WATCH: A dream start for Fish! USWNT star Mia Fishel scores brilliant header on Chelsea debut to put Blues 1-0 up against Tottenham

USWNT star Mia Fishel has made the best possible start to her time at Chelsea, with a brilliant header netted on her debut against Tottenham.

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Forward joined from TigresMade an immediate impactImpressing a new fan baseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues were in action at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the WSL season. A derby date in west London added extra spice to the early proceedings in 2023-24, with Fishel eager to make a positive first impression on a new fan base.

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It took the 22-year-old former Tigres forward less than 28 minutes to make a decisive contribution, with far too much space afforded to her inside the Spurs penalty area – allowing a glancing effort to be diverted into the bottom corner.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fishel met a hanging cross from the left flank and rose above her marker, who was a couple of yards off the pace when the initial delivery came in, and made the perfect connection to divert the ball beyond a sprawling dive from Becky Spencer.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Fishel has won one senior cap for the United States and will be hoping that her exploits in her England allow her to figure more prominently heading forward – as the USWNT look to rebuild on the back of a disappointing 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign.

Ryan Reynolds and Co building for the future! Wrexham Young Player of the Year Sam Dalby signs new contract in North Wales

Wrexham's young star Sam Dalby has signed a two-year contract with the Welsh club, it has been confirmed.

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Dalby signed new contract with WrexhamTied to League Two club until 2025Was named Young Player of the YearWHAT HAPPENED?

Dalby, 23, joined Wrexham from Southend in August 2022 and has impressed enough to earn a new deal that ties him to the club until the summer of 2025.

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The striker scored six goals in 41 National League appearances as Wrexham went on to break the division's points record and earn promotion to League Two. He also struck twice in their run to the fourth round of the FA Cup and was named the club's Young Player of the Season.

Dalby has already featured 12 times in League Two this season and came off the bench to set up his team's winning goal as they came back from two goals down to beat Salford City 3-2 last week.

WHAT THEY SAID

The former Watford and Leyton Orient player says he is delighted to commit his future to the ambitious side, telling their website: "I’m really excited. I love it here. I’ve loved it from the start – everyone was really welcoming. Obviously we’re building something big here, so it’s a pleasure to be a part of. We had a great season last year, and we’re building on it already, and I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season."

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Phil Parkinson's team are in action again on Saturday when they face Bradford in League Two.

Rob McElhenney: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia castmates' trip to Wrexham was ‘one of the greatest days of my life’

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney says visiting SToK Racecourse with his ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ castmates was one of his “greatest days”.

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Hollywood co-owners regular visitors to WalesOften bring famous friends along with themLifelong memories being made in BritainWHAT HAPPENED?

The American is, alongside fellow co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, a regular visitor to North Wales. The Hollywood pair often bring famous friends along to enjoy the British football experience, with the likes of Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd having joined them at Dragons games.

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Back in April, Always Sunny stars Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Megan Ganz and McElhenney’s wife, Kaitlin Olson, took in a crucial meeting with Yeovil during Wrexham’s push for promotion out of the National League.

WHAT THEY SAID

That day was captured on camera by the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, with McElhenney saying to his friends prior to kick-off as they stood on the side of the pitch: “Should we go distract the other team? I can see them all over there, looking over here, trying to figure out which one of us is Ryan!” McElhenney has now been reflecting on that occasion and considers a group trip to Wales to be “one of the greatest days of my entire life”.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

McElhenney has previously revealed on the that Day almost got himself and Wrexham into trouble for drinking beer in the stands while watching a 3-0 victory over Yeovil. That game helped the Dragons to book their return to the Football League, with Phil Parkinson’s side now flying high in League Two as they endeavour to wrap up back-to-back promotions.

‘All guns blazing’ – How Wrexham will react to losing 11-game unbeaten run while co-owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney were in Las Vegas

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watched on from Las Vegas as Wrexham lost their 11-game unbeaten run, but they will react “all guns blazing”.

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Red Dragons had not lost since SeptemberCame unstuck away at AccringtonHollywood co-chairmen in America for F1 actionWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons suffered a 2-0 reversal at the hands of Accrington Stanley in their latest League Two outing – with that setback representing their first since September 23. A productive run, which included eight wins, has kept them in the promotion hunt while also making progress in FA Cup and Football League Trophy competition.

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Accrington were given added incentive ahead of their meeting with Wrexham as a ticket price storm broke out – with club co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in Las Vegas for a Formula 1 event – while Phil Parkinson’s side endured an afternoon to forget at Wham Stadium as they were breached on two occasions and saw star striker Paul Mullin miss a penalty.

WHAT THEY SAID

Parkinson expects his side to respond in positive fashion to a rare loss, saying when asked to assess his team’s last performance and throw things forward to their next: “On a windy, wet day at Accrington, when they got that first goal they really dug deep and they were physical. Their two centre-backs, give them credit, were very strong and then we have got to chase the game and we leave ourselves a bit open defensively and look as though we could get exposed on the break. But we never got enough control in the game with the ball. We have been on an outstanding run and you look at the away games we have had; Notts County, Bradford and Mansfield twice, some really tough games and we have come out with flying colours. We are going to get too despondent. On the journey we are on, there are going to be knocks. We will pick ourselves up very quickly and come out all guns blazing ready for next weekend.”

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Wrexham will be back on home soil on Saturday when playing host to Morecambe – who have seen manager Derek Adams leave in order to rejoin Ross County – with the Red Dragons sat fourth in the table, level on points with Notts County as the Magpies fill the third automatic promotion spot.

‘Does that mean they have to go off the pitch?’ – Wrexham star Paul Mullin reveals the embarrassing question Ryan Reynolds asked while watching his first home game with co-owner Rob McElhenney

Paul Mullin has revealed that Ryan Reynolds asked an embarrassing question at his first Wrexham game, but says the Hollywood star is now an “expert”.

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Hollywood stars completed takeover in 2021Knew little about the game at that stageAre now fully invested in a sporting adventureWHAT HAPPENED?

The Deadpool actor, along with fellow co-owner Rob McElhenney, was far from being a footballing aficionado when completing a stunning takeover of the Welsh club. As a result, it took him a while to get on board with the rules – with yellow cards leaving him confused on a visit to SToK Racecourse back in October 2021 that saw him take up a seat in the stands alongside star striker Mullin, who was nursing an injury at the time.

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Mullin had to field some interesting questions from those in his company, with the Red Dragons frontman saying in his new autobiography of co-chairmen that are now very much up to speed: “At that first meeting on the pitch they told me that they wanted me to watch the Torquay game alongside them. Sitting up on that little balcony in the stand was the first time I’d spent any real time with them, which was quite cool to be fair. Funny too. When the referee produced a yellow card, Ryan asked me, ‘Does that mean they have to go off the pitch?’ But remember, that was only the second time he’d seen live football. In fact, when you look at those early episodes of the documentary there are plenty of times when Rob and Ryan were more than happy to show they were far from expert when it came to this sport they’d so heavily invested in. I’m not sure everyone would do that. Maybe some people would be a bit precious about that sort of thing. Not Rob and Ryan. They’re real, and they wanted everyone to see that. Now, two years on, they are the experts. They can tell me details about our games that I didn’t even know myself, statistics I never even knew existed. They’re not passive. They really do take it all in. They totally get football and absolutely love it.”

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Reynolds and McElhenney bought as much into the community aspect of Wrexham as they did the sporting adventure and have made a notable impact on and off the pitch in North Wales. Their first full season at the helm delivered Wembley heartache in the FA Trophy final and play-off pain at the end of a gruelling 2021-22 campaign.

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Wrexham got things right last season, as they were promoted back into the Football League in record-breaking style, with Reynolds and McElhenney funding an all-expenses-paid-trip to Las Vegas for Phil Parkinson’s triumphant squad. The hope is that another party will be enjoyed in 2024, with the Red Dragons currently flying high in League Two.

Buy your copy of Paul Mullin's brilliant new autobiography My Wrexham Story on Amazon.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi brands himself ‘an idiot’ as Argentina captain reveals ‘regret’ over famous World Cup gesture towards Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal

Lionel Messi admits he instantly regretted his defiant celebration after scoring in Argentina's World Cup quarter-final win against Netherlands.

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Messi celebration aimed at Van GaalArgentine regretted making the gestureNetherlands equalised right at the endWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi converted a penalty to put Argentina 2-1 up in the second half of the clash in Qatar and celebrated by cupping his ears. The celebration was aimed at Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who made comments criticising the star forward's work off the ball in the build up to the game.

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Messi told : "I came up with the 'Topo Gigio' [the goal celebration in which a player puts his hands to his ears as a sign of defying someone] right there and I automatically regretted it. As soon as I did it I thought: 'What an idiot. They can still tie it.' These things usually happen."

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Messi's fears were realised right at the end of the second half when Wout Weghorst scored to make it 2-2, sending the tie into extra time and then penalties. Argentina won the shootout 4-3, however, and Argentina went on to beat Croatia in the last four before Messi inspired them to a win against France on penalties.

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Messi is currently preparing for the new MLS season with Inter Miami, which is expected to begin in late-February 2024.

Man City told relegation 'has to be a possibility' as Premier League have 'set a precedent' by handing Everton 10-point deduction

Manchester City should be relegated from the Premier League if they are found guilty of breaking Financial Fair Play rules, says Geoff Shreeves.

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Man City charged with 115 chargesEverton already deducted 10 pointsMany say champions could be relegatedWHAT HAPPENED?

The reigning European and English champions have been charged with 115 breaches of financial regulations by the Premier League and the case is expected to go ahead later this year. Many are calling for City to be kicked out of the top-flight if they are found guilty, and ex-Sky Sports figure Shreeves feels such a drastic punishment must be on the cards.

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"The Everton and Manchester City charges are very different," he told . "You can't compare the two directly and Everton were in dialogue with the Premier League all the way through their process. I think with Manchester City, it will come to court but not for two years at least. It's a long, a long, long way down the road. I don't see that the Premier League would have any other option [than to relegate City if they are found guilty]. They've set a precedent with Everton with those points deductions. They primarily pushed for a 12-point deduction. So it has to be a possibility, it has to be."

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Many pundits have argued that the Premier League set a precedent by docking Everton 10 points this season for breaking financial rules. Given City are said to have committed so many offences between 2009 and 2018, they may face a much more extreme sanction if found guilty. Everton have appealed against their punishment, but they are in danger of further sanctions as they and Nottingham Forest have been hit with more recent charges.

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City's case will be heard later this year but last season's Premier League and Champions League winners are not expected to receive a verdict until next year. In the meantime, they will continue their bid to retain the treble of trophies they won last season, with a league game against Chelsea on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe bombshell! PSG superstar tells Parisians he will leave club this summer amid Real Madrid links

PSG forward Kylian Mbappe has told the club that he will leave this summer, with growing speculation of a long-awaited Real Madrid switch

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Forward to depart club when contract expiresHas been linked with Real Madrid for yearsTerms of exit haven't been finalisedWHAT HAPPENED?

After months of speculation, Mbappe has formally communicated to the Parisian hierarchy that he will leave the club this summer, according to David Ornstein. The forward has decided not to pick up the additional year in his contract, and will be a free agent in June. He has not confirmed his future club, but Real Madrid are known to have heavy interest in signing the superstar forward.

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Mbappe has offered little on a potential PSG exit, but revealed that he would leave the club on fair financial terms: "But in any case, with the agreement I made with the president this summer, whatever my decision we managed to protect all the parties. And to preserve the serenity of the club for the challenges to come. Which is the most important."

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Mbappe has been here before. The forward seemed set to leave PSG in May 2022, coming close to agreeing terms with Madrid. Back then, he made an unexpected u-turn, and penned a lucrative extension to stay in Paris.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Madrid have been working on a potential deal for months, and have been free to talk to Mbappe since the beginning of January. The financial terms of their offer, though, are reportedly less attractive than the massive contract they presented him with two years ago.

Chelsea wanted Darwin Nunez! Liverpool rejected shock Blues approach for Uruguayan forward last summer

Chelsea reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring Darwin Nunez during the last summer transfer window, before Liverpool rejected their approach.

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Nunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022Struggled to make an impact in first season Chelsea's bid to hijack him turned down by LiverpoolGOALWHAT HAPPENED?

Nunez's journey at Anfield began in 2022 when Liverpool secured his services from Benfica for £64 million ($79m) with another £21m ($26m) in add-ons. Despite a promising spell with Benfica, Nunez initially struggled to justify his hefty price tag at Liverpool, facing criticism for inconsistent performances and missed opportunities.

According to , Chelsea wanted to bail out the misfiring striker which prompted sporting director, Paul Winstanley, to initiate discussions with Liverpool regarding Nunez's availability. However, the Merseyside club swiftly rebuffed Chelsea's inquiry, dispelling speculations about Nunez's departure and reaffirming their commitment to the player.

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However, the tide turned for Nunez this season as he has demonstrated a resurgence in form, already matching his goal tally from the previous campaign in the Premier League alone and showcasing improved performance metrics. In fact, he heads into the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in blistering form boasting of having three goals and one assist in his last five matches.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite missing out on Nunez, Chelsea bolstered their squad with two forwards in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. However, the pair have failed to live up to expectations and have just 11 goals between them.

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If Nunez successfully overcomes a muscle problem to face Chelsea in the upcoming Carabao Cup final, he will be eager to add to his ever-increasing goal tally. His resurgence serves as a testament to Klopp's faith in his abilities, as the German manager has refused to throw him under the bus even when he has struggled in front of goal.

Portland Timbers end kit sponsorship deal with DaBella after just four months over allegations of 'sexual harrassment and unwanted sexual advances' against company's CEO

The Portland Timbers have ended their multi-year kit deal with DaBella over allegations of misconduct against the company's CEO.

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Timbers end kit deal with DaBellaCompany's CEO accused of sexual misconductMulti-year shirt deal immediately terminatedWHAT HAPPENED?

In November 2023, DaBella signed a multi-year deal with the Timbers as their new front-facing kit sponsor. However, now – after just four months – their contract was terminated by the Timbers with immediate effect.

A court filing revealed allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted advances against three female employees surfaced against company CEO Donnie McMillan Jr.

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A statement read: "The Portland Timbers have terminated the club’s corporate partnership with DaBella, effective immediately, after learning yesterday of allegations of misconduct at the company included in a court filing that was made public on Feb. 23. The Timbers and a third-party firm conducted a thorough pre-deal vetting process, and the club did not learn of the filing until Feb. 27. This decision was rooted in the responsibility we have to our fans, supporters, partners and employees to transparently reflect and uphold the values and expectations of our community."

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The Timbers are actively scrubbing the DaBella name from their home ground, Providence Park, ahead of their home-opener this weekend. In addition, the MLS side are working on planning a jersey exchange for fans who had already purchased the 2024 kit with the DaBella logo on it.

They will move forward without a front-facing sponsor, with Adidas supplying a blank template kit for the club ahead of this weekend.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE PORTLAND TIMBERS?

The Timbers take on D.C. United on Sunday in a cross-conference clash. Portland will be looking for their second win of the season, but will be wearing a sponsor-less kit while doing so.

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