Football
Michael Owen explains how Chelsea ‘got lucky’ against Liverpool
Michael Owen believes Chelsea benefited from perfect timing in their Premier League showdown against Liverpool, who had already secured the title before their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea took a major step toward Champions League qualification with a convincing 3-1 victory over the newly crowned champions on Sunday.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring inside three minutes, and the Blues doubled their lead when Virgil van Dijk’s clearance deflected off Jarell Quansah for an unfortunate own goal.
Liverpool managed to respond with a goal from Van Dijk himself, but Chelsea sealed the win when Cole Palmer calmly slotted home a stoppage-time penalty after another strong showing.
While Owen acknowledged that Chelsea earned the result on the day, he pointed out that the timing of the fixture gave the hosts an edge.
With Liverpool having clinched their record-equalling 20th English league title the previous weekend, their intensity wasn’t at the level it might have been if the title were still on the line.
“Liverpool played quite well,” Owen said on Premier League Productions. “They made a good game of the second half after going 2-0 down. They brought the big guns off the bench and they were pushing for an equaliser.
“Chelsea got lucky that they were playing Liverpool the game after they won the league. Chelsea deserved to win but Liverpool put up a performance, you can see they’re champions through their attitude today. Cole Palmer was very good today, he deserved to be on the winning side.”
The Reds, already champions with four games remaining, made several changes for the trip to west London. Manager Arne Slot rested key players including Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister, and Luis Diaz, giving Chelsea a slight advantage.
Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend praised the Blues for their display and highlighted the importance of Palmer returning to form. “Chelsea have deserved it today. They started the game really well and they finish it with a big moment, as Chelsea need Cole Palmer back among the goals. He’s played really well today and it’s the big thing for Chelsea to have him scoring again, because they’ve got some big games still to go.”
Now sitting fifth in the Premier League table with three matches remaining, Chelsea hold a narrow three-point lead over Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand. Above them, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool round out the top four.
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin weighed in on the club’s top-five hopes during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was a good performance from various players. Madueke was brilliant, the two central defenders were fabulous but you have to caveat it slightly – this was not Liverpool at their very best. It was low power Liverpool until 70 minutes, and then you saw the real Liverpool turning up.
“Chelsea had a difficult time around Christmas and New Year, they fell away from it, got themselves on a good run and now have got it absolutely in their own hands. If they get just as good as this out of Cole Palmer, more from Nicolas Jackson, also from Lavia, who was magnificent today, Chelsea will look strong. If they can get to the Champions League, get the money from that they can look forward to next season. But everything relies on that top five.”
With three crucial games left, Chelsea’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance, but Sunday’s performance suggests they have the momentum to finish strong.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
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