The Danish international waved goodbye to the Lecce supportersCredit: Getty
But Dorgu got to enjoy one last game for Lecce after their request to name the left-back in their squad for one final time was granted by United.
Dorgu was an unused substitute in Lecce’s 3-1 win away to Parma, as a double from Santiago Pierotti and a first-half strike from Nikola Krstovic helped the team to its sixth league win this term.
Despite not featuring in the contest, all eyes were on the 20-year-old after the full-time whistle knowing his future lay elsewhere.
Dorgu was captured waving goodbye to the travelling supporters in emotional scenes.
As if any further confirmation about what’s to come was needed, Lecce boss Marco Giampaolo stated the youngster is indeed bound for Manchester.
“It’s true, Patrick Dorgu will be flying to Manchester on Saturday,” Giampaolo said.
“He’s a fantastic player and guy. He always did his best for us.
“I didn’t play him tonight as his mind could be already there, Old Trafford.”
Provided there are no issues with Dorgu’s medical, the Danish international will be the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at United.
Dorgu was a main target for Amorim, evidenced by the fact United had two bids rejected by Lecce before they eventually got their man at the third time of asking.
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The Danish international waved goodbye to the Lecce supportersCredit: Getty
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Dorgu was then pictured with his teammates one final time as they celebrated the winCredit: X: @OfficialUSLecce ·
Amorim anticipates Dorgu will be an ideal fit for his 3-4-2-1 system which relies heavily on wing-backs providing width on the flanks.
Dorgu also provides a solution to United’s longstanding woes at left-back due to the long-term unavailability of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
In Shaw and Malacia’s absence, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot – two right-backs by trade – have been forced to fill in on the left side of defence.
The 20-year-old’s pending move to United is the latest step in his rapid rise having made his senior professional debut against Lazio last season.
He went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions for Lecce in his debut campaign, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Dorgu’s impressive performances were rewarded with an international debut for Denmark in a Nations League fixture against Switzerland on September 5.
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Amorim will hope Dorgu’s arrival can speed along his Old Trafford revolutionCredit: Getty
The Dane marks the third high-profile investment in United’s backline this term following the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £102m in the summer.
Dorgu is likely to be a spectator at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Red Devils host Crystal Palace.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland admitted Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s antics even caught him by surprise.
Sanchez’s questionable positioning proved costly as it allowed Haaland to score the go-ahead goal in City’s 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
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Haaland couldn’t believe his luck when he saw Sanchez in no-man’s-land
City goalkeeper Ederson fired a long ball up the other end of the park in Haaland’s direction.
The Norwegian got the better of Chelsea‘s Trevoh Chalobah as he flicked the ball on and sprinted after it down the right flank.
But what caught Haaland off-guard was the fact Sanchez had come flying off his line in anticipation of the ball.
However, once Haaland gained possession, the Spaniard was caught in no man’s land.
Sanchez got as far as the left corner of his box before being forced to rapidly backpedal as Haaland sat Chalobah down and clipped an effort into the empty net.
The Chelsea goalkeeper smacked the turf in frustration having gift-wrapped the lead for City in the 68th minute.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland confirmed he was surprised at Sanchez’s actions as he walked the panel through his decision-making process.
“Yeah, I thought he was going to go and get it at first because I saw him in my eyesight,” Haaland said.
“But then I quickly saw that he stopped. Then it was about trying to stay calm and put it in the back of the net.”
Haaland also revealed his process for how he out-dueled Chalobah.
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Sanchez had only himself to blame for Haaland’s goalCredit: Getty
“It’s difficult because you have to take the decision right there, what you’re going to do, if you’re going to try to take it (the ball) down or if it’s going to come and pull you down,” Haaland said.
“But I thought there was space in behind so I tried to just let it go because he (Chalobah) didn’t quite go for the ball.
“Then it was about running. Sanchez was mistiming it and the opportunity was there to just shoot it in the back of the net.”
Haaland’s goal took his season tally to 18, one behind Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot.
The 3-1 result was also City’s fourth win in their last five league games as they continue to build some much-needed momentum.
City’s win was also their first over a team with a higher league position since a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on December 4.
Pep Guardiola‘s side had to do it the hard way though having conceded after just three minutes.
New signing Abdukodir Khusanov was behind the nightmare start as his attempt to head the ball back to Ederson lacked power and allowed Nicolas Jackson to swoop in.
Jackson squared the ball to Noni Madueke and he tapped into an empty net to send the travelling Chelsea supporters wild.
Khusanov then picked up a yellow card just minutes later when he mistimed a tackle on Cole Palmer.
But City found the equaliser in the 42nd minute via Josko Gvardiol when he smashed home the rebound after Sanchez had stopped Matheus Nunes‘ initial effort.
Haaland nudged City in front as Phil Foden added the cherry on top three minutes from time.
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Foden sealed the three points in style with his sixth goal in four matchesCredit: Getty
The win helped Guardiola’s side leapfrog Chelsea and go up to fourth on the table with 41 points.
Harvey Elliott set social media abuzz with his celebration against Lille and now we know why.
The 21-year-old scored the winner for Liverpool as they overcame Lille 2-1 to all-but secure top spot and guarantee a place in the Champions League last-16.
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Elliott’s winning strike sparked a curious celebrationCredit: Getty
Elliott’s goal came in the 67th minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box that took a deflection off of Ngal’ayel Mukau’s foot and flew into the net.
However, the 21-year-old generated more headlines for what he did following his goal.
As he wheeled away to celebrate, Elliott made a talking gesture with his hand before he made a cutting movement across his throat.
Some suspected it was transfer-related given Elliott had been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks.
A switch to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund had been mooted in various reports.
However, Elliott confirmed he has no desire to leave Liverpool any time soon and revealed his celebration was intended to demonstrate that.
When asked by Amazon Prime presenter Gabby Logan what his celebration meant, Elliott responded: “I think it’s pretty clear, to be honest.
“I’m not leaving. I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team. This is my club.
“I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Logan suggested Elliott’s gesture was as if to say ‘shut up’, to which he agreed.
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The 21-year-old has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away
Elliott added he ‘didn’t really see’ much of the speculation surrounding his future and had only learned of it through his friends.
“It’s (speculation) always going to happen in January and especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I’d want to,” Elliott said.
“But, you know, that’s football.”
Elliott’s strike, albeit deflected, against Lille was just his second goal in 12 appearances for Liverpool this term.
The 21-year-old has had a disrupted campaign having sustained a broken foot in September.
As a result of the injury, he has missed 14 games for the Reds.
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Elliott will hope to add more goals to his tally as Liverpool continue to fight on multiple fronts
But when he has been available, Elliott has started just twice.
Those came in a third round FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley and a Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Southampton, in which he scored.
Despite the fierce competition for places in Liverpool’s starting line-up, Elliott confirmed he’d spoken with Reds boss Arne Slot regarding his lack of minutes.
However, he remains upbeat and knows he has to take his chance with both hands whenever an opening in Liverpool’s team emerges.
“We’ve had those conversations but it’s not just me,” Elliott told reporters after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, where his second-half cameo played a key role in spurring the team on to victory.
“There are other lads in the team who maybe haven’t played as much as they want and are probably doing the same thing.
Liverpool are ‘boring’ to watch despite their winning form claims Jason Cundy
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Elliott has held conversations with Slot over his future but remains keen to fight for his place
“I just have to keep working hard, keep trying to help the team out whenever I’m needed and just wait for my opportunity.
“I don’t expect to come in and play straight away. I want to help my team out as much as I can and the club and give everything I can.”
Liverpool need just a point in their final Champions League league phase match, where they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, on January 29 to confirm top spot of the standings.
Elliott will hope to continue his run of strong performances when Liverpool host Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday.
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Liverpool need just a point in their final clash to be sure of finishing top of the league phase of the Champions League
Zirkzee made a late cameo off the bench against Liverpool and almost registered the match-winning assistCredit: AFP
If being substituted without an injury in the first half wasn’t brutal enough, sections of United supporters sarcastically cheered Zirkzee as he made his way down the tunnel before he eventually returned to the dugout.
However, United’s away supporters got behind their £36.5million summer signing during the pulsating 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The fans were heard singing Zirkzee’s name on multiple occasions, confirming they were fully behind the Dutchman after the brutal reception at Old Trafford.
Amorim opted to throw Zirkzee on with four minutes of regular time remaining and he came agonisingly close to providing the assist for what would have been the winner.
Zirkzee was played in down the right and could have shot at goal, although it was a rather tight angle.
Instead, Zirkzee took the unselfish option of squaring the ball to centre-back Harry Maguire, who found himself unmarked in Liverpool’s box.
Despite the late agony, Amorim was happy with what he saw from Zirkzee and hailed the 23-year-old’s application.
But the United boss stressed there are no guarantees regarding Zirkzee’s future at the club.
“I want to keep Josh because he gives everything,” Amorim said.
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Amorim revealed Zirkzee is not a sure thing to remain at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
“He’s trying in training but we don’t know, the window is open.
“We will see what happens. We just need to focus on training and to take this for the next game. So it’s just one point. Let’s focus on the performance, take this to the next game.”
Although Zirkzee’s effort may be there, it hasn’t quite translated into goals just yet.
After he scored the winner in his Premier League debut against Fulham, Zirkzee has found the back of the net just twice in the following 19 league fixtures and has just four goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for Man United.
Both of those goals came in the one game as United dispatched Everton 4-0 on December 1.
In Zirkzee’s defence, he has been substituted in on 13 occasions from the 20 league games he has appeared in, meaning he hasn’t had large amounts of time to settle into contests.
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Zirkzee copped a brutal treatment from his own fans after being subbed off against NewcastleCredit: Getty
But it hasn’t stopped sections of United’s fanbase growing impatient with Zirkzee given his lack of attacking output compared to his transfer fee.
Captain Fernandes has since moved to shelter Zirkzee from the storm, although he recognised his teammates must understand the pressure and expectations that comes with representing a team of United’s stature.
“Everyone has been saying that because after what happened last week to Josh,” Fernandes said.
“Everyone gets a little bit afraid of sometimes stepping in into these big stages, but we need to understand the club we play for. We need to understand the demands to play for this club.
“But at the same time, I really get frustrated for what happened to Josh, because I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.
“And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all. Always tries as a player that is coming into the team.”
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The sarcastic cheering of Zirkzee by United fans left a sour taste in Fernandes’ mouthCredit: Getty
Although Fernandes conceded Zirkzee ‘needs time to adapt’, he reiterated the Dutchman ‘has huge qualities’ and has not lost it overnight.
“He hasn’t showed up all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season, everyone was hyping him,” Fernandes said.
“One of the best strikers and now everyone doesn’t believe in him anymore. We do believe in him inside the dressing room.
“We really believe that he can give us many good things and we’re going to support him and obviously, I would rather be myself in his position against Newcastle than be seeing one of my teammates getting that.”
United’s next fixture is not until January 12 as they travel to the Emirates Stadium for a third round FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
But that trip to face the Gunners is the start of a six-game run for the Red Devils in the space of 18 days, meaning Amorim look to rotate and keep his squad fresh.
The changes could mean Zirkzee gets another chance to remind United fans of his quality and get the goals his output supposedly warrants.
Arsenal have avoided an alarming stat stretching to a tenth game as they began 2025 in the perfect manner.
Mikel Arteta‘s side picked up a big three points as they overcame Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
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Arsenal picked up a big three points away to BrentfordCredit: Getty
It was Brentford who stole a surprise lead in the 13th minute as Bryan Mbeumo scored his ninth goal at home in the Premier League this season.
With the Bees ahead, it left the Gunners with an uphill battle to work their way back into the contest.
History was not on Arsenal’s side either, as they had failed to win their last nine away league games whenever the opposition had scored first.
Thankully for Arteta’s side, that worrying run did not extend to a tenth game.
Gabriel Jesus netted the equaliser for the Gunners in the 29th minute to spark jubilant scenes in the away end.
The Brazilian was on his toes to nod home the rebound after Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made an impressive stop to deny Thomas Partey from range.
Jesus’ goal was his sixth in his last four games for the Gunners across all competitions.
The tally matched Jesus’ haul from his previous 48 games for the club, emphasising the impressive form he’s enjoyed of late.
Arsenal then ripped the contest away from Brentford with two strikes in the space of three minutes early in the second half.
Mikel Merino found himself in the right place at the right time as Brentford failed to clear their lines from a cross, smashing home from close range after the ball pin-balled around inside the hosts’ 18-yard box.
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Martinelli notched his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign against the BeesCredit: AFP
Gabriel Martinelli added Arsenal’s third in the 53rd minute when Brentford once again could not deal with a cross.
The Bees defended Ethan Nwaneri’s whipped ball into the box but it landed straight at Martinelli, who controlled the ball before unleashing an unstoppable volley.
Martinelli’s strike was his third in his last three away starts for Arsenal and helped to give Arteta’s side some needed breathing space against Brentford.
Arsenal’s third goal sucked the life out of the Brentford fans and the team, who simply could not handle the visitors changing gears.
The win lifted Arsenal back up to second in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest in the process.
However, they remain six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over the Gunners.
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Arteta and his stars were all smiles having moved back up to second in the tableCredit: AFP
As for Brentford, the loss extended their winless run to a fifth match and was their second-consecutive defeat at home having previously been unbeaten all season long.
Despite the defeat, the Bees remain 12th on 24 points.
Thomas Frank’s side have a golden chance to snap their winless run when they travel to last-placed Southampton on January 4.
Arsenal are also in action on the same day as they make the trip down south to Brighton, who are in the midst of a run of seven games without a win.
Gabriel Jesus’ last six games for Arsenal
December 11 vs AS Monaco (Champions League): Assist
December 14 vs Everton (Premier League): N/A
December 18 vs Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup): Three goals
December 21 vs Crystal Palace (Premier League): Two goals
The Premier League has clarified why Brighton’s Joao Pedro avoided a red card despite attempting to elbow an opponent during a 0-0 draw with Brentford.
Pedro looked to race away from Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk, but the Bees midfielder had other ideas and pulled his rival back by grabbing onto his jersey.
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Pedro tried to elbow Yarmolyuk but avoided a red card
Evidently frustrated at not being able to get away from Yarmolyuk, Pedro threw an elbow in his rival’s direction but missed him entirely.
The match was stopped by referee Andy Madley to give Yarmolyuk, who had entered the contest just three minutes prior to the foul, a yellow card.
But he was quickly told to delay the game by Chris Kavanagh, who was in charge of VAR for the fixture.
Replays confirmed Pedro had indeed thrown a vicious elbow in the direction of Yarmolyuk.
However, Pedro escaped any punishment as the VAR deemed it was not a red card offence.
The Premier League Match Centre on X soon clarified why Pedro was not sent off.
“The referee’s call of no red card to Joao Pedro for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed the referee’s call was not clear and obviously wrong,” the post read.
On Amazon Prime’s broadcast of the match, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg explained that the incident could not be deemed violent conduct as Pedro’s elbow never made contact with Yarmolyuk.
Had Pedro received a red card, it would have been his first since joining the Seagulls in May 2023.
Pedro avoiding a red card was not the only refereeing decision Brighton benefited from.
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Yoane Wissa thought he’d handed Brentford the lead, only for VAR to rule it outCredit: Getty
In the first half, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa had the ball in the back of the net after Mads Roerslev had squared it from the right flank.
The linesman’s flag remained down for the goal, but VAR would unfortunately spoil the celebrations as the check confirmed Wissa had timed his run a fraction too early.
Brentford’s game plan was briefly thrown into disarray when starting goalkeeper Mark Flekken was forced to come off with an injury in the 36th minute.
It meant Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson would make his Premier League debut.
Luckily for the Bees, Valdimarsson oozed composure as he helped the visitors secure their first clean sheet since November 23.
For Brighton, the 0-0 result extended their winless run to a sixth-straight game, with four of those matches ending in draws.
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Hakon Valdimarrson is congratulated by his Brentford teammates after keeping a clean sheet on debutCredit: Getty
The result leaves the Seagulls sitting in 10th on 26 points, while Brentford sit one place below on 24 points.
Ange Postecoglou described a Tottenham forward Timo Werner’s performance against Rangers as ‘not acceptable’ in a stinging spray.
Postecoglou’s side drew 1-1 with Rangers in the Europa League, meaning the Scottish club are still yet to beat an English Premier League club in European competition since November 1992.
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Postecoglou’s side remain winless in five games after a 1-1 draw against RangersCredit: Getty
It was Rangers who struck first in the 47th minute as Hamza Igamane lashed home an inviting cross by James Tavernier from the right.
However, Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevksi ensured the visitors would leave Ibrox with a point when he scored 15 minutes before the end.
Kulusevski began the contest on the bench but was thrown on at the start of the second half.
The Swede came on in place of Timo Werner, who was largely ineffectual for the opening 45 minutes and gave Postecoglou little reason to keep him on.
Postecoglou didn’t mince his words on Werner’s performance and he certainly let the German know it.
“He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” Postecoglou said in his post-match press conference.
“When you’ve got 18-year-olds it’s not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo. He’s a senior international, he’s a German international.
“In the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves.
“His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”
Postecoglou added: “We need everybody including him to be contributing, because we don’t have the depth to leave people out if they’re performing poorly.
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Ange Postecoglou was not pleased with Timo Werner’s performanceCredit: Getty
“We need them to play their part. Especially the senior guys. When I’m asking younger guys to do massive jobs.
“I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys and today wasn’t that.”
Werner’s blank against Rangers meant his goal tally this season remained at just one from 19 appearances across all competitions.
It was far from a perfect performance from Tottenham, whose defensive issues were exposed once more.
In fact, Igamane’s strike ensured Postecoglou’s side had kept just one clean sheet from their last 11 games.
Rangers also finished the contest with more shots and shots on target than their Premier League counterparts despite having 41 per cent possession.
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Werner has scored just once from 19 appearances this season for Tottenham
The display, especially defensively, left former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara feeling like he’s ‘had enough’.
“My patience is wearing thin,” O’Hara said on The Sports Bar.
“Patience is wearing thin. Ange Postecoglou, mate. I’ve had enough.
“You know, we go on and like, oh yeah, the football’s great. Is it? Is it great?
“I’m not watching Barcelona. I’m just watching a good team, you know, in moments, have some decent spells, but you know, every team plays good football.
“It’s not like I’m watching Barcelona play, but can’t defend, but when we’ve got the ball, it’s just, you know, it’s brilliant to watch. All I’m watching is a Tottenham team that I’ve watched a million times before. Boring.
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Jamie O’Hara felt Tottenham have become ‘boring’Credit: Getty
Spurs fan, Majestic, believes Ange Postecoglou’s time is up at Tottenham after 4-2 defeat Vs Chelsea
“There’s nothing special.”
Postecoglou will hope Tottenham’s winless run doesn’t stretch to a sixth game on Sunday as they travel to lowly Southampton.
Ruben Amorim believes Rasmus Hojlund’s post-match blow-up at Amad Diallo is a ‘very, very good sign’ his players care.
Hojlund was captured having a heated debate with Diallo after the full-time whistle had sounded as the former’s double helped Manchester United to a 2-1 win over Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
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Diallo chose not to square the ball to Hojlund in the middle late in the gameCredit: TNT Sports
The Dane could and perhaps should have had a third in second-half stoppage time.
With Plzen committing numbers forward in search of a late equaliser, United had several opportunities to put the result beyond doubt via counter-attacks.
One of those fast breaks forward included Diallo having the chance to square the ball from the right into the path of Hojlund, who had squeezed in front of his marker.
Had Diallo done so, Hojlund would have been in a strong position to score his third of the evening.
Hojlund’s frustration at Diallo for not playing the ball and giving him a chance to record a hat-trick was evident, as the two had words after the final whistle.
Some fans easily could have viewed the incident as a sign of disharmony among the players.
Wolves captain Mario Lemina sensationally clashed with assistant coach Shaun Derry as tempers flared at the London Stadium.
Lemina started for Wolves in their 2-1 loss to West Ham United on Monday, with the defeat heaping even more pressure on embattled coach Gary O’Neil.
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Lemina skippered Wolves in a 2-1 loss to West Ham on MondayCredit: Offside via Getty
The frustration of a 10th league defeat evidently got to the Wolves captain as his emotions boiled over in ugly post-match scenes.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen tried to shake Lemina’s hand but the Wolves midfielder appeared to brush him off.
Lemina’s handshake snub sparked Bowen’s fury as the pair grabbed each other’s shirts and ended up on the turf, with players from both teams rushing in to break up the scuffle.
West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo was the man who dragged Lemina away from further harm as the Wolves skipper also picked up a yellow card for his troubles.
O’Neil and his coaching staff were soon on the field in an attempt to diffuse the situation, but it only got worse.
Wolves’ Toti Gomes tried to play peacemaker but Lemina wasn’t having it.
In rather staggering scenes, Lemina then squared up to assistant coach Derry as the two pressed their foreheads together.
Lemina fires off some more choice words in Derry’s direction before Toti manages to drag him away from further trouble.
Speaking after the contest, O’Neil defended the ‘passionate’ Lemina and felt it spoke to the pressure some of his players are under amid Wolves’ poor run of form.
“He took a bit of calming down but everything’s fine now,” O’Neil said.
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Lemina and Bowen ended up on the floor after the Wolves man snubbed his rival’s handshakeCredit: Offside via Getty
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Lemina even hit out at his own teammates, including Toti GomesCredit: Getty
“Everybody understands things like that can happen in the heat of the moment.
“It speaks of the amount of pressure that senior players are under and the situation they find themselves in at the moment. It’s been tough for them, trying to help the younger ones get up to speed. Everyone at the football club is under a lot of stress and pressure at this moment.
“I’m sure when Mario sees it back there will be things he would have done differently. But everything Mario does comes from a place of wanting to do well for the football club.”
Although O’Neil leapt to his skipper’s defence, one Wolves supporter blasted Lemina’s conduct in the post-match fracas.
Dale, the Wolves fan, took aim at Lemina on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar and felt the way he carried himself after the contest was not how a club captain should act.
“The writing has been on the wall since late last season, but the more important thing I want to talk about tonight is the embarrassment of Mario,” Dale said.
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Wolves fan Dale was not a fan of Lemina’s conduct, especially given he is the club captainCredit: Getty
“The captain of the club is meant to be our leader. The one the players look up to the one the fans look up to. He lost his head at the end of the game. He pushed and had a fight with Bowen, pushed one of the Wolves players and then went over to the assistant manager had a scuffle with him and pushed him.
“Let’s have it right boys and you’ve got to agree with me on this. If this was Bruno Fernandes, Jim White and Simon Jordan in the morning would absolutely be killing him because it’s an embarrassment and what he’s done.
“You can’t be doing that on a pitch, especially with what’s going on at the club. What’s going on with the manager? We can’t win games. It’s an embarrassment.”
Sports Bar co-host Jamie O’Hara replied: “He’s lost his head. I get that. It’s frustration, isn’t it? All round from the players and it’s spilled over. “He should do better. He should set an example, but also this is showing a bit of passion, I guess.”
Dale added: “I knew he was going to come out with that. Like the passion side of things, but that’s the wrong kind of passion surely to be portraying about the club and what’s going on and bringing more attention to the club in this situation.”
The 2-1 defeat to West Ham left Wolves sitting 19th and four points from safety.
However, O’Neil’s side can inch closer to safety as they take on 18th-placed Ipswich Town next Saturday, followed by a trip to Leicester City on December 22.
Gary O’Neil’s full-time verdict
Under-pressure Wolves boss O’Neil spoke to talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface after the full-time whistle.
Gary O’Neil: “I think they’re penalties. I think the Guedes one is a blatant penalty. I’m really, really surprised that we don’t get that one.
Sam Matterface: “We were told that it was because it was outside the box.”
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O’Neil is clinging on at Wolves, for nowCredit: Getty
GON: “I don’t think it was, but maybe I can recheck that. But I thought it was a penalty and Emerson’s on a yellow card at that moment as well.
“So obviously a penalty and a second yellow would have made a big difference. I think the one on Bellegarde is a penalty as well. I know there’s minimal contact, but enough to kick his leg onto his other leg, which makes him fall over.
“There’s a blatant foul on Santi Bueno in the build-up to West Ham’s second goal too.
“So I’m not criticising the officials really because I know how tough their job is, but in a big game like today, which was a big game with not much in it, we needed some of those to go our way. They make a big, big difference.
SM: “You will know the statistics. You don’t need me to remind you of the number of defeats in the last 25 Premier League games. And you know football well enough, you’ve been around it long enough to know that there’ll be speculation.
“Do you think that that is unfair noise, bearing in mind the context of the players that have been sold and the replacement and the amount of spend that has gone on?”
GON: I understand the noise and I’m happy to be judged on my team’s performance. But context is important.
“When I arrived, the club had just managed to get 39 points in the Premier League under Julen.
“Since that moment, we’ve sold £200 million worth of players. So if you start at 39 and you lose £200 million worth of players, it’s going to be tough.
“Basically every pundit that I saw last season had us get relegated and we were nowhere near relegation.
“We were a hair away from getting to an FA Cup semi-final. We went away to Stamford Bridge and beat Tottenham 4-1.
“We beat Man City, beat Tottenham and Chelsea at home. Some incredible, incredible performances and I definitely haven’t become a worse coach.”
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez had Nicolas Jackson to thank for avoiding a disciplinary tightrope.
Fernandez scored Chelsea’s third in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, marking his third goal in his last four league games.
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Fernandez scored Chelsea’s third against Tottenham on SundayCredit: AFP
The Argentinian was on hand to smash home a thumping left-foot strike after Cole Palmer’s initial effort was blocked.
Given his goal put Chelsea ahead 3-2 after they had gone 2-0 down inside 11 minutes, Fernandez was ready to celebrate in a manner that matched the importance of his strike.
As he wheeled away, Fernandez began to pull his shirt over the top of his head.
However, Jackson held on to the bottom of Fernandez’s shirt so he could not take it off.
Had Fernandez removed his shirt, he would have received a yellow card.
A number of Chelsea fans spotted Jackson’s quick thinking and shared their thoughts on social media.
One user wrote on X: “Never thought I’d see the day Nicolas Jackson is the levelheaded one when it comes to receiving needless yellow cards.”
Another said: “Wait Jackson stopped him taking off his shirt and getting booked.”
Thankfully the Chelsea vice-captain had not picked up a booking earlier in the contest, so he would not have been sent off.
Fernandez also wouldn’t have been at risk of picking up a suspension through yellow cards accumulated given he has only been booked once this season.
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Jackson was not going to let his Blues teammate pick up a needless yellow cardCredit: Getty
But the Argentinian now knows Jackson will have his back when it comes to avoiding a needless yellow card, so long as he is in close proximity.
Tottenham had raced out to a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevksi, with Blues defender Marc Cucurella culpable for both.
But Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho kickstarted the comeback in the 17th minute with a driven shot from the edge of the box.
Cole Palmer equalised in the 61st minute from the spot before Fernandez put Chelsea not long after.
Palmer scored the visitors’ fourth with a cheeky Panenka as Heung-Min Son’s stoppage-time effort proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
The win was Chelsea’s fourth-straight in the league and was also the first time since April 2018 they had came from two goals down to take the three points.
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Despite being four points off league leaders Liverpool, Maresca doesn’t think Chelsea are in a title raceCredit: Offside via Getty
It also took Chelsea to 31 points, which puts them just four behind league leaders Liverpool.
Despite reducing the gap to the Reds, Blues boss Enzo Maresca refused to be drawn on declaring his side being in the title race.
“After the game, my message to the players was to be focused day by day, in our session, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday,” Maresca said.
“The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back, 100 per cent, train well, go for the game.
“The fans can dream because from the outside, it is quite clear and inside, the reality is we are not ready but the important thing is we improve day-by-day.”
Maresca’s side will look to keep the momentum rolling on Thursday when they travel to Kazakhstan for a Europa Conference League match against Astana.
