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      Brighton 2 Liverpool 3: Cody Gakpo nets pair of rockets as much-changed Reds cling on for Carabao Cup quarter-final spot

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      CODY GAKPO continued his Carabao Cup love affair with a brilliant brace at Brighton.The Dutchman’s double set Liverpool up to cruise into the quarters.Cody Gakpo scored twice as Liverpool beat Brighton 3-2Credit: GettyThe result saw the Reds book their place in the next round of the Carabao CupCredit: GettyBut a late flurry of goals, with Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey scoring either side of Luis Diaz, left Arne Slot looking flustered.Whether 2-0 up or down Brighton can always produce a comeback or collapse, but Slot’s lot should have been far more comfortable having been put clear.Gakpo bagged four goals on the way to last season’s final and already has four in two appearances this term.Slot needed another forward to step up after injuries and some rotation – eight changes a piece made here.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has so little faith in blooper-reel regular Darwin Nunez that he opted to start two central midfielders, Dominik Szboszlai and Curtis Jones, as false nines.It left the Reds with an effective front four at most times, though they struggled for clear cut chances.However the hosts should have taken the lead thanks to a clever clip over the Liverpool back line by Jan Paul van HeckeLamptey found himself alone against impressive keeper Vitezslav Jaros but fired straight at the Czech.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe chance gave Brighton a shot of spirit but Slot’s side largely retained control and started to force chances.Their lack of focal point, with Jota injured, meant openings were harder to come by.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.It took a smart one-two between Szboszlai and Andy Robertson to find some space, though the midfielder shot straight at Steele before Luis Diaz headed the rebound wide.Gakpo then fed Robertson for a chance of his own, though Steele stopped it with ease at the near post.Having gone for the tappy and technical approach to breaking Brighton down in the first half, Gakpo went for the jugular within 40 seconds of the restart – cracking a thunderbolt from the corner of the box past Steele.His strike here did put Liverpool ahead but it also put a rocket up the hosts.Gakpo got his first early in the second halfCredit: ReutersHe doubled Liverpool’s lead soon afterCredit: GettyWithin moments of the resumption, third-choice keeper Jaros made a stunning fingertip save to turn Adingra’s header on to the post before parrying an effort from Evan Ferguson and pushing Jakub Moder’s long range striker over the bar.Hurzeler’s men were in complete control, but another Lamptey handed Liverpool the initiative once again.The former Chelsea man was robbed of the ball in his own half by Gakpo, who raced away as part of three red shirts against one blue and white.Gakpo opted to square for Szboszlai who got his feet stuck and allowed Steele to get a hand to his poor effort.Simon Adingra gave the Reds a late frightCredit: PALuis Diaz managed to restore the Reds’ two-goal leadCredit: AFPTwo minutes after the first warning, Gakpo snatched the ball from the full-back once more and this time took no risks in squaring to a team-mate. A thumping near-post finish flashed past Steele.Kaoru Mitoma was sent on and tormented down the left but it was Adingra, Brighton’s standout man, who gave them hope of a comeback.Just as Lamptey had slipped up, Jarell Quansah was pickpocketed in his own half. The ball moved to Ferguson whose powerful strike was spilt, allowing the winger to prod home.It had Liverpool frightened once more, but Diaz hit back with an impressive reverse finish into the near post.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat should have been that but Lamptey, what a night he could have had without the silly mistakes, fired in a deflected second for the hosts.Five excruciating added minutes later, Slot could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Though he must face the Brighton barrage again on Saturday.Tariq Lamptey pulled back a late effort for the hostsCredit: AFPLiverpool continued their fine start under Arne SlotCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford hailed for ‘powering through like a champ’ after Man Utd ace hit with eye-watering tackle in Carabao Cup

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been hailed by Manchester United fans for ‘powering through like a champ’ after an eye-watering incident at Old Trafford.The 26-year-old started the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester to mark the first game of the post Erik ten Hag era.Marcus Rashford was left holding his groin after a stray bootRuud van Nistelrooy had plenty to celebrate in his first game in chargeCredit: PAThe Dutchman was sacked on Monday with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy taking interim charge.But Rashford endured his own pain on the pitch after being caught by an opponent’s boot in the groin.The England man crumpled to the turf, and eventually after rising to his feet, held the sore area with his hand.But he was soon back running for his new gaffer – which led to United fans hailing his resilience.Read more FootballOne United fan wrote on X: “Holding on and powering through like a champ!”Another added: “We’ve all been there”, while some posted amusing yet wincing GIFs of people being kicked in the groin area.And one decided to point out the obvious, writing: “Must be hurt.”That moment in the 48th minute proved to be the last bit of action on a pulsating first half of football with Van Nistelrooy at the helm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited went into the break 4-2 up thanks to an unlikely brace from the much-maligned Casemiro, and strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.But Leicester netted through El Khannouss and Coady to keep things interesting.Ruben Amorim responds to questions about Man Utd job after Sporting match Rashford only lasted until the 62nd minute when he was replaced by Amad Diallo.And he was given a standing ovation by the fans as he made his exit.But by that time United had banged another past the helpless Leicester keeper, through Fernandes again, to make it 5-2.United are still negotiating with Sporting CP to make Ruben Amorim their new manager.Amorim, 39, was made the number one target for Man Utd earlier this week and now it seems as though he wants the deal just as much.According to Sky Sports, Amorim has told his current employers that he wants to leave and take up the job with the Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESSporting are also said to believe that Amorim has agreed terms with Man Utd.United have already agreed to pay the £8.5m release clause to get their man.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. More

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      Chelsea star Cole Palmer arrives at training in Royal Mail van after getting lift from local postie

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      CHELSEA goal ace Cole Palmer is delivering the goods on and off the pitch — after arriving at training in a Royal Mail van.The £40million star shocked team-mates by getting a lift from his local postie.Chelsea star Cole Palmer shocked his team-mates when he arrived at training in a Royal Mail vanCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, had left his car at Chelsea’s training base in Cobham, Surrey, the previous day when he was driven home by a team-mate earlier this month.Struggling to get back in, he was offered a lift in the mail van after chatting with the driver.A source close to Palmer told The Sun: “Cole is the most normal, down-to-earth guy you could meet, and this is typical of him. “He’s a very friendly lad and is on good terms with all of his neighbours, including the postman.READ MORE IN SPORTS“He didn’t think twice when he was offered a lift to the training ground, although his arrival certainly caused quite a stir.“Not many multi-millionaire stars come to training with a postman.”A Chelsea source added: “Cole is so laid-back he didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.“The other players were hysterical about it. Most read in Football“They found it so funny, and gave him the stamp of approval for his stunt.“He’s a complete one-off, on and off the pitch. “Nothing surprises us with him.”How Cole Palmer might look like as Postman PatPep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing year More

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      ‘I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’

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      STEVE SIDWELL says he’d rather play with Steven Gerrard than ex-Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard.The former Blues midfielder spent one season at Stamford Bridge during the 2007/08 campaign, playing 25 times under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.Steve Sidwell says he’d rather play alongside Steven Gerrard than Frank LampardCredit: PA:Press AssociationSidwell was unbeaten in his 12 Chelsea appearances alongside Super FrankCredit: RexSidwell did not land a trophy during his brief time at Chelsea, with the club losing the Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties.But the former Reading star did get the chance to line up alongside fan favourite Lampard no less than 12 times.Incredibly, Chelsea did not lose a single game in regulation time with the pair together in midfield.Yet Sidwell chose to ignore his pal and instead plump for Liverpool rival Gerrard in a dream team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAppearing on Peter Crouch’s podcast, Sidwell was asked who he would prefer to play alongside.The retired ace, who also played for Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton, pondered the question for a moment.But he quickly decided it was Gerrard who took the nod due to his all-action style.Sidwell said: “If it’s me and one other, no doubt, Stevie is unbelievable. He can do absolutely everything.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Frank was the deadliest scoring midfielder I’ve ever played with.“If I have to pick in terms of who I would partner best, I’m a holding midfielder that gives license to Frank to go and score goals.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pair“He did it in his career, he didn’t have to defend. If I did it with Stevie I think he’d still get back and defend as well.“It would give him more goals too. I think I’d have to go with Stevie on that one.“I played with Frank and his timings off the ball and runs into the box, he just sort of ghosted and scored goals.“But Stevie would be a perfect match because if the other team was on top he’d come inside and batten down the hatches with me.”Chelsea ratings vs NewcastleCHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.Filip Jorgensen – 6Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.Benoit Badiashile – 5Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.Marc Cucurella – 6Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.Enzo Fernandez – 6Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.Renato Veiga – 6Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.Joao Felix – 5Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.SubsNoni Madueke – 6Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block. More

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      Sky Sports slammed as ‘complete joke’ as technical error leaves fans unable to watch bumper night of cup football

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      FOOTBALL fans were left furious after Sky Sports Plus appeared to crash during Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City.The streaming service stopped working for some viewers in the early stages of the match.Some fans were unable to watch Man Utd vs LeicesterCasemiro scored an excellent goal – but many United fans were unable to see it liveCredit: PAA number of fans quickly took to social media to vent their frustration, with one person writing: “Would be nice if I could watch it live instead of on here (X). Absolute joke.”Another commented: “Would be great if your app/red button actually worked so we could watch it!”A third fumed: “SORT THE RED BUTTON MATCHES OUT!”A fourth said: “Shame I’ve been staring at an error message for 20 years.”Read More in FootballWhile another wrote: “Shame I can’t watch as your service is horrific. Waste of my money.”Sky Sports has been approached for comment.Man Utd took the lead through a Casemiro screamer in the 15th minute.Alejandro Garnacho made it two at the half-hour mark before Bilal El Khannouss pulled one back for Leicester.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasemiro scored again and Bruno Fernandes followed with a goal before Conor Coady scored Leicester’s second.The score at Old Trafford was 4-2 at half-time, before Fernandes added his second and United’s fifth to complete the rout.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes Ruud van Nistelrooy managed the Red Devils for the first time tonight following the departure of Erik ten Hag.Ten Hag was sacked by United on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is now expected to take over the job permanently.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. More

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      Fans joke ‘thought it was Bobby Davro’ as Declan Rice poses for picture with Arsenal legend

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      ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp was likened to legendary British comic Bobby Davro after posing for a picture with Declan Rice.Bergkamp was at the Emirates Stadium to watch his former team face Liverpool on Sunday.Dennis Bergkamp was likened to Bobby Davro in a picture with Declan RiceBergkamp previously spent 11 years with ArsenalCredit: GettyFans were stunned by Bergkamp’s likeness to DavroBukayo Saka fired the Gunners ahead with a fantastic strike early in the match before Virgil van Dijk equalised from a corner.Mikel Merino then restored Arsenal’s lead, but Mohamed Salah clinched a point for the visitors with less than 10 minutes left to play.After the match, club icon Bergkamp met up with Mikel Arteta and his squad outside the stadium.A photo of the Dutchman and Gunners midfielder Rice was later shared on social media.Read More on ArsenalHowever, some fans likened him to former TV favourite Davro.One person wrote: “Thought it was Bobby Davro.”Another commented: “It’s absolutely impossible to unsee.”A third said: “I can’t unsee that now!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a fourth joked: “Some say it’s the same person. Have you ever seen them in the same room together? Exactly.”Other fans were quick to suggest that he shared similarities to musician Sting.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArsenal currently sit third in the Premier League table, behind Liverpool and Manchester City.They beat Preston in the Carabao Cup 3-0 this evening.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes. More

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      ‘No words to describe that goal’, say fans as Casemiro screamer gets Van Nistelrooy’s Man Utd era off to flying start

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      CASEMIRO scored a stunning long-range strike to mark the start of Manchester United’s post-Erik ten Hag era.Dutchman Ten Hag, 54, was sacked on Monday morning after two years at the helm.Casemiro whipped a sensational strike into the top cornerCredit: AFPIt is Casemiro’s second goal in four days for Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersRuud van Nistelrooy took charge of The Red Devils for their last-16 Carabao Cup clash at home to Leicester on Wednesday, with Ruben Amorim still negotiating a deal to become the permanent successor.And things got off to the perfect start for the Old Trafford faithful as Casemiro bagged a rocket from 25 yards out to give Man Utd the lead after 15 minutes.The Brazilian midfielder received the ball a long way out as Alejandro Garnacho created the space, before Casemiro curled a stunning effort into the top corner.And fans could not believe what they had seen.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “No word to describe that goal by Casemiro.”While another simply replied: “Unbelievable 👏🏻.”A third added: “What an insane goal.”And a fourth responded: “Okay that finish from Casemiro was sublimeee! Wow wow wow!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMoments before half-time, Casemiro found the back of the net again from close range to make it three in two games.The goals came just hours after Gary Neville had labelled Casemiro and Antony two of the worst signings in the club’s history.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes Speaking on More

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      ‘My Premier League team-mate was catfishing fans… it really annoyed me and I can’t believe supporters fell for it’

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      PETER CROUCH has revealed one of his former Stoke team-mates used to “catfish” fans with training videos.Ex-England international Crouch, 43, spent eight years at the Britannia and scored 62 goals in 261 games.Peter Crouch has revealed one former Stoke team-mate used to ‘catfish’ fansCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut during his time at the club he has admitted there was one unnamed individual who created a misleading picture of his training routine.Crouch claims this infuriated him as fans were calling for the player in question to be given game time, but the supporters were unaware he was not putting in the work outside of his social media videos.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, he said: “There was one player at Stoke that was catfishing and it really annoyed me.”He was on social media doing his stuff with his personal trainer outside the training ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What he was like in the training ground, which we saw first hand, was not the person that we saw getting portrayed.”What annoyed me is that fans were falling for it. They were saying ‘Why is he not playing? He should be playing ahead of him’.”And the players they were saying he should be playing ahead of were working hard, were putting the work in and were doing alright for the team.”So that was something that really annoyed me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCrouch left Stoke one year after they were relegated down to the Championship.He joined Burnley for six months and retired in 2019 after failing to score in six matches.Dream Team Transfer Recommendations for Gameweek 10In his prime, Crouch bagged 42 goals in 134 games for Liverpool and 24 in 93 for Tottenham.He also boasts an impressive England record having netted 22 goals in 42 matches for his country. More