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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Man City booed off by own fans after Haaland misses penalty to make it just one win 13 games for Guardiola’s side

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      MANCHESTER CITY felt the full fury of the home Etihad faithful after dropping more points on Boxing Day. Pep Guardiola’s team were booed from the field by frustrated supporters after a tepid 1-1 draw with Everton. Man City’s dismal form continued on Boxing Day against EvertonCredit: ReutersErling Haaland missed a penalty as his Premier League goal drought continuedCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s men have now won just one of their last 13 gamesCredit: GettyAudible boos were heard at the end of the Boxing Day clashCredit: EPABernardo Silva’s first-half goal appeared to have sent City on their way to a much-needed three points. But Iliman Ndiaye rifled the Toffees level just before the break, increasing the grumbles at the Etihad.Erling Haaland was given the perfect opportunity to win the game for Guardiola’s out-of-form side but saw a second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.The Norwegian has scored just once in his last seven matches and has not found the net in his last four.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd frustrated fans made their feelings known at full time, with audible boos raining down from the terraces. One fan wrote on X: “City getting booed off yet they all talk about how they’ve been attending games since the Main Road days.”Another gasped: “City getting booed off, unbelievable how things have changed.”While ex-Man Utd striker Michael Owen wrote: “Wow! @ManCity fans booing their team off at the end. Years and years of incredible success witnessing some of the best football the world has ever seen. And when the team needs them most……..”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola’s side have now won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions. They haven’t tasted victory since seeing off Nottingham Forest 3-0 on December 4.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss City’s draw does see them climb to sixth in the table.But could end the day five points adrift of the top four should results go against them.Guardiola conceded before the game that his side are at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.The reigning champions have won just one of their last five on home soilCredit: GettyHe said: “The one team that has been in the Champions League for the past years has been Manchester City. “Now we are at risk, of course we are. Definitely.” More

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      Everton keeper Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet revealed on WATER BOTTLE as he saves Haaland’s penalty

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      EVERTON star Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet was exposed on his water bottle before saving Erling Haaland’s penalty against Manchester City.Pickford, 30, has been very impressive for the Toffees in recent weeks amid another season that sees Sean Dyche’s side fighting another battle to avoid Premier League relegation.Everton keeper Jordan Pickford saved Manchester City star Erling Haaland’s penaltyCredit: RexPickford tried to put Haaland off with funny faces before the penaltyBut Pickford also had a cheat sheet on his water bottle before the penaltyThe cheat sheet got Haaland’s shooting percentages absolutely correctThe England goalkeeper was called upon after 53 minutes to defend a 1-1 scoreline at the Etihad after team-mate Iliman Ndiaye cancelled out Bernardo Silva’s opener.Savinho cleverly nicked the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko who fouled him inside the area and gave away a penalty kick to City.Haaland, 24, took on the spot-kick and appeared determined to ease Man City’s woes that had seen them losing nine of their past 12 matches across all competitions – of which they only won one.The star striker refused to be put off by Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who whispered something in his ear and got booked.Read More on FootballAnd Pickford tried his best to put the Norway international off with a funny face, similar to the one usually seen by New Zealand rugby stars during an intimidating haka as he stuck his tongue out.Unlike Coleman, the goalkeeper’s strategy seems to have worked as he lunged to his right and palmed Haaland’s shot away with relevant ease.The Norwegian than headed the ball to the back of the net but was caught offside.However, cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it had a cheat sheet on it showing where City’s most usual penalty takers shoot the ball most.The camera caught a side of the bottle showing shooting percentages by Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamNumbers showed Foden mostly shoots on the goalkeeper’s left, Doku on the right, Grealish in the middle and Kovacic on the right.The other side showed Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan as well as Silva’s stats.And it got the ex-Borussia Dortmund superstar’s numbers absolutely correct as it showed him shooting down the right 55 per cent of the time.Pickford proved to be the hero as he saved a valuable point for Everton.City, on the other hand, are with only one victory in 13 matches across all competitions, of which they lost nine. More

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      Federico Chiesa hit with another setback on miserable start to Liverpool career with just 18 MINUTES played

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      FEDERICO CHIESA’S nightmare first season on Merseyside has taken another unfortunate turn. The Italian has played just 18 minutes in the Premier League for Liverpool since joining the Reds from Juventus over the summer. Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Boxing Day clash with LeicesterCredit: GettyThe former Juventus winger has only played 18 minutes in a Liverpool shirtCredit: RexChiesa arrived for a cut-price deal worth an initial £10million at the end of August.The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries, restricting his playing time in the top flight to a single cameo sub appearance against Bournemouth. Liverpool fans had been excited to see Chiesa feature on Boxing Day after Chiesa came off the bench in the Carabao Cup tie with Southampton. But boss Arne Slot has revealed the Italian will not be part of the matchday squad against Leicester due to illness. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSlot explained: “[Chiesa is] sick. Ill. “Unfortunately for him because he had some minutes against Southampton.”He was sick in the last two days and today as well so we couldn’t bring him to the game.”Chiesa arrived from Juve struggling for match fitness. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd despite his injury issues, Slot is confident he can play an important role down the stretch. Slot continued: “You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and better. Juventus star Federico Chiesa leaves Turnin on private flight for transfer deal with Liverpool “He had to adapt for quite a long time. I’ve said so many times, as expected if you miss team training sessions for so long. “And then you go to a league where the intensity is so high as well, and to a team who plays with a lot of intensity.”He is getting stronger, but he’s also facing a lot of competition in the right-wing position.”Liverpool are currently setting the pace at the top of the Premier League.After their Boxing Day clash with the Foxes, they visit West Ham on Sunday before welcoming Man Utd to Anfield on January 5. More