The Brazilian had one of the worst performances of his career but he was by no means alone in contributing to a shockingly bad defeat
Even in a season as dire as this one, this was a new low. Manchester United sank to their worst defeat of the campaign and set an unwanted club record of 13 Premier League losses. But the performance was even worse than the 4-0 scoreline suggests.
This was a total shambles all across the pitch and few players will be able to survive a humiliation like this. Not least Casemiro, who had his worst display in a United shirt and quite possibly of his long and glittering career. The serial-winning Brazilian let Michael Olise run past him for the opening goal and then gifted him another strike after making the mother of all gaffes by his own corner flag.
Diogo Dalot, who remarkably earned more votes for the Football Writers' Player of the year than Erling Haaland, was also abject, failing to block Tyrick Mitchell when he struck goal number three. The entire United defence was all over the place, as was the midfield, which was sliced through when Jean-Philippe Mateta doubled Palace's lead in the first half.
United looked utterly lost without the injured Bruno Fernandes, with Mason Mount incapable of conjuring up anything in the captain's absence. The only ones to leave the stadium with any dignity were the supporters, who stayed chanting until the end despite the humiliation their players subjected them to.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Selhurst Park…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (4/10):
Despite letting in four goals he was one of United's better performers, limiting the damage.
Diogo Dalot (3/10):
Couldn't cope with the livewire Olise and showed no leadership. His confidence was shot by the end of the game and he could barely string a pass together.
Casemiro (2/10):
It's difficult to see how he can have a United career after this. He was frequently targetted and gave Palace what they were looking for, chances galore.
Jonny Evans (3/10):
The veteran never expected to play as much as he has and exposing him to a game like this almost felt like an unfair punishment.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (3/10):
He is really struggling at left-back and this was another humiliating occasion for him, made worse by the fact it was against his boyhood club.
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Midfield
Christian Eriksen (3/10):
Couldn't cope with Palace's intensity.
Kobbie Mainoo (4/10):
A night that could scar a player so young and relatively inexperienced. Far from the worst performer but looked lost. Bailed out by Onana when losing the ball in dangerous area.
Mason Mount (3/10):
Didn't look anything like a £60m ($75m) signing or a Champions League winner. He looked clueless.
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Attack
Antony (3/10):
Not the player you want to lead an inexperienced attack. Couldn't get any joy down his flank and gave the ball away too often.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Created almost nothing aside from when he was penalised for challenging Henderson for the goal. Frequently barged off the ball.
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):
Kept trying and running when all hope was lost and looked exasperated at how dreadful his team-mates were.
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Subs & Manager
Sofyan Amrabat (4/10):
Brought on to try and stem the bleeding but couldn't help much.
Amad Diallo (N/A):
Couldn't help United in either half of the pitch.
Ethan Wheatley (N/A):
Felt unfair to give him his second appearance and expose him to a humiliation like this.
Erik ten Hag (3/10):
Was left with an injury-ravaged squad but it looks as if the players have given up on him. And it will be hard to shake the fact he has overseen the club's worst number of defeats in the Premier League era.
The FA Cup final is set to be the Dutchman's final game in charge of the Red Devils but who would be his most suitable successor?
Try as he might, Erik ten Hag cannot stop the speculation about his Manchester United future from spiralling. The manager would have loved to just concentrate on the match against Manchester City in his pre-FA Cup final press conference, but inevitably the attention turned to whether he would be in charge next season.
The manager faced seven questions about his future, including how his time at the club would be judged. Despite his insistence that he was "just focusing on the job and continuing with the project", it sure felt like it might be the last time he would be previewing a game at United's Carrington training ground.
And just a few hours later multiple reports emerged that United have been selecting potential candidates in the event that he does get sacked. They were followed by another report on Friday suggesting that Ten Hag will get his marching orders after the final, regardless of the result.
Ten Hag, however, can hardly argue about the speculation as his position has become untenable due to the team's horrendous results in his second campaign. Just how can Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford justify keeping him after he presided over the club's lowest finish in the Premier League while losing a record number of games?
GOAL ranks the candidates to succeed Ten Hag if, as expected, he is relieved of his duties after the FA Cup final.
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6Erik ten Hag
There is still a tiny possibility that Ten Hag remains in charge, as United insist that no decision will be made before the final, stating that they will conduct a review of the season when it is over.
The coach has been burnt by a interminable run of injuries, depriving him of any consistent defensive line throughout the season. If he can convince INEOS that this season's injury problems are a one-off and point to the progress he has made with youngsters such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, he may be given one more chance.
There is also a financial motivation to keep the Dutchman around. Sacking him and his staff would cost an estimated £10m ($13m), while the club would need to hire a new manager and support staff, potentially paying more fees to free a coach from an existing contract.
The club are already sailing close to the sun with regards to the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations, while money will be further squeezed by failing to get into the Champions League and likely missing out on European football altogether.
However, keeping Ten Hag around just to save a bit of money is far from an ideal solution and there is a danger of players not giving their all as they would know he is on borrowed time.
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5Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian is already on the market after cutting ties with Brighton and he is a fascinating option due to the thrilling football he got the Seagulls playing. Indeed, he exhibited his coaching ability to the Old Trafford faithful when Brighton dismantled United in September.
He took Brighton into Europe for the first time and they finished top of a group full of giants of continental football including Ajax and Marseille. It is tempting to wonder what he could achieve with world class players and a club of United's ambition.
But INEOS will be wary of De Zerbi's fiery temperament and his tendency to say and do what he wants. His desire for more signings saw him clash with Brighton chairman Tony Bloom and his touchline behaviour means he might not be the ambassador the club's hierarchy are looking for.
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4Thomas Frank
Frank has worked wonders with Brentford, taking them into the top flight for the first time ever in 2021. The Dane has gained more and more admirers for helping Brentford punch well above their weight, playing tactically shrewd football on a shoestring budget and making the most of data analysis.
Ratcliffe has made it clear that he does not plan to fix United's problems with marquee signings and Frank has shown there is another way to get success. He knows the league and has an excellent record against the top sides, as United and Ten Hag know all too well. Indeed, Brentford were the last team in any competition to beat Manchester City away from home.
The one concern is his lack of experience in the glare of the spotlight. David Moyes was highly respected for his work at Everton but was swallowed up by the enormity of being United manager and there is a danger the same could happen to Frank.
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3Kieran McKenna
The Northern Irishman has been one of the most impressive coaches in English football in the past two seasons. No English team has earned more points than his Ipswich team in the last two years and only City have scored more goals. He has taken Ipswich back to the top flight for the first time in 22 years, also becoming the first manager in 12 years to achieve successive promotions from League One to the Premier League.
McKenna would also be a romantic option after building his reputation as a coach while in United's youth ranks, climbing his way into the staff of Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian called him "the most thorough and analytical, step-by-step, process-driven coach that I’ve worked with" and said "he makes it so easy for the players to see and understand what we wanted from them."
That praise has to be balanced with criticism from players at the time that he was too much like a teacher and gave too many instructions. That gives an insight into the arrogance of some of the United squad at the time but also suggests that, rather like Frank, he might not be ready for the cauldron of pressure that comes with managing at Old Trafford.
Long-standing Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong is reportedly open to making a move away from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
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Dutch star heavily linked with Red Devils
Snubbed switch to England in the past
Blaugrana eager to raise much-needed funds
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Netherlands international moved to Catalunya in the summer of 2019 and was expected to be the long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets in the heart of Barca’s midfield. He has, however, struggled to live up to expectations – with injury problems doing his cause few favours.
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There was talk of De Jong moving on in 2022, with Premier League giants United leading the clamour for his signature at that stage. Barca were willing to talk terms, but the Dutchman made it clear that he was settled in Spain and had no desire to move on.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to , that stance is now being relaxed. De Jong has picked up three ankle problems this season – limiting his game time – and Barcelona are looking to offload saleable assets in a bid to raise much-needed funds.
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WHAT NEXT?
De Jong is, along with Ronald Araujo and Raphinha, among those that the Liga giants are prepared to part with if the right offer is tabled. That may pique United’s interest once again, with the Red Devils still in the market for upgrades to the midfield engine room at Old Trafford.
Liverpool looked on track to rediscover their best form under Jurgen Klopp before seeing their initial momentum come to a crashing halt in a week to forget. First came the draw at Luton Town in the Premier League, which would have been a defeat if it wasn't for Luis Diaz's late header.
Then, to make matters worse, came the defeat against Toulouse in the Europa League, as the Reds were denied a late leveller when Jarell Quansah found the back of the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's handball in controversial fashion. The two results proved that those at Anfield are far from the finished product and recent transfer news shows that they are well aware of that, leaving one particular pundit impressed.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds spent well in the summer to welcome Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo to end what was a growing midfield crisis following the exits of players such as Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. But while their focus was on revamping their midfield, Liverpool failed to address other areas of concern, leaving them with plenty of work to do in January.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are exploring a potential deal for a versatile defender in January, which would help develop Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role. Former Reds goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson delivered his verdict on the news, telling Football Insider: “If Klopp was to get an orthodox right-back, that would be him changing his system. The manager will be looking to strengthen his squad, as they do every window.
"In that position, if you’re buying a hybrid defender, you’re also buying someone who could play in midfield too. Defence has been an area where Liverpool have been susceptible in the last 12 to 18 months, that’s not exactly a secret, but attacking-wise they’ve been fantastic. Trent would potentially be given the opportunity in games to add to the attacking plethora of attacking talent they already have.
“He can play higher up the field like we’ve seen with England. But they’re going to be wanting to be in the Champions League again next season.
“I don’t think in any way shape or form that Klopp will specifically replace Alexander-Arnold, but it will be another top-class addition to a squad that’s put under a lot of pressure at points of the season.”
New defender can hand Liverpool Alexander-Arnold boost
If Liverpool want to get the best out of Alexander-Arnold, then getting him higher up the pitch will be the key. The academy graduate has built a fine reputation for his passing ability and has quickly become one of the best creators in the Premier League.
Alexander-Arnold's Premier League assists
Total
2019/20
13
2020/21
7
2021/22
12
2022/23
9
With that said, Liverpool's potential January transfer plan could prove to be a stroke of genius if it unlocks Alexander-Arnold's passing range even further. It could even be the difference between a season of silverware and a season inside the Premier League's top four.
Tim Weah made his return to Juventus' starting XI as the Old Lady came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Cagliari.
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Weah returns to starting XI
McKennie comes off bench
Juve overcome two-goal deficit
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Juventus entered the match struggling a bit, and it didn't take long for Cagliari to not only score but pile on the misery with a second.
The hosts were given two penalties within six minutes, with Gianluca Gaetano netting the first in the 30th minute. Former Everton defender Yerry Mina was called upon to take the second of those penalties in the 36th minute and he, too, made no mistake as he handed Cagliari a 2-0 lead.
Dusan Vlahovic was able to pull one back from a free kick in the 61st minute, though, giving Juventus a bit of hope. And that hope paid off late, as an own goal from Alberto Dossena earned Juve a split of the points.
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The draw was nice given the circumstances, but it also continues a rough run for Juventus, who could tumble down the Serie A table if the club doesn't find a way to turn things around.
The Old Lady have won just two of their last 11 Serie A games dating back to January 21, leaving them a distant third in the league. Milan are five points ahead in second with a game in hand, while league-leaders Inter have a 19-point lead on Juve with one more game to play as well.
More concerning for Juve, though, is the top-four race. They have just a five-point lead on fourth-place Bologna, who have a game to play this weekend. Roma are in fifth with two more games to play, and they sit nine points back.
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USMNT IMPACT
Weah was handed a rare start for Juventus as he was named to the starting XI for the first time since February 12 and the third time since the start of 2024.
It was a solid but not spectacular day for Weah, who took back a spot at right wingback. Weah has largely served as Andrea Cambiasso's backup in that spot this season, but the Italian was shifted to the left in place of Filip Kostic on Friday.
Weah lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by McKennie, who was given a bit of a rest on Friday. McKennie has proven himself to be one of Juve's most important players, and his introduction certainly added a bit of life to the attack as the Old Lady pushed for their eventual equalizer.
Both Weah and McKennie remain vital starters for the USMNT with both almost certain to be key contributors at this summer's Copa America.
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GOAL'S RATINGS
Tim Weah (6/10):
Had one decent look on goal and did his job defensively. Could have offered a bit more in the attacking end but, overall, a decent showing.
Weston McKennie (6/10):
Had a few good sequences and moved the ball well. Juve definitely looked better with McKennie on the field.
Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers could have a difficult situation to manage at the start of next year as a number of players look set to be unavailable due to international duty.
The 2024 Asian Cup takes place between the 12th of January and the 10th of February and this means that the Hoops could be without a number of their top players during that period, depending on selections and how far their respective countries go in the tournament.
Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Hyeon-gyu Oh, and Hyun-jun Yang are just a few of the Bhoys talents who could be on their way to the competition and miss games for the Scottish giants.
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
This could leave Celtic particularly light at the top end of the pitch as both of their recognised centre-forward options could be competing in the Asian Cup and, therefore, be unavailable for selection for Rodgers.
With this in mind, it could be beneficial for the Parkhead side to bring in another number nine during the January transfer window to lead the line in their absence.
They already appear to be on the case as the Hoops have been touted with an interest in striker Sydney van Hooijdonk, who is the son of former Bhoys star Pierre.
Celtic transfer news – Sydney van Hooijdonk
According to Italian outlet Corriere di Bologna (20/11/2023 printed edition, Sport page 3), via 67HailHail, Bologna are prepared to sanction a loan deal for the young ace in January.
The report has claimed that the Serie A outfit are willing to send him out on a temporary basis for the second half of the season in order to free up space for them to bring in their own additions in that area of the pitch.
It is stated that Celtic have already made opening enquiries about a possible swoop to secure his services, although it remains to be seen whether or not they would want a permanent or loan deal.
A temporary arrangement could be the perfect solution for Scottish giants as van Hooijdonk could come in to provide relief whilst Oh and Kyogo are possibly away with their respective countries and then the club are not tied down to three senior strikers beyond the end of the season.
Rodgers only lines up with one centre-forward in his favoured formation and it could be difficult to keep three first-team options happy, particularly when Celtic are bottom of their Champions League group and on course to be kicked out of Europe this season.
Van Hooijdonk is not a new target for the Hoops as Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph named him as a player who had been on the club's radar throughout the summer transfer window. Although, they either opted against a move at that point or were unable to strike a dela with Bologna.
Celtic could now find a lethal partner for Luis Palma during the second half of the season by signing the Serie A prospect to bolster their attacking options, as they could thrive alongside each other.
Luis Palma's season in numbers
The Honduras international has enjoyed a terrific 2023/24 campaign since his move from Aris FC over the summer and is proving himself to be a superb signing by Rodgers.
He has hit the ground running in Scottish football and has showcased his ability to provide consistent quality as a scorer and a creator of goals from out wide.
Palma arrived at Parkhead off the back of a return of 13 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for his previous club last season. The exciting ace then started the current campaign with two goals and three assists in five outings for the Greek side before his move to Scotland was completed.
Since his switch to Paradise, the 23-year-old whiz has racked up five goals and five assists in 12 matches for Rodgers – with nine of those goal contributions coming in the Scottish Premiership.
Statistic
Palma vs Aberdeen (12/11/2023)
Minutes played
90
Sofascore rating
10
Goals
One
Assists
Three
Big chances created
Two
Key passes
Seven
Dribbles completed
Four
Palma's most recent Celtic performance (via Sofascore)
As you can see by his latest Hoops showing, Palma is capable of the spectacular and has plundered an outstanding four goals and five assists in five league starts for the club so far.
He has created four 'big chances' and produced 2.6 key passes per game for his teammates in the top-flight, which shows that the former Aris star is able to consistently open up the opposition's defence to create opportunities for his fellow attackers.
Sydney van Hooijdonk's goal record
Palma could, therefore, be a fantastic partner for van Hooijdonk in the final third as the Bologna youngster has the potential to be a reliable scoring option for Rodgers.
The 23-year-old marksman has only scored one goal in 11 first-team matches for his current club but proved himself to be a lethal scorer in Dutch football.
He started his career with NAC Breda and racked up 42 goals and two assists in 57 U17 and U19 appearances combined before a step up to the senior squad, where the young finisher produced 23 goals and four assists in 70 outings.
This form earned him a move to Bologna and the Italian side opted to send him out on loan to Heerenveen for 18 months to continue his development.
Van Hooijdonk, who was once hailed as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored six goals and created two 'big chances' in 13 Eredivisie matches during the first five months of his loan spell.
He followed that up with a sublime return of 16 goals and one assist in 30 league starts for Heerenveen as the right-footed dynamo showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
His record of 22 goals in 43 league starts for the Dutch side on loan meant that van Hooijdonk averaged more than a goal every other match during that period.
Now, imagine how lethal the £9k-per-week gem could be in front of goal with the supreme talent that is Palma out wide providing him with a regular stream of chances, and 'big chances', to score from for Celtic.
They could thrive next to each other in attack whilst Oh and Kyogo are potentially unavailable, which is why this could be a fantastic piece of business by Rodgers.
Luis Enrique has been told by Ronald Koeman that only three men have Barcelona “DNA”, and they are Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi.
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Blaugrana legend now in charge of PSG
Considered to have spoken out of turn
Three icons shaped past, present & future
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Barca legend Luis Enrique, who enjoyed considerable success at Camp Nou as a player and coach, is currently in charge of French giants Paris Saint-Germain. They are facing La Liga opposition in the quarter-finals of the 2023-24 Champions League.
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Ahead of the first leg of a heavyweight clash against the Catalan side, he said when asked whether he or opposite number Xavi best represents the Barcelona brand of football: “Without a doubt, it’s me. It’s not an opinion, look at the statistics, in terms of possession, chances, pressing, trophies… Others might have a different opinion, but it’s definitely me. My love story with Barcelona goes back many years, but my profession comes first.”
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WHAT KOEMAN SAID
Another Blaugrana great, former Netherlands international Koeman, has said of those comments from Luis Enrique – which are considered to be slightly over indulgent: “Barcelona’s DNA consists of three names: Cruyff, Pep and Messi. Enrique’s words before the match were misplaced. If you have Messi there is no need to talk about DNA because he has been the best of all time.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona got the better of their former boss in a thrilling encounter at Parc des Princes, with Brazil international winger Raphinha bagging a brace in a 3-2 win. The return date in Catalunya is due to take place next Tuesday.
Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner have reconciled, despite the Manchester City right-back fathering two children with Lauryn Goodman.
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Walker and Kilner reconicle
Had split after news of infidelity emerged
Walker and Kilner have four children
WHAT HAPPENED?
Per the Daily Mirror, Walker and Kilner have agreed to reconcile after the birth of their fourth child. In December of last year, while Kilner was pregnant, she discovered that the Manchester City and England right-back had fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.
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Per the report, Walker is not currently living with Kilner, but the pair are continuing to co-parent and are attempting to put significant work into their marriage. quotes a source claiming that the pair are "over the moon" to have extended their family and have decided that the "past isn't important."
DID YOU KNOW?
Walker and Kilner met when the two were teenagers, before the former's career took off. The pair were married in 2022 and have three sons, named Roman, Riaan and Reign.
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WHAT NEXT?
Walker will next be in action when City play Chelsea in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final. They are also currently top of the Premier League table, two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Frank Lampard claims to have seen "things that cannot be right at elite football" during his troubled spell as interim manager at Chelsea.
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Returned to Stamford Bridge in April 2023
Saw out troubled Premier League campaign
Proving his worth again at Coventry City
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues legend, who won Premier League and Champions League titles at Stamford Bridge as a player, spent 18 months at the helm during his first stint in charge of a club that will always hold a special place in his heart. He answered an SOS call when returning to west London in April 2023.
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With Chelsea giving Graham Potter just 31 games in charge, following the big-money takeover completed by Todd Boehly and BlueCo, somebody was required to steer the Blues through to the end of a troubled campaign. Lampard, fresh from leaving Everton a few months earlier, was asked to step in.
WHAT FRANK LAMPARD SAID
Emotional ties saw the ex-England international accept that challenge, but he picked up just one victory from 11 fixtures – giving him an awful nine per cent win ratio. Lampard has, however, told of the mess that he inherited: "I saw things that I know cannot be right at elite football and that's the truth. I didn't love working in that short period because it's hard to lay down an idea when you're going to be leaving but Chelsea will always be a massive club in my life.
"But when I understand the standards of Chelsea – in that period of time a lot of players were in transition of maybe leaving and some problems and motivation were a problem – in an interim period you can't really affect that.
"When you see the results of it, I'm experienced enough to know what's right and what's wrong and basic things in a training ground on a pitch. I didn't learn anything tactical but it did reinforce my beliefs of all my experiences of when you know what a group is really fighting in the same direction – how strong that can be and when it's not, it can be really challenging."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Despite those struggles, Lampard claims to have taken important lessons from all of his managerial roles to date. He added: "In my first week at Derby I was fresh, open-eyed to everything and there were a lot of things I needed to learn quickly. So I've certainly matured through that and seen that, and to be able to work at Derby in the Championship was a real development year for me.
"To then go to Chelsea and work in the Champions League and get into the Champions League, through the league – those things are all great experiences, so you kind of layer them up hopefully.
"Everton in a relegation battle and we stayed up, and even going back to Chelsea's interim, it was a really tough time at the club and I saw a lot of things with people questioning like was it the right thing to do…I'm absolutely better for the experience of that, even though it was six or seven weeks."
Declan Rice lavished praise on his Arsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly after the 18-year-old scored to make history on his England debut.
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Lewis-Skelly took just 20 minutes to score
Put in a stellar display throughout the match
Rice labelled him as "fearless" after victory over Albania
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 18-year-old full-back found the net just 20 minutes into the match against Albania, helping England secure a 2-0 victory at Wembley in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier. It was a routine win for Thomas Tuchel's troops on his managerial debut with Harry Kane sealing the three points with a poacher's finish in the 70th minute.
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Lewis-Skelly, one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, seized the opportunity when Jude Bellingham played him through on goal. With remarkable composure, the teenager calmly slotted the ball between the legs of the Albanian goalkeeper, sending the Wembley crowd into a frenzy.
WHAT DECLAN RICE SAID
Arsenal midfielder Rice was full of admiration for his young club team-mate, highlighting his maturity and confidence despite his tender age.
“He [Myles Lewis-Skelly] is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18," he told Itv after the match. “I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has. He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."
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DID YOU KNOW?
At 18 years and 176 days, Lewis-Skelly broke a record that had stood since 2016, surpassing Marcus Rashford, who was 18 years and 209 days old when he scored his first England goal against Australia.