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    Chelsea 6-0 Everton LIVE RESULT: Cole Palmer bags FOUR goals as Blues thump Toffees at Stamford Bridge – reaction

    CHELSEA have thrashed relegation-threatened Everton 6-0 to keep their hopes of European football next season alive.Cole Palmer’s stunner from the edge of the box opened the scoring after 13 minutes as the Blues’ early dominance prevailed.The inform midfielder doubled his tally minutes later with a header from point-blank range to make it 2-0.On 29 minutes, Palmer punished a huge mistake from Jordan Pickford to secure a perfect first-half hat-trick and score three goals in back-to-back games at Stamford Bridge.Just before the half-time whistle, Nicolas Jackson got on the scoresheet to make it 4-0 and claim his 10th Premier League goal of the season.On the hour mark, Cole Palmer scored his FOURTH of the evening from the penalty spot, matching Erling Haaland’s top flight tally of 20 goals this campaign.Chelsea ended the night with local lad Alfie Gilchrist getting on the scoresheet to secure a stunning 6-0 win for the Blues.
    Match result: Chelsea 6-0 Everton
    Chelsea team: Petrovic, Gusto, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Gallagher, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson, Mudryk
    Everton team: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Onana, Garner, Doucoure, McNeil, Young, Beto
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…And that’s a wrap!
    Cole Palmer is the star once again for Chelsea as he goes home with yet another match ball.
    The England international is now neck and neck with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
    Chelsea are still well in the mix for a spot in Europe next season after tonight’s 6-0 triumph.
    The Blues maintained their unbeaten run since their Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool in February.
    A trip to Wembley for a meeting with Man City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup is next for Poch’s side, while Everton host relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in a huge match at the bottom of the table on Sunday.
    Credit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoch speaks
    Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke to BBC Sport after his side’s 6-0 win over Everton, he said: “We were very clinical in front of goal. I’m happy. A clean sheet.”
    Poch also gave his thoughts on the penalty row between his players: “It’s a shame. It’s a process for a young team who need to learn a lot.
    “I was talking about this to the player after the game. It’s the last time I want to see something like this. I want to apologise to the fans.
    “We need to make clear next time that happens. They need to learn and be professional. We need to be focused on the collective. They knew it was Cole. Cole is the taker. It’s a clear example that it’s a process we still need to learn.”
    Copy linkCopiedPalmer on the penalty row
    Cole Palmer spoke to Sky Sports about the row between players before the Chelsea penalty: “Other players wanted to take it, but I am the penalty taker and I wanted to take it.
    “I think we are showing everyone is wanting to take responsibility it may be a bit over the top, but everyone wants to win – we are laughing and joking about it.
    “This season we have been a bit inconsistent. We have had some poor performances and we have got some good wins. We will take each game as it comes and see where we finish.”
    Copy linkCopiedDyche speaks
    The Everton manager spoke to BBC Sport after his side’s 6-0 loss to Chelsea this evening: “Really poor. Miles off the intent and desire to win a match. You have to give strength, put a tackle in. I thought we were mildly better second half but the first half miles off.
    “Collective down day. We had one at Villa when we’re collectively looking for a spark.
    “You can’t give away soft goals like that. They’re dancing around us.
    “Not just the back five, young lads in midfield. They’ll learn if you don’t get tackles in and read the play you’ll get hurt.
    “I’m not going to hide behind that [Beto miss] although it does change the game. Too many errors. Too many players way off the mark.
    “Six big games. They’ve had another knock. We’ve already agreed that’s gone, we have to get on with it. It [points deduction] is out of our control.
    “We created 10 chances away from home. They had 14.
    “We can’t perform like that at a place like this. The key moments when they got chances, finding the back of the net, we haven’t done that all season.”
    Copy linkCopiedPalmer reacts
    “It all happened so fast. To score a hat-trick, the team needed that after last Sunday (against Sheffield United).
    “The first goal was my favourite, the right footed one was a bit of a swinger.”
    Credit: REUTERS
    Copy linkCopiedMatch stats

    Copy linkCopiedWhat a moment!
    20-year-old local lad Alfie Gilchrist came off the bench to score his first Chelsea goal this evening!
    Just look what it means to him!
    Credit: PA
    Copy linkCopiedPalmer matches Haaland’s tally
    After his whopping FOUR goals this evening, Cole Palmer is now level with Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland in the race for this season’s Golden Boot.

    Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME: Chelsea 6 Everton 0
    Copy linkCopied90: Chelsea 6 Everton 0
    SEVEN minutes of stoppage time are added on.
    “We want ten!” is the chant from the Chelsea fans.
    Copy linkCopied90: Chelsea 6 Everton 0
    Ben Chilwell jogs down the wing almost unopposed and fires a powerful shot which is parried away by Pickford.
    20-year-old right-back Gilchrist shows great composure to take his time and fire into the bottom corner.
    Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL
    Alfie Gilchrist scores his first ever goal for Chelsea!
    Copy linkCopied81: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    Pochettino jumps up and down like mad on the touchline as Conor Gallagher fails to play a pass quickly enough for his liking.
    The Chelsea captain puts his hand up to the gaffer to apologise.
    Copy linkCopied78: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    A standing ovation for Mudryk as he is replaced by Ben Chilwell.
    An even bigger standing ovation for four-goal Cole Palmer as he is replaced by Cesare Casadei after one of the all-time great Premier League performances.
    Copy linkCopiedLooking to Nic it
    Absolutely baffling scenes as Jackson angrily tries to take a penalty off his Chelsea team-mates.

    Copy linkCopied73: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    Having calmed down after not being allowed to take the penalty, Jackson drives through the Everton defence and plays the ball to Mudryk.
    But the Ukrainian fires tamely at Pickford.
    Copy linkCopied70: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    Carney Chukwuemeka replaces Madueke, who can consider himself very unlucky not to have bagged a goal.
    Saw his brilliant chip blocked on the line by Palmer then won the penalty with a fantastic turn.
    Looked like he was going to take it before Jackson lost it at him and Palmer had to step in as the unity candidate.
    Copy linkCopied66: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    It’s just not Beto’s night, or Everton’s.
    The Portuguese ace goes through down the right, then fires wide of the near post.
    Copy linkCopied65: Chelsea 5 Everton 0
    Yellow card for Michael Keane for a cynical foul on Jackson.
    Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLL
    FOUR for Cole Palmer!
    “Palmer again, ole, ole!” is the chant that rings around Stamford Bridge.
    Indeed.
    Copy linkCopied61: Chelsea 4 Everton 0
    Gallagher and Palmer are having to push Jacksons away.
    Palmer will now take it.
    The Senegal star is fuming. If he’s not careful he’ll get a booking and two game ban for confronting his own team-mates!
    Copy linkCopied60: Chelsea 4 Everton 0
    Good work from Mudryk to play the ball to Madueke, who beats hs man.
    Madueke has deserved a goal and looks like he is going to take it, despite Nicolas Jackson strongly objecting.
    Copy linkCopiedPENALTY TO CHELSEA!
    Copy linkCopied58: Chelsea 4 Everton 0
    Almost an Everton own goal.
    Pickford is forced to take action to prevent Nicolas Jackson scoring from Malo Gusto’s cross, but palms the ball against his own player and just wide.
    Copy linkCopied55: Chelsea 4 Everton 0
    A sight that may be of slight concern to Gareth Southgate.
    Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite limps off injured and is replaced for Everton by Michael Keane.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Willie Limond dead updates — Boxing star dies aged 45 as fighter was set to return to sport next month

    TRIBUTES have flooded in for Willie Limond after succumbing to his condition following a suspected seizure.Willie, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.The boxer was due to fight Geordie scrapper Joe Laws in a comeback bout in Glasgow next month.That bout was being promoted by St Andrew’s Sporting Club and they announced the sad news of Limond’s death on their social media channels.Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Son announces passing on social media
    His son Jake announced his passing on social media.
    He wrote: “Dad passed away in the early hours of the morning.
    “He fought on for near enough 10 days. Warrior.
    Tributes have flooded in from the popular fighter since his death was announced.
    Copy linkCopiedWhat titles did Willie win?
    He held the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight and lightweight titles.
    He also held the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles.
    Copy linkCopiedWho was boxer Willie Limond and how old was he?
    Willie was a 45-year-old Scottish boxer.
    Before boxing, he started as a footballer and made five league appearances for Albion Rovers in the 1998-99 season.
    It was in 1999 when his boxing career began with a win over journeyman Lenny Hodgkins.
    Copy linkCopiedWillie announced his retirement after Ricky Burns fight
    Willie had initially announced his retirement in the aftermath of losing to fellow veteran Ricky Burns in September.
    But after a U-turn, he told how he had changed his eating and drinking habits.
    He explained: “After I lost to Ricky I changed my diet and the results have been a pleasant surprise.
    “For well over 20 years prior to that I didn’t have a full night’s rest ? I was getting by on three hours a night at best.
    “However, ever since I made the changes things have been so much better. I cut out sugar and processed food.
    “But I sleep for six hours every night now, and wake up feeling as energetic as a Duracell bunny.”
    Copy linkCopiedWhat have the police said?
    Police Scotland had confirmed: “Around 8.05am on Saturday, police were called to a report of a 45-year-old man found unresponsive within a car in Coatbridge.
    “The man was taken to Monklands Hospital where medical staff describe his condition as critical.
    “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
    Copy linkCopiedWillie’s fight against Khan
    Arguably his high profile fight was with the undefeated rising superstar, and Olympic medallist, Amir Khan at London’s O2 Arena in 2007.
    Although Khan ultimately prevailed, Limond gave him a real fright, becoming the first man to send Khan to the canvas in a professional fight.
    Copy linkCopied’A great fighter and a great man’
    Former British champion Curtis Woodhouse, who Limond defeated for the title in 2014, said he was ‘gutted’.
    He said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Willie Limond, a great fighter and a great man.
    “We stayed in touch after our fight and always had a laugh together. Absolutely gutted. Rest In Peace champ.”
    Copy linkCopiedTributes flood in
    Fellow Scots fighter and long term pal Alex Arthur said: “I met this funny hyper Glaswegian lad when I was 13 yrs old, when I saw him box I was blown away at how good he was.
    “We went on to become very good friends & of course ended up fighting each other! It only made us closer friends!
    “Love you Willie ma man.”
    Copy linkCopiedGoFunfMe set up for Willie Limond
    Willie’s upcoming opponent Joe Laws has set up a GoFundMe page following the tragic news.
    Joe said he was “absolutely devastated” following the news and wanted to “make a better life for (Willie’s) his family” by setting up the GoFundMe.
    So far £800 has been raised of the £10,000 target.

    Copy linkCopiedWillie’s son pays tribute
    Jake, 20, who was due to fight on the same bill as his dad, posted on Instagram: “My dad passed away in the early hours of the morning around 3am.
    “He fought on for near enough ten days. Warrior. Love you da.”
    Copy linkCopiedHow was Willie’s death announced?
    St Andrew’s Sporting Club announced the sad news of Limond’s death on their social media channels.
    They said: “Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club are shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of our friend, Willie Limond. Willie was not only a legend of the sport, but an infectious character who will be greatly missed by us all.
    “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake, Drew, Macy and the rest of the Limond family at this time.”
    Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club are shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of our friend, Willie Limond. Willie was not only a legend of the sport, but an infectious character who will be greatly missed by us all. pic.twitter.com/nTKdxh1gOW— St Andrew’s S.C (@StAndrewsSC) April 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedWhen did the boxer die?
    The ring king, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.
    He was rushed to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie where he remained in a critical condition until passing away.
    Copy linkCopiedWillie Limond dead aged 45
    Willie Limond has tragically died just weeks before his return to the sport.
    The ring king, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.

    Copy linkCopied More

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    Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Arteta’s side face Villans in crucial clash – Premier League latest updates

    ARSENAL will be looking to reclaim the Premier League top spot with a win over Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.Mikel Arteta’s side have picked up 31 points from a possible 33 and several stars are beginning to hit superb form – Leandro Trossard in particular.However it was Villa who came out on top in their previous meeting this season with John McGinn scoring the only goal of the game just seven minutes in.
    Kick-off time: 4:30pm BST
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
    Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
    Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans, Zaniolo; Diaby, Rogers, Watkins
    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    37′ After being tended to by medical staff Zaniolo is back on his feet and walks off the pitch.
    The Gunners faithful aren’t too pleased with him however, with boos and chants of “cheat” serenading him on the sideline.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    36′ Play is stopped with Zaniolo down injured.
    Coote then issues a yellow card to White after he scraped his studs down a Villa players knee.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    34′ The Emirates is in full voice as they try to lift the home team.
    The away end respond in kind. And it seems to work as they get down the other end before seeing a shot attempt from Diaby blocked.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    32′ Another penalty shout is brushed off by Coote.
    This time it’s Trossard who goes down in the area under pressure, but the contact is deemed legal and no foul is given.
    Trossard is instantly back on his feet as well.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    29′ That Havertz run AGAIN.
    This time it is Carlos who deals with the danger and stumbles over in the process.
    He concedes a corner, but Arsenal can’t find a way past Villa’s set piece defending at the moment.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    29′ Villa work the ball down their left flank but are unable to work anything from it as the ball goes behind from a misplaced cross at the byline.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    26′ Penalty claims from fans are waved away as the ball hits Torres’ arm following a close range attempt at a cross.
    Coote awards a corner but Villa are able to clear their lines as the ball goes into the front post.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    24′ Some lovely Arsenal link up on the right side sees Jesus slipped in by White.
    Jesus then cuts back and has the chance to shoot but his shot at goal is blocked by a swarm of Villa defenders.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    23′ That Havertz run is proving to be a nuisance for Villa.
    He almost gets in once again but Martinez is able to sweep up behind his defence.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    20′ Villa go down the other end and are bearing down on goal with Watkins.
    But just as he is about to pull the trigger, Trossard of all people pokes the ball away from him.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    19′ Odegaard wins the ball back as Arsenal zip a couple of passes together.
    Rice then plays it back to Odegaard who finds Saka after a curved run from the wing.
    But Saka’s attempt to get it into the middle is once again snuffed out.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    18′ Closest yet.
    Arsenal work the ball down the right before Saka whips a cross to the back post where both Havertz and Jesus are waiting.
    The ball falls to the Brazilian and he directs a header down towards goal.
    However, his effort hits the side netting. Though it looked like it was in to a couple of fans.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    16′ Havertz goes through on goal again after a lovely pass over the top.
    But once again Martinez is able to shot his shot.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    15′ Villa finally have the ball in settled possession.
    The ball is worked down the left but Saka is there to clear away the danger.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    13′ Saka is down around the halfway line and being smashed into.
    He’s back on his feet after an Arsenal attack broke down with another overhit cross.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    11′ A brilliant pass from Trossard after cutting in from the left wing sees Havertz go through on goal.
    His shot then forces a smart save from Martinez before Villa clear their lines.
    It’s one way traffic at the moment.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    8′ Dangerous play again down the Arsenal right.
    Odegaard picks up the ball in midfield and surges forward before playing a pass into the channel for Saka.
    But the pass goes slightly wide and allows Torres to cover the winger.
    However, on the one-on-one Saka is able to dig out a cross but overhits it beyond the far post.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    6′ Saka gets in behind the defence after a incisive pass but his effort to cut the ball back is cut out by the body of Torres.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    5′ Saka is fouled by Digne on the halfway line.
    That battle will be key to the outcome of the game.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    3′ Arsenal win a throw from Digne as he’s out under pressure form Saka.
    The winger then gets the ball in the area and tries to cut it back but the ball is cutout.
    The boo boys are also out for Emi Martinez. “You left cause you’re s***.” So a warm enough welcome.
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
    1′ Villa get us underway and immediately launch the ball forward.
    It goes out for a Villa throw on the left by Arteta’s technical area, where we imagine he will be prowling all game.
    Copy linkCopiedKick off
    We’re underway at the Emirates.
    The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
    Copy linkCopiedPlayers are out
    The players are out on the pitch and met with a huge roar from the crowd.
    Copy linkCopiedFive to go
    The Emirates is buzzing ahead of the game.
    The players should emerge any moment now.
    A quick start feels imperative today.
    Copy linkCopiedCountdown
    Less than 15 minutes to go until kick off now.
    Club legends have been seen with the fans.
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopied More

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    West Ham 0 Fulham 2: Hammers fans turn on David Moyes as Pereira goals see European hopes go up in smoke

    WEST HAM’S European hopes are going up in smoke on all fronts.The Hammers had the chance to grab sixth place in the Premier League but Andreas Pereira piled on more misery following Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.Andreas Pereira hails his match-winning doubleCredit: PAPereira fired an early opener at London StadiumCredit: AlamyThe Cottagers’ midfielder completed his double on 72 minutesCredit: AlamyWith their hopes of progressing to the last four all but over, the Premier League’s European race has taken huge significance once more.The players knew it, but with legs sapped from midweek could not rise to the task.Instead of taking the initiative, David Moyes’ men fluffed a huge early chance, struggled to string more than two passes together all afternoon and quickly ran out of ideas when it came to testing Fulham.With Jarrod Bowen still missing Moyes needed his big players to step up, but star man Lucas Paqueta spent the afternoon gifting the ball to the Cottagers.Had Fulham taken all the chances West Ham had offered up this could have been a repeat of the 5-0 hammering by the Thames in December.Looking to lift the spirits from Thursday in quick fashion, Moyes threw caution to the wind somewhat.The Scot went against his usual plan and started two up top as Danny Ings joined Antonio to lead the line – and they went in search of a quick start.Paqueta was flicking the ball over Alex Iwobi’s seconds after the start, while Antonio should have fired the hosts ahead after just four minutes.Hammers’ sub George Earthy suffered a serious injury on his debutCredit: RexAfter Vladimir Coufal had forced Bernd Leno to parry the ball straight to Antonio’s feet just seven yards out, he somehow blasted high over the bar.Mohammed Kudus and Paqueta went close in the minutes after – but soon the flicks and tricks, as well as a huge cock-up from Mavropanos, undid West Ham’s bright start.West Ham boss David Moyes slams Bayer Leverkusen’s bench as ‘a disgrace’ for what they did during fiery clashPaqueta tried another flick in midfield, though this one was intercepted by Iwobi.The ex-Arsenal man clipped a cross straight to Mavropanos in the box, but instead of simply clearing it the Greek defender attempted to bring it down – teeing up Pereira to round Lukasz Fabianski and undo West Ham’s promising start.Moyes will take more heat for a job not done from frustrated fans, but when those out on the pitch are struggling to even clear or control balls there is little that anyone on the sideline can do.Pereira could have had his second far earlier too when Fulham broke down the left but he could only send Willian’s cross wide on the stretch.For a team which is so often criticised for being too defensive, West Ham have even struggled to get that side of their game right this season.This was a 13th straight Premier League game without a clean sheet, with Lukasz Fabianski just as busy here as he was in Leverkusen on Thursday.The Pole, who turns 39 on Thursday, had to stop efforts from Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz, before pulling off a superb diving save to tip Iwobi’s effort around the post after more appalling defending from Mavropanos.West Ham were only managing half chances when they managed to get forward.James Ward-Prowse sent a hopeful low shot at Leno before heading a cross from Paqueta high and wide, while Coufal did the same with an effort at the far post.Moyes sent on Tomas Soucek to try add some life to his flat side, but just as soon as the Czech got going Paqueta gave the ball away again.With no one showing to pass too, the Brazilian tried to do too much on the ball and was dispossessed by Palhinha.Fulham’s midfield maestro played in Pereira, sparking the sort of flowing move West Ham could only have dreamed of all afternoon.Pereira found Muniz, who slipped the ball wide to Iwobi. In space he drove forwards and crossed back to Pereira, who tucked home his brace.West Ham’s afternoon got even worse when, in the final minutes of normal time, teenager George Earthy – making his Premier League debut – suffered a sickening head injury and had to be carried off on a stretcher off and taken to hospital after being down on the ground for eight minutes.Players and staff were visibly shaken, with Marco Silva even darting onto the pitch as soon as the youngster went down.The 11 minutes added on played out like a training session, the already flat atmosphere completely sapped by Earthy’s injury. More

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    Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Reds look to bounce back from Atalanta humiliation

    LIVERPOOL return to Premier League action hoping to pick up three big points against London outfit Crystal Palace.The Reds were recently humiliated 3-0 in the Europa League by Italian side Atalanta.But they’ll be expected to get back to winning ways against a Palace side who recently suffered a 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
    Kick-off time: 2pm BST
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League
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    Man City 5 Luton 1: Hosts throw down gauntlet to Arsenal and Liverpool as Pep Guardiola and Co go TOP of Premier League

    IN the end it was ruthless.Luton’s brave rearguard action that had lasted for over an hour to keep the scoreline at 1-0 was eventually dismantled.Man City thumped Luton at the EtihadCredit: GettyErling Haaland’s deflected strike got Man City off to the perfect startCredit: EPAThen the floodgates opened.It is okay Rodri, you have your rest, we can take it from here.Rodri was allowed to put his feet up after complaining following the 3-3 draw in the Bernabeu that he was tired and needed a rest.The man who replaced him provided the moment that eased any nerves their might have been in The Etihad.Mateo Kovacic blasted the ball home on 64 minutes for Manchester City’s second.A penalty from Alfie Haaland on 76 minutes started to give the scoreline a more just reflection of the domination Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed.A brief response from Ross Barkley on 81 minutes prompted Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol to go back up the end to grab another two.Pep Guardiola had understandably made changes for this game.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERStill,you can change the names on the Manchester City start sheet but the football and the results stay the same.They are unbeaten now in their last 27.Avoid defeat to Madrid on Wednesday and it will be 42 straight unbeaten at home, a record that has stood since set in 1919 and equalled in 1921.This victory put them back on top for the first time since November with Liverpool and Arsenal both playing on Sunday (tomorrow).It also helped greatly with the goal difference that could yet decide this great title race.It was something of a victory for Luton that they actually managed to get to half-time just one-nil down.The half-time stats were remarkable given that City only had one goal to their name.City had 78 per cent possession, hit 18 shots to Luton’s non and had 10 corners to the Hatters one.Still it was only Haaland’s wickedly deflected effort after just 66 seconds of play that separated the team.Kevin  De Bruyne, missing from the game in Madrid due to sickness, supplied one of those sublime through balls that have graced this turf for so long.Threading the needle, he sent Haaland through one-on-one but Kaminski did brilliant to block his effort.The ball was still alive with Doku’s own deflected shot that found Haaland again and his miscued volley hit Daiki Hashiok on the head and went past his own goalkeeper.The same Luton player had also helped Arsenal out with an ‘og’ less than a fortnight ago, the second in a 2-0 win for the Gunners.Floodgate creaking you would have thought as City immediately piled forward for more.Gvardiol has clearly got a taste for goal after his spectacular effort in the Bernanbeu.Receiving the ball about the same distance out as last Tuesday he tried to replicate that goal but this time the goalkeeper was equal to it.Doku was buzzing around the left flank and when he made it to the byline and pulled the ball back Matheus Nunes was there but his effort was weak and straight at the ‘keeper.De Bruyne and Haaland linked up again but this time the Norwegian goal machine eased the ball over the bar on the half volley.On it went. Nunes clipped the far post, De Bruyne had an effort of his own saved at full length and when the half-time whistle went there was a sense of deflation at the scoreline in The Etihad.That would change by the final whistle as Luton finally whilted after Kovacic’s strike.Alvarez and Doku played a shot corner between them and the former delivered a ball to the edge of the area which Kovacic caught absolutely perfectly with a scorching volley that fizzed past Kaminski.A foul by Fred Onyedinma on the lively Doku saw referee John Brookes to the spot and Haaland sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for his 31st goal of the season.Not bad for a league two player.Luton didn’t down tools and a Matheus Nunes mistake even gave their visiting fans something to cheer as Ross Barkley picked a loose ball beat his man and fired across Ederson to score in the 81st minute.It only served to anger City into a further response.Doku got the goal his performance deserved on 87 minutes as he wriggled his way into the box before sliding the ball into the net.Then in injury time up stepped Gvardiol with another stunner.Ruthless. More

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    Nottingham Forest vs Wolves LIVE SCORE: Latest updates as hosts continue fighting for Premier League survival

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST continue their fight for Premier League safety with a tough test against Midlands rivals Wolves.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were dealt a huge blow to their survival hunt last weekend having lost 3-1 to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.But it was also a disappointing time for Wolves last time out as they lost to a late goal by West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More

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    Burnley 1 Brighton 1: Clarets’ relegation woes worsen as Muric’s second howler in two games sees crucial points dropped

    Aro Muric might have thought it was impossible to top his howler at Everton last week – but he did. By a mile.The Burnley keeper was embarrassed at Goodison Park a week ago when his attempted clearance hit Dominic Calvert-Lewin and looped into the net for a winner.Arijanet Muric had a howler for the second week running to damage Burnley’s safety hopesCredit: ReutersMuric saw the ball roll under his foot after a pass backCredit: ReutersBut the equaliser he gifted Brighton was a whole lot worse – so bad, it will haunt him for the rest of his career.There was no danger at all as Sander Berge rolled a pass back to the Kosovan keeper with 11 minutes left.But somehow, Muric allowed the ball to roll under his boot and into the net – as Burnley’s fans howled in anguish.It came just five minutes after substitute Josh Brownhill looked to have given the Clarets a glimmer of hope in their survival bid as he pounced on an error at the other end.The midfielder charged down Bart Verbruggen’s attempted clearance to score after the keeper had been sold short by Carlos Baleba’s underhit back pass.But no-one will remember Verbruggen’s moment of misery, because Muric surpassed it.Vincent Kompany’s side desperately needed a lucky break, with games running out and the drop looming – but this wasn’t their day.Fortune was against them when the lively Wilson Odobert tumbled over Pervis Estupinan inside the area early on, with Simon Hooper turning away the penalty appeals, and a VAR check backing up the referee.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut Burnley had only themselves to blame as they passed up two glorious chances in the first half.Danish winger Jacob Bruun Larsen failed to score in the 17th minute, when he was left unmarked at the far post yet somehow swept Wilson Odobert’s cross wide from three yards out.Then right on half-time, Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana darted into the centre to meet another superb ball in from French teenager Odobert, only for the ball to whizz past off the top of his boot.But in between, Burnley had to see off plenty of first-half pressure from a Brighton side who had failed to score in five of their previous eight matches.Simon Adingra’s burst down the right took him past Vitinho and within sight of goal, and although Muric blocked his shot, there was then a nervy moment for the keeper, who had to clear quickly in a crowded box as Maxime Esteve fired a back pass at him.The Kosovan keeper was kept busy during the first half – he held another Adingra shot comfortably enough, then spilled a long-range effort from Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, having to scramble to gather the loose ball.Here’s how the game played out on paperBurnley looked more threatening despite having less of the ballMuric could only watch as Joao Pedro stole in behind Vitinho to glance wide from Pascal Gross’ superb angled cross, but was alert later in the half to push away Jakub Moder’s free-kick, and blocked Danny Welbeck at close range as the striker closed in from a tight angle before the break.Esteve had to make a brilliant tackle early in the second half as Adingra raced through on goal, with Brighton starting to pick holes in the Burnley back line.Fofana had one chance to make up for his first-half miss before being hauled off with just over an hour gone, and he flung himself at a right-wing cross from Lorenz Assignon to plant a diving header just wide.But Brighton had a strong spell after that as the hosts got sloppy with the ball, with Gross seeing one shot deflected just wide with Muric stranded, and then having another tipped over by the keeper after Sander Berge had lost possession cheaply.Gross took the resulting corner and caused more Burnley panic, with Joao Pedro glancing a header just wide.Kompany sent on Jay Rodriguez in a desperate bid to find a goal, and was almost rewarded, with the striker steering a low shot, gathered by keeper Bart Verbruggen, after Odobert’s run had teed up the chance.At that point, the game looked to be drifting towards a 0-0 draw, but then came Brownhill’s breakthrough – followed by the mother of all howlers from Muric.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More