Sunday Mail (UK)

Scots ace Flecks his muscles for sharp Blades

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Tim Krul’s own goal cancelled out Pukki’s ninth of the season to leave second-placed City, who had won their eight previous league matches, 10 points adrift of the leaders.

But Rodgers said: “It’s not something we’ve spoken about,

Scotland star John Fleck notched a double as Sheffield United’s remarkable season continued with a 2- 0 victory over Aston Villa.

The Blades rose to fifth in the table after another impressive showing at Bramall Lane.

After a dull first period, the home side burst into life five minutes into the second half with a brilliantl­y-worked opener. Chris Basham back-heeled the ball to John Lundstram who fired it across the box for Fleck to lash home from close range.

The build-up play for Fleck’s second

everyone else has. These players have been brilliant, it says everything we’ve drawn a game and everyone is disappoint­ed.

“We weren’t at our level but managed to get a point. We’ll press the reset button. It was probably the right result.”

Ex- Hoops striker Pukki opened the scoring in 26 minutes with a cool finish. But Krul turned the ball into his

goal was equally impressive. United worked the ball in from the left before striker David McGoldrick, who has yet to score this season, hooked a pass over his shoulder for Fleck to net with ease.

Former Rangers kid Fleck said: “Finishing is something I’ve worked on over the last couple of years. Thankfully I’m now getting my rewards.”

Manager Chris Wilder hailed the Scot’s performanc­e and said: “John was marvellous. He has great energy and getting those two goals is great for him. I just wanted him to go on and get his hat-trick.”

West Ham eased some of the pressure on boss Manuel Pellegrini as Sebastien Haller’s strike sealed a 1- 0 win at fellow strugglers Southampto­n, who remain in the drop zone.

Dan Gosling bagged a late winner as Bournemout­h condemned Chelsea to a fourth defeat in five Premier League matches in a shock 1- 0 triumph at Stamford Bridge.

The Cherries picked up their first victory since early November in a scrappy encounter. The match looked to be heading for a goalless draw when Gosling struck in 84 minutes, flicking the ball over Kepa Arrizabala­ga and into the net despite standing with his back to goal.

The strike was originally ruled out for offside but VAR awarded the goal, ending Bournemout­h’s five- match losing streak and earning them their third away win of the season.

Chris Wood scored the only goal as Burnley ended a run of three straight defeats with a 1- 0 victory over Newcastle at Turf Moor.

 ??  ?? EXTRA VARD Foxes ace Jamie after leveller
TEEM SLAYER flying Finn Pukki fires home for Norwich to help halt Leicester’s run of wins
EXTRA VARD Foxes ace Jamie after leveller TEEM SLAYER flying Finn Pukki fires home for Norwich to help halt Leicester’s run of wins

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