birminghammail--2020-06-21--Ex-Blues keeper Hart to become free agent ahead of summer window

Joe Hart , who kept for Birmingham City in the 2009-10 season , will be a free agent this summer .
Former England international Hart is leaving current club Burnley , after the Clarets confirmed that his contract - due to expire shortly - would not be extended .
It means that Hart , 33 , is on the look-out for his latest career move , a decade on from his super successful loan spell at St Andrew ’ s .
Back then , he was borrowed from Manchester City and helped Blues to a ninth-placed Premier League finish - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 41 appearances in all competitions .
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Google Play Store and App Store On the back of his time in the Second City , Hart would return to Manchester City and break into the side under Roberto Mancini , and in doing so he helped them to two Premier League titles , all the while as England ’ s number one .
Since , though , Hart ’ s career has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City by Pep Guardiola , he had loans at Torino and West Ham , before making for Turf Moor in the summer of 2018 .
Hart lost his place in the side after a 5-1 defeat to Everton at Christmas 2018 , and hasn ’ t made a league appearance for the club since .
Sean Dyche , who sold Tom Heaton to Aston Villa , has made Nick Pope his number one keeper , while he also has Bailey Peacock-Farrell and former Blues keeper Adam Legzdins at his disposal .
Blues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mull over ; David Stockdale has been released , while Lee Camp has agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season .
A decision must also be made on Real Madrid loanee Moha Ramos .

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Joe Hart, who kept for Birmingham City in the 2009-10 season, will be a free agent this summer.
Former England international Hart is leaving current club Burnley, after the Clarets confirmed that his contract - due to expire shortly - would not be extended.
It means that Hart, 33, is on the look-out for his latest career move, a decade on from his super successful loan spell at St Andrew’s.
Back then, he was borrowed from Manchester City and helped Blues to a ninth-placed Premier League finish - their highest to date - after making 41 appearances in all competitions.
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On the back of his time in the Second City, Hart would return to Manchester City and break into the side under Roberto Mancini, and in doing so he helped them to two Premier League titles, all the while as England’s number one.
Since, though, Hart’s career has taken a downward turn; bombed out of City by Pep Guardiola, he had loans at Torino and West Ham, before making for Turf Moor in the summer of 2018.
Hart lost his place in the side after a 5-1 defeat to Everton at Christmas 2018, and hasn’t made a league appearance for the club since.
Sean Dyche, who sold Tom Heaton to Aston Villa, has made Nick Pope his number one keeper, while he also has Bailey Peacock-Farrell and former Blues keeper Adam Legzdins at his disposal.
Blues, meanwhile, have their own goalkeeping department to mull over; David Stockdale has been released, while Lee Camp has agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season.
A decision must also be made on Real Madrid loanee Moha Ramos.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Wolves discover rivals to complete transfer as Arsenal link goes cold

Monaco have joined the race for Reims defender Axel Disasi , weeks after it was reported Wolves had launched a €15m bid .
Nuno Espirito Santo is believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements when the window opens , with Ryan Bennett ’ s future up in the air .
Disasi , 19 , has played a key part for Reims this season , with his team having the best defensive record in Ligue 1 before its suspension .
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been extensively linked with the centre back , although it appears that link has gone cold , with Mikel Arteta believed to have wanted a free run to sign him .
There are also potential suitors from Germany , Italy and Spain , with Sevilla also touted as a potential destination .
And according to L ’ Equpe ( via GFFN ) Monaco have now joined the race to sign him when the window opens .
Wolves ’ Premier League rivals Southampton are also believed to be chasing his signature , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England have an interest in signing him .
“ At this time , and if there is nothing new , the player is closer to the Premier League , ” he said earlier this month .
“ Can it be Arsenal ?
Can be .
“ But I am not saying more about it because it is confidential data .
“ They have called us from Germany ; from Italy , too .
In the Premier League there are several clubs that want him .
And in Spain , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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Monaco have joined the race for Reims defender Axel Disasi, weeks after it was reported Wolves had launched a €15m bid.
Nuno Espirito Santo is believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements when the window opens, with Ryan Bennett’s future up in the air.
Disasi, 19, has played a key part for Reims this season, with his team having the best defensive record in Ligue 1 before its suspension.
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Arsenal had been extensively linked with the centre back, although it appears that link has gone cold, with Mikel Arteta believed to have wanted a free run to sign him.
There are also potential suitors from Germany, Italy and Spain, with Sevilla also touted as a potential destination.
And according to L’Equpe (via GFFN) Monaco have now joined the race to sign him when the window opens.
Wolves’ Premier League rivals Southampton are also believed to be chasing his signature, with Reims director Jean-Pierre Calliot confirming several clubs in England have an interest in signing him.
“At this time, and if there is nothing new, the player is closer to the Premier League,” he said earlier this month. “Can it be Arsenal? Can be.
“But I am not saying more about it because it is confidential data.
“They have called us from Germany; from Italy, too. In the Premier League there are several clubs that want him. And in Spain, as well as Seville, there are some more.”


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Police shutdown after two men stabbed in late night knife attack

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack in Upper Gornal .
Last night ( June 20 ) , violence erupted on Jew 's Lane just after 11pm .
A man was stabbed in the street then shortly after another victim was attacked inside a house .
One man was knifed on his neck , shoulder and hands while the other was stabbed in the chest and arm .
The attacker fled the scene .
A man was arrested in Great Barr this morning in connection with the incident .
A resident , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Country Live : `` It was a few doors down the police have blocked both ends of the street off .
`` I called the police about 11.20 because my partner said he said he heard what sounded like someone getting hurt .
He went out to the front and there was a bloke covered in blood .
`` My partner wouldn ’ t let me administer first aid just in case so I just called the police but he was walking towards Deepdale Lane .
Within 15 minutes the whole street was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police car followed the ambulance to the hospital . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We received a 999 call at 11.15pm last night ( June 20 ) reporting a knife attack in Jews Lane , Upper Gornal .
`` It ’ s understood an offender stabbed a man in the street before attacking a second man inside a property .
He fled the scene but a suspect was arrested in Great Bar r just before 7am this morning on suspicion of attempted murder .
He remains in police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries to his hands , neck and shoulder ; the second victim suffered knife wounds to his chest and arm .
The injures are not life threatening .
`` It ’ s understood the offender is known to the victims and that the incident is domestic related . ''

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack in Upper Gornal.
Last night (June 20), violence erupted on Jew's Lane just after 11pm.
A man was stabbed in the street then shortly after another victim was attacked inside a house.
One man was knifed on his neck, shoulder and hands while the other was stabbed in the chest and arm.
The attacker fled the scene. A man was arrested in Great Barr this morning in connection with the incident.
A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Black Country Live: "It was a few doors down the police have blocked both ends of the street off.
"I called the police about 11.20 because my partner said he said he heard what sounded like someone getting hurt. He went out to the front and there was a bloke covered in blood.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"My partner wouldn’t let me administer first aid just in case so I just called the police but he was walking towards Deepdale Lane. Within 15 minutes the whole street was cornered off ambulances were there and a police car followed the ambulance to the hospital."
(Image: Black Country Live)
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We received a 999 call at 11.15pm last night (June 20) reporting a knife attack in Jews Lane, Upper Gornal.
"It’s understood an offender stabbed a man in the street before attacking a second man inside a property. He fled the scene but a suspect was arrested in Great Bar r just before 7am this morning on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody.
"One man has suffered injuries to his hands, neck and shoulder; the second victim suffered knife wounds to his chest and arm. The injures are not life threatening.
"It’s understood the offender is known to the victims and that the incident is domestic related."


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Dean Smith warned Aston Villa could be 'hammered' vs Chelsea

Aston Villa will need to play like the away side if they are to stand any chance of dealing with Chelsea later today .
That 's the view of pundit Danny Murphy , who thinks Villa could be hammered , if they try to go toe-to-toe with Frank Lampard 's side .
It 's Villa 's second home game in a matter of days , after Dean Smith 's men got the Premier League restart up and running on Wednesday evening .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and App Store They had to settle for a point against Sheffield United , although they were fortunate to get that after the Blades were denied a clear opener due to a goalline technology mishap .
Villa know a win over Chelsea in B6 , will see them move out of the relegation zone , after Bournemouth and West Ham suffered dismal defeats on Saturday .
But Murphy is backing the Londoners to sweep aside Villa and has warned it could be a real humbling , unless they are careful .
“ Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will help them physically , '' he told MailSport .
“ But I think Chelsea are superior in other areas to over-ride that .
“ If Villa go toe-to-toe and press Chelsea , they ’ ll get hammered , so I think they ’ ll play like an away side , and Chelsea are good enough technically to pick them off .
“ Chelsea have already done transfer business for next season which I think will do players like Tammy Abraham a world of good with Timo Werner coming into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors to win 3-0 , a result which would heighten relegation fears ahead of the final eight fixtures .

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Aston Villa will need to play like the away side if they are to stand any chance of dealing with Chelsea later today.
That's the view of pundit Danny Murphy, who thinks Villa could be hammered, if they try to go toe-to-toe with Frank Lampard's side.
It's Villa's second home game in a matter of days, after Dean Smith's men got the Premier League restart up and running on Wednesday evening.
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They had to settle for a point against Sheffield United, although they were fortunate to get that after the Blades were denied a clear opener due to a goalline technology mishap.
Villa know a win over Chelsea in B6, will see them move out of the relegation zone, after Bournemouth and West Ham suffered dismal defeats on Saturday.
But Murphy is backing the Londoners to sweep aside Villa and has warned it could be a real humbling, unless they are careful.
“Like Sheffield United, Villa have already played, which will help them physically," he told MailSport.
“But I think Chelsea are superior in other areas to over-ride that.
“If Villa go toe-to-toe and press Chelsea, they’ll get hammered, so I think they’ll play like an away side, and Chelsea are good enough technically to pick them off.
“Chelsea have already done transfer business for next season which I think will do players like Tammy Abraham a world of good with Timo Werner coming into the club. “
Murphy has tipped the visitors to win 3-0, a result which would heighten relegation fears ahead of the final eight fixtures.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--'Yellow bus' - What West Brom fans made of Birmingham City

Birmingham City battled bravely for a point and frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom at The Hawthorns .
The Championship resumed after a three month absence and Blues looked to have lost none of their fortitude or organisation .
Their strikers were forced to feed off scraps as the Baggies dominated for long periods - but in the end they deserved a draw for sticking to their task so well .
Especially given the fact Pep Clotet was down to the bare bones of his squad and was forced to name four teenagers on his bench - and one in the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made of the match and Blues ’ rearguard , played out at an empty Hawthorns .
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Google Play Store and App Store Andrew Beech : 3 games without a win and without a goal but I would happily take 0-0 against Brentford .
Might actually suit us playing an open game of football , Blues never looking for more than an away point Matt : Lacked cutting edge , credit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll play teams with less solidness and organisation than that in the final eight .
Andy Warner : Point gained .
Fair play to the Blues they locked the door and chucked the key away .
Frustrated not to have seen more of Krovs , the form he was in before the lockdown warrants being one of the first names in the line up for me .
Jb : Frustrating in the final 3rd but i dont think we did enough to justify the win .
Blues defended well considering the injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit us more .
Bailey : In unprecedented times and it ’ s the 1st game of the restart , I ’ ll take that .
We controlled the game .
Admittedly a bit more quality in the final third was needed .
Blues only come to defend and nick a goal .
We ’ re 1 point better off now .
Top of the league , loads of reasons to be happy .
Dan Robinson : Tony Pulis would be perfect for Blues , already playing his style of football Ashley Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t unlock an ordinary-looking Blues team .
5-6 half chances , but nothing clear cut .
Must do better Ricci Dunn : Very frustrating result .
Need to look to get a shot away more often but Blues did a job really .
Can only see us improving as the games come thick and fast Anthony James : Blues solid today , constant 11 men behind the ball , not bad from the albion been a while out the game , frustrating one but I ’ ll take the point Matt : Frustrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did it superbly well .
Still 7 clear and providing we don ’ t lose Friday we ’ ll be fine AH : Fair play to Blues , resilience to another level .
All good having 67 % possession Albion but severely lacked in the final 3rd .
A point gained , onto the next Danny Wright : We ’ ve gone top of the league , gone seven points clear of third and signed the best player in the league today .
But that performance wasn ’ t good enough at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , we never looked like scoring Matt McFarlane : Similar our form before lockdown , we ’ re still struggling to create serious chances .
Credit to Blues , I thought they were really well organised .
Huge game against Brentford next week .

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Birmingham City battled bravely for a point and frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom at The Hawthorns.
The Championship resumed after a three month absence and Blues looked to have lost none of their fortitude or organisation.
Their strikers were forced to feed off scraps as the Baggies dominated for long periods - but in the end they deserved a draw for sticking to their task so well.
Especially given the fact Pep Clotet was down to the bare bones of his squad and was forced to name four teenagers on his bench - and one in the starting XI.
This is what their hosts made of the match and Blues’ rearguard, played out at an empty Hawthorns.
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Albion fans on Blues
Andrew Beech: 3 games without a win and without a goal but I would happily take 0-0 against Brentford. Might actually suit us playing an open game of football, Blues never looking for more than an away point
Matt : Lacked cutting edge, credit to Blues mind defended admirably. We’ll play teams with less solidness and organisation than that in the final eight.
Andy Warner : Point gained. Fair play to the Blues they locked the door and chucked the key away. Frustrated not to have seen more of Krovs, the form he was in before the lockdown warrants being one of the first names in the line up for me.
SammyLee : Meh, a point is a point. Blues had a nice yellow bus...
Jb : Frustrating in the final 3rd but i dont think we did enough to justify the win. Blues defended well considering the injuries. No panic needed. Expect Friday will suit us more.
Bailey : In unprecedented times and it’s the 1st game of the restart, I’ll take that. We controlled the game. Admittedly a bit more quality in the final third was needed. Blues only come to defend and nick a goal. We’re 1 point better off now. Top of the league, loads of reasons to be happy.
Dan Robinson: Tony Pulis would be perfect for Blues, already playing his style of football
Ashley Fox: That was rusty - couldn’t unlock an ordinary-looking Blues team. 5-6 half chances, but nothing clear cut. Must do better
(Image: Adam Fradgley/AMA)
Ricci Dunn: Very frustrating result. Need to look to get a shot away more often but Blues did a job really. Can only see us improving as the games come thick and fast
Anthony James: Blues solid today, constant 11 men behind the ball, not bad from the albion been a while out the game, frustrating one but I’ll take the point
Matt : Frustrating result. Blues came for a point and did it superbly well. Still 7 clear and providing we don’t lose Friday we’ll be fine
AH : Fair play to Blues, resilience to another level. All good having 67% possession Albion but severely lacked in the final 3rd. A point gained, onto the next
Danny Wright: We’ve gone top of the league, gone seven points clear of third and signed the best player in the league today. But that performance wasn’t good enough at all. Blues the better team for me, we never looked like scoring
Matt McFarlane: Similar our form before lockdown, we’re still struggling to create serious chances. Credit to Blues, I thought they were really well organised. Huge game against Brentford next week.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Aldi Specialbuys include an outdoor bar and more garden items

Get your credit cards ready - Aldi has today ( Sunday , June 21 ) released the latest batch of items in its sell-out garden range .
But you need to be quick as the online range traditionally sells out within hours of going on sale .
And it 's perfect timing for the mini heatwave we 're forecast to enjoy next week .
In the Garden Event range you could sip your drinks at an outdoor bar , turn on a multi-functional patio heater if it gets a bit chilly , and sit in its popular Hanging Egg Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in a gazebo ( essential for the unpredictable British weather ) and has enough room to store a range of drinks .
For £99.99 you can buy the multi-functional patio heater is 150W and also has a bluetooth speaker And returning again by popular demand , the Hanging Egg Chair is big enough for two people and is yours for £199.99 .
Other items in the Garden Event range are a dark grey portable charcoal barbecue for £49.99 ; a rocking lounger for £44.99 and a children 's build and play sandbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pools for £12.99 , an inflatable children 's volleyball game for £7.99 and a wooden balcony set of a table and four chairs for £129.99 .
To view the range click here - you will be put in a virtual queue to get onto the website .

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Get your credit cards ready - Aldi has today (Sunday, June 21) released the latest batch of items in its sell-out garden range.
But you need to be quick as the online range traditionally sells out within hours of going on sale.
And it's perfect timing for the mini heatwave we're forecast to enjoy next week.
(Image: Aldi)
In the Garden Event range you could sip your drinks at an outdoor bar, turn on a multi-functional patio heater if it gets a bit chilly, and sit in its popular Hanging Egg Chair.
The outdoor bar (£179.99) is in a gazebo (essential for the unpredictable British weather) and has enough room to store a range of drinks.
For £99.99 you can buy the multi-functional patio heater is 150W and also has a bluetooth speaker
And returning again by popular demand, the Hanging Egg Chair is big enough for two people and is yours for £199.99.
Other items in the Garden Event range are a dark grey portable charcoal barbecue for £49.99; a rocking lounger for £44.99 and a children's build and play sandbox for £29.99.
There are also paddling pools for £12.99, an inflatable children's volleyball game for £7.99 and a wooden balcony set of a table and four chairs for £129.99.
To view the range click here - you will be put in a virtual queue to get onto the website.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--'Best team in the league' - Birmingham City fans on Albion clash

West Brom and Birmingham City played out a goalless draw at The Hawthorns as football in the second tier returned on Saturday .
In the first match for both sides since the resumption of the Championship campaign , there were a number of changes on both sides .
Key men Matheus Pereira and Jude Bellingham lined up in their respective colours , however .
Albion begun with the intentions of a side who were looking to take advantage of Fulham ’ s defeat in the lunch-time kick off ; Blues , with a young bench after a number of out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding on early doors .
Matt Phillips saw an effort blocked , and Callum Robinson might ’ ve done better with a free header at the back post that he fired into the side netting .
Scott Hogan had a header held by Johnstone and one snapshot that was also caught by the Albion keeper , but Blues added another point to their tally .
For Albion , they sit top again .
Here are the thoughts of the Blues fans on the encounter and the result .
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Google Play Store and App Store RaggedBlueBear : Excellent defensive display against the best team in the League .
Great time to play West Brom though that was , pretty awful game but very big point Kieran Lynch : Think we ’ ve had a right touch playing Albion first game back , not 100 % fit and it showed .
Game was played like a friendly .
Would have snatched your hand off for a point before the game though Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion Gabriel Sutton : Happy with that from # BCFC .
Made one of the best attacking sides in the Championship in # WBA look ordinary bar Pereira ; defensive positioning so good , never really came under siege despite Albion ’ s theoretical strength from the bench .
David Collins : Fantastic point that !
Kept Albion to little threat , so solid !
!
!
Gary Richards : Baggies didn ’ t make their extra quality count .
To be fair , even with our strongest side out , they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with so many missing .
And I include those let go too Ben : It wouldn ’ t have been 0-0 in March .
Both teams obviously getting used to being back .
Baggies will still go up looked very dangerous going forward .
We went there for a point and defended well to get it , take it all day long .
Super Hans : Ecstatic to be proved wrong about us getting stuffed .
What do I know ?
That ’ s a great point .
Beatus Bluey : I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game back against a good West Brom side

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West Brom and Birmingham City played out a goalless draw at The Hawthorns as football in the second tier returned on Saturday.
In the first match for both sides since the resumption of the Championship campaign, there were a number of changes on both sides. Key men Matheus Pereira and Jude Bellingham lined up in their respective colours, however.
Albion begun with the intentions of a side who were looking to take advantage of Fulham’s defeat in the lunch-time kick off; Blues, with a young bench after a number of out of contract players departed prematurely, were holding on early doors.
Matt Phillips saw an effort blocked, and Callum Robinson might’ve done better with a free header at the back post that he fired into the side netting.
Scott Hogan had a header held by Johnstone and one snapshot that was also caught by the Albion keeper, but Blues added another point to their tally.
For Albion, they sit top again.
Here are the thoughts of the Blues fans on the encounter and the result.
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Blues fans on Albion
RaggedBlueBear : Excellent defensive display against the best team in the League. Great time to play West Brom though that was, pretty awful game but very big point
Kieran Lynch : Think we’ve had a right touch playing Albion first game back, not 100% fit and it showed. Game was played like a friendly. Would have snatched your hand off for a point before the game though
Chris : Great well earned point against the Albion
Gabriel Sutton: Happy with that from #BCFC. Made one of the best attacking sides in the Championship in #WBA look ordinary bar Pereira; defensive positioning so good, never really came under siege despite Albion’s theoretical strength from the bench.
David Collins: Fantastic point that! Kept Albion to little threat, so solid!!!
Gary Richards: Baggies didn’t make their extra quality count. To be fair, even with our strongest side out, they have more quality than us, let alone with so many missing. And I include those let go too
Ben : It wouldn’t have been 0-0 in March. Both teams obviously getting used to being back. Baggies will still go up looked very dangerous going forward. We went there for a point and defended well to get it, take it all day long.
Super Hans: Ecstatic to be proved wrong about us getting stuffed. What do I know? That’s a great point.
Beatus Bluey: I’ll take that good solid performance first game back against a good West Brom side


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE: All the buildup

Aston Villa prepare for their second home match within seven days as they host Chelsea later today .
The 4.15pm kick-off sees Chelsea kick-off their Premier League season again - with Villa already enjoying a headstart of sorts .
Villa returned to Premier League action in mid-week as they hosted Sheffield United in an eventual , and eventful , 0-0 draw headlined by a technology controversy which denied the Bladesmen a clear goal .
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Google Play Store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive Villans performance was pushed into the shadows by the non-decision .
Now , Villa will be hoping to earn their rightful plaudits - and perhaps some points - later today .
Chelsea will likely boast a fit Tammy Abraham , due for his first match at Villa Park since last season .
Abraham found a happy hunting ground before the Holte End during a fine loan spell last season , and has truly kicked on for his parent club in this current campaign .
Villa will be hoping to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory that could kick-start their survival efforts after a positive showing in mid-week .
And you can follow all the latest before , during and after the crunch clash right here in our live blog .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ashley Preece, James Rushton)

Two goals in two minutes killed off Aston Villa's chances of a shock victory against Chelsea.
Kortney Hause put Dean Smith's resilient side into a surprise lead two minutes before the break after what was a dominant half by the Londoners.
The centre-back made the most of a parry from Kepa Arrizabalaga and squeezed in a scuffed, right-footed shot before wheeling away in celebration.
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Amid all of Chelsea's possession, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was made to work just twice in the opening 45 to deny Mason Mount on both occasions, the first of which was a rasping drive from 20 yards.
After the break, Chelsea continued from where they left off but it wasn't until Frank Lampard's inspired substitutions 10 minutes into the second half that forced the comeback.
The bright Christian Pulisic was allowed to ghost in past Ezri Konsa to volley home a deep Cesar Azpilicueta cross. Then, less than two minutes later, it was the Chelsea skipper Azplicueta who was at it again, this time finding space down Konsa's side to cross for Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman, who started in place of last season's Villa goal ace Tammy Abraham, was allowed too much time to swivel and shoot with his effort ricocheting off Conor Hourihane's studs before flying into Nyland's top corner.
Knowing the game was all but over, Chelsea kept possession and allowed Villa to gather any kind of momentum. Mbwana Samatta, who came on for Keinan Davis, was restricted to scraps as Lampard's Blues continued to turn the screw.
In the end, the match swung on two lapses of concentration on Villa's part after looking assured and together for the best part of an hour. Games, as everyone knows, are 90 minutes long and Smith's men will have to pick themselves up quickly ahead of what surely must be a must-win fixture against Newcastle on Wednesday.
Aston Villa, 4-3-3: Nyland; Konsa, Hause, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn (Jota, 87), Hourihane (Nakamba, 70); El Ghazi (Trezeguet, 70), Davis (Samatta, 57), Grealish.
Subs: Reina, Borja, Samatta, Elmohamady, Vassilev.
Chelsea: Kepa; Azplicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Kovacic (Pulisic, 55), Loftus-Cheek (Barkley, 55); Mount, Willian (James, 90), Giroud (Abraham).
Subs: Caballero, Pedro, Zouma, Emerson, Gilmour.
Referee: Paul Tierney
VAR: Lee Mason
Goals: Hause (43), Pulisic (60), Giroud (62)
Next up: Newcastle United (a) on Wednesday, June 24 (kick-off 6pm)


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Nuno breaks the rules for Traore as Wolves send Man United a message

Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games , with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham .
In their first game in 100 days , Wolves showed little ring rust in dismantling the Hammers with an efficient display .
With some of their rivals slipping up , Nuno Espirito Santo 's side capitalised in the best possible way , to close the gap on the top-four .
Second half goals from Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto earned Wolves all three points , with Adama Traore once again taking a leading role .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and their first behind-closed-doors fixture .
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Google Play Store and App Store Rui Patricio kept his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the season at the London Stadium - and that ’ s a new club record .
Patricio , alongside John Ruddy , kept eight clean sheets last term as Wolves finished seventh following their return to the top flight .
He ’ s already bettered that total this term and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of him , he could keep a few more before the season is over .
Raul Jimenez ’ s header was his 14th goal in the Premier League which means he ’ s bettered his tally from last year .
That means Jimenez , who is the club ’ s all-time record Premier League goalscorer , has now scored more than any other Wolves player has in a single season since it began in 1992 .
The passionate Portuguese head coach admitted he has missed giving his players in hugs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the game looking very different , one thing that couldn ’ t be stopped is Nuno embracing his backroom staff and players , following the crucial win .
But a special hug was reserved for Wolves ’ match-winner Adama Traore .
The two had a long chat on the London Stadium pitch after Traore turned the game with a scintillating second half cameo .
Traore ’ s development under Nuno is clear to see .
In two years he has become one of the most feared attackers in Europe .
Speculation continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool , but in Nuno , he has found the right manager , a point Jurgen Klopp himself made back in December .
`` He is still very young , and now he has found the right manager .
It was always clear it would happen one day , and now it has .
Good for Wolves . ''
Best of the bunch In the age of inflated transfer fees , the £10m Wolves shelled out for Boly looks like a modern-day anomaly .
Imperious on the ground and unbeatable in the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archetypal Premier League defender you are likely to find .
In six league games since returning from his fractured ankle , Wolves have conceded just twice .
They are unbeaten in that process , with a staggering five clean sheets .
In a squad filled with world class talent , the quiet Frenchman may just about be the best of the bunch .
Nuno may still refuse to admit it , but Wolves are now very strong contenders to secure Champions League football next season .
Fifth place may be enough for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves by virtue of goal difference .
Chelsea are just two points further ahead , although that could be extended with a win later today .
Even Leicester City in third are just eight points away and with winnable looking games on paper , that gap could have almost disappeared by next weekend .
With eight games to go , Wolves can feel quietly confident about making history .
On January 18 , Wolves had a bench that consisted of John Ruddy , Morgan Gibbs-White , Bruno Jordao , Ryan Giles , Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was another second half show that day vs Southampton , but the scarcity of high-quality senior options on the bench was a major concern .
With games piling up and Wolves fighting on two fronts , there was a fear that lack of depth could derail the season .
Fast forward to Saturday evening and Wolves ’ bench consisted of talents like Pedro Neto , Ruben Vinagre , Adama Traore and Daniel Podence .
Such is the quality at Nuno ’ s disposal , January signing Podence sat out the entirety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Traore and Neto changed the game from the bench , but quietly Wolves have built a bench capable of turning any fixture in their favour .
In the age of three games a week , it could be a crucial factor in the closing weeks .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Ben Husband)

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Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games, with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham.
In their first game in 100 days, Wolves showed little ring rust in dismantling the Hammers with an efficient display.
With some of their rivals slipping up, Nuno Espirito Santo's side capitalised in the best possible way, to close the gap on the top-four.
Second half goals from Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto earned Wolves all three points, with Adama Traore once again taking a leading role.
Here are our findings from Wolves' first game back and their first behind-closed-doors fixture.
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Record breakers
Rui Patricio kept his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the season at the London Stadium - and that’s a new club record.
Patricio, alongside John Ruddy, kept eight clean sheets last term as Wolves finished seventh following their return to the top flight.
He’s already bettered that total this term and with Messrs Boly, Coady and Saiss impressing in front of him, he could keep a few more before the season is over.
Raul Jimenez’s header was his 14th goal in the Premier League which means he’s bettered his tally from last year.
That means Jimenez, who is the club’s all-time record Premier League goalscorer, has now scored more than any other Wolves player has in a single season since it began in 1992.
Nuno and Adama can’t be distant
The passionate Portuguese head coach admitted he has missed giving his players in hugs in the age of social distancing.
And despite the game looking very different, one thing that couldn’t be stopped is Nuno embracing his backroom staff and players, following the crucial win.
But a special hug was reserved for Wolves’ match-winner Adama Traore.
(Image: 2020 Pool)
The two had a long chat on the London Stadium pitch after Traore turned the game with a scintillating second half cameo.
Traore’s development under Nuno is clear to see. In two years he has become one of the most feared attackers in Europe.
Speculation continues to link Traore with a move to Liverpool, but in Nuno, he has found the right manager, a point Jurgen Klopp himself made back in December.
"He is still very young, and now he has found the right manager. It was always clear it would happen one day, and now it has. Good for Wolves."
Best of the bunch
(Image: 2020 Pool)
In the age of inflated transfer fees, the £10m Wolves shelled out for Boly looks like a modern-day anomaly.
Imperious on the ground and unbeatable in the air, Boly is as close to the archetypal Premier League defender you are likely to find.
In six league games since returning from his fractured ankle, Wolves have conceded just twice. They are unbeaten in that process, with a staggering five clean sheets.
In a squad filled with world class talent, the quiet Frenchman may just about be the best of the bunch.
Lofty goals
Nuno may still refuse to admit it, but Wolves are now very strong contenders to secure Champions League football next season.
Fifth place may be enough for that, with Manchester United only above of Wolves by virtue of goal difference.
Chelsea are just two points further ahead, although that could be extended with a win later today.
Even Leicester City in third are just eight points away and with winnable looking games on paper, that gap could have almost disappeared by next weekend.
With eight games to go, Wolves can feel quietly confident about making history.
Stunning transformation
On January 18, Wolves had a bench that consisted of John Ruddy, Morgan Gibbs-White, Bruno Jordao, Ryan Giles, Max Kilman, Benny Ashley-Seal and Oskar Burr.
It was another second half show that day vs Southampton, but the scarcity of high-quality senior options on the bench was a major concern. With games piling up and Wolves fighting on two fronts, there was a fear that lack of depth could derail the season.
Fast forward to Saturday evening and Wolves’ bench consisted of talents like Pedro Neto, Ruben Vinagre, Adama Traore and Daniel Podence.
Such is the quality at Nuno’s disposal, January signing Podence sat out the entirety of the win over the Hammers.
Traore and Neto changed the game from the bench, but quietly Wolves have built a bench capable of turning any fixture in their favour.
In the age of three games a week, it could be a crucial factor in the closing weeks.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Dean's four-letter outburst & Clotet's masterstroke as Blues draw with WBA

West Brom leap-frogged Leeds United at the top of the table and Birmingham City proved they have a first XI to compare with most in the Championship in an interesting rather than exciting goalless draw .
Albion will probably feel they deserved all three points - Blues that they justified theirs after a forgettable match played in unforgettable circumstances .
Here ’ s what stood out at The Hawthorns .
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Google Play Store and App Store Without supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smethwick End , or indeed 25,000 Baggies fans boinging and baiting for an hour and a half , on the field football is reduced to 22 blokes kicking a ball about and off it some very fine tactical minds pensively stroking their beards .
Those 22 do it with enviable dexterity and handsome remuneration but in an empty stadium all the spectacle is lost .
In the current climate anything sterile is probably a good thing .
Not football , for as privileged as one felt being given access denied to so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite athletes swear like Sunday morning cloggers .
Harlee Dean took the plaudits on that front , most memorably bellowing at his team-mates , as they defended a first half corner .
West Brom might boast an impressive an array of attacking talent but Dean asserted there was ‘ nothing to be f****** scared of ’ .
Speaking of tactical acumen , Pep Clotet ’ s decision to move Jude Bellingham inside and Gary Gardner to the left of midfield might have seemed counter-intuitive .
Bellingham has spent most of his time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a central midfielder .
However , the ploy worked well as Gardner helped makeshift left back Wes Harding - who did a very good job overall - cope with the dangerous Matt Phillips .
Gardner ’ s energy levels were excellent and he still had enough in the tank to bring his physical presence to bear when he was moved infield after Bellingham was subbed .
The teenager last 70 unflustered minutes , barely wasting a pass and working with Maikel Kieftenbeld to make sure Blues had a hard centre to their team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the starting line-up , having sat out the previous three Championship matches .
He provided a reminder of the surgical way he goes about his defending , picking pockets and anticipating danger rather than barrelling attackers over the way many centre backs do .
His composure on the ball was almost uncomfortable to watch at times , yet not for a second did he seem flustered .
Probably his only foot out of place was scything down Hal Robson-Kanu midway through the second period - and even then it was better than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get in behind .
If securing Scott Hogan on a permanent deal is priority No .
1 this season , then bringing Clarke-Salter back to St Andrew ’ s next season is No .
1.5 .
Much has been made about the youth on Birmingham City ’ s bench - Jeremie Bela and Connal Trueman aside , the other seven substitutes had just three Championship appearances between them , four had never even been involved with the first team before .
Bela came on - and changed the dynamics of Blues ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final few minutes and Jayden Reid was up , ready and waiting to make his senior debut only for the final whistle to intervene .
By comparison Baggies bench consisted £14million worth in two strikers , Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin , a Benfica player - Filip Krovinovic and an England Under 21 - Grady Diangana .
Not even making the match day squad were Gareth Barry - the Premier League ’ s all-time appearance record holder , club legend Chris Brunt and January signing Kamil Grosicki , who as a Hull player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staying up and going up Albion looked a little gun-shy when they were around the Blues ’ penalty area , looking for but rarely finding the killer pass to walk the ball past Lee Camp .
However , as irritated as they were by Birmingham ’ s resilience , let ’ s not even pretend a run of a few games without a home win is even a thing .
Slaven Bilic ’ s men are only going to get better during the final eight games and it is going to take an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Premier League return .
For their part Blues actually slipped a point closer to the bottom three , Charlton ’ s victory at Hull saw the advantage cut to seven points .
But such was the organisation and commitment in their performance and potential in their team that Pep Clotet should have no fears about getting sucked into any unwanted end of season drama .
Home games with Hull , Huddersfield and Charlton provide ample opportunity to do the necessary .

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West Brom leap-frogged Leeds United at the top of the table and Birmingham City proved they have a first XI to compare with most in the Championship in an interesting rather than exciting goalless draw.
Albion will probably feel they deserved all three points - Blues that they justified theirs after a forgettable match played in unforgettable circumstances.
Here’s what stood out at The Hawthorns.
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Sterile
Without supporters, 2,000 raucous Bluenoses packed into the Smethwick End, or indeed 25,000 Baggies fans boinging and baiting for an hour and a half, on the field football is reduced to 22 blokes kicking a ball about and off it some very fine tactical minds pensively stroking their beards.
Those 22 do it with enviable dexterity and handsome remuneration but in an empty stadium all the spectacle is lost. In the current climate anything sterile is probably a good thing.
Not football, for as privileged as one felt being given access denied to so many, the only other consolation was hearing elite athletes swear like Sunday morning cloggers.
Harlee Dean took the plaudits on that front, most memorably bellowing at his team-mates, as they defended a first half corner.
West Brom might boast an impressive an array of attacking talent but Dean asserted there was ‘nothing to be f****** scared of’.
Counter-intuitive
Speaking of tactical acumen, Pep Clotet’s decision to move Jude Bellingham inside and Gary Gardner to the left of midfield might have seemed counter-intuitive.
Bellingham has spent most of his time on the flank, while Gardner is undeniably a central midfielder.
However, the ploy worked well as Gardner helped makeshift left back Wes Harding - who did a very good job overall - cope with the dangerous Matt Phillips.
Gardner’s energy levels were excellent and he still had enough in the tank to bring his physical presence to bear when he was moved infield after Bellingham was subbed.
The teenager last 70 unflustered minutes, barely wasting a pass and working with Maikel Kieftenbeld to make sure Blues had a hard centre to their team.
Class act
Jake Clarke-Salter was brought back into the starting line-up, having sat out the previous three Championship matches.
He provided a reminder of the surgical way he goes about his defending, picking pockets and anticipating danger rather than barrelling attackers over the way many centre backs do.
His composure on the ball was almost uncomfortable to watch at times, yet not for a second did he seem flustered. Probably his only foot out of place was scything down Hal Robson-Kanu midway through the second period - and even then it was better than the striker hit the deck and didn’t get in behind.
If securing Scott Hogan on a permanent deal is priority No. 1 this season, then bringing Clarke-Salter back to St Andrew’s next season is No. 1.5.
Embarrassment of riches
Much has been made about the youth on Birmingham City’s bench - Jeremie Bela and Connal Trueman aside, the other seven substitutes had just three Championship appearances between them, four had never even been involved with the first team before.
Bela came on - and changed the dynamics of Blues’ offensive game, Boyd-Munce was given the final few minutes and Jayden Reid was up, ready and waiting to make his senior debut only for the final whistle to intervene.
By comparison Baggies bench consisted £14million worth in two strikers, Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin, a Benfica player - Filip Krovinovic and an England Under 21 - Grady Diangana.
Not even making the match day squad were Gareth Barry - the Premier League’s all-time appearance record holder, club legend Chris Brunt and January signing Kamil Grosicki, who as a Hull player took sadistic pleasure in tormenting Blues.
There’s a reason Albion are challenging for promotion.
Staying up and going up
Albion looked a little gun-shy when they were around the Blues’ penalty area, looking for but rarely finding the killer pass to walk the ball past Lee Camp.
However, as irritated as they were by Birmingham’s resilience, let’s not even pretend a run of a few games without a home win is even a thing.
Slaven Bilic’s men are only going to get better during the final eight games and it is going to take an extraordinary set of circumstances to deny them a Premier League return.
For their part Blues actually slipped a point closer to the bottom three, Charlton’s victory at Hull saw the advantage cut to seven points.
But such was the organisation and commitment in their performance and potential in their team that Pep Clotet should have no fears about getting sucked into any unwanted end of season drama.
Home games with Hull, Huddersfield and Charlton provide ample opportunity to do the necessary.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Live updates - Police shutdown after two stabbed in knife attack

A busy junction in Upper Gornal has been closed off by police following an incident last night where two people @ @ @ @ @ ( June 21 ) , a West Midland Police cordon was spotted between Jew 's @ @ @ @ @ Eve Lane and Kent Street .
Residents living near the scene have reported seeing a @ @ @ @ @ last night at around 11pm .
Police said a man was stabbed in the street @ @ @ @ @ knifed inside a nearby home .
A man has been arrested .
Pictures and video @ @ @ @ @ guarding the cordon and tape preventing local people entering the area .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ be providing updates from the scene below as we get information confirmed .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Regen, Oprah Flash)

A busy junction in Upper Gornal has been closed off by police following an incident last night where two people were stabbed.
This morning (June 21), a West Midland Police cordon was spotted between Jew's Lane, Burton Road, Eve Lane and Kent Street.
Residents living near the scene have reported seeing a man covered in blood late last night at around 11pm.
Police said a man was stabbed in the street before a second person was knifed inside a nearby home. A man has been arrested.
Pictures and video from the scene shows officers guarding the cordon and tape preventing local people entering the area.
This is a live blog and we will be providing updates from the scene below as we get information confirmed.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--The Chelsea fan comments which give Villa extra motivation

Aston Villa are back in action on Sunday as they welcome Chelsea to Villa Park .
With Norwich , Bournemouth and West Ham all being beaten since Villa were last in action on Wednesday , there ’ s an opportunity for Dean Smith ’ s Lions to lift themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory here .
Chelsa have plenty of motivation too , though .
Sitting in fourth , and hoping to ward off the threat of Manchester United , Tottenham and Wolves in the race for a Champions League place , the Blues need points too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the away side arriving at B6 today make of the test ahead .
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You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Strider6003 : Villa will be a different challenge both Liverpool and Everton were reasonably open attacking us , I don ’ t expect that at Villa .
We will need to break them down differently for me , might need to be patient and not give away any silly goals !
JM7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up next .
Not to be negative , but we would probably expect to lose that against them .
If we drop points today then we could be out of the top 4 .
Bluesince66 : Definitely a must win game and I will be gutted if we don ’ t , we should walk it .
Spiller86 : Always hard with these relegation games though .
I suspect with no fans it might be a bit easier , but who knows .
Munkworth : All the teams around us drawing , watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good for us .
Khai : Absolutely huge game as a win today will put us five points clear in fourth .
Come on Chelsea !
!
Jake : What a weekend this could be with a win at Villa tomorrow .
Imo Man United is the biggest threat so we have to take full advantage of any slip ups from them Jeff Borzello : WAY too much has gone right for Chelsea this week .
Literally everyone dropping points , Arsenal doing it better than anyone , Werner officially signing , Leverkusen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This just means a smash-and-grab 1-0 Villa win after John Terry subs himself on DanBach : Villa on 26 points .
It ’ s only fair that they stay on that this weekend in honour of Captain , Leader , Legend John Terry , and let us win to open a gap between us and Man Utd .
Theproperchels : Hope we don ’ t bottle it against Villa .

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Aston Villa are back in action on Sunday as they welcome Chelsea to Villa Park.
With Norwich, Bournemouth and West Ham all being beaten since Villa were last in action on Wednesday, there’s an opportunity for Dean Smith’s Lions to lift themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory here.
Chelsa have plenty of motivation too, though.
Sitting in fourth, and hoping to ward off the threat of Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves in the race for a Champions League place, the Blues need points too.
This is what the supporters of the away side arriving at B6 today make of the test ahead.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Chelsea fans on Villa
Strider6003 : Villa will be a different challenge both Liverpool and Everton were reasonably open attacking us, I don’t expect that at Villa. We will need to break them down differently for me, might need to be patient and not give away any silly goals!
JM7 : Really need 3 points with City up next. Not to be negative, but we would probably expect to lose that against them. If we drop points today then we could be out of the top 4.
Bluesince66 : Definitely a must win game and I will be gutted if we don’t, we should walk it.
Spiller86 : Always hard with these relegation games though. I suspect with no fans it might be a bit easier, but who knows.
Munkworth : All the teams around us drawing, watch us lose! Villa Park is never good for us.
Khai : Absolutely huge game as a win today will put us five points clear in fourth. Come on Chelsea!!
Jake : What a weekend this could be with a win at Villa tomorrow. Imo Man United is the biggest threat so we have to take full advantage of any slip ups from them
Jeff Borzello : WAY too much has gone right for Chelsea this week. Literally everyone dropping points, Arsenal doing it better than anyone, Werner officially signing, Leverkusen dropping out of the CL places. This just means a smash-and-grab 1-0 Villa win after John Terry subs himself on
DanBach : Villa on 26 points. It’s only fair that they stay on that this weekend in honour of Captain, Leader, Legend John Terry, and let us win to open a gap between us and Man Utd.
Tom Williams : Results going in Chelsea’s favour means a guaranteed Villa masterclass tomorrow
Theproperchels : Hope we don’t bottle it against Villa.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Three people dead and three injured after stabbings rampage

Three people have died and three more suffered serious injuries after a mass stabbing in a Reading park .
The horrifying incident happened in the Berkshire town at 7pm on Saturday .
A 25-year-old man was later arrested at a block of flats after allegedly being `` rugby tackled '' to the ground by a hero police officer .
Police are saying they are not at this stage treating it as a terror attack .
They also said it was `` not connected '' with a Black Lives Matter protest which had happened there earlier .
The Mirror reports how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardens park in the town centre , which was filled with people enjoying the evening sunshine and warmth .
One witness told Mirror Online how he saw blood spurting and victims dropping `` like a weight '' as a man appeared to be `` tapping them on the head '' at random .
Another witness said the knifeman `` shouted some unintelligible words '' and stabbed victims in the neck and under their arms as the horrific mass stabbing unfolded .
Extremely graphic video on social media shows at least four people covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed CPR on victims who appeared to be motionless .
A source told the Sunday Mirror : “ A man pulled a knife and started attacking people at random in Reading , near the Crown Court .
It is thought there was one attacker .
`` It appeared the attack was stopped when a lone sergeant , who responded when the alarm was raised , ran to the scene , saw the attacker running away with a knife and rugby-tackled him to the ground.
” Another witness , Dan , aged 26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with two friends , said he saw a man approach a group `` just in a circle chatting '' and then started racing around the group `` tapping them on the head '' .
`` I thought they were playing duck duck goose and thought someone had been sick , we realised it was blood spraying out , '' he said .
Dan said he saw the man take a blow to a woman 's neck - and she then `` dropped like a weight '' .
By now , four people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said it all happened so quickly , even though the park was busy , not many people appeared to have noticed it .
`` It was strange - not like you see in films , there was no screaming .
We were running by people dancing in groups - they had n't seen what happened , '' he said .
A second witness , Lawrence Wort , was sitting close to the group in the park when the attack unfolded , and said it appeared to be `` completely random '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park was pretty full , a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through .
[ He ] suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group - of around 10 - trying to stab them .
`` He stabbed three of them severely in the neck , and under the arms and then turned and started running towards me when we turned and started running .
When he realised that he couldn ’ t catch us he tried to stab another group sat down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of crime at Thames Valley Police , said : “ The Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation following this incident .
“ We have made one arrest and at this stage we are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident .
There is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public , however we urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling police .
“ This is not currently being treated as a terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open mind as to the motivation for the incident and are being supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing South East .
“ There have been some reports that this incident was linked to the Black Lives Matter protest which took place in Reading earlier this afternoon .
I can confirm that this incident is not connected .
It occurred around three hours after the protest had concluded .
“ We are also aware that the incident was captured on mobile phones and would like to hear from anyone who has video footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and injured , along with their loved ones , please do not circulate this footage on social media – this will be incredibly distressing . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris Kitching, Talia Shadwell, Jane Tyler)

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Three people have died and three more suffered serious injuries after a mass stabbing in a Reading park.
The horrifying incident happened in the Berkshire town at 7pm on Saturday.
A 25-year-old man was later arrested at a block of flats after allegedly being "rugby tackled" to the ground by a hero police officer.
Police are saying they are not at this stage treating it as a terror attack. They also said it was "not connected" with a Black Lives Matter protest which had happened there earlier.
(Image: PA)
The Mirror reports how the terrifying incident unfolded in the Forbury Gardens park in the town centre, which was filled with people enjoying the evening sunshine and warmth.
One witness told Mirror Online how he saw blood spurting and victims dropping "like a weight" as a man appeared to be "tapping them on the head" at random.
Another witness said the knifeman "shouted some unintelligible words" and stabbed victims in the neck and under their arms as the horrific mass stabbing unfolded.
Extremely graphic video on social media shows at least four people covered in blood while witnesses and police officers performed CPR on victims who appeared to be motionless.
(Image: PA)
A source told the Sunday Mirror: “A man pulled a knife and started attacking people at random in Reading, near the Crown Court. It is thought there was one attacker.
"It appeared the attack was stopped when a lone sergeant, who responded when the alarm was raised, ran to the scene, saw the attacker running away with a knife and rugby-tackled him to the ground.”
Another witness, Dan, aged 26, who was drinking wine in the park with two friends, said he saw a man approach a group "just in a circle chatting" and then started racing around the group "tapping them on the head".
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"I thought they were playing duck duck goose and thought someone had been sick, we realised it was blood spraying out," he said.
Dan said he saw the man take a blow to a woman's neck - and she then "dropped like a weight". By now, four people were on the ground and "immobile". He said it all happened so quickly, even though the park was busy, not many people appeared to have noticed it.
"It was strange - not like you see in films, there was no screaming. We were running by people dancing in groups - they hadn't seen what happened," he said.
A second witness, Lawrence Wort, was sitting close to the group in the park when the attack unfolded, and said it appeared to be "completely random".
Mr Wort said: "The park was pretty full, a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through. [He] suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group - of around 10 - trying to stab them.
"He stabbed three of them severely in the neck, and under the arms and then turned and started running towards me when we turned and started running. When he realised that he couldn’t catch us he tried to stab another group sat down."
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, head of crime at Thames Valley Police, said: “The Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation following this incident.
“We have made one arrest and at this stage we are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident. There is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public, however we urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling police.
“This is not currently being treated as a terrorism incident, however officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation for the incident and are being supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
“There have been some reports that this incident was linked to the Black Lives Matter protest which took place in Reading earlier this afternoon. I can confirm that this incident is not connected. It occurred around three hours after the protest had concluded.
“We are also aware that the incident was captured on mobile phones and would like to hear from anyone who has video footage. Out of respect for those deceased and injured, along with their loved ones, please do not circulate this footage on social media – this will be incredibly distressing."


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Father and girlfriend charged over death of his six-year-old son

A father and his partner have been charged over the death of his six-year-old son .
Arthur Labinjo-Hughes died in hospital after he was found unresponsive at a house in Cranmore Road , Shirley on Tuesday ( June 16 ) afternoon , West Midlands Police ( WMP ) said .
A post-mortem conducted on Friday said his death was caused by a head injury .
Arthur ’ s father Thomas Hughes ( 27 ) and his partner Emma Tustin ( 31 ) of Cranmore Road , were arrested on Tuesday and have now been charged with causing or allowing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to the house at around 3pm where the child was found in cardiac arrest and taken to Birmingham Children 's Hospital .
He sadly died in the early hours of the following morning .
Hughes and Tustin are set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday ( June 22 ) .
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison , from the Homicide Unit , said : “ Arthur ’ s death is deeply distressing and we have specialist officers with his family as they grieve his loss .
“ Our investigation continues even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Arthur ’ s death .
“ If anyone has any information I would urge them to contact us . ''
Detectives can be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or on 101 anytime .
Floral tributes have been placed outside the semi-detached home in memory of the six-year-old .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman previously said : `` We were called to a property in Cranmore Road at 2.42pm on Tuesday , June 16 .
`` Two ambulances , a paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a boy in a critical condition .
Staff administered advanced life support on scene and on route to Birmingham Children 's Hospital . ''

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A father and his partner have been charged over the death of his six-year-old son.
Arthur Labinjo-Hughes died in hospital after he was found unresponsive at a house in Cranmore Road, Shirley on Tuesday (June 16) afternoon, West Midlands Police (WMP) said.
A post-mortem conducted on Friday said his death was caused by a head injury.
Arthur’s father Thomas Hughes (27) and his partner Emma Tustin (31)of Cranmore Road, were arrested on Tuesday and have now been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.
Officers were called to the house at around 3pm where the child was found in cardiac arrest and taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
He sadly died in the early hours of the following morning.
Hughes and Tustin are set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday (June 22).
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from the Homicide Unit, said: “Arthur’s death is deeply distressing and we have specialist officers with his family as they grieve his loss.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“Our investigation continues even though we have charged two people in connection with Arthur’s death.
“If anyone has any information I would urge them to contact us."
Detectives can be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or on 101 anytime.
Floral tributes have been placed outside the semi-detached home in memory of the six-year-old.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman previously said: "We were called to a property in Cranmore Road at 2.42pm on Tuesday, June 16.
"Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team attended. On arrival, crews found a boy in a critical condition. Staff administered advanced life support on scene and on route to Birmingham Children's Hospital."


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Aston Villa learn how much Pierluigi Gollini would cost this summer

Atalanta will demand as much as €30m for Pierlugi Gollini , after Aston Villa emerged as a shock suitor for his signature .
The former Villa keeper left the club in 2017 , just months after arriving under Roberto Di Matteo .
He was one of the first signings under the then Villa boss , but his career quickly unravelled after his compatriot was sacked the manager in October of 2016 .
After failing to impress Steve Bruce , he was shipped off on loan to Atalanta , with the move becoming a permanent one 18 months later .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store However , his stock has continually risen since his move to Serie A , with the Italian club qualifying for the Champions League and making it to this year ’ s quarter finals , before it was halted .
Earlier this year , Villa were reported to be keen on bringing the 25-year-old back to B6 , with Tottenham and AC Milan also believed to be interested .
But according to reports in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell their number one with Tuttosport claiming they will demand €30m before they consider selling the keeper .
Back in May Gollini was asked about his time in the Midlands , speaking glowingly about his former club .
“ It 's a great club , ” he said .
“ Things did not go as I hoped .
Then came Atalanta .
At the beginning I did n't play much ( but ) I always believed in my choice .
`` There was a moment when I wanted to go away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SPAL and , when I was n't playing , I was going to the Bundesliga .
But I stayed.
” Villa have three senior keepers at the club , although Tom Heaton 's injury means it is currently a straight battle between loanee Pepe Reina and Orjan Nyland for the starting role in Dean Smith 's starting XI .
Lovre Kalinic 's future at the club appears to be over however , with reports that Besiktas have launched a bid to sign the Croatian , initially on loan .

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Atalanta will demand as much as €30m for Pierlugi Gollini, after Aston Villa emerged as a shock suitor for his signature.
The former Villa keeper left the club in 2017, just months after arriving under Roberto Di Matteo. He was one of the first signings under the then Villa boss, but his career quickly unravelled after his compatriot was sacked the manager in October of 2016.
After failing to impress Steve Bruce, he was shipped off on loan to Atalanta, with the move becoming a permanent one 18 months later.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
However, his stock has continually risen since his move to Serie A, with the Italian club qualifying for the Champions League and making it to this year’s quarter finals, before it was halted.
Earlier this year, Villa were reported to be keen on bringing the 25-year-old back to B6, with Tottenham and AC Milan also believed to be interested.
But according to reports in Italy, Atalanta are in no rush to sell their number one with Tuttosport claiming they will demand €30m before they consider selling the keeper.
Back in May Gollini was asked about his time in the Midlands, speaking glowingly about his former club.
“It's a great club,” he said. “Things did not go as I hoped. Then came Atalanta. At the beginning I didn't play much (but) I always believed in my choice.
"There was a moment when I wanted to go away from Atalanta. I was close to joining SPAL and, when I wasn't playing, I was going to the Bundesliga. But I stayed.”
Villa have three senior keepers at the club, although Tom Heaton's injury means it is currently a straight battle between loanee Pepe Reina and Orjan Nyland for the starting role in Dean Smith's starting XI.
Lovre Kalinic's future at the club appears to be over however, with reports that Besiktas have launched a bid to sign the Croatian, initially on loan.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Bubbles and sweary rants - What you missed in Wolves' West Ham win

Wolverhampton Wanderers returned to Premier League action with an impressive 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday evening .
Wolves left it late but second half substitutes Adama Traore and Pedro Neto inspired them to three points which lifts them up to sixth in the table .
Traore teed up Raul Jimenez for the first before Neto blasted home a volley at the far post with six minutes to go at the London Stadium .
This was our first taste of the Premier League ’ s new 'normal ' with the usual travelling army of Wolves fans sat in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here we take a look at a few of the things you might have missed : There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store It seems incredibly strange to ask players to social distance from each other when they line up before the game , yet once it begins they ’ re allowed to wrestle and grapple with one another .
West Ham ’ s players made their way out of the tunnel first for kick-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so later .
This has been the case in every game where the ground only has one tunnel .
Wolves then proceeded to line up for what would usually be the pre-match handshake ( that isn ’ t happening ) .
In fairness to Wolves , they were perfectly distanced apart in comparison to West Ham .
Despite no fans being inside the stadium West Ham still put on their usual bubble show before kick-off .
It was incredibly short-lived and very few people inside the ground even noticed what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most famous pre-match ritual was carried out .
You can hear everything ... Those of us who ’ ve been watching the first Premier League games on TV over the past few days will have heard all the usual chants and gasps that supporters provide .
That doesn ’ t happen inside the stadium so you hear pretty much everything the players shout at each other and the officials - including the ranting and raving .
Michail Antonio in particular didn ’ t mince his words for one of Anthony Taylor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision went against him .
Bizarrely , there was music played during the two drinks breaks which happened midway through each half .
Nuno hasn ’ t changed a bit during the lockdown period .
He still kicks and heads every ball and jumps up and down exasperatedly when he sees something he doesn ’ t like .
He was furious with Diogo Jota towards the end of the first half after the attacker missed the opportunity to play in Leander Dendoncker on a swift Wolves breakaway .
He slapped his arms against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” Ruben Neves was in for similar tough love from Nuno just moments later .
Those controlling the sound at the London Stadium obviously sensed West Ham ’ s players needed a lift bigger than David Moyes ’ half-time team talk .
As the players returned for the second half a rousing rendition of the club ’ s anthem I ’ m Forever Blowing Bubbles was played inside the ground .
And a second lot of bubbles were blown into the sunny sky for good measure .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers returned to Premier League action with an impressive 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday evening.
Wolves left it late but second half substitutes Adama Traore and Pedro Neto inspired them to three points which lifts them up to sixth in the table.
Traore teed up Raul Jimenez for the first before Neto blasted home a volley at the far post with six minutes to go at the London Stadium.
This was our first taste of the Premier League’s new 'normal' with the usual travelling army of Wolves fans sat in front of their TV screens at home.
Here we take a look at a few of the things you might have missed:
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Social distancing kings
It seems incredibly strange to ask players to social distance from each other when they line up before the game, yet once it begins they’re allowed to wrestle and grapple with one another.
West Ham’s players made their way out of the tunnel first for kick-off, with Wolves’ following a minute or so later. This has been the case in every game where the ground only has one tunnel.
Wolves then proceeded to line up for what would usually be the pre-match handshake (that isn’t happening). In fairness to Wolves, they were perfectly distanced apart in comparison to West Ham.
Bubbles!
Despite no fans being inside the stadium West Ham still put on their usual bubble show before kick-off.
It was incredibly short-lived and very few people inside the ground even noticed what was going on, but West Ham’s most famous pre-match ritual was carried out.
You can hear everything...
Those of us who’ve been watching the first Premier League games on TV over the past few days will have heard all the usual chants and gasps that supporters provide.
That doesn’t happen inside the stadium so you hear pretty much everything the players shout at each other and the officials - including the ranting and raving.
Michail Antonio in particular didn’t mince his words for one of Anthony Taylor’s assistants in the first half after a decision went against him.
Bizarrely, there was music played during the two drinks breaks which happened midway through each half.
Nuno’s growl
Nuno hasn’t changed a bit during the lockdown period. He still kicks and heads every ball and jumps up and down exasperatedly when he sees something he doesn’t like.
He was furious with Diogo Jota towards the end of the first half after the attacker missed the opportunity to play in Leander Dendoncker on a swift Wolves breakaway.
He slapped his arms against his thighs before growling: “Diogo!” Ruben Neves was in for similar tough love from Nuno just moments later.
A raucous reception
Those controlling the sound at the London Stadium obviously sensed West Ham’s players needed a lift bigger than David Moyes’ half-time team talk.
As the players returned for the second half a rousing rendition of the club’s anthem I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles was played inside the ground.
And a second lot of bubbles were blown into the sunny sky for good measure.