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Hat-Trick Hero Palmer Snatches Victory From Man United In Dramatic EPL Showdown

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Hat-trick hero Cole Palmer scored twice deep into stoppage time on Thursday as Chelsea stunned Manchester United 4-3, all but ending United’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Erik ten Hag’s men appeared set for a famous victory after storming back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in a staggering game containing a combined 47 shots.

But Palmer had the last word, levelling from the penalty spot in the 100th minute and then netting the winner moments later.

Defeat for United leaves them 11 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa with just eight games to play and facing a season outside Europe’s elite club competition.

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But it lifts Mauricio Pochettino’s men to 10th spot in the table, keeping them in the hunt for European places.

Chelsea came into the match without a win against Manchester United in 12 Premier League meetings but were ahead in just the fourth minute through captain Conor Gallagher.

Palmer doubled the home side’s lead with his first penalty in the 19th minute in a torrid opening for Ten Hag’s inconsistent team.

But two goals in a five-minute spell later in the first half by Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes pulled the visitors level as the contest caught light.

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Play swung wildly from end to end in a thrilling second period but Garnacho headed home a pinpoint cross from Antony to put United ahead in the 67th minute.

The visitors appeared set for a morale-boosting win but the officials signalled there would be eight minutes of added time.

Chelsea were given a lifeline when Diogo Dalot lunged at Noni Madueke and referee Jarred Gillett’s on-field decision to award a spot kick was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check.

But the drama did not stop there.

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United were caught out by a quick corner from Enzo Fernandes, who played it short to Palmer.

The Chelsea man fired home past the despairing Onana with the help of a deflection to seal the three points, sending the Stamford Bridge crowd wild.

AFP

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NFF denies owning Christian Chukwu $128,000 amid social media claims

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it owed former Nigeria captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death.

Reacting to the reports following Chukwu’s passing on Saturday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the allegations as baseless and misleading.

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.

Read Also: President Tinubu, Atiku, Gov. Mbah mourn Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu

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“During the first term of the Board headed by Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the documents of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”

He explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle all legitimate debts owed to coaches, and there was no documentation indicating that Christian Chukwu was owed any funds.

“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano in August 2005. There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF.”

Sanusi further urged anyone in possession of genuine and verifiable documents proving the NFF owed Chukwu or any other coach to come forward.

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“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he stated.

The NFF has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its obligations, especially to individuals who have served the national teams.

Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.

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UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg Preview: Fixtures, Predictions

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As the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals head into the decisive second-leg fixtures, clubs across Europe are preparing for season-defining clashes that will determine their place in the semi-finals.

Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain (Aggregate: 1–3)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Aston Villa return to Birmingham with work to do after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Parc des Princes. Despite managing an away goal, overturning a two-goal deficit against a PSG side boasting significant European experience and attacking firepower will be a major task.

Under Unai Emery, Villa have shown resilience in Europe, but PSG remain favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Prediction: PSG expected to advance (Aggregate Prediction: 2–4)

Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (Aggregate: 0–4)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at Camp Nou with a convincing 4-0 win. With a commanding advantage heading into the return leg, Xavi’s men are well-positioned to close out the tie.

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Dortmund will rely on home support and pride, but overcoming such a margin against an in-form Barça side appears highly improbable.
Prediction: Barcelona strongly favoured to progress (Aggregate Prediction: 2–6)

Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Aggregate: 0–3)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Arsenal stunned the Spanish giants with a stunning 3-0 away win at the Bernabéu, capitalising on their pressing game and quick transitions. While Real Madrid have a rich history of remarkable comebacks in Europe, the Gunners’ advantage is substantial.

With composure and discipline, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to seal qualification.
Prediction: Arsenal likely to go through (Aggregate Prediction: 3–4)

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 2–1)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
This matchup is the most closely contested of the quarter-finals. Inter edged out Bayern 2-1 in Munich, though Bayern’s away goal keeps the tie wide open. With both sides stacked with attacking quality, the second leg at San Siro promises high drama.

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Expect a fiercely competitive affair, but Inter may just have the edge with home support.
Prediction: Inter tipped to narrowly advance (Aggregate Prediction: 3–2)

Projected Semi-Final Pairings:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal

Barcelona vs Inter Milan

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Just in: Newcastle pummel Man United 4-1

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Newcastle on Sunday pummeled Manchester United 4-1.

Newcastle to chance as they dealt a terrible blow on former league toppers.

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