Posts

Showing posts from September 15, 2024

WSL: Chelsea start new era with a win

Image
Chelsea Women 1 - 0 Aston Villa Women There was collective sigh of relief echoed around Kingsmeadow as Chelsea secured their first win of the post-Emma Hayes era. Sonia Bompastor, the woman tasked with following in the footsteps of one of football's greatest managers, was warmly welcomed on a balmy evening under the lights on the outskirts of London. Stepping into the shoes of a legend – and there’s no doubt that 14-time major trophy winner Hayes is exactly that – can be an intimidating prospect. Just ask David Moyes or Arne Slot, following last weekend’s defeat at Anfield. Aston Villa arrived determined to earn their first points in this fixture, having lost all eight of their previous encounters with Chelsea. The visitors quietly impressed during the first half. Early signs suggested they might be overwhelmed by the occasion, but they successfully navigated a nervy start – including a significant miss by Chelsea's Guro Reiten – and began to settle into the game. How the 2

Championship: Hull City produce astonishing second-half turnaround

Image
Stoke City 1 - 3 Hull City Hull City staged a remarkable second-half comeback, spoiling Narcis Pelach's first match as Stoke City manager and securing Tim Walter’s first win as Tigers boss on his seventh attempt. Stoke appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory, leading 1-0 at half-time courtesy of Ben Wilmot’s 30th-minute header. However, Kasey Palmer sparked Hull’s revival with a 63rd-minute equaliser, heading in the rebound after his penalty was saved by Viktor Johansson. This was the first of three Tigers goals in a 16-minute blitz. Substitute Regan Slater capitalised on a Wilmot mistake to fire in a powerful shot from 18 yards in the 77th minute. Just two minutes later, Palmer's weak shot took a fortuitous deflection off Wilmot’s calf and slipped through Johansson’s legs to make it 3-1. EFL: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at what happened Stoke had chances early on. Bae Jun-Ho squandered a great opportunity in the first minute, whil

UCL: Easy night in Rotterdam for Leverkusen

Image
Feyenoord 0 - 4 Bayer Leverkusen  Florian Wirtz shone on his Champions League debut, netting twice as Bayer Leverkusen secured a comfortable win over Feyenoord. The German champions took an early lead five minutes in, with Wirtz calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out. Xabi Alonso’s adventurous wing-backs linked up beautifully for the second goal, as Jeremie Frimpong delivered a cross that found Alex Grimaldo, who finished easily and without much pressure from the home side's defence. Frimpong, a former Celtic player, then set up 21-year-old German international Wirtz for his second goal, a well-executed volley. Champions League: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Leverkusen had effectively wrapped up the match before half-time when Edmond Tapsoba's header was deflected into the net by Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther. Despite having fewer attempts on goal than their opponents, the Bundesliga side displayed ruthless efficiency.

UCL: Raya rescues Arsenal

Image
Atalanta 0 - 0 Arsenal David Raya pulled off a stunning double save from the penalty spot as Arsenal played out a draw against Atalanta in their Champions League opener. The Spaniard dived low to his right to deny Mateo Retegui’s penalty, then somehow scrambled across his goal to keep out the striker’s follow-up header right on the line. It was the only moment of excitement and quality in an otherwise forgettable match in Bergamo. Clear chances were hard to come by, with Raya not needing to make any other saves beyond that dramatic two-second sequence. Arsenal, on the other hand, didn’t manage a single shot between the 18th and 75th minute. Like their opponents, their only two shots on target came as part of a double save. Atalanta's keeper, Marco Carnesecchi, tipped away Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and then blocked Thomas Partey’s close-range follow-up. Champions League: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) It looked as though the game might slip away from Arsenal when Thoma

UCL: Inter hold City

Image
Manchester City 0 - 0 Inter Milan Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by a determined Inter side, as the Premier League champions experienced a frustrating start to their Champions League campaign. Despite City controlling possession, Inter posed a real threat on the counter-attack, managing 10 shots in the first half – the most City have faced under Pep Guardiola in a home Champions League match, and more than they’ve conceded in any Premier League game. City's chances were limited, with Phil Foden’s effort on his return the closest they came, while Ilkay Gundogan missed two promising headers. It was far from a vintage performance from Guardiola’s men. On the other hand, Inter’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, will likely be frustrated by his team’s inability to capitalise on their counter-attacking opportunities. Champions League: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at what happened in Manchester and the wider context of the result The extended format

UCL: A great European night for Celtic

Image
Celtic 5 - 1 Slovan Bratislava Celtic delivered a commanding performance at a lively Celtic Park to secure their first-ever opening Champions League victory in emphatic fashion, overpowering Slovan Bratislava. In a rare instance where they started as favourites in Europe's top competition, Brendan Rodgers' team produced an energetic and composed display. Liam Scales sent the home crowd into raptures in the 17th minute, heading in Arne Engels' corner. Despite creating several chances before half-time, the Scottish champions couldn’t extend their lead. Kyogo Furuhashi eased any nerves just two minutes into the second half, steering Nicolas Kuhn’s powerful cross into the net, putting fears of missed opportunities to rest. Visit this page for more Celtic news and stories Celtic continued to create chances, and after Alistair Johnston was fouled by Danylo Ihnatenko, the impressive Engels calmly slotted home from the penalty spot for a third. Although Kevin Wimmer's exqui

EFL Cup: Man United thrash Barnsley

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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