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    Max Verstappen comes from 17th to WIN with one of the great F1 drives at bonkers Brazil GP as Norris title hopes fade

    MAX VERSTAPPEN produced a jaw-dropping comeback from 17th to win a bonkers Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The ruthless Dutchman overcame a five-place grid penalty, shambolic qualifying session, a penalty in the sprint, as well as handbags with Damon Hill this weekend.Max Verstappen made light work of his penalty and elimination in Q2 to win the Brazilian GPCredit: ReutersVerstappen won his first race since June after starting in P17The Dutchman seized the lead from Esteban Ocon after the second restart on lap 43Credit: GettyThe 27-year-old now leads Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 pointsNorris, who started in pole, lost his place early to George RussellCredit: APVerstappen climbed the grid early from P17Credit: APThe three-time world champion made a huge statement in the title-race, crossing the line 19 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly on a bumper day for Alpine.Verstappen’s last time on the top of the podium was at the Spanish Grand Prix a whopping ten-races and six-months ago.The Dutchman bagged the fastest lap and can clinch the title in Las Vegas in three weeks’ time if he beats Lando Norris there after the Brit finished sixth today following a woeful performance.Brazil had been riddled with drama all weekend and today’s race continued where a chaotic, crash-strewn qualifying session in the morning had left off. READ MORE F1 NEWSNorris had secured pole while a seething Verstappen finished in 12th after a session which saw FIVE red flags for heavy crashes. Verstappen was furious about the delay in throwing the red flag for Lance Stroll’s crash which believed had allowed other drivers to knock him out of the top 10. It only seemed to ignite the fire in the Dutchman’s belly as he lined up on the grid all the way back in 17th after Red Bull put a new engine in his RB20. Drama erupted before the race had even started as Stroll lost control of his car on the formation lap and was stuck in the gravel, aborting the start and prompting a Safety car. Most read in MotorsportFranco Colapinto was out of the race after hitting the wall on Lap 30Credit: GettyThe Carlos Sainz crash caused second Safety CarCredit: AFPLando Norris dropped into P5 after an error at restartCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRemarkable scenes followed, with some drivers including Norris peeling away to go for another formation lap while Verstappen and others stayed put. Norris was then put under investigation for a starting procedure infringement as replays showed there was no green light on the gantry when Norris led most of the field away. Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing To rub salt in the wounds, Verstappen had pointed out the error. Finally the fans were treated to some racing and it was George Russell who was ahead on lap 1 after nipping past Norris off the line. It was a stunning first lap from Verstappen who meant business and sky-rocketed seven places up.By lap 10 the Dutchman had passed Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri for seventh-place. At the front of the pack, Norris was hunting down Russell with just over a second separating the pair as the rain lashed down. On lap 28 there was the first Virtual Safety Car as Nico Hulkenberg was out of the race at Turn One.It sparked pit stop chaos as Russell and Norris pitted with the virtual safety car ending.Russell remained ahead but Ocon and Verstappen stayed out, as did Gasly. Ocon nipped into first-place and Verstappen was second, while Norris overtook Russell for fourth on lap 30. George Russell launched an x-rant attack on his radio after Mercedes pittedNico Hulkenberg’s black flag saw him disqualified for receiving assistance after his off momentCredit: GettyIt continued peeing it down and there was a Safety car amid the heavy rain with Ocon leading, Verstappen is second, Gasly in third then Norris and Russell.But a red flag was shown after Franco Colapinto suffered a massive crash on the run up the hill towards the finish line. Colapinto got out of his car and appeared to be fit, but Williams’ budget was certainly suffering, given it was their third big crash of the day. Russell was left seething and fumed on Mercedes team radio after being told the race had been red flagged just a few laps after his pit stop:”I f****** said it!”We should have stayed out!”Full Sao Paulo Grand Prix race resultVerstappenOconGaslyRussellLeclercNorrisTsunodaPiastriLawsonHamiltonTo add to the drama, Hulkenerg was then disqualified for receiving assistance after he spun off the track. When the race resumed, Norris’ nerves got the better of him and he went deep at Turn Four, allowing Russell through. Carlos Sainz was then out of the race on lap 40 after spinning into the wall, prompting another safety car. Verstappen laid down a huge marker in the title-race after the restart as he bulldozed into the lead while Norris disastrously ran off the track and dropped into seventh. Piastri came to the rescue and let Norris through on the run down to Turn Four so the Brit was up to sixth while his rival Verstappen had left him for dust.The Dutchman now leads Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 points with three races remaining.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said after the race: “Wow, been a long time coming mate but boy was that worth the wait. You are the man.Verstappen: “Yes! What an unbelievable race guys. You know what that is. Simply lovely. I tell you that.”Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly made up the front threeLance Stroll did not start the race after losing control in the formation lapCredit: Getty More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson leaves Sir Jim Ratcliffe in stitches in the Old Trafford stands in first Prem match since Ten Hag exit

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON appeared to have Sir Jim Ratcliffe in stitches as the pair caught up ahead of Sunday’s battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.Both men were in attendance as the Red Devils took on the Blues in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first Premier League match in caretaker charge.Sir Alex Ferguson caught up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old TraffordCredit: PARatcliffe, 72, was in stitches during their chatCredit: PAThe Ineos chief appeared to enjoy catching up with FergusonCredit: PAAs they took their places in Old Trafford’s posh seats for the 1-1 draw, the duo shook hands.During their handshake, Ferguson appeared to say something that had Ratcliffe in fits of laughter.The Ineos chief, 72, beamed as he giggled with his mouth wide open.Ferguson, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there did not appear to be any animosity between the two men at all.Ferguson was also in attendance as his former striker Van Nistelrooy took caretaker charge against Leicester in the mid-week Carabao Cup clash.The Scot will have been delighted to witness the Red Devils’ 5-2 thumping of the Foxes.Fans were left surprised when they spotted who was sat next to Ferguson during the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe United legend was seen chatting away with former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan.They both appeared to enjoy the match, despite Vaughan being a Sheffield Wednesday fan.Fans spot Frank Lampard’s reaction to Roy Keane fuming at being called ‘Cardi B’ for outfit choice at Man Utd vs ChelseaLast weekend Ferguson took a break from the Premier League, instead watching son Darren’s Peterborough take on nearby Bolton.He also took a trip north of the border last month, watching former side Aberdeen draw 2-2 with Celtic at Parkhead.Ferguson watched the mid-week match alongside Michael VaughanCredit: Rex More

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    Jamie Redknapp blasts Man Utd fans accusing Old Trafford crowd of creating as much atmosphere as Covid times

    JAMIE REDKNAPP has called out Manchester United fans for giving their players the silent treatment against Chelsea.The Sky Sports pundit savaged the subdued atmosphere during United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Super Sunday. Jamie Redknapp has savaged Man Utd’s atmosphere – and likened it to a game in CovidA capacity crowd is at Old Trafford to watch United face ChelseaCredit: GettyInterim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is taking charge of his first Premier League gameCredit: PARedknapp was far from impressed by the noise levels as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side drew a blank in the first half at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break at the Theatre of Dreams, crashing a volley onto the crossbar.But the game remained scoreless at the break, with Redknapp baffled by the lack of energy in the home support. Redknapp told his Sky colleagues Roy Keane and Frank Lampard: “It’s like watching a game in Covid. READ MORE MAN UTD”There’s no crowd, there’s no atmosphere, no energy.”The players have got to do more [to get the crowd going].”One fan agreed on X: “Old Trafford feels more like a library than the Theatre of Dreams lately.”Another wrote: “It’s disappointing to hear that about Old Trafford. A lively atmosphere makes all the difference in the game. Fans need to bring that energy back!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut a third argued: “Redknapp baiting as usual. Crowd is immense.”Van Nistelrooy watched his side improve in the second 45, taking the game to the visitors.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)Bruno Fernandes looked to have given United all three points, slotting home from the penalty spot after Rasmus Hojlund was felled.But Moises Caicedo responded with a stunning volley minutes later, ensuring the Blues took a point home to West London. Van Nistelrooy will remain in post for a further two matches before new boss Ruben Amorim arrives on November 11. Redknapp’s colleague Gary Neville had earlier called out the club for its poor transfer dealings over the past decade.Neville claimed only Bruno Fernandes has lived up to his hefty transfer fee out of the £1.8bn in signings United have made since 2013.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.He told Sky: “There are players that have come here with great potential and ones that you thought would be good signings for the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Only really Bruno [Fernandes] I can think of in 10 years has signed for the club and done more than I thought he would.”I can’t think of any other player. That’s £1.8bn spent in the last 10 years, that’s one thing that has to change.” More

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    ‘Olivia Rodrigo, you traitor’, say Chelsea fans after singer paraded around Old Trafford pitch for Man Utd clash

    CHELSEA fans labelled pop star Olivia Rodrigo a “traitor” after she lifted up a personalised Manchester United shirt at Old Trafford.American Rodrigo, 21, was in attendance as the Blues travelled to take on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men on Sunday afternoon.Singer Olivia Rodrigo was at Old Trafford for Manchester United’s clash with ChelseaCredit: GettyShe posed with a Man Utd shirt that had her name on the backLast year Rodrigo was seen alongside Ben Chilwell as they held up a Chelsea jerseyAnd she appeared to be supporting the hosts as she held up a Man Utd shirt with her name on the back.But Chelsea fans were quick to point out that she had previously posed with one of their shirts.Last year, Rodrigo met Ben Chilwell and the pair had photos taken while holding up a Blues jersey.This was referenced on social media by supporters of the West London club as they labelled her a turncoat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne person shared pictures of her with both shirts and said: “OLIVIA RODRIGO YOU TRAITOR.”While another added: “Can’t decide who she supports.”A third replied: “So guys … is Olivia Rodrigo a Chelsea fan or not?😭”And a fourth responded: “She’s a Chelsea fan btw.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOlivia Rodrigo and Manchester United Treble winner Dennis Irwin had a selfie togetherCredit: AlamySky Sports presenter Kelly Cates made reference to Rodrigo being at the game – while she labelled Roy Keane “Cardi B”.Rodrigo’s appearance at Old Trafford – which also saw her have a selfie with Treble winner Dennis Irwin – comes at the end of a bizarre week for the singer.Van Nistelrooy makes clear his hopes to remain at Man Utd Just a few days ago it was revealed she was receiving abuse on social media from Real Madrid fans who mistakenly believed her to be Manchester City midfielder Rodri.Spaniard Rodri, 28, won the Ballon d’Or on Monday ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.Chelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories. More

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    ‘Man Utd have only made ONE good signing in the last TEN YEARS… they’ve spent £1.8billion, that has to change’

    GARY NEVILLE has savaged Manchester United’s transfer dealings – and believes they have got just ONE signing right in the last decade.The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and were quick to replace him with Ruben Amorim.Gary Neville has hit out at Man Utd’s transfer dealings since Sir Alex Ferguson leftCredit: GettyNew boss Ruben Amorim has been challenged with changing the culture at Old TraffordCredit: GettyMan Utd have splashed out £1.8billion on players over the past ten years.They have failed to mount a Premier League title challenge in that time, going through six managers and a string of expensive flops.Neville believes only Bruno Fernandes has lived up to his fee after arriving from Sporting Lisbon for £55m in January 2020. He told Sky Sports: “There are managers that have come here that have been tried and tested and successful.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”There are players that have come here with great potential and ones that you thought would be good signings for the club.”Only really Bruno [Fernandes] I can think of in 10 years has signed for the club and done more than I thought he would. “I can’t think of any other player. That’s £1.8bn spent in the last 10 years, that’s one thing that has to change.”Amorim arrives at United with the club languishing in the bottom half of the league. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Neville has challenged the 39-year-old to stop the rot that has set in since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013.He continued: “[Amorim] has to get the best out of the players.Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ “The players need to take responsibility for what’s happened in the last 10 years.”The club have signed a lot of players that other clubs wanted and when those players have arrived at Manchester United they’ve deteriorated. Neville believes Bruno Fernandes has been United’s only successful signingCredit: Alamy”Why is that? It could be the coach, it could be the players, it could be the environment is too big for them.”Whatever it is it has to change because if he [Amorim] doesn’t change that he will fall the same way the rest of them have.” More

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    Stoke to make £3m offer for exciting Wigan ace Thelo Aasgaard after Championship rivals Blackburn failed with summer bid

    STOKE are in the queue for Wigan’s exciting star Thelo Aasgaard — but will have to pay £3million.Potters spy Jon Walters and sidekick Lee Darnbrough watched Norway Under-21 Aasgaard last week.Thelo Aasgaard is attracting plenty of interestCredit: AlamyBlackburn failed in a bid for Aasgaard, 22, in the summer but Stoke are likely to top their offer and get closer to the valuation.City have been scouting in Ukraine recently and are planning an offer to keep Tom Cannon in January when his loan from Leicester is reviewed.Narcis Pelach’s side were in Championship action yesterday.The Potters took on newly-promoted Derby County at Bet365 Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCannon got Stoke off to a perfect start, netting from the penalty spot on nine minutes.Derby went on to level in the 68th minute courtesy of Viktor Johansson’s own goal.Stoke left it late to grab all three points, with Ben Gibson scoring the winner eight minutes from time.After his side’s win, Pelach told the BBC: “I was very pleased with the goal. We have worked a lot on set-plays. When I was with Huddersfield, we were the best team in the league.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We scored 22 goals from set-plays by keeping it very simple but being very aggressive.”We wanted to be more aggressive than them. We want to be this strong team that scores with wide free-kicks and set-plays.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL”I am really pleased. When you watch the goal back we are nasty. We put the ball into the six-yard box and we get good contact with it.”I am pleased that our captain has scored it after the mistake for their goal.”We were the better team. We deserved to win.”We scored a nice goal with some really good play which resulted in the penalty, but for me the most important thing was coming back mentally from the goal we conceded.”Narcis Pelach was delighted with his side’s win against DerbyCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Non-league at its best’, joke fans after goalkeeper gets stuck in his own NET… but still makes worldie of a save

    A NON-LEAGUE goalkeeper has pulled off one of the saves of the season – despite being STUCK in his own net.Bearsted FC’s Frankie Leonard went viral after his heroics in a Southern Counties East League game on Saturday. Bearsted goalkeeper Frankie Leonard was caught off his line in a non-league game on SaturdayCredit: X @FisherFilmCrew
    The ball rebounded off the bar and fell kindly for a Fisher FC strikerCredit: X @FisherFilmCrewThe Beasted keeper rushed out to block the shot, but was caught up in his own netCredit: X @FisherFilmCrewLeonard somehow dived to block the shot with the entire goal frame caught up in his bootCredit: X @FisherFilmCrewLeonard was in goal as Kent-based Bearsted took on Fisher FC, who arrived on the back of three consecutive wins. Leading 1-0, Fisher’s Ed Sata spotted Leonard off his line in the second half at Honey Lane. Sata’s spectacular effort clattered back off the crossbar, with the back-pedalling Leonard collapsing into his goal. As he rushed out to block the rebound from Fisher striker Courtney Barrington, the goalkeeper got his foot caught up in the netting.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLeonard somehow managed to burst out into his six-yard box and block the shot with a remarkable reflex save.But he was still tangled up in the net, bringing the game to a halt as the goal frame fell apart around him. One fan gasped on X: “Not giving the keeper enough credit for that save here. World class, save of the year level.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballAnother said: “Quality keeper. Saved us so many times over the last couple of seasons.”While a third added: “He never gave up! Great effort and quite funny tbh.” Former Premier League bad boy Nile Ranger returns to football with non-league club after two years unemployedAnd a fourth laughed: “This is non league at its best.”Bearsted were founded in 1895 and are one of the oldest clubs in Kent.Lionesses goal machine Alessia Russo began her youth career with the club in the early 2000s.Last season Bearsted finished 7th in the SCEFL Premier Division, the highest finish in their history. Fisher’s 1-0 win on Saturday propelled them to third in the division, gaining ground on leaders VCD Athletic who were held 3-3 by Rusthall. More

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    ‘F***ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun Arsenal

    IAN WRIGHT launched an X-rated rant at giggling pal Alan Shearer after Newcastle’s win over Arsenal.Shearer’s beloved Toon beat the Gunners 1-0 at St James’ Park courtesy of Alexander Isak’s 12th minute goal.Alan Shearer was buzzing with Newcastle’s triumphCredit: X / premierleagueIan Wright is in a wheelchair after undergoing surgeryCredit: X / alanshearerWrighty was far less pleased with how the game wentCredit: X / premierleagueWright, 61, told his pal to ‘f*** off’Credit: X / alanshearerPrior to the match, the pair both beamed as they posed for a snap.Shearer posted the picture to his X account, writing: “Together today for @premierleague tv @NUFC v @Arsenal we have promised no hard feelings whatever the result!!!”After Newcastle’s win, Wrighty didn’t seem best pleased.The Arsenal icon, 61, is currently in a wheelchair having undergone knee replacement surgery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs he wheeled into the studio, Shearer filmed him and couldn’t help but giggle.Wright, fighting off a smile, told the former Toon striker: “F*** off.”Through giggles, Shearer said: “It was only 1-0.”Wrighty then responded: “F***ing shut your mouth.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShearer, 54, laughed even more as he said: “We love you Wrighty, we love you.”The Premier League also shared footage of Shearer and Wright watching the game together behind the scenes.Arsenal legend Ian Wright in wheelchair after surgery as Roy Keane helps him out after filming Stick to Football In the clip, Shearer can be seen getting up and pumping his fists after Isak’s goal.He bellowed: “Yes! What a goal that is!”Shearer then clapped in Wright’s direction as his pal looked despondent.Shearer loved Alexander Isak’s winning goalCredit: Getty More