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Chelsea player ratings: Dewsbury-Hall proves he does belong in Blues midfield but struggling Sancho just not good enough

ENZO MARESCA’S Chelsea showed they can more than cope with the Conference League as they sailed past FC Copenhagen into the quarter-finals.

The first half was described by many as the most boring of the Blues’ season, as they failed to register a shot against a team that finished 18th in a below-par group phase.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea celebrating a goal.
Getty
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored as Chelsea beat Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregate[/caption]
Chelsea FC's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring a goal.
Getty
The result saw the Blues reach the quarters of the Conference League[/caption] Chelsea vs. Copenhagen match stats: shots on target, shots, blocked shots, possession, passes, completed passes, tackles, fouls conceded, corners. Chelsea starting XI vs Copenhagen.

In fact, the most interesting part of the first 45 minutes was probably the exceptional travelling support, who got more excited for the warm-ups than the home fans did all night.

Thankfully, it didn’t stay that way for long, with a rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd as he evaded a number of challenges before slotting the ball home and opening the scoring.

Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.

Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Molde or Legia Warsaw in the next round.

This is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…

Filip Jorgensen – 8

His performance was everything it needed to be tonight.

While the Dane wasn’t tested all that much in goal he saved anything that came his way and was commanding of his box with the Copenhagen crosses coming flying in.

His distribution was also pretty good, with a long throw out to Pedro Neto on the right side of attack being the best example of that.

Filip Jørgensen's Chelsea vs. Copenhagen game stats: 0 goals conceded, 1 save, 1 sweeper clearance, 0 punches, 25 passes, 2 high claims. Pass map showing Filip Jørgensen's 20 completed passes and 5 incomplete passes against Copenhagen.

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Trevoh Chalobah –  6

Solid for the Blues at right back tonight.

Didn’t blow any socks off as he went about his business.

But Chalobah was entirely dependable and a strong presence in Enzo Maresca’s side.

A slight knock on his performance was that he did give the ball away a few times for a player of his quality on the ball.

Trevoh Chalobah's match stats: 79 touches, 62 passes, 2 dribbles, 1 shot, 0 tackles, 3 duels won.  Heatmap shows playing position.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 7

Being an ‘old head’ in the side at just 27 years of age must be a strange feeling for Tosin, but that’s what he has been this season and was again tonight.

In the game against Leicester I praised him for his leadership skills and taking on the role of organising the defence and he did that once more in this game, albeit with a group of defenders he won’t have been used to playing matches with.

His physical presence in the side is much needed and appreciated, and he always seemed pretty composed on the ball too. Chelsea’s best defender on the night.

Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo and Copenhagen's Viktor Claesson battling for the ball during a soccer match.
PA
Tosin had a strong game at the heart of defence[/caption] Illustration of Tosin Adarabioyo's soccer stats: 96 touches, 89 passes, 0 shots, 0 tackles, 0 dribbles, 3 duels won.

Benoit Badiashile – 4

The Frenchman recently returned from a lengthy hamstring injury and gave a bit of added depth to Chelsea’s defence while allowing Levi Colwill to get a rest.

It was his only his second game since the Blues beat Tottenham 4-3 back in December, and he looked a bit rusty from the off with a few lousy passes and a missed opportunity to attack the box and get a goal early on.

You could sense the other players getting frustrated with his passing, Sancho in particular who would drop short only for the defender to loop it over his head and out of play.

Benoît Badiashile's match stats: 93 touches, 82 passes, 0 dribbles, 0 shots, 1 tackle, 4 duels won; illustrated on a soccer field.

Josh Acheampong – 7

With Player of the Season contender Marc Cucurella starting on the bench, Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong had big boots to fill playing in his inverted full-back role.

He did it brilliantly though, while looking 10 years his senior and it was a mature, strong and controlled performance from the youngster.

He was an attacking threat when progressing the ball, but also came up with some vital bits of defensive play including a huge first half block to stop Copenhagen levelling the tie.

Was probably deserving of playing the second half, but was replaced by Cucurella.

Chelsea's Josh-Kofi Acheampong and FC Copenhagen's William Clem competing for the ball.
Getty
Josh Acheampong impressed but was hauled off at the break[/caption] Josh Acheampong's soccer stats: touches 31, shots 0, passes 19, tackles 0, dribbles 0, duels won 1.  Heatmap shows playing area.

Moises Caicedo – 7

You get the sense he was waiting an age for the chance to put in a big tackle as he has been walking a yellow card tightrope in the Premier League of late.

He enjoyed it when he did, and was his usual combative self while showing flashes of the player we know he can be with the ball at his feet and linking up well with those around him.

Was given a standing ovation for his performance when he was replaced by Reece James for the final 10 minutes.

Illustration of Moisés Caicedo's game statistics: 90 touches, 0 shots, 73 passes, 4 tackles, 0 dribbles, and 8 duels won.

Enzo Fernandez (c)  – 5

Was often on the ball in the first half, but not at his brilliant best with a few passes going astray as he looked to create attacks and progress the ball as we have seen him do this season.

Nonetheless, was always an option in midfield and is a player that youngsters like Josh Acheampong will really appreciate as something of a safety net, knowing how technically secure he is.

Was subbed at half-time for Cole Palmer after struggling to find his feet a bit in midfield.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea dribbling the ball during a soccer match.
Getty
Enzo Fernandez failed to get a hold on the midfield battle[/caption] Illustration of Enzo Fernandez's soccer stats: 37 touches, 32 passes, 0 shots, 0 tackles, 0 dribbles, and 1 duel won.

Tyrique George – 5

Tyrique is starting to look like he’s really settling in here, and with each passing game he seems to be growing in confidence and showing the fans here more of the brilliant player we saw in the academy.

Was intelligent and bright on the right-hand side, not looking out of place one bit and causing some real problems with his rapid feet and dribbling ability.

Tyrique George's game statistics: 46 touches, 2 shots, 28 passes, 0 tackles, 4 dribbles, 5 duels won; heatmap of his activity on the field.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8

One fan I spoke to at half-time referred to him as ‘Kiernan the friendly ghost’ and it was pretty tough to argue with him…

But it was he who came to the fore when Chelsea needed a goal to put their nerves at ease, jinking through the Copenhagen defence and slotting the ball into the net with aplomb.

What followed was actually a very good second half performance, in which he looked far more composed and confident on the ball.

Illustration of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's game statistics against Copenhagen: 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 dribble, 55 passes, 66 touches, and 3 tackles. Heatmap of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall v Copenhagen.

Jadon Sancho – 2

Chelsea’s on-loan winger from Man Utd was back in his preferred position on the left tonight, having played the last few games on the right with Nkunku in his place.

As much as his playing style can be entertaining and he has proven already this season he has been a real creative asset, bagging five assists in his first six games, he has not been good enough of late and you sense he is really missing Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu as a target for him to aim at.

It’s been far too long since he added a goal or assist to his tally, and was a pretty early substitute with Nkunku coming on in his place.

His highlight was a shot on target before coming off, which believe it or not was his FIRST of 2025. It’s March…

Jadon Sancho of Chelsea and Birger Meling of Copenhagen vying for the ball during a soccer match.
EPA
Jadon Sancho had a stinker on the wing[/caption] Illustration of Jadon Sancho's soccer game statistics: 33 touches, 1 shot, 18 passes, 0 tackles, 4 dribbles, and 4 duels won.

Pedro Neto – 4

For my money was pretty unfortunate not to win a penalty in the first half, but it was much the same story for Pedro that we saw against Leicester at the weekend.

A lot of hard work and no just reward was the tale of the game for the Portuguese winger deputising as Chelsea’s number nine, it would’ve been nice to see him let a shot or two loose from the edge of the box.

Enzo Maresca will almost certainly be counting down the days to have Nicolas Jackson back it his disposal, which will also give him the option of playing Neto out wide where he is undoubtedly best suited.

Illustration of Pedro Neto's soccer game stats: 29 touches, 1 shot, 22 passes, 0 tackles, 2 dribbles, and 3 duels won.  A heatmap shows his movement on the field.

SUBS:

Cole Palmer (Enzo Fernandez, HT) – 5

It was more of the same of what we have seen from Cole Palmer this season when he was introduced at half-time for Enzo Fernandez.

His quality is undeniable, there is no doubt in my mind the sun will shine on him again soon, but for now it’s more good touches with no end product.

That’s 10 games without a goal or assist for a player who would usually accrue about one, if not more, per GAME before this spell.

Some would argue he was a little selfish at the end of the game as he could’ve passed the ball off to Genesis Antwi, but you can understand his desire to break this duck.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea taking a free kick.
Getty
Cole Palmer endured a frustrating second half[/caption] Illustration of Cole Palmer's soccer stats: 39 touches, 4 shots, 26 passes, 0 tackles, 0 dribbles, 1 duel won.

Marc Cucurella (Josh Acheampong, HT) – 6

Was his usual self when he came on to replace the youngster, offering a bit more dynamism to the Blues and a bit more of a goal threat.

Always offers a run from deep and creates chaos when his side attack on the left.

Illustration of Marc Cucurella's soccer stats: 35 touches, 0 shots, 18 passes, 3 tackles, 0 dribbles, 4 duels won.  A heatmap shows his touches on the field.

Christopher Nkunku (Jadon Sancho, 65) – 5

Didn’t make a massive impact after his introduction, but did create a few chances and offered more of a threat to Copenhagen than what Sancho did, though he also played a more central role.

He is another of Chelsea’s front line that would be more effective with Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu fit and available for selection.

Illustration of Christopher Nkunku's game stats: 10 touches, 1 shot, 2 passes, 2 tackles, 0 dribbles, 2 duels won.  A soccer field diagram shows his direction of play.

Reece James (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6

Came on to a loud ovation from the home support after scoring in the first leg of this tie to help send Chelsea through.

He didn’t have an awful lot of time to make a real difference, but looked comfortable going both ways in the Blues’ midfield.

It will be interesting to see if both he and Marc Cucurella start the game vs Arsenal at the weekend.

Reece James game statistics: 7 touches, 6 passes, 0 shots, 0 tackles, 0 dribbles, 0 duels won; heatmap of play.

Genesis Antwi (Pedro Neto, 89) – 5

Came on in the right side of attack as the fourth officials board went up to signal he’d get five minutes of playing time.

Made a great run down the right giving an option to Cole Palmer who could’ve teed him up for a go at goal, but Chelsea’s main man went for the confidence boosting goal and failed to beat the keeper.

Don’t think he actually touched the ball after coming on, but good for a young lad to get on the pitch nonetheless.

Chelsea's next five games: Arsenal (A), Tottenham (H), Brentford (A), Ipswich (H), Fulham (A).

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Judges slam new two-tier sentencing rules as ‘conflict with equality’ amid fierce backlash

TWO-tier sentencing rules were pushed through despite judges saying they would “conflict with equality”.

A consultation held before the guidance was officially announced last week reveals deep unease with the Sentencing Council’s proposals.

Shabana Mahmood, Secretary of State for Justice, walking to a cabinet meeting.
Rex
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has hauled in Sentencing Council bosses to once again demand they drop their guidance.[/caption]
Golden statue of Lady Justice atop the Old Bailey.
Alamy
Judges and politicians fear the new guidelines will tip the scale of justice in favour of minority groups[/caption]

From April 1, judges will take into account a convict’s ethnicity, religion and gender when deciding whether to impose a jail term – sparking fears they could get softer sentences.

A summary of the consultation says: “Many individual respondents, including some magistrates, did not believe there should be a cohort list at all, mostly citing reasoning around the idea that the list is biased and conflicts with equality in sentencing.”

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has hauled in Sentencing Council bosses to once again demand they drop their guidance.

Following her meeting with them, Ms Mahmood will submit her formal objections in writing before the guidance kicks in on April 1.

While the issue remains unresolved, allies said the talks were “constructive” and that the quango is open to hearing new complaints ahead of the rules being imposed.

Yesterday Lord Sewell – the government’s former racial disparities tsar – called for the Sentencing Council to be scrapped.

Asked if Ms Mahmood should legislate to overrule them, he told Times Radio: “Definitely. And in fact, to be honest, go further and just abolish the quango.”

Tory Robert Jenrick added: “‘This two-tier sentencing guidance isn’t just deeply unfair, it will also likely cost the taxpayer tens of millions of pounds.

“It will blow a hole in the probation service’s budget and overwhelm them, creating delays that will mean victims have to wait longer for justice.”

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Black Bag review: Sexy, fun and sophisticated but lacks the requisite stunts and big action scenes

BLACK BAG

(15) 94mins 

★★★★☆

Scene from "Black Bag" showing Michael Fassbender, Tom Burke, and Pierce Brosnan.
Michael Fassbender, Tom Burke and Pierce Brosnan in a scene from Black Bag

THIS MI6 spy thriller features one former James Bond, one almost Bond and another potential one.

It even has a former Miss Moneypenny actress thrown in for good luck.

Former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan is in charge of a British secret service team, which fears one of five operatives is betraying the nation and committing treason.

Michael Fassbender is George Woodhouse, who has been tasked with discovering the identity of the “rat”.

His task is complicated by the fact one of the suspects is his wife and fellow agent Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett.

Gives him daggers

George invites the other four suspects round to their sumptuous London home for dinner, lacing the meal with a truth drug.

In a brilliantly funny scene, Dr Vaughan (played by Naomie Harris, who stars as Miss Moneypenny in the Bond franchise) tells lover James (Rege-Jean Page) what she really thinks of him.

So does Clarissa (Marisa Abela) to her heavy-drinker boyfriend Freddie (Tom Burke). And Clarissa quite literally gives him daggers, too.

In a sizzling bedroom scene afterwards, George tells Kathryn he would kill for her.

Director Steven Soderbergh keeps the audience guessing about the identity of the traitor right up until the end.

If Amazon wants the next 007 to be sexy, fun and sophisticated, Soderbergh would be a great choice to direct because he has more than proved himself on this and the Ocean’s films.

Although, Black Bag lacks the requisite stunts and big action scenes.

Irishman Fassbender would have been perfect for Bond, because he is a great actor with loads of charisma.

Sadly, at the age of 47, it is probably too late for his licence to kill.

Here, the fictional spy he channels is Michael Caine’s Harry Palmer from 1965’s The Ipcress File, with his turtleneck sweater and precise manner.

Page has been tipped for the Bond job and proves to be a lot less wooden here than he is in Bridgerton.

But it is Blanchett and Abela who really steal the show. These playful seduct-resses tease the stuffy men in their suits within an inch of their lives.

Don’t miss it if fun spy dramas are your bag.

IN THE LOST LANDS

(15) 101mins

★★☆☆☆

Film still of Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in *In the Lost Lands*.
Milla Jovovich as Gray Alys and Dave Bautista as Boyce in In The Lost Lands

MILLA JOVOVICH and her director hubby Paul W S Anderson have teamed up again for yet more post-apocalyptic action.

If you’ve seen the pair’s Resident Evil movies, you’ll know what you are getting – lots of Mad Max-style chase scenes through horrorscapes, often filmed in monochrome.

Adapted from a George RR Martin short story, this is classic fantasy material.

Milla plays the “witch” Gray Alys, tasked with taking the powers of a werewolf that lives in the Lost Lands.

Gray employs the talents of snake-wielding outsider Boyce (Dave Bautista) to help with her quest.

The stilted dialogue bet- ween them goes something like this: “Where does this man live?” Answer: “In a place called Skull River.”

Pursuing them are a bunch of religious zealots like something out of the crusades, travelling in a steampunk train.

To be honest, this really isn’t my cup of tea.

But it is better than some of the later Resident Evil movies.

In The Lost Lands finds its way whenever there is action, but the talking bits are best forgotten.

THE ELECTRIC STATE

(PG-13) 128mins

★★★☆☆

Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in a scene from "The Electric State."
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt star in The Electric State

PREPARATION for this comedy sci-fi action movie couldn’t have been much of a stretch for Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.

Their characters are pretty much like every other project they’ve been in.

Stranger Things’ Millie is the rebellious Michelle, Pratt is wisecracking wheeler-dealer Keats.

Pratt, in Guardians Of The Galaxy mode, tells Michelle “stick around long enough, I will let you down” as they search for her brother, and Millie channels Eleven-style rage at every opportunity.

Sadly, Stanley Tucci, as evil tech entrepreneur Ethan Skate, has all the menace of a toaster.

It is the robots that are the stars of this big-budget Netflix movie set in an alternate version of Earth.

They are mainly cute and cheerful characters, such as the smiley-faced Cosmo, who befriends Michelle and Mr Peanut (voiced by Woody Harrelson) who led a bot revolution.

The computer-generated imagery is top-notch and there is plenty of fun Nineties nostalgia, such as Billy Bass singing fish.

But all the gadgets in the world couldn’t give The Electric State what it needs – heart.

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DANIEL CRAIG is being linked to Netflix’s adaptation of The Chronicles Of Narnia, directed by Greta Gerwig.

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Luke Littler’s awful hoodoo against Gerwyn Price goes on but teen still becomes Premier League Darts leader

Gerwyn Price celebrates at a darts tournament.
PA

LUKE LITTLER topped the Premier League Darts table but his oche jinx against bogeyman Gerwyn Price continued.

The Nuke, 18, leapfrogged world No.1 Luke Humphries – whom he knocked out in the quarter-finals – at the summit of the £1million invitational event on night six.

Luke Littler at the BetMGM Premier League Darts.
Alamy
Luke Littler was always behind in the final[/caption]
Gerwyn Price celebrating at a darts match.
PA
Price triumphed 6-3 against the reigning Premier League king[/caption]

But in the final at Nottingham’s Motorsport Arena, he lost for the SIXTH time in a row over 10 months to the Welshman.

The defending champion went down 6-3 in front of 7,500 punters in the East Midlands – just his third loss out of 24 games over the past fortnight.

In the land made famous by Robin Hood, the Iceman maintained his ROBIN HOODOO over the defending champion, adding this victory to his nightly success in Dublin last month.

Price, who recently turned 40, punched the air when he took the opening leg and then he was celebrating even more as he moved into a 3-0 lead.

As he went 4-1 up, he hit bullseye on a 123 finish as Littler was surprisingly missing doubles.

Littler was not going to go down without a fight, hitting seven 180s and averaging as high as 114, but Price took out 100 on double top to add £10,000 to his tally.

Nonetheless, Littler has had an incredible time and can go home with £154,500 in his bank balance following the UK Open title success and defending the Belgian Darts Open.

Stephen Bunting, who will support Liverpool at Sunday’s League Cup final, remains rock bottom of the Premier League after a 6-4 defeat to Price — his sixth successive loss in the format.

Luke Littler greets Gerwyn Price at a darts match.
Littler is getting used to defeat against Price
Rex

Chris Dobey was able to get off early to Cheltenham Festival – he is attending the Gold Cup on Friday before seeing Newcastle play in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley – following a 6-2 last-eight loss to Cross.

Price said: “I wanted to get another win over Luke. Just to keep on top of him.

“He’s the best player in the world and he will be for years.

“I praise him every single day in the darts rooms. I think he will beat Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles.

“Nobody in the PDC will stop him. Maybe only the younger generation. We cannot stop him.

“He will only get better and better. He’s fantastic. He has done wonders for the sport.

“We need to start winning now as he will only get better.”

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Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes a true leader, Zirkzee is excellent but Hojlund a tough watch vs Real Sociedad

CAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare.

Bruno Fernandes has hit goalscoring form in recent weeks and has dragged his side to points and crucial victories.

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrating a goal.
Getty
Captain Fantastic Fernandes scored a hat-trick[/caption]
Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United celebrating a goal.
Getty
Diogo Dalot added a fourth late on[/caption]
Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee celebrating a goal.
AP
Joshua Zirkzee had one of his best games in a United shirt[/caption] Match stats graphic showing Man Utd vs Real Sociedad: 4-1.  Includes shots on target, shots, blocked shots, possession, passes, completed passes, tackles, fouls conceded, and corners. Manchester United starting XI vs Real Sociedad.

He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against Real Sociedad.

Then he raced through late on to smash the ball into the bottom corner – his second Man Utd hat-trick sealed the tie.

United suffered an early scare as the Spaniards went in front with a penalty after five minutes, but they recovered brilliantly.

From that point on it was all United and they were quickly back level after Rasmus Hojlund was felled in the box.

The striker once again struggled in front of goal but for once it did not cost his team, who threatened throughout.

Joshua Zirkzee was the best of the bunch and his trickery teed up Hojlund for a certain goal – only for him to fluff his lines from five yards.

Patrick Dorgu also got forward well and forced a red card for defender Jon Aramburu, who dragged him down as last man.

The left-back won his side a penalty and would have earned a second if he had not told the ref to overturn his decision.

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Here is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils display…

ANDRE ONANA – 6

No doubt one of those £1.3bn part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe “inherited” and declared as “overpaid”.

In other words the goalkeeper bought for £43.8m from Inter Milan under ex-boss Erik ten Hag and on at least £175,000 a week will almost certainly feel his Old Trafford days are numbered if Ratcliffe has his way.

But the goalkeeper had no chance with Mikel Oyarzabal’s early VAR penalty and this was one of his calmer, more steadfast performances, although not over-worked.

Illustration of André Onana's game statistics: 1 goal conceded, 2 saves, 25 accurate passes, 0 punches, 0 sweeper clearances, and 1 high claim.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6

United don’t usually do bargain buys but the wing-back forced into the back three due to lack of available numbers has proved himself to be exactly that at £12.7m from Bayern Munich.

Last summer’s arrival, as ever, hardly looked like Mr. Personality but he was solid and reliable, as ever, even if he wasn’t playing in the position he was bought to fill.

His steadying influence was most notable amidst a Sociedad maelstrom as the Basque side complained bitterly over the award of United’s first penalty as he pushed the mob away.

Noussair Mazraoui's match statistics: 1 tackle, 60 passes, 72 touches, 1 foul conceded, 2 duels lost, 4 duels won; heatmap of his touches on the field.

MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7

The Dutchman has had his doubters since his arrival from Bayern Munich at the start of the season and it’s taken him time to settle in.

But settle in he has and in the first half, playing in the middle or Rubin Amorim’s makeshift back three, was a real leader and especially dominant in the air and was victim of a ridiculous penalty decision.

He’s not the quickest but he is very good at holding a line – as he showed in the first half when Sociedad were throwing everything at the United box – the 25-year-old’s on the way to becoming a fan favourite.

Matthijs de Ligt's match statistics: 0 tackles, 3 duels won, 47 passes, 56 touches, 1 shot, 3 duels lost.  Illustration of player's movement on the field.

AYDEN HEAVEN – 7

The 18-year-old’s only senior action for Arsenal before being persuaded to head north was the last ten minutes of a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston in October.

Yet here he was as injured Leny Yoro’s deputy making his European debut and the centre-back did himself proud.

One challenge on the incoming Takefusa Kubo thirty yards out mid-way through the first half was exceptional and spoke volumes for his potential as a top centre-half.

Illustration of Ayden Heaven's soccer game statistics: 3 tackles, 48 passes, 63 touches, 0 fouls conceded, 0 duels lost, 4 duels won.  A heatmap shows his movements on the field.

DIOGO DALOT – 5

Portuguese played in his favourite right wing-back position and you can never say he doesn’t give it everything.

It just that what he does give can be a bit predictable and that showed even as United recovered from their early fright and began scaring the Spaniards witless.

Dependable enough, committed enough and at the moment almost certainly a must–pick given United’s injury problems at the back – but one with questions marks over his long–term future, although he did bag United’s late fourth.

Diogo Dalot's match statistics: 3 tackles, 4 duels won, 50 passes, 66 touches, 1 goal, 2 duels lost.  Heatmap shows his position on the field.

CASEMIRO – 7

He may be ageing before our very eyes even if he is only 33 but even if the legs are going the football brain is still very sharp.

Maybe he does have old legs but that old brain of his was crucial before the break when Sociedad were moving forward in numbers and in confidence.

Produced a fine 19th-minute right footer that only just skipped wide before producing a brilliant display of ball skills near the end of the first half, a juggling act that got his team out of deep trouble.

Illustration of Casemiro's game statistics: 2 tackles, 58 passes, 68 touches, 5 duels lost, 1 shot, 5 duels won, and a heatmap of his movements on the field.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 9

Brilliant free kick from that so–called dodgy 11.2 yards for the equaliser in Sunday’s 1 – 1 draw with Arsenal and just carried on in style again.

Cool spot kick equaliser in the 16th minute and ditto for the spot kick that sent United ahead five minutes after the break.

Sometimes tried the impossible – one shot from almost 40 yards out surprised only someone in the Stretford End but he’s become a true Red leader and capped off his performance with a stunning hat–trick clincher.

Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United vs Real Sociedad game stats: 3 goals, 4 shots on target, 87 touches, 60 passes, 6 duels won, 1 dribble. Heatmap of Bruno Fernandes's play against Real Sociedad.

PATRICK DORGU – 7

Beginning to show why Ruben Amorim was so keen on him and that £25.15m outlay to Lecce is beginning to pay off.

He was slow to release the ball and got caught in possession at the start of the build-up that ended in the penalty for Sociedad.

But he started gaining plenty of momentum from that early moment on and produced a proper wing-back performance, forging repeatedly up the left flank and twice almost finding the net.

Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United running with the ball during a soccer match.
Patrick Dorgu was a key threat
Getty
Illustration of Patrick Dorgu's soccer game statistics: 2 tackles, 34 passes, 66 touches, 1 dribble, 3 duels lost, and 11 duels won.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 7

Got last week’s opener in the 1-1 first-leg clash in San Sebastian although it was still only his sixth since arriving in summer.

Another who Ratcliffe will believe isn’t giving value for money and nobody could blame him for that given his goal ratio.

But there’s definitely a player in there, just not a striker for some of his running and passing was excellent – he got a rousing reception when he was replaced near the end from fans who are really backing him.

Joshua Zirkee's player stats vs Real Sociedad: 3 dribbles, 2 shots on target, 42 touches, 25 passes, 5 duels won, 1 dispossessed. Touch map of Joshua Zirkzee v Real Sociedad.

RASMUS HOJLUND – 4

That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.

Seeing the young Dane going through continuing agony in front of goal is a tough watch because, no question, he’s giving his all but his confidence is completely shredded.

Was brought down for Fernandes to score the second of his two penalties but he was only eight yards out and was so slow in reacting to his captain’s pass that Igor Zubeldia bundled into him from behind.

Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United reacts after missing a goal.
EPA
Rasmus Hojlund fluffed his lines again[/caption] Illustration of Rasmus Højlund's game statistics: 3 shots, 0 shots on target, 28 touches, 19 passes, 4 duels lost, 0 dribbles, and a heatmap of his touches on the field.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6

Good early strike cutting in from the right but the Argentinian can be a really greedy kid.

Could easily have laid the ball back for the waiting Fernandes when the chips were down in the first half but went for the Hollywood strike himself and smashed the ball into a forest of Basque legs.

But he is learning to work harder for the team defensively at least – producing one tremendous pressing block near a Sociedad corner flag that brought a punch of delight from him and a roar of approval from the home fans.

Illustration of Alejandro Garnacho's soccer game statistics: 0 dribbles, 1 assist, 31 passes, 48 touches, 3 shots, and 2 duels won.

SUBS

TOBY COLLYER (for Casemiro 78) – 5

Ran around energetically as usual and made some nice passes.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN ( for Zirkzee 87) – 5

One tame effort from outside the box that did not trouble the keeper.

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Labour rebels warned to get behind welfare reforms or face losing their seats

LABOUR rebels have been warned to get behind welfare reforms — or face losing their seats.

The MPs are risking a voter backlash if they block plans to get the long-term sick back to work, a party insider claimed.

British pound coins and banknotes.
PA
Tough new rules could force 2.4 million claimants currently off work sick to start preparing for employment[/caption]

The source said: “They’ll have to look voters in the eye and admit they’re happy to do nothing while welfare costs spiral out of control.”

It comes amid fears of a major rebellion over a planned £6bn crackdown on disability benefits due to be announced early next week.

Labour MPs were dragged into crisis talks at No10 as officials laid bare Britain’s spiralling benefits bill.

The latest figures show 1.8 million Universal Credit claimants now receive no job-search support.

The figure is nearly four times it was before the pandemic.

And under-25s deemed too sick to work have more than tripled to 160,000.

The Government said this means the system is “effectively abandoning” millions by locking them out of work indefinitely.

The health and disability-related benefits bill is now £65bn a year.

It is projected to increase to £100bn over the next four years.

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Chocolate bars pulled from UK shelves over potentially deadly contamination – as shoppers warned ‘do NOT eat’

SHOPPERS have been issued an urgent ‘do not eat’ warning after potentially fatal contamination was found in some chocolate bars.

Both TK Maxx and HomeSense have been forced to pull batches of the Lokumella Mini Pistachio Bars from shelves.

T.K. Maxx storefront in Kendal, UK.
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TK Maxx has issued a product recall of a bag of popular chocolate bars (stock)[/caption]
Bag of Lokumella Mini Pistachio chocolate bars recalled due to possible milk contamination.
Two batches of Lokumella Mini Pistachio Bars are part of the ‘do not eat’ alert
HomeSense store front.
Getty
HomeSense has also issued the recall (stock)[/caption]

The stores have also issued a “do not eat” alert on the affected batches for shoppers who may have already purchased the potentially contaminated items.

Packets of the chocolate pistachio bars sold between January and March are part of the safety warning as they could be dangerous to those with dairy allergies.

TK Maxx said: “We are recalling the Lokumella Mini Pistachio Bars due to a safety issue.

“They contain undeclared milk which could cause an allergic reaction.”

Shoppers who have bought these bars are urged to check the packaging and their receipts.

Those with the following product codes are part of the recall: 758612 and 758554.

Customers who find that they have bought these items are eligible for a full refund or replacement.

The TK Maxx safety notice reads: “If you purchased the product and are allergic to milk, please stop using it immediately and return to any TK Maxx or HomeSense store.”

Symptoms of a milk allergy include a rash, itching, and welts on the skin.

Sufferers may also experience stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea just minutes after having food or drink containing dairy.

In more severe cases, the allergy can cause anaphylaxis where the throat swells up and blocks the airways with potentially fatal consequences.

The Sun has reached out to TK Maxx and HomeSense for comment.

Meanwhile, Asda has also issued an urgent recall for a batch of popular children’s toys.

The supermarket chain has warned shoppers about its range of Hapello Sensory Rollers which could have a choking hazard.

Asda discovered the toys may contain small pieces of plastic that could become dislodged.

The product’s barcode is 5063089161708 and would have been sold between August 2023 and this month.

Asda has told shoppers who purchased the affected batch to “stop using it immediately”.

It added: “We have found that in a small number of cases, batch #36 of Hapello may pose a risk of choking due to the potential release of a small piece of plastic lodged in the toy in the manufacturing process.”

A full refund will be given without the need for a receipt.

Tesco has also had to recall an item due to health risk fears over a popular £1 seasoning.

Cadbury Twirl and Wispa chocolate bars on display in a store.
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The popular chocolate bars are potentially lethal to those with dairy allergies (stock)[/caption]

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Premier League star, 32, set for first England call-up after 197 top-flight appearances without Three Lions cap

DAN BURN is set to be named in his first-ever England squad at the age of 32.

Thomas Tuchel names his maiden Three Lions squad on Friday morning.

Dan Burn, number 33, playing for Newcastle, at a Premier League match.
Alamy
Dan Burn is set to be handed his first-ever England call-up aged 32[/caption]
Thomas Tuchel, new England manager, at Wembley Stadium.
Getty
Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad on Friday[/caption]

And the in-form Newcastle defender is set to be named part of the German’s group for the World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and Latvia, according to the Mail.

Burn has been a key man in Eddie Howe’s Toon machine which is gunning for a top-four spot and a Carabao Cup trophy.

The defender – who can play in the middle or on the left – is expecting to play against Liverpool at Wembley as the Magpies aim to end a 70-year major trophy drought.

Tuchel watched Burn in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium on Monday.

And despite his excellent form this season, the call would still be considered a major shock after 197 Premier League appearances and no international caps to his name.

Burn, who lost the ring finger on his right hand in a freak accident aged 13, has also played for Darlington, Fulham and Wigan, prior to his Toon move.

He’s played in all but one of Newcastle’s 28 league games this term with the St James’ Park giants level on points with City and just two points off fourth-placed Chelsea.

Tuchel – who has received the royal seal of approval from Prince William – has touched base with 55 players ahead of tomorrow’s announcement.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

And another star who has made his way into the group is Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers.

The Telegraph claims he will be announced with other England stars on Friday.

Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa playing soccer.
Getty
Morgan Rogers is also set to get the nod from Tuchel[/caption]

And Rogers, 22, could end up being an important player in Tuchel’s Three Lions system.

The £8million signing from Middlesbrough one year ago has quickly blossomed into a key figure at Villa.

He has 12 goals and seven assists under Unai Emery this season.

And Tuchel has been left extremely impressed by Rogers’ eye for goal.

The versatile forward already has two England caps under his belt having been called up by interim boss Lee Carsley.

ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life

By Andy Dillon

THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.

Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.

English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.

Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.

Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.

Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.

Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.

An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.

Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job

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Trump threatens to impose eye-watering tariffs on wine, Champagne and spirit imports from EU in escalating trade war

DONALD Trump is threatening to impose 200 per cent tariffs on wine, champagne and spirits imports from the EU as a tit-for-tat trade war escalated.

The US President insisted that if a “nasty” 50 per cent Brussels levy on American whiskey was implemented he would press ahead with the surcharge.

President Donald Trump speaking in the Oval Office.
Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on EU wine, champagne, and spirits as the trade war intensifies
The Mega Agency

The proposed extra costs on whiskey, due to come in on April 1, came after America pressed ahead with steel and aluminium tariffs.

Trump said: “This will be great for the wine and champagne businesses in the US.”

Irish leader Micheal Martin, who held talks with Trump on Wednesday, said: “Tariffs increase inflation and are not good for the consumer and are not good for business, and that is our view.

“But I do believe there will be some distance to go yet.”

Speaking in Washington DC on Thursday, he said: “We’ll be endeavouring to protect Irish interests in terms of specific Irish products and Irish sectors.”

Meanwhile, Britain will keep “all options on the table” in response to President Trump imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today.

The PM revealed he was “disappointed” our close ally had imposed the 25 per cent levy on the goods.

But so far the UK has refused to hit back with ministers saying a trade agreement between the two countries is under discussion.

The PM said: “On the question of tariffs, like everybody else I’m disappointed to see global tariffs in relation to steel and aluminium. But we will take a pragmatic approach.

“We are…negotiating an economic deal which covers and will include tariffs if we succeed but we will keep all options on the table.”

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Scrapping NHS England must translate into drastically shorter wait times and better patient outcomes

NHS bloodbath

KEIR Starmer is living the Tories’ dream.

His left-wing Labour backbenchers may loathe him scrapping NHS England and slashing up to 10,000 penpushers.

Screen grab of Keir Starmer giving a speech on civil service reform.
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Sir Keir Starmer must now take his chainsaw to hundreds more quangos[/caption]

We couldn’t be happier.

For years we have demanded a bonfire of the quangos — largely useless bloodsucking state-funded bureaucracies, blocking progress and stopping Governments doing what voters want.

Here is the ­biggest being hurled on the pyre.

More money for frontline services is of course welcome.

But even savings of hundreds of millions are tiny within the colossal NHS budget.

The main benefit should be greater efficiency, with speedier decisions taken directly by Wes Streeting’s Health Department.

Taxpayers detest public sector waste.

But their biggest concern by far is not how the NHS is run but how well it runs.

The Health Secretary must set out exactly how this streamlining will translate into drastically shorter wait times and better patient outcomes.

The fact this vital surgery fell to Labour vividly exposes the Tories’ failure.

It is true they spent years engulfed by Brexit, Covid and war.

But they also simply lacked the stomach to reform the NHS and endure the rage of Labour, the unions and even the mob on Twitter.

Labour has done what the Tories should have sorted long ago.

And the PM must now take his chainsaw to hundreds more quangos.

Death sentence

FIRST for the chop should be the Sentencing Council, before it makes two-tier ­justice official.

On April 1 courts will be expected to give criminals from ethnic, religious and gender minorities greater leniency.

Some judges warned the Council it would be monstrously unfair. It issued its woke edict anyway.

And while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood knows how dangerously divisive this is, she refuses to back a Tory Bill to override it.

Why? Her ticking-off for the quango’s boss has fallen on deaf ears. She should now axe it entirely — or at least pass her own urgent Bill to assert HER authority.

How else will she stop this abomination being imposed in 18 days?

Proper Villan

CYNICS might have wondered whether Prince William’s Aston Villa fandom was as phony as David Cameron’s.

The ex-PM managed to confuse his club with West Ham.

But our fascinating sit-down with the future King boots any such talk into touch. His Villa worship is genuine, informed and every bit as obsessive as the rest of us are about our teams.

The admirably down-to-Earth Royal even chats on the fan forums online under an assumed name.

We haven’t a clue what it is.

Though if you spot, say, HeirWeGo1982, it’s a reasonable bet.

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