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MANCHESTER CITY are up against Nottingham Forest this weekend in the Premier League and both teams need a victory. Home side Forest are fighting relegation while City need to win to keep up pace with title challengers Liverpool and Arsenal.
Kick-off time: 4.30pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Premier League/NOW TV More
CHELSEA were denied a late win over Aston Villa thanks to VAR as a fiery contest finished 2-2 at Villa Park. The Blues went 2-0 down in the first half thanks to a Marc Cucurella own goal and Morgan Rogers’ smart finish. But Chelsea were excellent in the second period as they were brought back level by Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. Axel Diasi scored a 95th-minute winner but VAR adjudged Benoit Badiashile’s nudge on Diego Carlos in the build-up to be a foul and it was ruled out.
Kick-off time: 8pm BST
Stream/TV: NOW TV/Sky Sports PL
Villa XI: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Bailey, McGinn, Luiz, Rogers, Tielemans, Watkins
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Follow all the action with our live blog below…READ MORE IN CHELSEAWhat are the odds?Match result
Aston Villa – 23/20
Draw – 11/4
Chelsea – 2/1
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.Match report:
CHELSEA proved they do have a backbone as they clawed their way back from two goals down to keep their European hopes alive.
They could even have won it at a push – and thought they had – until VAR spotted Benoit Badiashile’s shove on Diego Carlos just before he crossed for sub Axel Disasi to head home.
VAR Chris Kavanagh spotted the infringement and invited ref Craig Pawson to look at the pitchside monitor.
And amid dramatic scenes it was Villa fans’ turn to cheer as Chelsea’s late strike was controversially chalked off.
More of tonight’s match report can be found here from Graeme Bryce.
Copy linkCopiedMauricio Pochettino reacts:
Mauricio Pochettino has reacted on TNT Sports post-match to the game and in particular to VAR and the end of this game.
“Everyone that was watching the game feels disappointed. I think we need to explain to the people, the referee saying foul and then confirming on VAR is one thing, but changing his decision after seeing it on the screen is another, it is ridiculous.””I think it [VAR] has damaged English football.”
“If every challenge like this [the foul on Diego Carlos] is a foul then we will end every game with no players left.”
“I think the performance was very good and we performed very well. In the first half we conceded two goals and we were very soft… but I am very pleased with the performance of the team and the players were very good.”
“VAR has damaged English football”Mauricio Pochettinoon VAR
Copy linkCopiedMan of the match
The prestigious SunSport man of the match tonight could go to a few players in blue shirts.
Conor Gallagher drove his team on brilliantly, and scored a beautiful equalizer to level things up.
Noni Madueke proved a threat all day long on the right hand side, and gave Lucas Digne a torrid time, and finished with composure to start the comeback.
But man of the match tonight goes to Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian has come under a lot of scrutiny following his big money move, but was sublime in midfield tonight alongside captain Conor Gallagher.
He broke up play incredibly well, drove his team forwards at times, and set the standard for the rest of the team.
Great show.
Moises Caicedo’s heat map vs Aston Villa
Copy linkCopiedConor Gallagher speaks:
“I’m proud of the lads.
“We had chances to win and showed great character in the second half, the goal at the end should have counted but it’s not my decision. We can hold our heads high and take a lot of confidence from that.
“We are nowhere near where we want to be as a club, and there is a lot of work to be done but the second half was great tonight”
“It was a swinger!”Conor Gallagher on his goalVia TNT Sports
Conor Gallagher said “It was a swinger!” relating to his stunning equalizerCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedFULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
FT. The referee calls the end of the game, but what a game that was!
The Chelsea players are absolutely incensed at the end of the game, and Madueke is booked after the whistle goes.
Copy linkCopiedVAR INTERVENES! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
90+7. THE GOAL IS RULED OUT!
VAR recommends that Craig Pawson goes to the monitor, and the goal is ruled out for a nudge on Diego Carlos from Benoit Badiashile in the build up.
Villa are coming forward now with Rogers, and they have a corner!
Copy linkCopiedTHEY’VE DONE IT! Aston Villa 2-3 Chelsea
90+6. CHELSEA HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!
The corner is whipped in by Cole Palmer, to Benoit Badiashile at the back post.
He lifts the ball back into Axel Disasi, who heads it off the bar and in!
Copy linkCopiedHUGE CHANCE! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
90+4. HUGE CHANCE FOR COLE PALMER!
Right at the death he brilliantly beats two defenders and is 1v1 against Robin Olsen.
It’s on his left foot and Olsen makes a great save to deny him!
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
90. There will be seven minutes of added time at the end of this one.
Will either team grab a winner?
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
89. Double change for Chelsea.
Axel Disasi comes on for Thiago Silva, who seems to be hurt.
And Cesare Casadei comes on for Mykhailo Mudryk.
Copy linkCopiedCHANCE! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
88. HUGE chance for Ollie Watkins in the middle for Aston Villa, and if there is one man you want that chance to fall to this season it’s him.
McGinn works the ball nicely down the right side into Cash, who sets it back for Watkins, but he fires it over the bar.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
86. It would be brilliant to just see both teams go for this now, with four minutes of normal time left to play.
Thiago Silva brings down John McGinn, who is leading the Villa charge on the halfway line and receives a yellow card for his efforts.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
84. What a response, what a turnaround from Chelsea in the second half.
They feel in the ascendancy and Jackson strikes a shot off of a Villa defender and out for a corner to the Blues.
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
81. OH MY WORD! WHAT A GOAL CONOR GALLAGHER!
That is simply sensational from the Chelsea academy product!Noni Madueke plays Conor Gallagher inside, and he shifts it onto his left foot and CURLS it into the top left corner!
Sublime!
Conor Gallagher scored a screamer to draw Chelsea levelCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
78. Close from Cole Palmer, following great out of possession play from the Blues.
Badiashile won it high up the pitch and found Marc Cucurella inside, who gave it to Palmer on the edge of the box.
His curling effort was wide of the post and goes out for a goal kick.
Copy linkCopiedSUBS: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
75. Double change for Villa.
Tim Iroegbunam comes on for Douglas Luiz, and Diego Carlos comes on for Leon Bailey.
A defensive shift from Villa who are gonna look to see this one out it seems.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
73. Trouble for Chelsea, as Bailey drives at the defence and fires a shot on goal which Petrovic saves.
It bounces just behind Ollie Watkins and Silva and Petrovic scramble it clear between them for a Villa corner.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
70. Caicedo looks like he is struggling in the middle of the park after being stood on by Douglas Luiz, before he DIVES into a challenge on the front foot.
If he wasn’t injured, he had me fooled.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
68. Lucas Digne goes down injured having been caused plenty of problems by Noni Madueke in this second half.
It looks like he will be okay to continue but one to keep an eye on.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
65. This has been a brilliant fight back from Chelsea since half-time.
Madueke wins a free-kick on the edge of the box straight after kick-off, but Palmer fires it wide.
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
62. NONI MADUEKE GETS ONE BACK FOR CHELSEA!
Great pressure from Chelsea and Conor Gallagher sees Chelsea win the ball back high up the pitch – he turns the ball onto Madueke who calmly slots it into the bottom corner!
Great finish! Game on!
Noni Madueke celebrates getting Chelsea back in the gameCredit: Reuters
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
60. Chelsea have two successive corners, the first of which is headed on target by Thiago Silva and blocked.
The second is put into Robin Olsen’s hands, who is fouled by Trevoh Chalobah.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
57. Villa can’t seem to hold onto the ball here, but Chelsea cannot seem to get the final ball to stick.
Chelsea are resorting to efforts from range and they just aren’t troubling the Villa defence.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
55. Moises Caicedo hits a powerful effort from distance, but it doesn’t trouble Robin Olsen.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
52. Good effort from Noni Madueke, who takes a great touch on the right side and cuts inside before lashing a shot just wide of the post.
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MANCHESTER UNITED continue their top-four chase with a home encounter against relegation-battling Burnley.The Red Devils will be expected to secure back-to-back wins following their midweek 4-2 triumph over Sheffield United.However, they come up against a Clarets side who also recently put four past the Blades.
Kick-off time: 3pm BST
Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK due to blackout
Man Utd XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Maguire, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Burnley XI: Muric, Assignon, O’Shea, Esteve, Fofana, Vitinho, Cullen, Berge, Bruun Larsen, Foster & Odobert
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFull time – Man Utd 1-1 Burnley
It’s all over at Old Trafford – and there are more than a few boos ringing out.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Burnley
90+4. Diallo has tried his luck since coming on, and this time it’s the sub has had a shot blocked.
It’s a fast and furious end to the contest.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Burnley
90+2. Casemiro again!
This time his glancing header from a whipped free-kick is grabbed by Muric.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Burnley
90. There will be six minutes of stoppage time added on at Old Trafford!
Who wants to win this one then?
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Burnley
89. Casemiro almost restores Manchester United’s lead immediately!
The Brazilian popped up in the Burnley box, but his effort on the turn is blocked.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Burnley
87. Cool as you like from Burnley substitute Zeki Amdouni!
The Swiss striker steps up to take responsibility, and calmly sends Andre Onana the wrong way to score.
Burnley players quickly retrieve the ball, and head back to halfway as they celebrate. They still believe they can win this.
Copy linkCopiedEqualiser!
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Burnley – Penalty to Burnley!
86. Sure enough, John Brooks returns from the pitchside monitor and points to the spot.
It will be Zeki Amdouni to face Andre Onana, and this is a huge moment in Burnley’s season.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Burnley
85. Burnley want a penalty – and we’ve seen this before!
Andre Onana has been magnificent this afternoon, but he has just smashed into Zeki Amdouni as he attempted to punch clear.
It was a woeful mix-up in the Manchester United penalty area, started by Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s spooned clearance and continued by Casemiro’s bizarre header.
VAR have had a second look at the incident, and are now recommending a review – and we know what comes next when that happens.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Burnley
83. It’s going to be a big final seven minutes or so for Burnley, who are not out of this game – but could soon be out of the Premier League.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Burnley – Man Utd substitution
81. Erik ten Hag responds immediately to his side scoring by calling for Sofyan Amrabat.
The defensive-minded midfielder replaces Christian Eriksen for the final stages.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Burnley
79. Antony’s first Premier League goal of the season!
It had become of those games where it was going to require either a big error or a moment of magic to break the deadlock, and – unfortunately for Sander Berge – it is the latter that obliges.
The former Sheffield United midfielder took charge of possession deep in his own half, but a loose square pass was seized upon by Antony, whose smart first touch took him clear of the defence.
Berge made a desperate attempt to get back, but he couldn’t catch the Brazilian, who drove into the box and steered his shot beyond Arijanet Muric.
Copy linkCopiedBreakthrough!
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
76. Dara O’Shea and Alejandro Garnacho have been having their own personal duel in this second half, and now the two have clashed for a potential penalty shout.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley – Burnley substitution
74. Jacob Bruun Larsen has tired in the last ten minutes, and now it’s his time to make way.
There’s no time for us bloggers to get comfortable though with a second spelling nightmare in Johann Gudmundsson on in his place.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
72. While it remains finely-poised, gone is the attractive attacking play of the first hour.
It’s heading for an extremely scrappy finish.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
70. The home fans are unhappy as the Burnley keeper prepares to take a goalkick.
They’re kidding themselves if they think he’s timewasting though. The visitors need the points and – rightly – believe they can win this.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
68. This time it’s Arijanet Muric’s turn to make a flying save!
The Burnley goalkeeper responds acrobatically to flick away Alejandro Garnacho’s rising dive.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley – Man Utd double substitution
66. And here is some Manchester United movement.
Erik ten Hag opts for a double switch, introducing Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay.
Rasmus Hojlund – who has barely had a look-in today – and Kobbie Mainoo make way.
Copy linkCopied Man Utd 0-0 Burnley
64. Superb defending from Wilson Odobert.
Garnacho found himself free of Burnley’s high-line, and in on goal from halfway.
But the Frenchman – usually so attack-minded – found the energy to track back, and nudge the United player off the ball on the edge of the area.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
62. There isn’t much movement on either bench right now, but surely both managers are considering changes.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley – Cullen yellow card
59. Josh Cullen picks up a yellow card just shy of the hour mark.
The Burnley captain has put in a committed performance this afternoon, but he’s overstepped the mark there, according to referee John Brooks.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
57. Amdouni has a go with his left foot, but fails to test Onana with it.
The first goal will surely win this contest. It just seems nobody wants to score it.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
55. As it stands, 19th-placed Burnley are now a point behind Luton, who are currently 2-0 down at Wolves.
Nottingham Forest, in the safety of 18th, are a point further ahead, and play Manchester City at home tomorrow.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Burnley
53. Garnacho in space on the left!
He drives into the area, toying with the Burnley defence. He cuts back inside and curls towards the far corner…
…wide!
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EVERTON can take a step closer to Premier League safety with a win over Brentford this weekend. The Toffees beat relegation rivals Nottingham Forest under controversial circumstances last weekend, while Thomas Frank’s side thrashed Luton.
Kick-off time: 5.30pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Premier League More
LUTON visit Wolves this weekend in the Premier League knowing defeat will bring them one step closer to relegation. Gary O’Neil’s side were thrashed by Brentford at the weekend but need a big win here to keep up pace with fellow battlers Nottingham Forest.
Kick-off time: 3pm BST
Stream/TV: Not televised in UK More
CRYSTAL PALACE had the wind taken out of their sails on the banks of the Thames.Jeffrey Schlupp’s stunning goal was only enough to grab a point after they failed to cash in on a series of first half chances.Jeffrey Schlupp enjoys his emphatic late levellerCredit: GettySchlupp fires his point-saver for PalaceCredit: GettyRodrigo Muniz showed perfect timing in the box to nod Fulham aheadCredit: ReutersAnd it means the Eagles’ impressive three game winning run came to an end as they needed an equaliser three minutes from the end of normal time to avoid defeat.Fulham went ahead early in the second half against the run of play when Rodrigo Muniz pounced to score after a dismal first half performance.Palace should have had an away win in a passionate London derby well wrapped up by then.Fulham also squandered opportunities as they fought back after the break in a clash of two teams heading firmly for mid-table.Palace rocked up at Craven Cottage having been reinvented by new boss Oliver Glasner in recent weeks. Three victories on the bounce included one at Liverpool – and also in style with exciting, flamboyant football. London’s prettiest ground was the perfect setting.But without the skills of crocked Eberechi Eze they struggled to find the clinical edge to their attractive football.Three times in the first quarter of an hour they came close to taking the lead against their slumbering hosts. And that does not include a half decent penalty shout.Michael Olise missed a sitter from the edge of the box when bearing down on goal. In-form Jean Phillippe-Mateta should have done much better with a low cross from Daniel Munoz.Closest of all came centre half Chris Richards who headed powerfully just over the bar from a Jordan Ayew free kick into the six yard box.Fulham were under the cosh until late in the first half when Muniz had a shot deflected wide by Palace keeper Dean Henderson and saw Issa Diop head over from the follow up corner.But so much revolves around taking chances and Fulham proved that bit more efficient.Seven minutes into the second half Palace’s counter attack was broken down and Andreas Perreira slipped the ball from the middle to Timothy Castagne pouring down the right flank.His sweeping cross into the six yard box was met by a bullet header from point blank range by Muniz and the Brazilian could not miss this time.Perreira was the driving force behind Fulham’s next attack on goal when he curled a ball into the box with the outside of his boot with Bobby De Cordova Reid in the clear. But the winger let the ball drift too far wide and shot into the stands.Palace boss Glasner went for the change by swapping strikers with Odsonne Edouard coming on for Jean Phillippe Mateta and almost scoring with his first touch.They could have had another in the 76th minute when skipper Harrison Reed bent a long range shot wide as Fulham’s second half mirrored Palace’s first.But the home side paid the price for failing to take their raft of chances when sub Jeff Schlupp grabbed a late point for Palace with an absolute corker..The midfielder had been largely anonymous since coming on with 14 minutes to go, replacing Ayew.But he certainly stood out and sent the visiting fans into raptures by picking up a short pass from Adam Wharton and unleashing an unstoppable, rising shot from 20 yards into the top corner right in front of the away end.There was also a late scare for wobbling Fulham when Diop’s attempted hoofed clearance inside his own area cannoned back off lurking Edouard, looping over Fulham keeper Bernd Leno and nestling in the top netting. More
NEWCASTLE are up against Sheffield United this afternoon in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side are looking to end the season as high up the table as they can while Sheffield United could be relegated if results don’t go their way today.
Kick-off time: 3pm BST
Stream/TV: Not televised in UK More
LIVERPOOL let their faint hopes of the title fade to almost nothing with a demoralising draw.The collapse of their season was summed up by Mo Salah rowing with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline before being introduced as a late substitute.Liverpool’s title hopes appear to be over after a 2-2 draw with West HamCredit: GettyMichail Antonio grabbed a point for the HammersCredit: PAKlopp’s side came from behind yet again to lead 2-1 heading into the closing stages at the London Stadium.But Michail Antonio headed an equaliser that left the visitors two points adrift of leaders Arsenal, having played a game more, after a disastrous week.All the elements of Liverpool’s disappointing end to Klopp’s farewell campaign were present. They found themselves in arrears for the 18th time in 35 league games when Jarrod Bowen headed West Ham into the lead after a set-piece ahead just before half-time.Andy Robertson drew them level soon after half-time, and they went ahead through an Alphonse Areola own goal.But then they missed good chances to take the game away from the Hammers.And as nerves started to take hold at the back, Bowen’s excellent cross found Antonio.It said a lot about the low-key first half that for much of it, the closest it came to a goal was shots from right-backs.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSApart from Lucas Paqueta’s ugly early foul on Alexis Mac Allister, for which he was not even booked, neither side looked too bothered.Liverpool thought they had a penalty in the 27th minute when Angelo Ogbonna fouled Cody Gakpo but Luis Diaz had been offside in the build-up.Manchester United fan Luke Littler goads Liverpool-supporting darts fanatics on walk-onShortly afterwards Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself furthest forward and West Ham goalkeeper Areola fisted the shot away, his first significant save of the day.Then at the other end, Vladimir Coufal’s rasper was caught by Alisson.Diaz was the only Liverpool showing consistent purpose and belief, and he saw a 40th-minute shot come back off Areola’s near post.But then his team switched off at the other end. Alisson made a fine save from Bowen’s deflected shot to concede a corner. The Liverpool defence failed to notice West Ham taking it quickly, Mohammed Kudus crossed and Bowen got enough on his header to beat Alisson.The visitors came out early for the second half and quickly equalised.Diaz fed Robertson, whose tame-looking shot was not kept out by Areola’s weak right hand.Liverpool could have been in front soon afterwards, but Ryan Gravenberch attempted a silly finish from Gakpo’s cross. The chances kept coming. Ogbonna blocked Gakpo’s shot, Areola saved from Alexander-Arnold.Then the Hammers goalkeeper got an unnecessary touch on a Gravenberch effort and the visitors scored from the resulting corner.Gravenberch’s shot found its way into the net via deflections off Ogbonna, Soucek and finally Areola.Jarrod Bowen gave the hosts a half-time leadCredit: GettyAndy Robertson brought the Reds level just after the breakCredit: ReutersRobertson’s strike should have been kept outCredit: EPAAlphonse Areola was credited with the own goalCredit: ReutersAntonio rose high with no challenge around himCredit: ReutersThe Frenchman denied Diaz twice, either side of Mac Allister failing to beat him with a close-range header, keeping the score at 2-1.But then came signs of nerves at the back from Liverpool and Alisson had to push away a fierce shot from Emerson.And moments later Bowen crossed superbly for Antonio to equalise.Klopp made a triple change, introducing Salah and Darwin Nunez in search of another late winner – but not before Nunez had to act as peacemaker between his gesticulating team-mate and the manager.Coufal denied Nunez a tap-in from a Salah cross in the 84th minute and there were other nervous moments for the Hammers, especially when Salah broke and Harvey Elliott hit the bar.But there was to be no late salvation for Liverpool this time and there will be no farewell title for Klopp.Here’s how the action unfolded at the London Stadium… More
