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Showing posts from September 15, 2024

EFL Cup: Man United thrash Barnsley

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Manchester United 7 - 0 Barnsley Manchester United enjoyed an ideal evening, securing their biggest victory under Erik ten Hag and easing into the EFL Cup last-16 at the expense of a struggling League One Barnsley side. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen each found the net twice, while Brazilian winger Antony calmly slotted home a first-half penalty. What began as a comfortable performance soon turned into a resounding win. This marked United’s largest triumph since their 9-0 demolition of Southampton in February 2021, back when the stands were empty due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was undoubtedly a memorable night for Ten Hag's reign, as United hadn’t previously scored five under his management. Eriksen’s late brace only added to the celebration. Barnsley's travelling supporters were vocal throughout, but Darrell Clarke’s side was completely outclassed. Their highlight of the night came in the first half when Clarke himself showe

Spain: Barcelona maintain perfect start to the season

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Girona 1 - 4 Barcelona Lamine Yamal netted twice as Barcelona continued their dominant start to the season with a commanding 4-1 victory away at Girona. The 17-year-old Spanish winger opened the scoring in the 30th minute, capitalising on a mistake by David Lopez deep in Girona's half, before expertly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. Yamal added his second just seven minutes later with a composed first-time strike from the edge of the box, following a rebound from Raphinha's free-kick. Click here for more La Liga news and stories Girona, who finished third last season, thought they had been awarded a penalty after Bryan Gil's header struck Inigo Martinez's arm, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Dani Olmo became the first player since Cesc Fabregas in 2011 to score in his first three league games for Barcelona, finding the net with a precise finish from a tight angle in the 47th minute to make it 3-0. Seventeen minutes later, midf

Premier League: Newcastle fight back to beat Wolves

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Wolves 1 - 2 Newcastle United Harvey Barnes' sensational late strike maintained Newcastle's unbeaten start to the season as they came from behind to win at Wolves. Coming off the bench, Barnes curled a beauty from 20 yards out with just 10 minutes remaining, shortly after Fabian Schar had levelled the game. Wolves had taken the lead through Mario Lemina’s first goal since February, but Gary O'Neil's side are still searching for their first win after four games. Click here for more Newcastle United news and stories A closer look at what happened Newcastle looked lively in the early stages of the game, with Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone tipping over Jacob Murphy's effort after the winger burst forward. This sparked a heated exchange between O'Neil and his defender, Craig Dawson. The Magpies kept the pressure on, and Anthony Gordon nearly doubled their advantage, hitting the post after a slick dribble past Nelson Semedo and nutmegging Yerson Mosquera. Pictures

Championship: West Brom go top of the league

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Portsmouth 0 - 3 West Bromwich Albion Alex Mowatt scored twice as West Bromwich Albion claimed an impressive 3-0 win over Portsmouth, sending them to the top of the Championship. The Baggies now lead the table with 13 points from five games, overtaking Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Burnley. A closer look at what happened West Brom got off to a flying start, with forward Josh Maja finding the net in the first minute. Mowatt then added a superb second-half strike and later sealed the victory with a stunning late free-kick, securing all three points for Carlos Corberán's side. Portsmouth, currently second from bottom, are still searching for their first league win of the season. It's been a tough start to their return to the second tier, with some challenging opening fixtures. West Brom set the pace early on when Tom Fellows raced down the right side of the Portsmouth box, cutting the ball back for Maja to calmly slot home, much to the delight of the travelling Baggies su

Premier League: North London is red

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Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Arsenal Gabriel was Arsenal's North London derby day hero as he headed home the only goal to secure a third-straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brazilian defender towered over the Spurs defence on 64 minutes to divert home a Bukayo Saka corner and settle a game of few chances. You'd have to say that Arsenal enjoyed the better of throughout the contest and ultimately deserved their hard-fought victory. The result ensured that Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League this campaign, but more importantly for all Gooners, saw them claim a hat-trick of wins at the home of their neighbours for the first time since 1988 as their fantastic away record in 2024 continues. A closer look at what happened Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, shone in the early moments, making crucial saves to deny Dejan Kulusevski and keeping Spurs at bay. At the other end, Guglielmo Vicario was equally impressive, pulling off a fine stop to keep out a Kai

Premier League: Everton squander another lead

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Aston Villa 3 - 2 Everton Jhon Duran’s stunning long-range strike secured a dramatic Premier League comeback win for Aston Villa, as Everton collapsed from a 2-0 lead for the second game in a row. Everton were left reeling, having already thrown away a two-goal advantage in their previous match against Bournemouth, and Saturday brought a painful sense of déjà vu as they squandered another lead, leaving them still without a point this season. A closer look at what happened Villa started strongly, with Ollie Watkins’ header cleared off the line, but it was Everton who struck first. Dwight McNeil dispossessed former teammate Amadou Onana – much to the delight of the travelling fans – before surging forward and firing a precise shot into the bottom corner. Despite their struggles and lack of confidence, Sean Dyche’s side extended their lead in the 27th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose highest to powerfully head home. However, Villa quickly responded. Ex-Everton full-back Luca

Scotland: Celtic keep up perfect start

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Celtic 2 - 0 Hearts Celtic maintained their perfect start to the season as both sides faced contrasting outcomes with VAR for the champions and Hearts. Early in the match, the visitors were initially awarded a penalty in the first half after Lawrence Shankland's header struck Liam Scales' arm. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. In the second half, a cross from Nicolas Kuhn made contact with James Penrice's hand, leading to another VAR review. This time, the result was a penalty, and record signing Arne Engels scored his first goal for Celtic from the spot. To seal the victory, Luke McCowan also scored his first goal for Celtic with a late strike.  What about Hearts? Hearts find themselves one point behind at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. This was an improved performance from the visitors, but the match ultimately ended in a seventh straight defeat in all competitions. Referee Colin Steven had been quick to point to the spot after the Sca

PL Reaction: Haaland strikes again

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Manchester City 2 - 1 Brentford Erling Haaland netted twice, bringing his Premier League tally to nine, as Manchester City overcame an early setback to secure a victory over Brentford and maintain their perfect start to the season. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa opened the scoring just 23 seconds in, heading into an empty net after a mix-up between John Stones and Ederson, who failed to clear Keane Lewis-Potter’s nod-back. City players and fans were shaken. However, Haaland quickly restored order, firing in a loose ball after Kevin de Bruyne was dispossessed inside the Brentford penalty area. The Norwegian striker then was in action again and bagged a second goal before half-time. He shrugged off Ethan Pinnock to reach Ederson’s long pass and slot the ball home. Fan reaction Macca, a Manchester Cit y fan, told us: "It was great to get the but there were some concerning signs throughout the match. Brentford caused our players a lot of problems. The atmosphere was also a bit rubbish.

Premier League: Palace rescue late point against Leicester

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Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Leicester City Note - This article and photo were sent to us by our friends at GMCR Football   Jean-Philippe Mateta rescued a late draw for Crystal Palace, netting his second goal of the match with a 92nd-minute penalty that denied Leicester City their first Premier League win since their return. Mateta had ended last season on a high, scoring nine goals in his final six matches under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, and his value to the team was evident again as his double strike saved Palace from what would have been a worrying defeat. A closer look at the match Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for Leicester midway through the first half, picking up a pass from Wilfred Ndidi, rounding Dean Henderson, and slotting the ball into an empty net. Leicester extended their lead just 23 seconds after the restart, with Ndidi pouncing on a poor clearance from Palace debutant Maxence Lacroix, setting up Stephy Mavididi to blast the ball into the roof of the net from close