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      ‘He’s tired’ – Pep Guardiola lets slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD with partner Isabel Johansen after Man City win

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      PEP GUARDIOLA let slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD in his Manchester City post-match interview.Haaland scored his first goal in five games as City secured a much-needed victory over Leicester on Sunday.Erling Haaland has been a shell of his usual self this seasonCredit: REXThe Norwegian ended his mini-drought in Man City’s 2-0 win over Leciester on SundayCredit: REUTERSManager Pep Gurdiola has leapt to the defence of the under-fire NorwegianCredit: RexGuardiola casually revealed Haaland has welcomed his first child into the world with girlfriend Isabel JohansenCredit: SPLASHAnd his boss revealed the strike came at the end of a memorable week for the Norwegian superstar and partner Isabel Johansen.Guardiola, who celebrated his 500th game in charge with his team’s first win since December 4, said: “Sometimes, Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football.“He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes.“He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHaaland was so pumped that he turned the air blue after his second-half header sealed the points for the struggling champions.The Norwegian striker said: “S**t happens.“It’s always a relief when you score.“Leicester did a really good game, we knew it was going to be difficult.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have been dating since they were both at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty“It’s been a difficult time. I’m just happy we’re winning.”Guardiola seconded that emotion after City had won just one and lost NINE of their previous 13 games in all competitions.Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert The City boss said: “The right word to use, more than happiness, is relief.“As a performance it hasn’t been the best, I couldn’t expect differently.“Against Everton, the performance was better by far but today we won and that’s what we need to clean our minds and souls and see we can win games.“I know the last 13-14 games have not really been good but comparing that to 500, we have to be so pleased and so happy with what we have done together.“We have done a lot of things that will be a memory forever.“Maybe that period, the month and a half to two months that feels like 500 months, will make you realise how nice it was.Erling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have yet to officially announce the birth of their first childCredit: GETTY“Hopefully we can come back. Maybe we will not be what we were but closer than now. “Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was left to rue captain Jamie Vardy missing a golden chance as his side failed to turn an encouraging display into points.The Dutchman said: “That’s why it hurts a bit that we didn’t take anything off the game, because of the performance.“We created these moments in a great way.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a striker, you need a bit of luck in taking these moments.“But of course it’s where games are decided.” More

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      West Ham 0 Liverpool 5: Salah scores 20th goal of season as Reds dismantle hapless Hammers to pile pressure on Lopetegui

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      JURGEN KLOPP shocked English football and caused total panic on Merseyside in the first month of this year by announcing his departure from Liverpool.Yet we leave 2024 with Klopp’s old team in unbelievable shape, better than any of us could have imagined once Klopp dropped the bombshell that he had run out of steam.Liverpool thrashed West Ham at the London StadiumCredit: PALuis Diaz broke the deadlock after 30 minutesCredit: GettyCody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s leadCredit: GettyMo Salah added a third goal before the breakCredit: GettyLiverpool dominated large periods of the gameSalah racked up three more goal contributions following an impressive displayLiverpool now enter 2025 with a proper swagger. They are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, and threatening to run riot in the second half of the season.Yes, the big problem for Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and even second-placed Nottingham Forest, is that this team under Arne Slot is only just starting to go through the gears and they are getting better and more menacing by the week.Liverpool took apart a feeble West Ham at the London Stadium and could have got seven or eight if they really wanted to.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Diogo Jota chipped in with the goals against Julen Lopetegui’s awful team.After a run of four games without defeat, Lopetegui has a bit of credit and you cannot judge any side against this current Liverpool team who are currently the best in the country by some distance.Two of Liverpool’s scorers were playing their last games before they are free to talk to clubs overseas from January 1.Salah struck for the 17th time in the Premier League this season while he also delivered a couple of assists bringing that tally to 13.Alexander-Arnold grabbed his first goal of the season while completing the out-of-contract trio is Virgil van Dijk and he will not have many easier games than this at the back this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was another dismal 90 minutes for West HamCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold fired in a fourthCredit: GettyLiverpool move eight points clear at the top of the tableCredit: RexDue to Lukasz Fabianski’s injury, keeper Alphonese Areola was making his first start since being dropped in October and was threatening to deliver a one-man supershow to defy the leaders.But after finally being beaten by in-form Diaz, who seems to enjoy playing in his more central wrong, it went horribly wrong for Areola and the rest of his team who could desperately do with a new central striker arriving next month as second half sub Niclas Fullkrug does not look the answer.’Spending my night watching fog on Prime Video’ – Fans slam ‘unwatchable’ Liverpool vs Leicester matchLiverpool, who lost the injured Joe Gomez before the break, now face Manchester United on Sunday and that is certainly a fixture which will not scare them.Yet no-one frightens Slot’s team, not in England, not in Europe, as they also lead the Champions League table.At first today, Liverpool missed a few chances. You would have put a fair amount of money on Salah to score from close range but he fired a shot too close to Areola although it was still a decent save.The Egyptian then delivered a brilliant pass to create an opportunity for Curtis Jones but he, too, could find no way past Areola who then delivered his best save of the half was to push over an effort from Luis DiazYet finally, Diaz got the goal that Liverpool had been threatening and it all became a bit straightforward after that.The Colombian was trying to thread the ball towards Jones but the pass came off Vladimir Coufal and bounced back into Diaz’s path.Diogo Jota added a fifth with an accomplished finishCredit: APAreola was not getting anywhere near a drilled first-time shot into the corner.Liverpool’ keeper Alisson, barely troubled all game, was saved by his left post as Mohammed Kudus came agonisingly close to grabbing a leveller and after that, it was downhill all the way for West Ham.Diaz delivered a sublime first touch to Salah, he skilfully got past Dinos Mavropanos but lost control of the ball and it bobbled towards Gakpo who had a simple tap-in.Before half-time, it just got worse for the locals, some of whom decided to head home once Areola failed to keep out a shot by Salah.It all started when Carlos Soler had been robbed of the ball by Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander-Arnold, whose previous goal came away to Fulham in April, chipped in with a strike, Ryan Gravenberch delivering the assist, although the 25-yard drive took a heavy deflection off Max Kilman.With six minutes left, Salah led a counter attack and West Ham’s defence could not get near him before he rolled the ball to Jota, who had replaced the impressive Gakpo, and Areola could only get a hand to the shot. More

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      West Ham 0-5 Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Reds cruise to victory as Slot’s side extend lead at top of Premier League table

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      LIVERPOOL have thrashed West Ham 5-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota fired the Reds to a third straight top-flight triumph on a routine night for Arne Slot’s men.Earlier, Manchester City finally stopped the rot with a 2-0 win over Leicester in the early kick-off.Elsewhere, Tottenham had to settle for a point after Wolves scored late on to secure a 2-2 draw.Nottingham Forest continued their good run with a 2-0 win away at Everton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Fans want clarity on contract rebelsWith January fast-approaching, the trio of Liverpool players who are out of contract in the summer would be able to speak to foreign clubs.As a result, the supporters just want to know who is planning to stay at Anfield.Not that the ongoing talks seem to be bothering the players, all three put in world-class performances today.Credit: ReutersCredit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTough fixtures ahead for RedsLiverpool will need to keep putting in the performances as we head into 2025.They have some tricky away trips in their next five games and will be hoping for more performances like today.Not many teams in the Premier League will be relishing facing Arne Slot’s side right now.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives his thoughts on matchAfter their emphatic win in the capital, Liverpool’s Dutch manager gave Sky Sports his view on the performance:Today we kept control of the whole game. We spoke about giving the chances to teams. If you look at his numbers, Mo is in a very good place. The way we played with the ball, the amount of chances we created pleased me. I don’t think we give the West Ham fans a lot to cheer about, that was important.Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedSalah stars as contract talks continueMohamed Salah put in another vintage display this evening.The Egyptian King was rightly awarded the man of the match award for his performance against The Hammers.Reds’ fans will be hoping that the club can tie down Salah to a new contract as he is currently playing some of the best football of his career.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool send message to rivalsArne Slot’s side sent a warning to the rest of the Premier League today against West Ham.Week by week they seem to be getting better under their new manager.Next up, rivals Man Utd travel to Anfield.Ruben Amorim will be having some sleepless nights between now and then.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolThis was the definition of the word demolition.Liverpool are just scoring goals for fun this season.As the stats show, it could have been so many more.West Ham can count themselves lucky that it was only five-nil.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool90+2. We are into the second minute of the four added.Not that most of the West Ham fans would know, judging by all the empty seats, they are all back sat in their front rooms.For the Liverpool fans, this has been an enjoyable trip to the capital.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool88. This is some way for West Ham to end their unbeaten run.They need to count their blessings though, had their keeper not had such a good game, this would have been double figures.Liverpool have been irresistible once again.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool84. This Liverpool team will take some stopping this season.Salah dribbles the ball from the halfway line, dancing past The Hammers’ challenges.He lays it off to Jota, who slots it in the top corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Diogo Jota (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool80. The London Stadium is emptying out like the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics has ended.West Ham’s fans will be disgruntled with the display today but they have to be more realistic and on this occasion admit they met a team who are just too good for them.Arne Slot’s side have well and truly burst some bubbles here today.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool76. Liverpool bring on Elliott and Tsimikas.They replace Jones and Robertson.Chance for the league leaders to rotate their team with plenty of fixtures coming up.The Hammers look like they have been run ragged tonight.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool72. If it wasn’t for Areola, this would look like a rugby score.As The Reds pile forward once again, Jota brings a ball down in the box brilliantly before getting a well-struck shot away.The Hammers keeper reacts well to keep it out.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool68. The West Ham players are going down like they are made of glass.Any contact, mainly where the ball has been won fairly, and they are rolling around on the floor like they have been kneecapped by the mafia.There are more goals in this game, sadly for the hosts, they seem they will all come from Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool64. West Ham are taking the damage limitation approach now.Five defenders and everyone behind the ball when The Reds have it.As a result, Slot’s side have so much time on the ball the game is just turning into one-way traffic.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool60. Arne Slot’s side are just fearless this season.Home or away, they take the game to whoever they are playing.You could rename this stadium to the ‘London Library’ now.Bowen comes off, struggling to shake off an injury.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool56. This is men against boys in the capital.Lopetegui’s side are not even in the same league as the visitors.The ball is played to Alexander-Arnold some way out, he shifts it in front of him and lets fly from distance.It takes a deflection off Kilman, wrong-footing Areola, and heads straight into the back of the net.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool52. As it seems technology is here to stay in the game, maybe we need to go full tilt and have fully automated officiating.Bowen looks the run away from Mac Allister, who slides in and wins the ball before looking to go forward.Anthony Taylor blows up for a free-kick, what even are the rules of football now?The Liverpool man clearly won the ball there.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool48. We are back underway at the London Stadium.A threaded ball finds Salah but as he looks to bend one in the far corner, Areola tips it around the post for a corner.The Hammers have brought on Fullkrug and Todibo at the interval.To be fair, unless this was a FIFA game and they were bringing on a peak Bobby Moore, Paulo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez they are unlikely to worry The Reds too much.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolBig test for The Hammers in their own backyard now.They need to try and get the next goal or they could be on the end of the same sort of hiding The Reds gave Tottenham.For the league leaders, it is all about keeping the levels up and not taking their foot off the gas.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolIt is a footballing masterclass from Arne Slot’s side in the capital.They are so much better than this West Ham team that the hosts look a punch-drunk boxer each time they attack.The important thing for the league leaders now is not to take their foot off the gas and put The Hammers to the sword.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett in LondonLiverpool are good value for a three-goal lead and this could now get really messy for West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half.West Ham fell to pieces once Mohammed Kudus saw his shot hit the post with the team trailing at 1-0. Lots of boos at half-time although some fans have already gone home.Copy linkCopied More

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      Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously

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      ERLING HAALAND swore live on Sky Sports following Manchester City’s win over Leicester.The Norwegian, 24, scored for the first time in four Premier League games as Pep Guardiola’s side ended a run of five games without a win.Erling Haaland swore during his post-match interview on Sky SportsThe result moves the champions up to fifth in the table despite a dismal couple of months.But Haaland surprised the Sky Sports reporter after the game with his shock remark.When asked about moving forward after a poor run, Haaland could be heard saying “s*** happens”.The interviewer then nervously laughs before the pair move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on social media were quick to highlight Haaland’s X-rated comment.One said: “Did Haaland just swear on live TV then.”Another added: “Swear Haaland just swore on live TV 😂.”A third replied: “FINE HIM😤.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth responded: “Did Haaland just say s*** happens on the interview 😭😭.”Haaland now has 19 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season.Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French leagueHe has 14 in the Premier League, although 10 of those came in the opening five matches.He has netted just four times in Man City’s last 14 league games. More

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      ‘Things went wrong’ – Anthony Joshua’s troubled training camp before brutal KO loss to Daniel Dubois revealed

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s preparations for his domestic dust-up with Daniel Dubois were less than ideal, it’s been revealed.AJ was stunned as he was knocked down FOUR TIMES on his way to a brutal fifth-round defeat in his September showdown with his former sparring partner for the IBF heavyweight title.Anthony Joshua went to war with Daniel Dubois in their September showdownCredit: GettyAJ suffered a stunning fifth-round KO loss to his former sparring partnerCredit: GETTYAJ trainer Ben Davison has revealed several things went “wrong” in preparation for the fightCredit: REUTERSThe Watford warrior offered no excuses for his crushing defeat, immediately giving Dubois his flowers.But head coach Ben Davison told talkSPORT: “I know that among ourselves we know where some things went wrong.”Davison – who was criticised for not throwing in the towel – is adamant Joshua’s less-than-ideal training camp takes nothing away from Dubois’ career-best performance.He said: “It’s important for us that we don’t look like we are making excuses.READ MORE ON AJ”But there are things that went wrong that we could have done a better job within and around. And closer to, the fight.”You can’t point the blame, we’ve got to own it. We’ve got to wear it. And that’s what we’ve done.”Joshua was on course to renew his rivalry with Dubois in a Riyadh rematch on February 22 before his team convinced him to recover from niggling injuries.Promoter Eddie Hearn was adamant they wouldn’t plot the former unified heavyweight champion’s next move until after Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Matchroom Boxing chief is hellbent on AJ fighting the Gypsy King in a Battle of Britain next year following Usyk’s retaining of the unified belts earlier this month.He told DAZN after Usyk’s second win over Fury: “I don’t think it’s time to start screaming, this night is Usyk vs Fury.Eddie Hearn reveals real reason Anthony Joshua’s February rematch with Daniel Dubois was KO’d amid ‘major injury’ claim”But the reality is there’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua.”It’s the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing, everyone will always want to see it.’And by the way, that wasn’t a Tyson Fury that looked finished, it wasn’t a flat performance, it wasn’t a poor performance.”He didn’t look gun-shy, he didn’t look like his punch resistance was in question like we talked about earlier.”I think Tyson Fury is still potentially at the peak of his powers, just not good enough to be Oleksandr Usyk tonight.Eddie Hearn believes now is the time for Anthony Joshua to face Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY”But for me, AJ against Fury is the one, it’s the one at Wembley.”I’m going to be pushing His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] to make the fight.”But that’s maybe one for another day, tonight belongs to Oleksandr Usyk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Fury will struggle with this, I think.”All fighters do, AJ struggled with the Dubois defeat as well, you’re a winner and when you get beat it hurts and this will hurt Fury.” More

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      West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko makes emotional return to club before Liverpool clash after revealing tragic cancer fight

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      WEST HAM legend Ludek Miklosko received a hero’s welcome from fans at the London Stadium after opening up on his heartbreaking battle with cancer.The former Hammers keeper, 63, was cheered onto the side of the pitch in emotional scenes ahead of his old club’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.Ludek Miklosko walked out in front of the West Ham fans on Saturday eveningCredit: West HamHe wore a Hammers scarf in an emotional return to the clubCredit: ReutersMiklosko recently revealed the cancer diagnosis he received several years agoCredit: PAMiklosko revealed on Sunday that he was diagnosed three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.Unfortunately despite the initial treatment going well, doctors subsequently discovered other tumours.And the Czech star has now decided against chemotherapy to ensure he has the best quality of life in his final days.West Ham faithful gave Miklosko a superb reception as he was seen for the first time since the news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiklosko wore a West Ham scarf, before the club tweeted: “We are all with you, Ludo.”Explaining his decision not to have treatment, he told West Ham’s official website: “I was thinking about this, and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.”And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work.”Maybe it would help to slow it down a little bit, but it would not stop it and there would be other issues to deal with.Most read in Football”I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life.Ludek Miklosko spent eight years as a keeper at West HamCredit: PAHe returned to the London Stadium on Saturday eveningCredit: Getty”I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.”Miklosko upped sticks from his native Czech Republic with his wife and son in February 1990 to join the Hammers.He went on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners during an eight-year stint.Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England, so much that his son asked him to move back to London after they returned to the Czech Republic.Miklosko was also in attendance for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina last summer.Miklosko played more than 300 games for West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Crystal Palace 2 Southampton 1: Chalobah and Eze give Eagles breathing room in bid to avoid relegation

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      OLIVER GLASNER used Kobe Bryant as a source of inspiration for his pre-match programme notes.And Eberechi Eze responded by producing an MVP performance to help Crystal Palace see off relegation rivals Southampton thanks to a 52nd-minute net-bulging, slam dunk of a winner.Eberechi Eze netted a brilliant winner as Palace fought back to beat SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old smashed home just after the break to complete a quickfire comebackCredit: ReutersSouthampton are now ten points from safetyCredit: ReutersGlasner quoted the late NBA legend Bryant before kick-off: “Try to be better today than you were yesterday, and better tomorrow than you were today. This won’t stop in 2025.”With just one defeat in their last eight, those words are beginning to have the desired effect.Meanwhile, the Saints look like a basketball team full of players trying to shoot wild three-pointers with one arm behind their backs, still treading serious water at the foot of the Prem.No win in nine, just one victory all season and without an away-day top-flight triumph since February 2023 – almost TWO YEARS – now puts them 10 points from safety.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Palace edge away from danger, Southampton look no closer to survival under Ivan Juric than the recently sacked Russell Martin.And even when there is a glimmer of hope, it is quickly dashed. Tyler Dibling’s 14th minute opener was cancelled out by Trevoh Chalobah’s 31st minute header with Aaron Ramsdale in the spotlight again.Juric’s dreams of becoming just the fifth manager to guide a Prem team to safety after being bottom at Christmas look more fanciful by the second, even with 19 games to go.Most read in FootballSouthampton are the kings of shaking things up this season when it comes to squad rotation, using 31 different players this term.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnsurprisingly then, Juric made three changes to his starting line-up in south London with Dibling, James Bree and Joe Aribo in for Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu.Palace were without the suspended Marc Guehi, seeing Chris Richards step into the heart of defence. Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 downIt also meant Will Hughes shook off a slight niggle to captain the side.Richards’ presence was perhaps a blessing in disguise – the American has height on his side compared to Guehi, up against the 6ft7 monster in Paul Onuachu.Juric has so far favoured the towering Nigerian to lead the line, a player who admitted earlier this season he was looking to leave in the summer under a disapproving Martin.Away from Martin’s frustrating tippy-tappy style – one that earned the sack – Juric has utilised Onuachu heavily early on, even if his hold-up play is far from polished.And yet, you could be mistaken for thinking Martin was still in charge – an opening goal straight from the pass-pass-pass playbook.Tyler Dibling prodded Saints ahead in murky conditions at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyThe strike was just Southampton’s 5th goal on the road all seasonCredit: ReutersDibling dropped off the front and started the move, ending up with Kyle Walker-Peters doing Daniel Munoz for pace and finding Adam Armstrong in the middle to flick into the six-yard box.Dibling tapped into an empty net, leaving the rest of his teammates stunned. Just a 12th Prem goal this term, their first in five matches – since December 4 – and their first opener in a game since November 2.A brief gust of confidence in their battered sails almost saw the visitors grab another – James Bree volleying at Dean Henderson at the far post from an Onuachu header.But Palace seized back momentum with some consistently wasteful openings until a slice of luck from a corner. VAR deemed Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shove on Aaron Ramsdale was not enough to send the Englishman down, subsequently flapping at Chalobah’s header that bobbled over the line.Trevoh Chalobah prodded home to start the comebackCredit: ReutersRamsdale was still moaning to himself when he was called into action twice in quick succession, palming away Ismaila Sarr’s driving effort and standing firm against Jefferson Lerma’s bicycle kick.Sarr turned creator soon after but his low cross was somehow fluffed by Munoz at the back post, striking the heels of Walker-Peters on the line.Inside seven second-half minutes, we then got a glimpse of why Southampton are where they are, conceding a highly unnecessary goal after failing to clear a bog-standard corner not once but twice.The result? Eze thumping one heck of a volley from outside the box through a sea of bodies and scorching the net of a helpless Ramsdale.And about time too, the Eagles star scoring in the Prem for just the second time, and the first time at Selhurst Park. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is still not at the levels of last season where he notched 11.He eyed another, sending a low 70th minute free-kick off the wall and just over Ramsdale’s bar, the last of the good chances as Palace saw out an important victory. More

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      Fulham 2 Bournemouth 2: Super sub Dango Ouattara scores last-minute goal to rescue point as visitors fight back twice

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      DANGO OUATTARA turned the tables on late show hosts Fulham to keep Bournemouth’s remarkable European dream on track.The Cherries sub grabbed an equaliser in the 89th minute that rescued a point for his massively-depleted team.Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham before half-timeCredit: RexEvanilson equlised for Bournemouth early in the second halfCredit: RexHarry Wilson thought he sealed the three points for FulhamCredit: RexDango Ouattara salvaged a late point for BournemouthCredit: ReutersInjuries and suspensions meant boss Andoni Iraola had to name four academy kids and two keepers on his bench.But the lack of numbers did not dampen their spirits and twice they fought from behind to salvage a hard-won point.It was also a lesson for Fulham who have developed a knack of turning up late to claim vital points as they too chase the prospect of the Europa League next season.They even thought they had won it when last-gasp specialist Harry Wilson produced a classy header to give his team the lead with 18 minutes to go.Read Moe on FootballThat is relatively early by his standards – just five days ago Wilson grabbed an 82nd minute equaliser from which Fulham went on to claim a first Premier League win at Chelsea.He also struck twice in second-half injury time to beat Brentford and scored late against Crystal Palace.But it was Bournemouth’s turn to snatch something from nothing when sub Ouattaro was allowed a simple tap in the 89th minute after a defensive cock-up.Issa Diop’s mishit clearance led to Antione Semenyo crossing for Ouattaro to bury a shot at the far post.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoth teams can still look back on a positive Christmas period as the festive fixture season draws to a close.Bournemouth smashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford and the Fulham fans were singing lustily of their surprise win down the road at Chelsea.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ But those performances had clearly had an effect on both sides too.Jimenez produced a text book header to give Fulham the lead and a much-needed injection of life.Prior to his goal five minutes before half time, the home side looked leggy and looked like missing out on cashing in against a massively depleted Bournemouth side with eight players missing.Andreas Pereira swung out a corner into the middle of the area. Jimenez ghosted in from the back and met the ball in mid-air, twisting in the process to plant it snugly in the bottom, opposite corner for a peach of an opener.Bournemouth had the ball in the back of the net from a corner through rookie defender James Hill, only for ref Jones to signal for a foul despite only the faintest of nudges on centre-back Calvin Bassey.Fulham keeper Bernd Leno did well holding a snap shot from David Brooks and blocked a shot on the break from Semenyo.Christie escapes red cardBournemouth were unfortunate in front of goal but dead lucky to still have 11 men at half-time.Ryan Christie escaped with just a yellow card despite a studs-up lunge on defender Antonee Robinson.Having clattered into Pereira seconds earlier, Christie lost control of the ball and lunged forwards trying to regain it, only to plant his foot on the left shin of Fulham’s captain.Jones gave a yellow but VAR Peter Bankes took a second look, then decided that was punishment enough for what appeared to be a stonewall red offence.With so many changes forced upon him before kick-off, the last thing Cherries boss Iraola needed was another enforced rejig of his depleted squad.Fortune smiled on Iraola again five minutes into the second half when they equalised through record-signing Evanilson.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth equalise twiceHill dropped an inviting ball into the Fulham box and the £40million Brazilian got the better of Joachim Andersen, then took one touch before volleying over Leno for a goal to match Fulham’s for its classy execution.Wilson’s tireless energy put him in space to head home a cross from Robinson in the 72nd minute and just as Fulham were dreaming of going level on 31 points with defending champions Manchester City, Ouattara had the final say.Fulham and Bournemouth played out an entertaining drawCredit: PA More