an ankle injury ruling him out of this evening’s clash, Antonio Rudiger’s back issues still seem to be giving him problems which was an injury the German defender sustained on international duty and Hakim Ziyech has been struggling with a headache so he too could miss the trip up the A4 to Brentford.
      Thiago Silva would have only landed in the country at some point on Thursday after featuring in a World Cup qualifier 4-1 win for Brazil that same morning so he will also be unavailable.
      When asked about the Brazilian veteran, Thomas Tuchel answered in frustration: “We had our talk today about Brentford, we had our tactical training today, he (Thiago Silva) missed all that.
      “He played 90 minutes, he has 12 hours of travelling so that gives the answer about his availability; he’s not.”
      BRENTFORD INJURY INFORMATION
      It’s bitter sweet news for Thomas Frank in regards to the injury list ahead of the big West London derby against the Blues.
      The Brentford head coach confirmed in his pre-match press conference that summer signing Kristoffer Ajer has recovered from his hamstring problem and defensive midfielder Vitaly Janelt is back in contention to play following a sustained thigh injury.
      However, Frank stated that: “Shandon Baptiste is out because he dislocated his shoulder so unfortunately, he’s not available.”
      IVAN’S INSIGHT 
      Brentford‘s top goal threat has a long way to go before he smashes certain records in the Premier League.
      However Ivan Toney’s ceiling is high so you would be silly to count him out.
      Below is some statistics of how the 25-year-old has coped with England’s top division so far.

      TONE IT DOWN
      One player who Chelsea were reportedly interesting in signing last summer was Brentford hitman Ivan Toney.
      Before the Blues agreed a £97.5 million deal with Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku, it was suggested that Toney was on Chelsea’s radar which the 25-year-old saw as ‘flattering’ and then proceeded to say that he doesn’t “look too deeply into it” once he received the news.
      Toney only signed for the Bees from Peterborough in the summer of 2020 and quickly stamped his authority in the same season by breaking the Championship goal scoring record in a single campaign netting 31 goals.
      Peterborough director of football, Barry Fry even admitted that Chelsea “have watched him and liked him” so if the 5x Premier League winners weren’t able to get their most expensive signing over the line in Lukaku, the possibility of Toney being a blue wasn’t overlooked.
      In the Englishman’s debut Premier League season so far he has, only managed to bag two goals with one of them being a penalty.
      But it’s Toney’s overall game plan which can be a handful for defenders and you get the feeling that if Chelsea fail to man-mark him out the game, it could be a tough evening for the boys in blue.
      BATMAN
      DA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA BATMAN!
      Below is the coolly dispatched penalty taken by Chelsea loanee Michi Batschuayi which completely settled the FA Cup tie back in 2018.

      HISTORY
      The last league meeting between these two clubs was in 1947, then again Brentford may recall making the trip across town in 2017 but it was an outing that I am sure the fans will want to forget.
      They took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 4th round FA Cup tie and it was a match which highlighted the gulf in quality because the Blues hit the Bees for four with no reply.
      Antonio Conte who was the Chelsea boss at the time had made nine changes from the side who had brushed past Hull City on the previous weekend.
      And it didn’t make a difference who the personnel was because Brazilian international Willian opened the scoring with less than 15 minutes on the clock thanks to a beautifully executed free-kick.
      Then on the 21st minute, Pedro kept his cool and got in on the scoring act following a perfectly weighted through ball from Michi Batschuayi.
      Brentford couldn’t cope with the threat of Chelsea’s front-men and Dean Smith who was manager at the time even described his defenders playing style as “too deep” for most of the game.
      And had it not been for the aid of crossbar alongside some poor finishing from Chelsea, the match would have been settled in the first 45.
      Conte’s side eventually grabbed a third through an unlikely scorer in Branislav Ivanovic 20 minutes from time.
      The romp was then complete when Batschuayi stay composed and dispatched a penalty earned by Ivanovic who had a man of the match performance on the day.
      LEAGUE POSITIONING
      Going into the weekend, Thomas Tuchel’s were sitting at the pinnacle of the table but Liverpool destroyed Watford earlier on in the day and Manchester City are currently leading against Burnley so Chelsea have been pushed down into third as things stand.
      The Bees have slipped into 8th spots from 7th due to Aston Villa taking the lead in the West Midlands derby against Wolves, so should it finish like that, Brentford will be playing catch-up in their game against the Blues.
      Three points could be huge for both teams today.
      Credut: Premierleague.com
      MATCH ODDS
      Brentford to win – 13/2
      Draw – 3/1
      Chelsea victory – 1/2
      *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication.
      CHELSEA CURRENT FORM 
      Similar to their opponents, Chelsea have only lost one game in the league so far and that was to a very good Manchester City team on the day.
      But prior to that, Thomas Tuchel’s men lost their second Champions League group game to a Juventus side who were in the bottom three of Serie A at the time.
      However, the Blues went into the international period top of the charts after convincingly beating Southampton so their tails will be up just from that.
      Credit: FcTables.com
      Credit: FcTables.com
      BRENTFORD BACKLOG 
      The Premier League freshmen are currently exceeding expectations in the eyes of many.
      Putting the 1-0 defeat aside to an in-form Brighton side, Brentford are unbeaten in the remainder of their games which includes going toe-to-toe with two of ‘the big six’ in Arsenal and Liverpool.
      In addition to that, their Carabao Cup run isn’t going too bad either; ten goals in two rounds is very prolific.
      I must admit, seven of those strikes did come against League 2 side Oldham Athletic but you can only beat what is in front of you and that is exactly what Thomas Frank’s men did.
      Credit: FcTables.com
      Credit: FcTables.com
      GOOD AFTERNOON
      Good morning, good afternoon and good evening depending on what part of the world you are tuning in from.
      I hope you’re all feeling nice and that your Saturday has gone well so far but if not don’t worry because…
      WARNING! WARNING! DERBY ALERT! DERBY ALRRT!
      Yes that’s right its derby day people and it’s a derby which hasn’t taken place in a league match for 74 years so it should be a special one.
      Our live blog coverage this evening oversees 2x Champions League winners Chelsea, travel a couple miles down the road to take on Brentford in the West London derby.
      Even the managers have the same first name (Thomas) you just couldn’t write it.
      I shouldn’t be getting carried away because we are only seven games into the 2021/22 campaign but the Bees are already proving they have what it takes to stay in the division.
      Victories against the likes of Arsenal, Wolves and West Ham as well as holding 2020 league champions Liverpool to a 3-3 draw have contributed towards the reason why Brentford are currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table.
      However all it takes is one heavy defeat to throw the Premier League new boys off their stride and today’s opponents are more than capable enough to do that.
      Thomas Tuchel’s men were strong contenders to de-throne Manchester City this season before a ball was kicked and with the start they have had, you can see why.
      16 points out of a possible 21 is not bad at all.
      But the defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side emphasised that Chelsea are not invincible so if Brentford put the blue back-line under pressure, there’s every chance we could be in for an upset this evening.
      Stick around for the latest injury news, gossip and starting line-ups all before kick-off which is scheduled for 17:30pm UK time.
      Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
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      Leicester 4-2 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Daka wraps up Foxes win after Vardy strike put them ahead following Rashford goal

      by

      LEICESTER are on course for a big win at home to Man Utd.Mason Greenwood had given the Red Devils the lead at the King Power Stadium before the Foxes hit back.
      David De Gea’s short pass to Harry Maguire gifted Youri Tielemans an opportunity to get the home side back into the game, which he did with a looping effort over the United keeper.
      And Caglar Soyuncu then netted from close range to put Brendan Rodgers’ men on course for a crucial win, but that goal was soon cancelled out by Marcus Rashford on his return.
      However, straight from kick-off Jamie Vardy restored the home side’s advantage before Patson Daka made sure of the win late on.

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from King Power Stadium in our live blog…
      MATCH STATS

      FT: LEICESTER 4-2 MAN UTD
      And that’s the end of that.
      What a game, what a win for Leicester and more pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now after this for sure.
      Man Utd’s unbeaten away run ends, they have Liverpool to face at home next Sunday and are four points behind their rivals.
      LEICESTER 4-2 MAN UTD
      90, FIVE minutes of added time.
      LEICESTER 4-2 MAN UTD
      90, It’s another scrappy goal from a corner and this time Daka finishes off from a yard out at the far post.
      Man Utd are stunned here. Their 29-game unbeaten away streak is coming to an end.
      King Power Stadium is bouncing.
      .Credit: AP
      GOALLLLLLLLL!!!!!
      It’s 4-2! It’s Patson Daka!
      LEICESTER 3-2 MAN UTD
      86, What’s going on here? It’s been at least two minutes without a goal.
      Leicester are making their third change with Evans going off to be replaced by Vestergaard – they also had Daka on for Iheanacho a moment ago as well as Perez for Maddison on 73 minutes.
      Man Utd are also three subs down with McTominay and Lingard replacing Greenwood and Matic on 80 minutes after Rashford for Sancho on 65.
      .Credit: Reuters
      LEICESTER 3-2 MAN UTD
      85, Wow, I can’t keep up with this (as you can see very well).
      What a brilliant break from Man Utd and finish from Rashford after coming off the bench.
      But Leicester are back in front just seconds later as Vardy slots into the far corner from a cross from the left.
      3 goals in about 5 minutes.
      GOALLLLL!!!!!!
      3-2 Leicester!”!!! It’s Jamie Vardy!!!! Oh my word, what a game.
      GOALLLLLL!!!!!!
      Rashforddddd!!!! It’s 2-2!!!!!
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      Leicester have the lead! It’s a scrappy goal but they won’t care.
      A corner came in from the right and De Gea made a really good save initially low down with his feet, but the rebound fell to Perez and then ricocheted to Soyuncu at the far post.
      And the defender slotted into an open net from three yards. Leicester are on top!
      GOOOOALLLLLLLL!!!!
      Soyuncu!!!!! Leicester lead 2-1.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      77, Rashford breaks free and tries to square it to Ronaldo, who gets his shot away but it’s saved.
      Offside flag was up anyway there.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      75, What an absolutely superb save from De Gea to deny Tielemans.
      That shot looked to be headed into the far corner but the Spanish stopper has somehow got a finger on it and tipped it onto the post.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      70, Looks like Rodgers is preparing Ayoze Perez for the final 20 minutes here.
      Meanwhile, TV cameras are showing Emile Heskey and Wes Morgan enjoying a day in the stands.
      .Credit: AP
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      65, What a miss!!! Greenwood has put it wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
      It looked initially like a save from Schmeichel but the goal kick that followed gave the game away.
      The offside flag would’ve gone up as well to spare Greenwood’s blushes.
      Meanwhile, Sancho makes way for Rashford.
      .Credit: Reuters
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      63, Still Rashford waits to come on on the sideline with play still yet to stop.
      He might have to go and warm up again at this rate.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      58, The game is just drifting a little bit here, and drifting away from Man Utd.
      Ole has Rashford ready to come on for the final 30 minutes.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      52, Oooooo rash from Lindelof. He’s absolutely wiped out Vardy there and is lucky to stay on the field really.
      Vardy didn’t make a huge deal of it, to be fair to him.
      Free-kick in a dangerous position 20 yards out and central from Maddison is straight into the wall.
      .Credit: Reuters
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      49, Greenwood with another shot from the same sort of range – but it’s high and wide this time.
      His eyes lit up there as he set his sights on the top corner again.
      HERE WE GO AGAIN
      And we’re back for the second half.
      Sun shining over King Power Stadium.
      Big 45 minutes ahead.
      SCORES ON THE DOORS
      Here’s how things stand in the rest of the 3pm games. Not many goals to report of:

      Aston Villa 0-0 Wolves
      Man City 1-0 Burnley
      Norwich 0-0 Brighton
      Southampton 0-0 Leeds

      HT: LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      There goes the half-time whistle and we’re all square.
      Excellent entertainment for 45 minutes and a couple of very nice goals as well.
      First a rocket from Greenwood and then a chip from Tielemans – we’ll give it to him for now.
      It’s honours even at the break.
      .Credit: PA
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      45, Three minutes of added time.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      44, Shaw with the cutback to Ronaldo… but he misses his kick.
      Ronaldo looked to be running onto that perfectly but he was just stretching a tad.
      LEICESTER 1-1 MAN UTD
      40, Not seen much out of Ronaldo in this first half. He’s been relatively non-existent up front so far.
      United need to get him more help up there, but then he also has to do more himself.
      Classic chicken and egg.
      .Credit: AP
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      Watford 0 Liverpool 5 LIVE REACTION: Firmino hat-trick as Salah scores stunning fourth goal as Reds go top of Prem

      by

      MO SALAH has followed up his magnificent goal against Manchester City with a better effort as he sat down half the Watford defence.The Egyptian sensation seemingly took on the entire Hornets team before slotting past Ben Foster.
      And things got even better for Jurgen Klopp’s side as Roberto Firmino bagged a hat trick with a 91st-minute strike.
      Sadio Mane had given the Reds the lead with a neat finish from Salah’s assist with the outside of his foot and that set the tone for the afternoon.

      Result: Watford 0-5 Liverpool
      Goals: Mane 9, Firmino 37, 52, 90, Salah 54.

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      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from Vicarage Road in our live blog…
      THANKS FOR JOINING US
      That’s all from us today, as Liverpool go top of the Premier League table after thrashing Watford 5-0 at Vicarage Road.
      Claudio Ranieri’s first game in the Watford dugout did not go the way he wanted, and he’s got plenty of work to do to with the squad he has inherited.
      Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick for the Reds but it’s Mo Salah who will grab the headlines.
      He provided the assist for Sadio Mane’s opener but it’s his solo goal that will live long in the memory.
      It’s one that could well end up being goal of the season.
      The Egyptian goes into Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in sublime form, with Jurgen Klopp labelling him as the best player in the world.
      Watford meanwhile go again a week today, facing Merseyside opponents again in the form of Everton.
      That’s all from us for now though.
      Thanks for joining us, it’s been a pleasure.
      AVERAGE POSITIONS
      Here’s a look at the average positions of the Watford players, courtesy of Opta.
      And you can see just how deep the home side were, with just Hernandez’s and Kucka’s average positions being in Liverpool’s half.

      AS IT STANDS
      Liverpool remain unbeaten and top the Premier League, albeit having played a game more than Chelsea.
      But the lowest the Reds can be come Monday is second, and if Chelsea draw or lose against Brentford later this afternoon Jurgen Klopp’s side will stay top.

      WORTH ANOTHER WATCH
      You may have seen it already, but why not watch again?
      This Mo Salah goal is one that is going to be replayed again and again in the weeks and months to come.
      STOP THAT, MO SALAH! 🇪🇬👑The footwork is magical, the finish is sublime.He had the Watford defence on strings! 😱 pic.twitter.com/tBWPWWOxeX— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 16, 2021

      STAT ATTACK
      Watford were better in the final 20 minutes after Liverpool changes their right-backs.
      But they still managed just two shots on target over the 90 minutes.

      RANIERI REACTS
      Here are the full time thoughts of Watford boss Claudio Ranieri: “I think we conceded too many chances to them.
      “Of course Liverpool is a fantastic team.
      “When I came I knew I had to work very, very hard.
      “We conceded some goals that were a present from us to them.
      “They don’t need this, but I’m sure we can improve.
      “We have to improve.”
      BEST IN THE WORLD
      Jurgen Klopp has hailed Mo Salah as the best player in the world following today’s when.
      When asked by BT Sport where Salah ranks in terms of the world’s best, Klopp replied: “Top. Come on we all see it.
      “Who is better at the moment than him?
      “That’s clear, it’s always discussed these kind of things.
      “But we don’t have to talk about what Ronaldo or Messi did for world football or how long they were really dominant, but at the moment I think it’s clear there’s nobody better than him.
      “By the way it’s not only since yesterday, he’s already been in that shape for a while.”
      BOBBY DAZZLER
      Roberto Firmino nets his third goal in the final minute of the game and celebrates after the final whistle with the match ball.

      MORE FROM MO
      On Liverpool’s title ambitions: “Hopefully we can win the league and we [are] also going for the Champions League.
      “So I think it’s important for a team like Liverpool, a club like Liverpool to fight for everything.”
      SALAH SPEAKS
      Speaking on his incredible form, Mo Salah tells BT Sport: “I’m just trying every time to give 100% from what I have.
      “I try to help the team, sometimes I have luck, sometimes not.
      “But yeah I’m confident at the moment, I feel like I’m scoring goals [and] helping the team to get the points which is the most important thing.”
      WATFORD WOES
      Joe Cole is not impressed by Watford’s showing this afternoon.
      He’s claimed on BT Sport it’s: “One of the worst performances I’ve seen from a Premier League club.”
      FT: WATFORD 0-5 LIVERPOOL
      Jurgen Klopp’s side have laid the challenge down to Thomas Tuchel’s side this afternoon.
      If Chelsea fail to pick up all three points away at Brentford this afternoon, the Reds will end the day top of the Premier League.
      They look like a real force this season.
      Especially with Salah in the form that he is, with the Egyptian bagging his seventh Prem goal of the season this afternoon.
      He’s the top scorer in the league as things stand.
      PEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S FULL TIME!
      IT WAS THE LAST KICK OF THE GAME!
      WATFORD 0-5 LIVERPOOL!
      WATFORD 0-5 LIVERPOOL
      90. Oxlade-Chamberlain slides the ball into the path of Neco Williams, who pokes it past Rose and rounds him with ease.
      The Liverpool sub drives into the box and fires a low ball across the face of goal.
      And Firmino pops up on the end of it again, tapping home for his third of the afternoon.
      He goes home with the match ball, and Liverpool go home with three points.
      What a performance.
      GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLL!
      LIVERPOOL MAKE IT FIVE!
      AND IT’S A HAT-TRICK FOR ROBERTO FIRMINO!
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      89. That’s another half chance for the hosts.
      Ngakia delivers in from the right towards Sarr.
      The Watford man gets his head to it, but can’t make a meaningful connection and the Reds clear.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      87. The game is just edging towards the final whistle now.
      Watford have got less than three minutes of punishment left to endure.
      The Reds are cruising to the top of the league.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      85. The BT Sport cameras have picked up legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro in the Vicarage Road stands.
      He probably could have played on his own at the back and done a better job than this Watford backline today.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      84. WHAT A SAVE!
      Caoimhin Kelleher is called into action for the first time and makes an excellent stop!
      He denies a stinging close-range effort from Ismaila Sarr, tipping the ball onto the post and away to safety.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      83. Here is the substitution.
      And it is James Milner who comes off after a good runout.
      He grabbed the assist for Firmino’s first goal and was energetic as ever in the middle of the park.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      81. Jurgen Klopp is readying his final change of the afternoon.
      Neco Williams looks like he will be coming on.
      You would think it would be in place of James Milner at right-back.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      80. Another half chance for the Reds.
      A cross in from the right finds Mane unmarked in the box eight yards from goal.
      He can’t quite generate enough power on his header though and sends it into the arms of Ben Foster.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      78. Watford win their FIRST corner of the game with just over ten minutes left.
      It’s met by huge ironic cheers from the Hornets faithful.
      You’d have thought they had scored a goal.
      WATFORD 0-4 LIVERPOOL
      77. Oxlade-Chamberlain goes long looking for Salah who is one-on-one with Rose.
      And as it has been all day there’s only one winner there.
      Rose can’t even bring Salah down when he tries to foul him.
      The Liverpool man is away, but a slightly heavy touch lets him down and Foster springs off his line to snuff out the danger.
      He may have conceded four goals but Foster has had a goos game in between the sticks.
      JOB ON HIS HANDS
      Claudio Ranieri is discovering just how much work he has to do at Vicarage Road.

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      in Soccer

      Unai Emery to Newcastle odds tumble as Jurgen Klopp blasts Saudi takeover while Tuchel backs it – transfer latest

      by

      STEVE BRUCE will still be in charge of Newcastle for this weekend’s match against Tottenham, but for how long?Frank Lampard is edging ahead of Brendan Rodgers in the odds to become the Toon’s next manager.
      However, the odds on former Arsenal boss Unai Emery are tumbling after he led Villarreal to the Europa League.
      Speaking about the takeover, Jurgen Klopp compared it to the Super League but his fellow German had kinder words to say.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
      BRING IT RON
      SunSport Exclusive by Neil Custis
      Cristiano Ronaldo has told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: ‘I’m fit to start every Premier League game.’
      The Portuguese star delivered the message to Manchester United boss Ole after being on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Everton a fortnight ago.
      A United source said: “Ronaldo was extremely disappointed for being benched.
      “Ole presumed that he was tired after the Villarreal game, so he decided to only put him on early in the second half.
      “But Cristiano told him that he will tell him when he isn’t fit to play and that he wants to play in every single league game.
      “He also told him that he has come here to win trophies and that United need to play their most important players in all of the games.”
      PALS 4 EVRA
      Manchester United’s 2008 Champions League winners banter ‘every two minutes’ in a WhatsApp group set up to keep their good times alive.
      Patrice Evra told Amazon Prime Video’s winter sports schedule launch: “For many players, when they retire, what we miss the most is the dressing room.
      “All the banter, all the stories. Everything happens inside.
      “I spoke with [Edwin] van der Sar when he retired and I said, ‘how are you doing?’ And he said, ‘Patrice, I just miss you guys’.
      “We are lucky, the United group – we still have a WhatsApp group.
      “We are everyone, so every morning we just laugh off each other. We have still got that.
      “It is most of the players from 2008 when we won the Champions League. It is really active. Every two minutes.
      “Rio created it. We just keep connected and have a laugh. It was not just a team, it was like a family.”

      FULL TIME: PSG 2 ANGERS 1
      It was unconvincing, but PSG made it nine wins out of 10 against surprise packages Angers at Parc des Princes this evening.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side found themselves 1-0 down at the break, courtesy of an Angelo Fulgini effort for the visitors.
      But the French giants hit back in the second-half, equalising through Danilo Pereira.
      Kylian Mbappe then wrapped up the three points just a few minutes from the end, scoring from the penalty spot after a VAR call.
      Kylian Mbappé. Never in doubt 😤Scores the winning goal in the Nations League Final last week 🏆Scores the winning penalty in the league this week ⚽Getting back to his best 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ZcxXGm5uyA— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 15, 2021

      RIGHT CHOICE
      Arsenal are stepping up their bid to sign a new right-back in January, according to reports.
      Boss Mikel Arteta is said to have drawn up a shortlist with three potential targets to slot into the Gunners defence.
      Transfer website Fichajes report that Arsenal are looking at Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, Norwich City’s Max Aarons and James Justin from Leicester.
      Arsenal have a conundrum at the right-back position and are looking for a long-term solution.
      The Gunners have been using Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares to fill in alongside new signing from Bologna Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      The report from Fichajes also states that the Arteta wants to adopt a more attacking right-back than the current options at his disposal.
      RED AIRWAYS
      Manchester United took to the skies for their away trip to Leicester this weekend.
      The Red Devils jumped on a private jet for the 100-mile journey down to the King Power Stadium.
      And their stars would hardly have had time to buckle their seatbelts on the 10 MINUTE flight.
      United opted for the aerial route after the M6 was unexpectedly closed on Friday.
      The squad would usually make the trip to the Midlands by coach but with the motorway shut they made the short hop via aeroplane instead.

      SPURS TEST SHOCK
      Tottenham have been rocked by two players reportedly testing positive for Covid – potentially ruling them out for THREE matches.
      Boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted he faced ‘huge issues’ ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to newly-rich Newcastle.
      And if the positive tests are confirmed the Spurs stars face a ten-day isolation period.
      Football.london suggest the ‘problems’ Santo talked off focus on two players being found to have the coronavirus following international duty in the past week.
      He told the media: “After the international break there are always huge issues that happen.
      “We have problems but I will not say before the game.”
      Confirmed positive tests would rule Tottenham players out against Newcastle and West Ham in the Prem, plus the Europa Conference League clash at Vitesse Arnhem.
      Football.london suggest Spurs are ‘confident’ the duo concerned have not come into close contact with other players.
      WON’T JACK IT IN
      Jack Wilshere has dismissed claims he’ll retire before 30 but admits he would be interested in coaching when he hangs up his boots one day.
      Wilshere, 29, was released by Bournemouth at the end of last season and is still a free agent after failing to find a club in the summer.
      Speaking to Sky Sports News about his future, Wilshere said: “At the moment I am doing my coaching badges and the club is helping me with them and I am helping some of the Academy kids out as well.
      “It is certainly something I enjoy and maybe something to look at in the future but for now I still want to play. I feel like I still have a lot to give and something to prove which is why I don’t want to finish playing now and start a coaching career just yet.
      “It’s nice to be back seeing some old faces who I spent a lot of my life with. Fitness-wise I am getting there and it’s great to be back training with good players and the quality is only going to be beneficial for me moving forward.
      “I’m there until January and there’s no news on any clubs but hopefully something will come up then.”

      MORE PHIL JONES
      Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been glowing in his praise for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Of his arrival, initially as caretaker in December 2018, he told United’s club media: “I think it was exactly what we needed at the time, someone who knew the club.
      “He knew it inside out, won so many things, so that was important. Until the end of that season, it was just about enjoying playing football again. I think we lost enjoying playing, going onto the pitch on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesday nights, whenever it was.
      “He definitely brought that back, the lads were smiling, the lads were happy. I’m not saying it wasn’t like that under Jose at all but I’m saying that different styles, managers have different impacts and yeah, he was great. He’s done so well to stamp his authority on the team and get the team to where we are now.”
      PHIL-LING GOOD
      Man United defender Phil Jones has thanked boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his recent words of support.
      The former England star, who has not played a first team game since January 2020 because of injury, said: “Yeah, that was really nice. I spoke to him after and said ‘thank you for the words’, because it meant a lot.
      “It really did because there’s nothing [that means] more [as] a footballer, for someone, managers, staff, coaches, players, to have your back.
      “To feel really supported by him was a nice feeling. At the time, I needed that and it was nice.”

      HAIR RAZOR
      David Beckham was once subjected to something even more serious than the infamous Sir Alex Ferguson hairdryer treatment.
      He explained in new book Fergie: Under The Hairdryer: “Before the 2000 Charity Shield at Wembley against Chelsea I decided to have a change of hairstyle. I went for a mohawk, which I knew wouldn’t be to his taste.
      “In the end, I was too scared to let him see it, so the day before the game I went into training with a beanie hat on, trained in the beanie, walked back into the hotel with the beanie on, kept it on during dinner and the next morning’s breakfast.
      “And I still had it on when we made the coach journey to Wembley.
      “Of course the moment was arriving in the dressing room when I would have to reveal my new hairstyle, which I knew would send him into a frenzy.
      “Sure enough, within seconds of the unveiling, he yelled at me, ‘Go and shave it off!’ I thought he was joking. ‘No, I’m being serious, now go and shave the ruddy thing off!’
      “So off I went to try to find a pair of clippers from somewhere and, just before we’re ready to go out for the warm-up, I was in the Wembley tunnel shaving my mohawk off.”
      BREAKING – SPURS HIT BY COVID
      Two Tottenham players have tested positive for Covid-19, according to reports.
      Spurs are set to take on Newcastle on Sunday as the Premier League returns from a two-week break.
      But according to football.london, boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be down two players after they tested positive for coronavirus.
      The Portuguese hinted at trouble during his press conference earlier today, when he said: “After the international break there are always huge issues that happen. We have problems but I will not say before the game.”
      WHITE WATCH
      Arsenal star Ben White has revealed that he NEVER watched football when he was growing up.
      And old habits die hard as the defender still doesn’t watch the sport he’s devoted his life to.
      The England international explained that because he was always playing the game, there was no time to sit down and see it on TV, which is still the case now.
      The 24-year-old told Sky Sports: “No I never watched football when I was younger, still don’t now.
      “I just loved the game, I was always playing it – never watching it. So I don’t know too much about older generations.”
      PLAYER POWER
      Demba Ba has revealed how player power fought back against Rafa Benitez during his time at Chelsea.
      He told The Athletic: “Big players will take responsibility on the pitch but also off it when things don’t go the right way.
      “I remember when we lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, Rafa was criticising our lack of intensity after the game.
      “But John Terry went: ‘No gaffer, the problem is that our training lacks intensity.’ Rafa’s training was mostly tactical, but the players wanted it to be more full-blooded.
      “So the two of them had a frank exchange of views in front of everyone, and the next day, the whole team got together to talk things through as well.
      “We didn’t lose any more games after that.”
      EAGLES SOARING
      Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is having a positive impact at Crystal Palace.
      He said: “Well, he has already a couple of experiences [as a manager] and he knows the league really well.
      “You can see the touch that he is trying to put in the team and the things he is trying to implement there.
      “Obviously, Patrick knows the league much better probably than any other manager because he has experienced it himself as a player and it’s great that he’s had the opportunity to do that.”
      JESS SIGN HERE
      Jesse Lingard’s future is up in the air at Manchester United.
      But boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the club are eager to extend the attacking midfielder’s contract.
      He said: “We want to prolong his contract because we see him as an important player for us.
      “It’s up to him – and maybe up to me – to give him more playing time because he deserves to.
      “Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him.”
      TUCHY SUBJECT
      Chelsea take on Brentford in the season’s first west-London derby on Saturday as they look to cement their place at the top of the Premier League.
      The Blues will make the short journey to the Brentford Community stadium to face the high-flying newly promoted side and know it’ll be anything but an easy ride.
      Here’s how SunSport’s George Moore believes Thomas Tuchel will line his side up against the Bees.

      FERR GOODNESS SAKE
      Manchester City could be without Spain international forward Ferran Torres until the New Year.
      The former Valencia forward has broken a bone in his foot while playing in the Nations League finals during the international break.
      Pep Guardiola said: “Torres will be out for two to three months. He has a bone injury In the foot, the metatarsal.
      “The injury can happen here or in the national team, I know perfectly the manager for Spain and he treated Ferran as well as possible.
      “They tried to take care of him but sometimes it happens, it happened with Phil (Foden), Kevin (De Bruyne). It happens because there are lots of game.
      “Ferran will go to Spain for a few weeks. Then he’ll come back and we hope in two-and-a-half or three months he will be ready.”
      GOOD WAN
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka WILL be available for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Atalanta next week.
      The full-back, 23, was initially set to miss the match after receiving a two-match ban following his red card against Young Boys.
      But following a United appeal, Wan-Bissaka has had his ban reduced, meaning he will be ready for selection.
      A Uefa statement read: “The appeal lodged by Manchester United has been upheld. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 September 2021 is amended as follows:
      “‘To suspend Manchester United player, Mr. Aaron Wan‐Bissaka, for the next one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for rough play.'”
      WHY NAI MAN
      Ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s odds to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle have dramatically shortened.
      The Toon boss, 60, has survived the sack this week, but is not expected to be in the position for much longer.
      Brendan Rodgers and Frank Lampard were among the early favourites to succeed Bruce.
      But in the last few hours, Emery’s odds have shorted to 5/1 with most bookies – making him second only to Lamps in the betting.
      Credit: AFP
      GUARD UP
      Pep Guardiola has told Raheem Sterling that no Manchester City player is guaranteed minutes on the pitch.
      And he urged the forward to do his talking on the pitch when he gets the opportunity to play.
      Sterling spoke out about his future this week – saying he will not commit to a new contract at the Etihad until he knows he is going to play regularly.
      That has not happened since he was axed in the wake of the Manchester derby defeat to United back in March.
      Guardiola said: “I cannot assure them, I spoke to them many times about that, I cannot assure how many minutes each one plays.
      “Always they have to speak on the pitch. Not Raheem, all of them.
      “They know they are going to play minutes, but I’m not a guy that plays only 11 players, all of them are involved.”
      AUR GO ON THEN
      Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni is ‘on Man United’s radar’ if the Red Devils fail to agree a new contract with Paul Pogba.
      The midfielder, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season – but club chiefs haven’t given up hope on seeing him pen an extension.
      Should he not do so, however, they will turn their attentions toward Tchouameni.
      ESPN report that the 21-year-old will cost in the region of £45million.
      Credit: Getty
      BARC TO THE TOP
      Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been offered to Barcelona, according to reports.
      The Frenchman, 28, is out of contract next summer.
      And according to ESPN, agent Mino Raiola has touted his services to a number of clubs ahead of his free agency – with Barca the latest to be contacted.
      Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid and even a host of Prem clubs have also been made aware of Pogba’s availability.
      KROOS CONTROL
      Liverpool are reportedly keen on bringing in Real Madrid ace Toni Kroos next summer.
      Kop boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of the 31-year-old German midfielder who he sees as the ideal man to revamp Liverpool’s midfield.
      And according to El Nacional, the Reds could be able to snap up Kroos for just £20m.
      Despite being a key member of Madrid’s squad since joining in 2014 from Bayern Munich for £21m, Kroos has only made two appearances for them this season.
      As Kroos is no longer a first-team regular, Los Blancos may be willing to cash in on him while they still can, before his contract ends in 2023.
      THE RON DECISION
      Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended his rotation policy, after coming under fire for benching Cristiano Ronaldo against Everton last time out.
      The Norwegian said: “If you can go and play six games in six days and play the same XI every time, it’s great.
      “But it is about rotation. We need to get to April and May with everyone firing. We got to May in the final stretch of last season and we were too tired. I manage the players for the club.”
      On Ronaldo specifically, he added: “It’s nice to have him on the pitch, he’ll always come up with the goods. The more we have him on the pitch, the better.
      “He’s an exceptional player, exceptional finisher, goalscorer, exceptional pro, it’s hard to leave him out.”
      NUNO ON KANE’S STRUGGLE FOR FORM
      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains fully behind Harry Kane despite his slow start to the season.
      The England captain has struggled since returning from the Euros in the summer.
      And speculation over his form has been surrounded by his desire to leave the club prior to the start of the campaign.
      But Nuno insists Kane is still offering things to the team regardless of his struggles in front of goals.
      He said: “It’s normal. Harry sure is used to it. We know Harry is much more than goals, he is about what he does for the team.
      “Harry is a fantastic football player, one of the best and naturally goals will come.”

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