^ ^ Glenn Hoddle claims Chelsea would be ‘in a better state’ under former manager

Ex-England player and manager Glen Hoddle (Picture: Getty)

Glenn Hoddle believes Chelsea would be ‘in a better state’ if new England boss Thomas Tuchel was still in charge at Stamford Bridge. 

Tuchel took over at Chelsea in January 2021, replacing club legend Frank Lampard, and went on to enjoy a largely successful if turbulent 20-month spell in west London.

The German ended his first season at Stamford Bridge by lifting the Champions League trophy – Chelsea beating Manchester City 1-0 in the 2021 final – and having reached the FA Cup final. 

Chelsea reached two domestic cup finals the following season but lost both to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. 

A change of ownership at Stamford bridge and a poor start to the 2022-23 season cost Tuchel his job but his successor, Graham Potter, only lasted seven months before he too was sacked. 

Chelsea blew hot and cold under Mauricio Pochettino last season and have impressed under Enzo Maresca this term, sitting fifth in the Premier League after nine games and top of the Europa Conference League. 

Hoddle believes Chelsea are ‘on their way back’ under Maresca but still says they would be in a better position overall if Tuchel had not been sacked and was still in charge. 

Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory (Picture: Getty)

Tuchel spent two years at Bayern Munich after leaving Chelsea and was last month appointed as the new England boss, replacing Gareth Southgate who quit after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Asked for his thoughts on the appointment, ex-England star and manager Hoddle said on The Overlap with Sky Bet: ‘I like him. 

‘I’ve spent a bit of time with him and had a few interviews with him and spoke to him after. I like him. 

‘Look at what he did at Chelsea and what happened to them after he left… He won the Champions League there. 

Current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca (Picture: Getty)

‘He should still be there now and they would be in a better state. I think Chelsea are back by the way, I think they’ve got a good chance of getting themselves back there. 

‘But they went missing for a while there. If he would have stayed…’ 

Returning to the topic of German coach Tuchel taking charge of England, Hoddle added: ‘I’m happy on the football front, I’m delighted. 

‘It’s about putting the best jockey on the horse, it doesn’t mean the horse is always going to win. 

Tuchel was recently appointed England manager (Picture: Getty)

‘The World Cup is a hard trophy to win but Tuchel is the second best jockey out there for me after Pep Guardiola. 

‘All the other rubbish, with him being German, we’re past that. If [former Liverpool manager] Jurgen Klopp got the job no one would have moaned.’ 

While Chelsea have enjoyed a largely impressive start to the season, they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Speaking after the 2-0 defeat, Maresca said: ‘I think it [making changes] works if we analyse the performance, if we analyse the result it didn’t work, but for 22-23 minutes, until their goal, we were in control.

‘Then after the goal we lost control for 10 minutes, where we also conceded the second one.

‘Again, the last 10 minutes of first half we had two clear chances that unfortunately we didn’t score. Second half we were in control of the game.

‘The most important thing is the result. But the performance, I think we lost the game because of 10 minutes after the first goal we conceded, then for the rest we were quite good.’

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^ ^ This is Manchester United we’re talking about here. But for how much longer?

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Erik ten Hag have both had a go at managing Manchester United in the post-Ferguson era (Picture: Getty Images)

Someone on the internet (unpromising start but stay with me) harvests clips of football managers, the odd actor and for some reason always Dion Dublin delivering classic football lines. The mystery man edits them into montages so funny they will make you snort out your tea.

One of my favourites is called This is the Premier League We’re Talking About. As we zip down through (nearly) all the teams in the league, it quickly becomes obvious that it is actually Manchester United We’re Talking About Here.

Then halfway through the video, it dawns on you. Every pundit, player, coach, everybody involved in the game of football says ‘This is Manchester United we’re talking about’ in exactly the same way.

The cadence is identical, there’s no other way of delivering the line. It’s a song without any need for lyrical complexity because the context is ingrained so deeply in the emotion of the delivery. This includes yearning, pain, grandeur, quite a high level of fear, dismay and if – you are connected to the club – a sprinkling of rage.

If you’re my age, you’ve suffered through the playground era of Ferguson’s United winning everything.

It has now been more than a decade since United were a dominant force and they are currently searching for their sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex. Include all the stopgaps and Ralf Rangnick and the next guy will be the tenth to run Manchester United’s football product in 11 years.

Ruben Amorim is poised to take charge of Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Last time you and I spoke it was about the impossible job: boss of the England men’s team. Erik ten Hag’s departure means we’ve got another one to consider – Manchester United manager. Ten Hag got marginally less time than Jose Mourinho and around six months more than Louis van Gaal.

He delivered two trophies. He pissed a lot of people off, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. He denied that Tottenham defeat really counted because of the red card. His minder pushed Sky reporter Gary Cotterill. He survived an ownership transition at the club and a whole load of rumours. His beard retained its integrity throughout.

Managing United has become so hard perhaps because, despite the decade of dallying and despite the absurd dominance of the other Manchester club in the modern era, per Bryan Gunn’s internet montages, Manchester United is the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag delivered an FA Cup and Carabao Cup for Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Eras get easily lost in football discourse, history is vulnerable from all sides, but the magnitude of what the club achieved in that 20 years when the Premier League made English football a truly global export is untouchable.

And it delivered a fan land-grab, a ‘first-mover advantage’ in business speak, on which everything in the top division of English football has rested.

United supporters have been used to railing against the Glazer family’s (mis)-management of their club and, like many football fans, they were uncritically charmed by the billionaire status of co-chair Sir Jim Ratcliffe when he arrived.

My initial belief was that Ten Hag should stay in the role for consistency but the subsequent dithering was neither one thing or the other and it’s been damaging.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has struggled to decide what is best for Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Just because Manchester United still are the biggest club in the world, it doesn’t mean this status lasts forever and the pending appointment of Ruben Amorim is the most critical since that of Sir Alex.

Amorim has achieved much, picked his way through Covid and built from an extremely low point (fans beating up their own players in 2018) at Sporting.

There is no evidence that he can manage what is in effect a team of little brands at United but recruitment brains I trust state it’s best to hire on trajectory and potential rather than perfect proof.

But the most important cause for optimism is that a decision has finally been made by United’s board.

A brilliant thinker on living meaningful lives, Oliver Burkeman explains that sometimes the best way to overcome procrastination is to pick a decision, any decision and make it. What keeps us frozen, he says, is our desire not to feel fully committed.

I’m convinced an Ineos adviser is reading his latest book. The question now they’re unstuck is whether a plan will come to light, and if Manchester United fans can trust it.

MORE : Every word Ruben Amorim said in cryptic Manchester United update

MORE : Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks silence on Manchester United sacking Erik ten Hag

MORE : The worrying comments Ruben Amorim has made about Manuel Ugarte ahead of Man Utd reunion

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^ ^ Man Utd fans beg Ruben Amorim to bring huge Sporting Lisbon star with him

Ruben Amorim appears to be on the verge of joining Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United fans are hopeful Ruben Amorim will be able to bring Viktor Gyokeres with him to Old Trafford after the in-form striker scored two stunning goals in last night’s 3-1 win over Nacional.

The Red Devils appear to be on the verge of confirming the 39-year-old as Erik ten Hag’s permanent successor after they confirmed the decision to sack the Dutchman on Monday.

Speaking after the game, Amorim remained tightlipped on his intentions, amid reports that United want him to be in charge for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.

‘Nobody knows if it was a farewell match or if there will be a farewell,’ he said. ‘It’s a matter that hasn’t been decided yet.

He added in a post-match press conference, via Sky Sports: ‘I’ve seen the statement from the club and the interest of Man United.

‘I have a release clause and when something more concrete emerges, it will be communicated. Nothing has yet been decided.

‘I’m not here to speak about my contract. Those terms stay between myself and Sporting. Every coach has a clause and this is what was agreed between us.

Viktor Gyokeres scored twice in Sporting Lisbon’s win over Nacional (Picture: Getty)

🤯🚀 This angle of Gyökeres’ free-kick is INSANE! (@carreira24_) pic.twitter.com/4ntDrm2Xsb

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 29, 2024

‘When a club shows an interest in a coach, that is not something I can control. There is a club that is interested, and we will see what happens in the next few days.’

Once installed as United’s new boss, attention will quickly turn to the signings Amorim will look to make in order to strengthen a squad which is already a way off the top four pace in the Premier League.

Goals have been in short supply this term with Rasmus Hojlund only just back from injury and summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee struggling to get up to speed.

Sporting, meanwhile, boast one of Europe’s most potent forwards with Viktor Gyokeres adding two more to his tally for the campaign last night.

The Sweden international now has 16 goals in 15 games in all competitions this term with a stunning free kick the highlight of last night’s performance.

With United’s current crop of forwards struggling for goals, fans are desperate for Gyokeres, who has already been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, to join the club in January as Amorim’s first signing.

‘Book an extra seat on that flight, Ruben!’ said one hopeful United fan, while another added ‘I’d be selling Rashford January & putting a down payment on him for the summer.’

Another fan remarked ‘Late bloomer this guy, but oh my lord. He’s been on an insane run since 2022. He might be the real deal.’

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^ ^ Antonio Conte reveals former Chelsea, Man Utd and Everton striker ‘rejected bids’ from Premier League clubs

Napoli boss Antonio Conte (Picture: Getty)

Antonio Conte has revealed Romelu Lukaku ‘rejected bids’ from Premier League clubs last summer in favour of a move to Napoli.

Lukaku ended his disappointing spell at Chelsea at the end of August, returning to Serie A by completing a €30 million move to Napoli.

Despite struggling at Stamford Bridge – scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances – Lukaku has impressed in the early stages of this season, netting four goals in eight Serie A games to help Napoli open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

Conte hailed Lukaku as an ‘excellent guy and a top player’ after Napoli’s 2-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday night and revealed his striker rejected offers to stay in the Premier League last summer.

It appeared as though multiple English clubs were willing to take a chance on Lukaku despite his miserable spell at Chelsea.

The Belgian cost Chelsea almost £100m in 2021 – making him the club’s most expensive signing – but he scored just eight Premier League goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge before spending the next two campaigns on loan in Italy.

It was Lukaku’s second underwhelming spell at a Premier League club following his two-year stint at Manchester United, which produced 28 goals in 66 league games.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring for Napoli (Picture: Getty)

Before struggling at Old Trafford, Lukaku enjoyed four fruitful seasons at Goodison Park, netting 87 goals in 166 appearances for Everton.

‘Romelu Lukaku rejected bids from Premier League clubs to wait for us and join Napoli in August,’ Napoli boss Conte told DAZN.

‘He strongly wanted to work with us again and this is fantastic. He’s an excellent guy, top player.’

Conte hailed his current Napoli squad as ‘one of the best groups’ he has managed after they ground out a 2-0 win over AC Milan to pull further clear in the Serie A title race.

‘This is one of the best groups I have had in my career,’ the ex-Premier League manager added.

‘Everyone looks at the same goal, even between me and the club and the whole environment we have created in Castel Yolturno from the warehouseman to the gardener.

‘I breathe beautiful and clean air, passion and enthusiasm. When I happen to find this type of situation I live it with passion.’

Napoli return to Serie A action on Sunday with a home match against Atalanta, currently fifth in the table with 16 points after nine games.

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^ ^ Erik ten Hag felt ‘let down’ by three senior Man Utd stars before sacking

Ten Hag left Old Trafford on Monday (Picture: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag felt he was ‘let down’ by a number of senior players in the Manchester United squad, including Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.

The Dutchman was given his marching orders on Monday the day after the 2-1 defeat to West Ham, United’s fourth defeat in nine Premier League games which left them slumped 14thin the table.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City with the club hopeful of bringing in Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as their new permanent boss before the weekend.

Ten Hag departs having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his two seasons in charge in Manchester.

That success at Wembley last May saved him from the sack at the end of last season after a miserable end to the Premier League campaign but a lack of any real progress this term after being backed heavily in the summer signalled the end.

While the former Ajax boss is not thought to have lost the dressing room by the end, The Daily Star report Ten Hag felt he had been let down by some senior players, including Casemiro, Rashford and Antony.

Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid during Ten Hag’s first summer in charge, enjoying a superb first campaign in Manchester. The Brazilian struggled last season however and was dropped from the squad for the FA Cup final against City.

Rashford was picking up some form again under the Dutchman (Picture: Danehouse/Getty Images)

Rashford was among the players disciplined by Ten Hag during his time in charge, dropped from the starting XI over his timekeeping in January 2023.

The forward was also forced to apologise to the manager for going to a pre-arranged birthday party in October last year just hours after United were thrashed 3-0 at home to Manchester City.

Rashford was in hot water again in February after he missed training ahead of an FA Cup match having been spotted partying in Belfast just hours before.

Antony meanwhile has persistently struggled since his £84million move from Ajax, managing just a minute of Premier League action this term.

Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were among those to pay warm tributes to Ten Hag following news of his dismissal.  

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^ ^ ‘He doesn’t care!’ Mikel Arteta singles out exciting Arsenal star for praise

Mikel Arteta has praised the attitude of one of Arsenal most exciting young players (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has praised the fearless attitude of one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The teenager’s emergence has been, in part, overshadowed by the progress made by fellow Hale End Academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, but the 17-year-old appears to have just as good a chance of making it in the first team as his teammate.

Eyebrows were raised on Sunday when in the midst of a deepening defensive injury crisis, Arteta summoned Lewis-Skelly from the bench and tasked him with the daunting job of marking Mohamed Salah.

Although the youngster was partially at fault for the goal which saw the Gunners squander the lead for the second time in the game, Lewis-Skelly emerged with immense credit, showing remarkable composure on the ball and bravery in possession.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Preston, Arteta was asked what had impressed him most about Lewis-Skelly and he said: ‘First of all, a huge personality.

‘He doesn’t care, he plays with full belief, with a lot of commitment, he’s got the qualities that we want in his position, to play outside, to play inside.

‘Defensively, he’s a really strong player and where we want him. When a player is like this, I don’t care if he’s from the academy or whatever, we need to give him the opportunities and he’s earned the right to play those games.’

Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed against Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Oleksandr Zinchenko is struggling for game time this season at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Arteta’s faith in Lewis-Skelly has, it seems, resulted in Oleksandr Zinchenko falling even further down the pecking order.

The Ukraine international had a transformative effect on the side when he joined from Manchester City two years ago, but it appears Arsenal have now evolved to a point where his skillset is no longer required.

‘Those decisions are always difficult to make,’ said Arteta when asked about Zinchenko’s lack of opportunities.

‘You make them with the only intention to get the result with the performance that you want, but Alex has already proven for many years something that he has to do and that he has the ability to do it.’

Another experienced left-back, meanwhile, is closing in on making his first team return with Kieran Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, stepping up his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered playing for Scotland at Euro 2024.

‘I think he’s quite close,’ said Arteta. ‘He’s looking really good. I think he’s over the period where he was still struggling, so he looks really sharp out there.

‘He hasn’t trained with the team yet but hopefully he can do that in the next week or two.’

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^ ^ Liverpool boss Arne Slot sends message to Erik ten Hag after Manchester United sacking

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and ex-Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag (Pictures: Getty)

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has expressed sympathy for Erik ten Hag after he was sacked by Manchester United and backed his compatriot to land another ‘big’ job in the near future.

United finally pulled the plug Ten Hag on Monday following the Premier League club’s dismal start to the season.

Manchester United are just 14th in the Premier League after nine games and were beaten 2-1 by West Ham at the weekend.

Ex-Ajax boss Ten Hag took over in the summer of 2022 and led the club to third place in his first season.

The Dutchman also lifted two trophies during his time in charge – the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup almost six months ago – but Manchester United finished eighth last year and looked set for another difficult campaign based on their early-season form.

Slot, who has made a superb start to his tenure as Liverpool manager, says it was ‘hard’ to hear of his compatriot’s sacking but does not expect it to end his managerial career.

‘Well, he’s a Dutch manager so it makes it even harder for me and us as Dutch people,’ Slot said at a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Ten Hag was sacked after a little over two years in charge (Picture: Reuters)

‘Obviously your first thoughts are with the person, we know in this industry and in this job it can happen.

‘I know him a little bit and I know how much work he puts in, so to get this news it is a pity for him.

‘But we also know how well he did at Ajax and he won two trophies here, so we will see him in the near future at a big club again.

‘But at the moment it’s a – I wouldn’t say tragedy – but it’s a big disappointment for him I’m sure.’

Slot’s Liverpool beat Manchester United earlier in the season (Picture: Getty)

Slot’s Liverpool are one of four English teams to have beaten Manchester United this season. The Red Devils are also just 21st out of 38 in the new Europa League table.

Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, has been named as interim manager.

Manchester United have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim about replacing Ten Hag on a permanent basis, though Graham Potter and Thomas Frank are also believed to be figures of interest.

Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, United captain Bruno Fernandes said: ‘Thanks for everything, boss.

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‘I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.

‘Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!’

Gary Neville, meanwhile, added on Sky Sports: ‘It was coming.

‘Tottenham [3-0 home defeat] looked like the kind of game I have seen before. It was a bad day for Manchester United and a bad one for Erik ten Hag.

‘It’s got worse and missing chances [on Sunday] was unacceptable. The big shock for me is how bad they have been with the new signings.

‘That they are in 14th is unacceptable. I was hoping it would end differently, and that the faith shown would pay off, but it was not to be.’

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^ ^ Vinicius Jr breaks silence after boycotting Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest

Vinicius expected to claim football’s top prize (Picture: Soccrates/Getty Images)

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has broken his silence after controversially missing out on the Ballon d’Or award.

The Brazil international was considered the strong favourite to scoop the biggest individual prize in world football but Manchester City and Spain star Rodri was instead crowned the best player on the planet.

A leak ahead of the ceremony on Monday night revealed Vinicius Jr had missed out on top spot with the Real Madrid delegation, which also included Jude Bellingham, cancelling their trip and missing the ceremony completely.

Vinicius Jr played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga success last term but finished second in the overall vote.

Following Rodri’s triumph last night, the Brazilian warned organisers@ ‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready’.

Vinicius Jr scored 24 goals and supplied 11 assists last season, scoring twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final and again in the final against Dortmund.

Real’s decision to not send a delegation to Paris sparked some awkward moments on stage – particularly when Los Blancos were named men’s club of the year with no one present to collect the award.

Rodri claimed the prize (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe was named the joint winner of the Gerd Muller Trophy alongside Harry Kane but was again not present.  

Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, on hosting duties last night, clearly expected Real boss Carlo Ancelotti to be present to collect the coach of the year award but the Italian was another who missed the event.

Rodri meanwhile became the first defensive midfielder to win the prestigious award. His triumph comes after playing a huge role in Manchester City securing a record fourth consecutive Premier League title, also winning player of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 last summer.

The 28-year-old appeared at the ceremony on crutches having been ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury.

He also becomes just the third man to break Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 16-year domination of the award, after successes of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in 2018 and 2022 respectively.

^ ^ Paul Scholes questions Ruben Amorim and names two managers Man Utd must consider

Scholes not convinced Amorim has the profile to take over at United *P

Paul Scholes has questioned Manchester United’s pursuit of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, naming Zinedine Zidane and Xavi as his preferred choice to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

United parted ways with Ten Hag on Monday with Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping in to charge as interim boss. But the search for a permanent replacement is already underway with Amorim in talks to join the Premier League giants.

The 39-year-old is thought to be interested in taking the United job, with the Portuguese one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe after two league titles with Sporting, also thought to be admired at Manchester City.

But United legend Scholes is not convinced success in Portugal merits the Old Trafford job.

The former midfielder slammed United for ‘missing out’ on Thomas Tuchel, named the new England manager earlier this month.

Scholes also made the case for former Barcelona boss Xavi taking over but fears it is also a ‘risky one’ that poses problems of its own.

‘I felt United had missed out on him [Tuchel],’ Scholes told TNT Sport.

Tuchel held talks with United in the summer (Picture: FA via Getty Images)

‘I think it was documented that they had conversations with him, as and when I’m not too sure.

‘Xavi is more recent. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, so they need the best of the best. If they think Xavi is that man, then it’s a risky one.

‘But he’s managed at an elite level with a club very similar to Manchester United in Spain with Barcelona. They won the league against Carlo Ancelotti’s [Real Madrid] team in difficult circumstances, so I wouldn’t be against that.

Zidane and Xavi two other options out there (Picture: Getty)

‘There’s Zinedine Zidane who was very successful at Real Madrid. Whether he wants to come to England, I very much doubt. He’s another name, and then you think about Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon.

‘Again, that’s a similar one to Ten Hag, doing well in a league that isn’t as well known or of the same stature as other leagues in Europe, but has done very well.

‘Then you look at the likes of Thomas Frank, but then the expectations at Brentford are less than at Manchester United.

‘Thomas Tuchel would have been my man, but that’s now gone. However, there are still people out there who have a chance to make the team successful.’

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^ ^ Cole Palmer ‘getting frustrated’ at Chelsea despite Newcastle win, says Troy Deeney

Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s most important attacking player (Picture: Getty)

Cole Palmer is ‘getting frustrated’ at Chelsea despite Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United, according to pundit Troy Deeney.

Former Watford striker Deeney, who now works for the BBC and puts together a regular Team of the Week, believes Palmer is annoyed at being substituted.

Palmer, who has established himself as Chelsea’s most important attacking player, was not substituted in the win over Newcastle, completing the full match.

The 22-year-old has only been taken off twice across Chelsea’s opening nine Premier League games of the season, in wins against Wolves and West Ham.

Deeney, who selected Palmer in his Team of the Week, told the BBC: ‘He scored a goal (against Newcastle) and although he didn’t get the assist for the team’s first it was an unreal pass for, as they say in America, an assist for the assist.

‘It was a great ball and set them on their way. It just showed a level of class and when they take him off it looks like Chelsea at every single opportunity are going to lose the game.

‘It gets so wide open, no control and he is probably getting frustrated at being brought off, but it was one of those games where he was excellent again.’

Troy Deeney named Cole Palmer in his Team of the Week (Picture: Getty)

Palmer was not included in Chelsea’s Conference League squad, meaning he cannot feature in the the first half of the European competition this season.

The Blues did that to manage Palmer’s workload and to hand out minutes to other players in Enzo Maresca’s team.

‘The management’s decision was for the best,’ Palmer recently told The Telegraph. ‘And I’m focused on keeping fit and ready for the next opportunities.’

Palmer has been in fine form for Chelsea this season, producing seven goals and five assists across nine Premier League games.

Last term, in his debut campaign as a Chelsea player, Palmer broke Eden Hazard’s club record for the most goals and assists in a single Premier League season.

The former Manchester City star was crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season for 2023-24 and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

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^ ^ Arne Slot singles out ‘outstanding’ Arsenal star after Liverpool draw

Arne Slot admits Arsenal have the ability to constantly surprise teams with different systems (NBC Sports)

Arne Slot hailed Bukayo Saka’s ‘outstanding’ performance in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

Saka scored Arsenal’s opening goal at the Emirates Stadium as he controlled an excellent long-range pass from Ben White before twisting Andy Robertson and firing past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Virgil van Dijk pulled Liverpool level in the first half but Arsenal were back in front by the break through Mikel Merino.

Liverpool showed signs of improvement in the second half and scored an equaliser through Mohamed Salah to earn a point at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after the game, Slot praised Arsenal’s ability to constantly ‘surprise’ opponents with different systems and admits Liverpool struggled to cope with Saka.

‘I think the second half our intensity was from another level, but the first half was very difficult for us,’ Slot told NBC Sports.

‘Can they surprise you? Actually, they can because they can play in so many different formations, set-ups that you always have to wonder what they’ll come up with.

Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s opener in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool (EPA)

‘Now they played with a false No.9 with their midfielders really wide, so I didn’t feel we had complete control in the first half.

‘I was really pleased with us scoring a set-piece over here, the downside to that was us conceding one but I think Arsenal deserved to be 2-1 up at half time.’

When it was suggested that both Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were forced back in the first half due to Arsenal’s wingers, Slot replied: ‘Yeah, the first goal was an example of this where you saw the quality of Saka.

‘Maybe we had to do better but sometimes you have to give credit to these special wingers who are playing these games and I think Saka, especially in the first half, played an outstanding game.

‘Then to be 2-1 down, although I didn’t think they so many other opportunities but they were by far the better team in the first half.

‘Then, I wouldn’t say it surprised me because I know these players, but with one day less to recover than Arsenal having played an away leg [in the Champions League on Wednesday], and to show up the second half in the way we did, with the intensity we played with, that was very pleasing to see.’

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^ ^ Gary Neville hints at referee conspiracy after Man Utd incident vs West Ham

Gary Neville says Michael Oliver put the referee under ‘pressure’ (Picture: Sky Sports)

Gary Neville has launched a Premier League referee conspiracy theory following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.

The Hammers were awarded a controversial late penalty in the match, which Jarrod Bowen slotted home to secure all three points against Erik ten Hag’s men.

It was given for Matthijs De Ligt’s foul on Danny Ings – with referee David Coote sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Michael Oliver – who overturned his initial on-pitch decision not to award the spot kick.

United legend Neville, who now works as a football pundit for Sky Sports, is convinced that something suspicious is going on and is adamant that Coote didn’t want to upset his ‘superior’.

‘The interesting thing for me was when David Coote went over, he must have watched it eight times, and I’m screaming at the television,’ Neville said on his podcast.

‘I think he doesn’t think this is a penalty, he’s not having this, but he turns around and he overturns his original decision and it wasn’t right.

‘I think the pressure maybe of being sent over to the screen by Michael Oliver, a dominant referee… No one likes to upset their superiors.

Referee David Coote didn’t want to upset his ‘superior’ (Picture: Reuters)

‘You think of it when you’re a young player in the dressing room and you have a senior player in the dressing room, or if you’re young in the office and someone senior in the office makes a call you don’t really want to tell them that they’re wrong.

‘I think it was a bit of that because I’m not sure David Coote was anywhere near thinking that that was a penalty.

‘And it was a big shock, and in the end Jarrod Bowen steps up, takes the penalty, it’s emphatic, and United lose the game.’

Neville added: ‘Every team gets a bad decision – but that one wasn’t right for a couple of reasons.

‘De Ligt comes out, it’s not like a loose ball with Danny Ings, it’s bobbling in the box and they both sort of go for it and it’s like a knee from De Ligt that just makes contact with Ings, and it’s nothing really.

‘The referee doesn’t give a penalty on the pitch, David Coote, and then we’re watching it and he gets called over to the screen by Michael Oliver on VAR.’

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^ ^ Vinicius Junior hits back at Barcelona star with brutal Ballon d’Or reminder

Gavi was seen flashing four fingers at Vinicius Junior (Picture: Getty)

Vinicius Junior has hit back at Barcelona star Gavi with a brutal Ballon d’Or reminder after Real Madrid lost El Clasico 4-0 at the Bernabéu on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Real team were stunned by their arch rivals thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and a double from Robert Lewandowski.

Tempers flared both during and after the Spanish showdown with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick involved in a clash with Ancelotti on the touchline.

Euro 2024 superstar Yamal trolled Real after the match and said ‘[it is] a lot of fun when you can hear your fans more than those of the opposition in its stadium.’

During the clash, meanwhile, there was a tense confrontation between Ballon d’Or-nominated Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s star midfielder Gavi.

Gavi was seen flashing four fingers right in the Brazilian’s face to remind him of the scoreline but Vinicius Junior had the perfect response.

‘Yes, yes, but on Monday I’m going for the Ballon d’Or,’ Vinicius Junior told Gavi, as per reports from El Chiringuito.

Barcelona have opened up a six-point lead at the top of La Liga (Picture: Getty)

The Ballon d’Or is given to the best player in world football every year and the 68th annual ceremony is set to take place in Paris on Monday, October 28.

A total of 30 players were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or – including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior – but Gavi was not included.

Thierry Henry recently revealed his pick for the Ballon d’Or – and came close to picking Vinicius Junior – but decided against it after his performances for Brazil at the Copa America.

‘Vini Jr didn’t perform at the Copa America,’ Henry said. ‘But is he [still] a worthy winner? Yes.

‘He is outstanding, I keep on saying. For me, right now, as a forward, he is the best in the world. So he deserves it [too].’

Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher added: ‘I’d go for Vini Jr. They won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing you can win in club football. It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays. Very few players win it in that position, whether you are a holding midfield player or a defender.’

^ ^ West Ham vs Man Utd: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Garnacho was on target last week against Brentford (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United remain without Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire for their Premier League clash against West Ham United.

After Thursday’s Europa League draw against Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce, focus switches back to the Premier League with Bruno Fernandes available for the trip to east London having served a European suspension in Turkey.

Antony has joined the injury list after the Brazilian was stretchered off shortly after coming off the bench as United chased a winner last night.

Jonny Evans missed that trip with a knock and was being assessed this week but speaking on Friday, Erik ten Hag was hopeful of having the veteran defender available again.

Problems elsewhere at the back persist, however.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain unavailable as problems continue at left-back but the availability of Noussair Mazraoui, who played in a more advanced role against Fenerbahce, will at least allow Erik ten Hag to deploy Diogo Dalot at left-back again if he chooses.

Mainoo also remains sidelined with a muscle injury along with Mason Mount, whose recovery from his most recent setback is taken longer than expected, ten Hag revealed this week.

Fernandes missed the Fenerbahce game through suspension (Picture: Getty)

Maguire is also among those unavailable as he works his way back from a knee injury.

Amad Diallo was brought on for the final few minutes after Antony’s withdrawal against Fenerbahce on Thursday. After starting the opening games of the season, the Ivorian has now been benched for the last four and will be hoping for a look-in today.

There was good news for Leny Yoro this week with the summer signing pictured back in light training. United will hope to have him available as soon as possible.

How United could line up this weekend…

The 19-year-old suffered a fractured metatarsal in his second game for the club against Arsenal during the pre-season tour of the US, immediately undergoing surgery.

Man Utd injuries

Doubts: Evans (minor knock)
Ruled out: Shaw (calf), Malacia (knee), Yoro (foot), Mainoo (muscle), Maguire (knee), Antony (unknown), Mount (unknown)

While there is no specific timeline for his return, Ten Hag will surely opt to carefully integrate him into the side with game time before the November international break unlikely.

Fernandes is available for United again (Squawka)

Predicted Man Utd XI to face West Ham

Onana, Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

Where to watch West Ham vs Man Utd? Kick-off time and TV channel

West Ham vs Man Utd kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 27 October.

The match however has not been selected for live broadcast in the UK.

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