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      Inside Michail Antonio’s incredible rise from non-league and plans to go into showbiz as star recovers from car crash

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO is recovering in hospital following surgery to a broken leg after a horror car crash.The West Ham star, 34, had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.West Ham ace Michail Antonio has been candid about his struggles away from footballCredit: ReutersAntonio came through the ranks the hard way – playing non-league footballCredit: The Wimbledon GuardianAntonio had a miraculous escape after crashing his FerrariCredit: UKNIPAntonio had a miraculous escape from the incident, and his club have commented on his well-being.A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon (7 December 2024).”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”Read more football news”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”The outpouring of love from the football community has been massive, with Antonio recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.Away from football, a game he’s not always liked, he has his own BBC podcast alongside fellow Premier League star Callum Wilson called The Footballer’s Football Podcast.Most read in FootballWhen he retires from the game, Antonio has ambitions to get into showbiz.I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapyIncredible riseAntonio’s story in football began with Tooting & Mitcham United in 2008.Despite the team only competing in a regional league, Antonio went on to climb his way up the football pyramid.After impressing rather swiftly that year, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract. He then went to AFC Wimbledon who wouldn’t stump up his registration fee, so he returned to Tooting.Speaking to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “Before I actually signed for Reading I got kicked out of Tooting and Mitcham.”They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”“So they [Tooting] kicked me out of the club and I ended up going to AFC Wimbledon.”Then AFC Wimbledon refused to pay £7 for my registration fee, and told me to pay it. And I was like: ‘I ain’t paying seven quid!’Since 2015, Antonio has been a key figure for West HamCredit: GettyAntonio snubbed playing for England in favour of Jamaica, where his parents were bornCredit: GettyBehind his biggest success, Antonio was struggling with his divorceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sunread more sport features“So I ended up going back to Tooting and Mitcham, signing the contract, getting paid, and within like five games of signing my contract, I signed for Reading.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham who were then coached by Slaven Bilic.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Mental health strugglesAntonio, who snubbed England to play for Jamaica where he’s been capped 21 times, has been very open with his struggles mentally in recent times.On the pitch, he scored success with the Hammers – lifting the Europa Conference League in 2023.However, off it his private life was in turmoil. He divorced wife Debbie, who has been by his bedside since his car crash, around the same time as the most glittering moment of his career.”I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it,” he told the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast.”After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like, ”Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship”.’Antonio struggled mentally after divorcing his ex-wife DebbieCredit: instagramThat moment might not have happenedBefore that, Antonio was struggling with being a footballer and contemplated quitting the game.He recalled a moment he laid in bed alongside Debbie, the mother of his four children, and began to weep.He said: “I don’t like showing emotion and I like dealing with things, but tears were just falling from my eyes in bed.”My Mrs was laying next to me in bed and I didn’t say anything, just tears falling – she looked up and said, ‘Are you alright?’ and I said ‘Yeah, I’m fine’, but she said ‘You can’t be fine, you’re crying’, and I just said ‘I don’t know if I want to play football anymore’.”Antonio continued: “Me talking to my Mrs, my brother and my agent took a bit of the weight off me, enough for me to keep going to training and stuff like that…”That’s entertainmentAntonio was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.”I want your job!” he joked before revealing his future ideal role.He continued: “To be fair I don’t want to go into punditry, I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle… I want Micah’s job!”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith that, he drew more laughter from Lineker and Richards.As such an infectious personality, it’s certainly a career path Antonio would be well suited to.Away from football, Antonio is interested in breaking into the world of entertainmentCredit: GettyAntonio has previously appeared on Sky’s A League of Their OwnAntonio also has his own podcast called Footballer’s Football Podcast with Callum Wilson More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He’s done’: Mike Tyson’s wife bans boxing legend from fighting again after losing to Jake Paul

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      MIKE TYSON’s hopes of returning to the ring have been brutally KO’d – by his wife.The former undisputed heavyweight champion returned to the ring last month for a shock showdown with YouTube sensation Jake Paul.Mike Tyson returned to the ring last month for a shock showdown with Jake PaulCredit: GETTYThe boxing legend suffered a decision defeat in the eight-rounder but refused to rule out fighting againCredit: GETTYBut his wife Lakiha Spicer has dashed hopes of making another ring returnCredit: GETTYTyson looked every bit his 58 years as he suffered a unanimous decision defeat in his first pro fight in nearly 20 YEARS but refused to rule out another ring return.But wife Lakiha Spicer has made it crystal clear to the boxing legend that he WON’T be lacing up his gloves again.Tyson’s son, Amir, told SecondsOut: “I think he’s done.”My stepmom, she’s saying he’s done and they’re a team. That’s husband-and-wife stuff.”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONAmir would love to tell his old man to call it a day but insists his heartfelt pleas would fall on deaf ears.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “That chat would be a waste of time! He is his own man.“If I say too much he’d only tell me to shut up and remind me I’m not his dad.“I can say my part but he is the grown-up and he will do whatever he wants.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.“I’ll chip in and say, ‘That was a great LAST fight, leave it at that.’“But if he wants to do it then nobody is going to stop him, because he loves it.”Mike Tyson’s ex-coach opens up on boxing’s legend’s bizarre ‘biting fixation’ after chewing on glove in Jake Paul fightAmir was proud as punch to see his old man get back in the ring, despite having serious fears for his safety.”I was very proud,” he said. “But yes of course I was worried.“I knew he wasn’t going to get knocked down or out because he can take those punches.“But, at the same, Jake is younger, faster and bigger – when you get older your cardio diminishes.“But he did it better than any 58-year-old, he went the distance and I am proud as hell of what he did. It was like a Rocky XI moment.“Most athletes finish and retire into the sunset, but for him to remain this relevant, for so many generations, it shows you everything.”I am very proud.” More

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      Gary Neville slams Man Utd’s Dan Ashworth statement and says ‘you’re better off punching us in the face with the truth’

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      GARY NEVILLE has slammed Manchester United’s statement over Dan Ashworth.The Red Devils axed Ashworth from his sporting director role at the club just five months after his arrival from Newcastle.Manchester United have axed Dan AshworthCredit: PAGary Neville has hit out at the club over the situationCredit: AFPNeville, 49, was left stunned by the decision and gave a brutal assessment of the club’s accompanying statement.Manchester United announced the exit of Ashworth with a 53-word statement that gave no indication of the reason behind it.Neville has insisted that the whole situation is “not a great look” and that the statement is “weak”.He told NBC Sports: “I’m really shocked that this has happened. It’s not a great look at all and it’s something that will need explaining. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I think the statement that the club has put out is really poor.”Manchester United haven’t had a voice for ten years – they’ve lost their authority, their boldness.”I think they’ve been getting it back a bit in the last 12 months but what’s really clear is that there is a fracture here, something has happened.”You can’t bring someone in at the level of Dan Ashworth and then lose him after five months and think something hasn’t gone wrong.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The fans are now going to ask the question: what’s gone wrong?”They’re going to speculate, it’s going to leave huge voids.Ruben Amorim reacts to Man Utd’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford Man Utd’s statement on AshworthHere is what Man United said about the exit of Dan Ashworth..The club released a blunt 53-word statement over the sporting director.It read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.””I think you’re better off punching us in the face with the truth sometimes when it’s so obvious that there’s been something that has gone wrong between the personalities of Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, Dave Brailsford, whoever it is in the last few months that have obviously not got on with each other or it’s not been working.”Just tell us because it’s obvious something has happened.”I think that statement is weak. Something like that can’t be mutual.”I think when Ineos came into Manchester United, everyone knew there were going to be huge changes.”There have been massive redundancies in the club with a complete overhaul of the executive of the club in terms of the CEO, CFO, sporting director, technical director, manager obviously just recently as well.”You would have expected large changes but not changes for this position. Dan Ashworth was headhunted for many, many months.”He was chased for 10 months, on gardening leave for four or five months, he was paid millions of pounds for. “I worked with Dan Ashworth at the FA for two years and he’s been very successful wherever he’s been – Brighton, West Brom, the FA, at Newcastle most recently.”Reports have claimed that Ashworth cost the club £5million during his stint.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood there were growing tensions between Ashworth and his colleagues in the weeks leading up to his departure.Technical director Jason Wilcox will take on his duties in the short term while a replacement is found.Inside Man Utd chaos amid Ashworth departureTHE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game. Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much. More

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      in Soccer

      Erratic keeper wanted in Premier League transfer plays as DEFENDER in ‘mad’ vid as fans fear the worst if he gets move

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans were left stunned after witnessing goalkeeper Kevin Mier leaving his line and playing as a DEFENDER.Footy fans have been keeping on eye on the shot-stopper after he was hotly tipped to make a move to England.Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier went viral after playing as a defender against Club AmericaCredit: XMier was linked with a move to Brighton during the summer transfer windowCredit: XMier has taken the role of sweeper to a new levelCredit: AFPOn Friday Mier, 24, started for Mexican giants Cruz Azul in the league clash at Club America.And the keeper went viral when he abandoned his area and played alongside his defenders, just a few yards away from midfield.The Colombian shot-stopper left fans in awe as he helped his team-mates play the ball out the back despite the opposition’s high press.Mier took the sweeper role to a new level and helped Cruz Azul leave with a point after a goalless draw.Read More on FootballThe ex-Colombia youth international was linked with Brighton last summer. And reports suggest the Seagulls remain interested in Mier despite Cruz Azul tying him up to a new contract until 2029.Some fans were left gobsmacked and insisted this sort of stunt would never fly in the Premier League with its famous press.One fan tweeted: “He can get away with that over there, but if he came to the Prem he would be finished unfortunately. The press would be far too high.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “The risk reward just isn’t worth this. Mad.”And a third wrote: “Not a chance he could play like this in the Prem he is too much of a liability.”Brighton ace’s home burgled as model fiancee shares security footageBut there were also some fans that loved Mier’s “chaotic energy” and called for his move to the Premier League.One fan tweeted: “Get this man and his chaotic energy to the Premier League immediately.”Another commented: “It’s like watching [Jose Luis] Chilavert from decades ago and I love it.”And a third wrote: “Absolute cinema.” More

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      in Soccer

      Horror moment Barcelona star finds his TOOTH on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender

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      BARCELONA star Dani Olmo lost his TOOTH after clashing with Real Betis defender Marc Bartra during a La Liga match on Saturday.The 26-year-old was fouled by Bartra in the 30th minute at Benito Villamarin Stadium.Dani Olmo was fouled by Marc Bartra during Barcelona’s match against Real BetisCredit: AFPThe Spaniard lost his tooth following the collisionCredit: AFPHe eventually found it on the fieldCredit: AFPAfter being tripped by the centre-back, Olmo fell to the ground, accidentally headbutting the back of his ankle on the way down.He lost a tooth as a result and immediately began searching for it on the grass.Luckily, the Spaniard was able to find it relatively quickly.Visibly frustrated, Olmo appeared to briefly complain to the referee before playing on.Read More in FootballThe match ended 2-2 following a dramatic late equaliser from Betis super-sub Assane Diao.Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona just before half-time with a tap-in from the edge of the six-yard box.Former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso then equalised from the penalty spot, but Ferran Torres restored the visitors’ lead with just under 10 minutes left to play.In the final stages of injury time, Diao equalised with a stunning flick into the bottom-left corner.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe result was enough to see Barcelona remain top of the La Liga table with 38 points.Meanwhile, Real Betis are mid-table in 11th.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou More

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      Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE club is set to make history by wearing an AI-generated kit designed by supporters.Manchester City and Puma have collaborated on a new innovative idea to give fans the “unique opportunity”.Man City fans will be able to design next season’s third kit using AICredit: xThe Premier League champions will be offering fans the chance to design the club’s official third kit for the 2026/27 season.The Puma AI creator tool will allow fans to design their dream Man City kits by using text prompts and customization tools.The system also has intuitive sliders that will help fans edit their potential kits.The winning design will be worn by the Man City team during the 2026/27 campaign and be sold in club stores.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club released a video on social media to promote the idea, which led to many supporters getting excited.One posted: “Can’t wait to try this out.”A second wrote: “Cool.”However, many were also worried that some designs might not look great.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “This could go horribly bad.”A fourth said: “Urm not so sure about this.”Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red cardSunSport’s attempt at creating a Man City shirt based on Manchester CathedralCredit: PUMA AIThis one featuring bank coins would be perfect for a team known for splashing the cashOne that might not go down so well is this Manchester United inspired design featuring the red of their rivals and a depiction of Old TraffordSunSport had a go at using the tool and created a potential shirt based on a pattern from Manchester Cathedral.The tool created a stunning gold kit with navy trim that was detailed with a cool pattern.Chief marketing and fan experience officer for City Football Group Nuria Tarre said: “Through the power of AI, we are delighted to offer fans this special opportunity to be a part of Manchester City history and design a kit that could one day be worn by their heroes on the pitch.”Each City kit plays a fundamental role in connecting fans around the world to our club and we’re excited to see how they engage with this truly unique initiative.”Man City faced backlash over their special ‘Oasis’ kit that was released earlier this year, with many comparing it to a Refresher sweet.AI was used to predict the kits for nations competing in Euro 2024.However, many of the actual kits did not look like the creations that it presented.Fans were not keen on Man City’s ‘Oasis band’ kit released this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Cole Palmer’s girlfriend’s Insta post hijacked by jubilant Chelsea fans as she poses in bold outfit before Spurs clash

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      CHELSEA fans have hijacked Cole Palmer’s girlfriend’s Instagram after victory over Tottenham Hotspur.The superstar netted two penalties against the North London outfit as the Blues romped to a 4-3 win.Connie Grace is dating Cole PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Chelsea fans have flocked to her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Palmer netted a brace against Tottenham on SundayCredit: AlamyPalmer, 22, broke the Premier League record for consecutive penalties scored with 12.The former Manchester City prospect put in an impressive performance outside of his goals.He has now managed 11 goals and six assists in his 15 Premier League appearances this season.He was hailed by Jamie Carragher after the win against Spurs, as the former Liverpool defender claimed Palmer was becoming “world-class”.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea fans could not be more delighted with his efforts, which led the club to second place in the league table.As a result, they have flocked to Palmer’s girlfriend, Connie Grace’s Instagram account.In a picture of the 22-year-old wearing a bold outfit, supporters flooded the comments to talk about the Chelsea ace.One posted: “Give my boy enough chippy chips.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Your man is unbelievable.”A third wrote: “Mrs. Chippy Chips.”Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez pelted with missiles from stands during Tottenham clashShe has been dubbed ‘Mrs Chippy Chips’Credit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie is from Manchester and is a nail artistCredit: instagram @conniegrace_A fourth said: “Yeah he’s scoring five today.”Another: “Tell Cole Palmer I love him take care of him please warm him up so he ain’t cold.”Palmer was first pictured holidaying in Ibiza with the blonde beauty in August.She also joined him on the red carpet for the GQ Men of the Year event in November.Connie hails from Manchester and is a nail artist.She also lives a glamorous lifestyle which is well-documented on her social media accounts.Chelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. More

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      Fans think Jadon Sancho took subtle dig at Arsenal in Chelsea’s win at Tottenham – can you spot it?

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      FOOTIE fans are convinced Jadon Sancho took a sly dig at Arsenal during Chelsea’s win over Tottenham.The Blues ran out 4-3 winners over the north Londoners on Sunday evening – despite conceding two goals in the first 11 minutes of the match.Chelsea ran out 4-3 winners over Tottenham on SundayCredit: APJadon Sancho bagged Chelsea’s first goal to reduce the arrearsCredit: GETTYFans believe he mocked Arsenal later in the match by throwing the corner flag to the floor as Enzo Fernandez celebrated his strikeCredit: SKY SPORTSSancho reduced the deficit in the 17th minute before a Cole Palmer brace from the penalty spot and an Enzo Fernandez strike secured a massive win for Enzo Maresca’s troops.And some footie fans are convinced that Manchester United loanee Sancho took a subtle dig at Arsenal while Chelsea celebrated Fernandez’s goal.Sancho, 24, picked up the corner flag and threw it to the floor as the Argentine was mobbed by his team-mates.And some viewers of the match are convinced his throwing of the flag was a refence to Arsenal’s apparent reliance on corners to score goals.READ MORE ON CHELSEAOne wrote on X: “Sancho telling Arsenal, ‘We do not need corners.'”Another said: “Sancho telling these man, ‘We dont need corners.'”And another said: “Still can’t believe Sancho & Palmer dismantled Spurs’ corner flag signalling Arsenal that we don’t need corners to score.”Destroyed North London.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part.One remarked: “Jadon Sancho is a proper Chels man x Cole Palmer.”Telling Arsenal we don’t do corners.”Chelsea fans spot moment Nicolas Jackson ‘assisted’ Enzo Fernandez and stopped captain getting yellow cardArsenal have bagged a whopping 23 goals from corners since the start of the 2023-24 season – the most across Europe’s top five leagues.Mikel Arteta’s side added another to the collection on Sunday with a William Saliba goal in a 1-1 draw with Fulham.While Arsenal were drawing, Chelsea further strengthened their hold on second place in the Premier League with victory over hapless Spurs.But Blues boss Maresca has played down talk of his troops being in the title race.He said: “After the game, my message to the players is to be focused in the day‑by‑day, our sessions, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday.“The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back train well, go for the game.”The fans can dream because from the outside it is quite clear and inside the reality is we are not ready.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The important thing is we improve day by day.”Chelsea will be back in acton on Thursday, travelling to Kazakhstan to take on FC Astana in the Europa Conference League. 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