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Super Sub Nkunku Gives Chelsea Win At Bournemouth

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Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to score the winner four minutes from time as Chelsea ground out a 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Blues rode their luck at the Vitality Stadium as Robert Sanchez saved a first-half penalty from Evanilson and Bournemouth twice hit the woodwork.

But the strength in depth from Chelsea’s bloated squad, assembled for over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in transfer fees, paid off late on.

Jadon Sancho, introduced as a half-time substitute, impressed on his first appearance since joining from Manchester United on the final day of the transfer window.

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Nkunku span onto Sancho’s pass and produced a clinical low finish for his first Premier League goal of the season.

There was still time for a Premier League record to be set as referee Anthony Taylor dished out 14 yellow cards, surpassing the previous high of 12.

However, Chelsea will care little about the fractious nature of a scrappy game as victory lifts Enzo Maresca’s men up to seventh with seven points from their opening four games.

“You cannot come here and win without getting your shirt dirty,” said Maresca on his side’s ability to battle through their lack of cohesion after another turbulent summer in the transfer market.

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Sancho was one of 10 new signings after bringing to an end his disastrous spell at United.

However, the England international shone on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season, helping the German giants reach the Champions League final.

“First of all it is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea. Just being back playing I’m very grateful,” said Sancho.

“I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m just happy that I got my chance.”

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It was a case of what might have been for Bournemouth as Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie hit the woodwork, either side of record signing Evanilson’s missed spot-kick.

“We had more everything, more shots, more corners but at the end what really matters is to score and they did it at the end,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

AFP

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Premier League official Coote suspended

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Premier League official David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect by PGMOL

A video, which remains unverified, appearing to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp was widely circulated on social media on Monday.

• David Coote first refereed a game in the Premier League in April 2018
• Coote was born in Nottinghamshire and previously officiated in the Football League.
• Coote is registered as a Notts County fan with PGMOL
• He refereed the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2023

A PGMOL statement read: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.

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“PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
Coote was the referee for Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday night.

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have declined to comment.
Head of referees Howard Webb will be appearing on Match Officials: Mic’d Up on Tuesday night on Sky Sportskeeda
A video being shared appears to refer to the Premier League match between Liverpool – who were already crowned champions – and Burnley, which Coote refereed, in July 2020.
The game finished 1-1 after Jay Rodriguez’s strike cancelled out Andy Robertson’s opener, ending Liverpool’s 24-match winning run at Anfield.

At full-time, Klopp appeared to argue with Coote and his officials on the pitch, and after the match, the former Reds boss said the referee failed to give fouls for challenges made on Liverpool’s players.

“David Coote appears to be speaking directly to a camera phone and appears to go on to make a number of derogatory comments about Liverpool Football Club and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

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“We don’t know if this video is genuine or not at this stage, and neither do PGMOL.

“We need to point out that there is no indication at all as to how old this video is, but it is clearly not recent. In the video, Coote talks about lockdown and being socially distant. He shows the guy interviewing him a picture on his phone where he is wearing a mask. He talks about Klopp and James Milner, who hasn’t played for Liverpool for more than 18 months.

“Coote is an elite Premier League referee. He is part of the elite group of match officials, where he has been since 2018. He had eight years as an EFL referee before that. He is one of the most experienced and highly-thought-of referees in this country, and with that position comes an awful lot of responsibility, in terms of impartiality in particular.

“So any suggestion that Coote or any other elite match official might have bias against a particular Premier League club, or bad feeling towards them or their manager, is a very serious allegation.

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“But while I think we need to stress there is history between Klopp and Coote, the latter hasn’t had the chance to explain himself, either to us or indeed the PGMOL, who are his employers.
“This has moved very quickly. It’s a huge story and potentially one that is very damaging, not just for Coote but the PGMOL as well.”

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Man Utd confirms Van Nistelrooy’s exit as Amorim arrives in UK

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Manchester United have confirmed the departure of club legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant manager at the club.

Van Nistelrooy was appointed on an interim basis as head coach after Erik ten Hag was sacked by the Premier League club last month but Rubem Amorim signed as the new head coach from Sporting Lisbon will be coming with his own assistants hence no need of Van Nistelrooy who led the team to 3 wins and one draw as interim manager..

Van Nistelrooy oversaw four games as interim boss, in which United went unbeaten. He took charge of wins over Leicester in the Carabao Cup and Premier League as well as a UEFA Europa League victory against PAOK and a league draw with Chelsea.

Coaches Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also left United.

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The Red Devils released a statement on Monday, November 11 following the arrival of Ruben Amorim in the UK on Monday.

It read: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.

“Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” a club statement read. “We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.

“Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future.
“We will confirm the full men’s first team coaching composition in due course.”

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Premier League referee suspended over video rant

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Premier League referee David Coote was Monday suspended after a video was posted on social media appearing to show him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

It is unclear when the video was made or how it came into circulation but, according to the clip, Coote said Klopp was “arrogant” and used offensive language.

Coote, 42, refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”

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