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    Cole Palmer breaks incredible 23-year Chelsea record after sublime solo goal against Fulham

    COLE PALMER broke an incredible 23-year Chelsea goal record after his stunner against Fulham. The England international opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge in the West London derby. Cole Palmer celebrates his opening goal against FulhamCredit: GettyHe effortlessly drifted past a sea of Fulham shirts before placing a left-footed curler past Bernd Leno. It was 12th goal of the season and remarkably his 26th of 2024. That saw Palmer break Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s record of most Premier League Chelsea goals in a calendar year – scoring 25 in 2001.Others in the top five were Didier Drogba with 22 in 2010, Diego Costa scoring 21 in 2016 and Frank Lampard with 20 in 2005. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer also made it 51 goals and assists in as many games since signing for Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The playmaker joined from Manchester City in a deal worth £42.5 million and has quickly become one of the most in-form players in the world. His solo stunner left former City defender and Amazon Prime pundit Nedum Onuoha in awe. Onuoha said: “My goodness. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Cole Palmer, he’s so so good at finding the ball in the spaces between the midfield and the defence but look at the way he takes this on the back foot and immediately wants to try and affect the game.”Takes it to the side, shuffles and it’s the easiest goal in the world for him.”Oh my goodness, there’s a megs [nutmeg] in there as well. When players can make it look that simple, you know they’re on a different level.”Despite Palmer’s stunner, Fulham fought back to steal a famous 2-1 thanks to goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz. Rodrigo Muniz scored a late winner for FulhamCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Pep sort of went towards him, but it was very acrimonious’ – De Bruyne’s reaction at end of Man City draw spotted

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been called out for his reaction after Manchester City dropped points against Everton. The reigning Premier League champions laboured to a 1-1 draw against the Toffees on Boxing Day.Kevin De Bruyne watched the majority of Man City’s draw with Everton from the benchCredit: GettyThe Belgian was eventually introduced with the champions chasing a winnerCredit: EPADe Bruyne was the first down the tunnel after the final whistleCredit: GettyDe Bruyne was brought off the bench late in the second half as Pep Guardiola’s men pushed for a winner.Erling Haaland had earlier been denied from the spot as the Citizens’ dismal run increased to one win from 13 games.Following the final whistle, talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham noticed De Bruyne was the first to bail from the field.Durham said live on air: “What was telling right at the end, Kevin De Bruyne was probably the first down the tunnel.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-England international Danny Mills replied on commentary: “I noticed that, he just turned and left the field.”Pep sort of went towards him, but it was very acrimonious wasn’t it? It wasn’t a pat on the back and a handshake.”I think Kevin De Bruyne did not look happy. Yes, he’ll be disappointed with the result.”But I think equally he’ll be very very disappointed he only got what, 15 minutes or so?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Bruyne, 33, has struggled for consistent game time this season at the Etihad. Formerly one of the first names on the teamsheet, the Belgian has been beset by injuries over the past two seasons. Man City booed off by own fans after Haaland misses penalty to make it just one win 13 games for Guardiola’s sideHe has featured in just 10 games so far this term, scoring twice and assisting two more goals. De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract at Eastlands, with some fans seemingly happy to see the back of him after his reaction to Thursday’s draw.One fan wrote on X: “He can leave now for me. Another said: “Kevin De Bruyne was one of the first down the #ManCity tunnel at full-time. Yikes.”While a third added: “Saudi here he comes.”De Bruyne’s contract runs out at the end of the seasonCredit: PAAnd a fourth commented: “This was the kind of game KDB should’ve started.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a fifth countered: “Can’t blame him, disgrace to keep him on the bench for that long.”City will look to end their winless run as they travel to face Leicester this weekend. More

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    Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall SENT OFF at half-time after furious tunnel bust-up with Aston Villa coach

    NEWCASTLE assistant boss Jason Tindall and an Aston Villa analyst were sent off amid an incredible half-time bust-up.Villa striker Jhon Duran had earlier seen red too after Anthony Gordon fired a second-minute opener for the Magpies.Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was also involved in angry scenesCredit: ReutersThe contest became more heated off the pitch as well as on itCredit: ReutersEmery was more exasperated than anyoneCredit: ReutersTindall then clashed with visiting boss Unai Emery on the touchline. The Spaniard remonstrated furiously, with the Toon coach responding by appearing to “sshh!” Emery.That only angered Emery more.And one viewer labelled the whole exchange “pure pantomime stuff in the Newcastle technical area.READ MORE TOP FOTBALLThe wrangling is thought to have continued in the tunnel.Referee Anthony Taylor then dismissed Tindall as well as a Villa representative.Newcastle confirmed on social media: “Jason Tindall has been sent off during the half-time break and will watch the rest of the game from the stands.”Duran’s red card just past the half-hour had sparked controversy and a rise in temperature.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Colombian brought his right studs over Fabian Schar and seemed to make contact when it looked like he could have pulled out.The Premier League then explained Taylor’s decision.Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’A Prem statement read: “The referee issued a red card to Durán for violent conduct.”The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.” is a lot of work to do for Aston Villa.”Alexander Isak and Joelinton completed Newcastle’s impressive 3-0 win after the break. More

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    Fans spot what Jordan Pickford did to ‘rattle’ Erling Haaland seconds before Man City man missed penalty

    JORDAN PICKFORD and Everton employed the dark arts to help extend Manchester City’s dismal recent run. The Everton keeper denied Erling Haaland from the spot during City’s 1-1 draw with the Toffees on Boxing Day. Jordan Pickford denied Erling Haaland from the spot as Everton frustrated Man CityCredit: GettyThe Norweigan saw his pen saved by the England keeperCredit: GettyFans were in hysterics after spotting Pickford’s antics before the kick was takenCredit: ESPNPickford correctly dived to his right to keep out Haaland’s effort after Savinho had been felled in the box.Seamus Coleman was booked ahead of the penalty after appearing to mouth something into the Norweigan striker’s ear.And fans were in hysterics as England No. 1 Pickford did his best to put off Haaland during a lengthy build-up.The 30-year-old pulled a wild face in Haaland’s direction, before sticking his tongue out at the City striker. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMoments later, he guessed right to deny Haaland a first home league goal since October. One fan laughed on X: “It’s been 70 years since I’ve been following Everton. Pickford represents us like no one else.”Another said: “He also winked at him after saving it.”While a third added: “Don’t blame Haaland for missing, I’d be gobsmacked too.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a fourth joked: “Me looking at the leftover turkey.”TV cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick. Man City boss Pep Guardiola ready to make urgent tactical tweak and defends Erling Haaland He appeared to have a cheat sheet written on it, featuring the most likely destination for penalties from all of City’s main stars.City were booed from the field following the draw, which left them with just one win in 13 games.The Toffees skipper also had a cheat sheet printed on his water bottleCredit: AlamyFollowing the game, Guardiola said: “We played really good but we are in the period right now that is what happens, we create, we concede the first time [an Everton shot] arrives. But yeah, we keep going.”The performance against that team was really good offensively and defensively. “We shot a lot inside the 18 yard box but unfortunately couldn’t get the result we wanted.” More

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    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran SENT OFF for moment of madness against Newcastle with Toon stars left furious

    JHON DURAN saw red after a horror challenge on Fabian Schar. The Aston Villa striker, 21, finally dislodged Ollie Watkins in the starting XI for Unai Emery in recent weeks.Jhon Duran was sent off for Aston Villa at NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran lost out in his battle with Fabian Schar then landed on the defenderCredit: PAIt was the second flick of the boot on Schar’s back that prompted the red cardCredit: GettyBut he lasted just half an hour in the Boxing Day trip to Newcastle.Already showing his frustration earlier on after another decision went against him, Duran lost his cool while in a foot race with Schar.The Colombian youngster lost out in the battle and slipped into a tackle on the Newcastle centre-back.He seemingly landed on his left foot on Schar’s left hip. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a secondary action, Duran flicked his right boot out, catching Schar on the back with his studs and then pushing his foot up towards his opponent’s head.That prompted a furious reaction from Newcastle trio Martin Dubravka, Dan Burn and Joelinton who were quick to remonstrate with Duran as Schar clutched at the sore spots on his backside while lying on the turf. Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before brandishing the red card.And they were few complaints from the Villa man, his team-mates or the manager. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuran then risked further punishment by furiously kicking a water bottle on the sidelines before being marched down the tunnel.Emery barely even looked at his No9, knowing he may well have ruined Christmas for Villa.Emi Martinez’s eight-word blast at Jack Grealish revealed as new footage of pair’s furious tunnel row emerges The visitors fell behind in just the second minute at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon’s superb curling finish. But they felt they should have been back level in terms of players on the pitch just before half-time. Joelinton swung a stray arm out at Morgan Rogers, catching the Villa man around the neck.Rogers went down in a heap, desperately trying to get Joelinton red carded.But Taylor decided a yellow was sufficient punishment.Then at half-time in the tunnel, tempers boiled over once again and Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall saw red. But the talk on social media at the break was all about Duran’s moment of madness – with many suggesting he could feel hard done by to receive his marching orders.One said: “Harsh red.”Another wrote: “Not in a million years.”And a third added: “Disgraceful decision.”But another user replied: “The first one I would give him the benefit but the second is so deliberate.”And a final commented: “He 100 per cent tries to do him, right decision red card, intent more than actual contact.”Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given also gave his verdict at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told Amazon Prime Video: “I think Schar puts in a brilliant tackle.”But I think he leaves a bit on Duran in the tackle and Duran reacts raking his studs down him.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski stretchered off after being whacked in face in worrying scenes

    WEST HAM star Lukasz Fabianski was stretchered off in worrying scenes after sustaining a head injury.The 39-year-old goalkeeper collided with Southampton defender Nathan Wood’s elbow and went down in severe pain.Lukasz Fabianski suffered a horror head injuryCredit: ReutersHis team-mates and medics rushed over to the keeperCredit: ReutersFabianski left the field in a neck brace and covered in a blanketCredit: ReutersMedics quickly rushed onto the pitch and Fabianski received treatment for seven minutes.His concerned team-mates stood around him and his opposite number Aaron Ramsdale came up from his goal to check on him.Fabianski was put in a neck brace and covered in a blanket as he left the field on a stretcher.Both West Ham and Saints fans applauded.Alphonse Areola came on to replace the 40-year-old Polish international..Worried supporters shared their concern online, with one saying: “I hope Fabianski is okay. Looked nasty.”Another wrote: “Wishing Fab a speedy recovery.”A third wrote: “Respect to Ramsdale checking on Fabianski.”Most read in FootballAmazon Prime TV cameras did not show any replays of the incident and cut away while the keeper was down hurt.Fabianski was having a brilliant game at the time of his horror injury and had made three saves, including a sensational stop from a Paul Onuachu header.It was the second substitute West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui had been forced into making as Maximilian Kilman picked up a problem and went off for Jean-Clair Todibo.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return

    CHRIS KAMARA made his long-awaited return to TV on Amazon Prime – drawing an emotional reaction from fans online.The former Sky Sports pundit, 67, was in the commentary box for Tottenham’s visit to Nottingham Forest. Chris Kamara was reunited with Jeff StellingAnd he was introduced by former Sky colleague Jeff Stelling – leaving fans fighting back tears online. One said: “Seeing Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara back doing the football together is everything to me.”Another added: “Absolutely amazing to see Chris Kamara back where he belongs. Won’t lie I had a tear in my eye watching that.”One hailed: “Absolutely lovey to see Chris Kamara back on the telly btw.”Read more in footballAnother said: “Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling back on my screen for the 3pms, this is the greatest Boxing Day ever.”Kamara was forced to take a step back from his broadcasting career in 2022 after he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS).The neurological disorder affects speech and thought processes. But Kamara was back on the TV providing updates on Spurs’ game and had Stelling chuckling with his trademark wit.Most read in FootballWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.Kamara said: “I have got the best game of the day.”When Amazon rang me up, I thought they wanted me to deliver parcels but they said the game, YES!”Kamara had a successful playing career from 1975-1995 – but he had moved into punditry with Sky from 1992. He was a much-loved figure among the Soccer Saturday team. His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico – and while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Stelling also left Sky in 2023 and has since worked on talkSPORT and now Amazon over the Christmas period. More

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    Dani Olmo’s ‘agent arrives in Manchester’ with Spain Euros winner available for FREE despite joining Barcelona for £50m

    BARCELONA star Dani Olmo’s agent is in Manchester amid Premier League interest in his client, who could be available for free in January.Olmo, 26, completed an emotional comeback to boyhood club Barca following a £50million deal with RB Leipzig in August shortly after he helped Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.Barcelona star Dani Olmo’s agent flew to the UK amid interest from Man Utd, Man City and ArsenalCredit: RexBarcelona have been unable to register Olmo and he could be available for free in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, the Blaugrana were unable to register the playmaker due to their ongoing financial struggles.That was until Hansi Flick’s side lost Andreas Christensen to a long-term injury and that allowed them to register the Spain international as an emergency player.However, this short-term arrangement runs out at the end of the year, which means the LaLiga leaders need to find another way to officially get Olmo in their books by December 31.The Spanish football federation will require Barcelona to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.Read More on FootballThat Catalan giants have launched legal proceedings against LaLiga and were initially hopeful of reaching a solution before next week.If a resolution is not found then Olmo, who theoretically has a contract until 2030, will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.This unusually chaotic situation has led to interest from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all looking for attacking reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window.The Premier League giants could face competition from Bayern Munich in the winter market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Spaniard’s priority has always been to stay at the Nou Camp but the drawn-out process has forced his agent Andy Bara to explore potential moves.According to The Mail, Bara flew to Manchester via private jet to attend the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureThe agent told the same source that he was visiting the UK “on holidays”.Olmo has managed six goals and one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions with Barcelona.This comes after 29 goals and 34 appearances in 148 matches with RB Leipzig. More