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Showing posts from September 29, 2024

UEL: Maguire to the rescue for Man United

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Porto 3 - 3 Manchester United Harry Maguire salvaged a dramatic draw for a 10-man Manchester United side, who had thrown away a two-goal lead and seen Bruno Fernandes sent off in their Europa League clash against Porto. Maguire's injury-time header could be a lifeline for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, with the team just seconds from suffering their fourth defeat in ten games at the start of the season. In the first of five added minutes, Maguire leapt to meet Christian Eriksen's corner and expertly nodded the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial point. A closer look at what happened Marcus Rashford put United ahead in the seventh minute, cutting in from the left and skillfully beating two defenders before his low shot slipped past Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the near post. Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the season, added a second after 20 minutes, finishing off a swift United counter-attack to give them firm control. Porto weren’t done yet

Championship: Stoke thrash Pompey

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Stoke City 6 - 1 Portsmouth Tom Cannon bagged four goals as Stoke City stormed to a dominant win over Portsmouth, securing their first Championship victory under new head coach Narcis Pelach. Cannon opened the scoring for Stoke after 13 minutes with a superb curling free-kick from 25 yards—his first goal for the club. Portsmouth hit back in the 29th minute when Mark O'Mahony finished off a swift counter-attack, but Stoke quickly regained control. Cannon struck again, and Sam Gallagher added another in the space of three minutes just before half-time. Cannon then netted twice more in rapid succession after the break, before Andrew Moran rounded off the comprehensive win, leaving Portsmouth still searching for their first victory after eight league matches. A closer look at what happened as Stoke return to winning ways The Potters started with real intent, with Ben Wilmot rattling the crossbar with a long-range effort after just 30 seconds. It set the tone for a relentless Stoke

UCL: Historic night at Villa Park

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Aston Villa 1 - 0 Bayern Munich In an electrifying evening at Villa Park, Jhon Duran once again made a stunning impact off the bench, securing a glorious Champions League victory for Aston Villa over Bayern Munich. The occasion was steeped in history, evoking memories of Villa’s famous 1982 European Cup triumph against the German side in Rotterdam. This time, Duran replicated that iconic scoreline, netting his fifth goal as a substitute this season. Brought on in the 70th minute to replace Ollie Watkins, it took Duran just nine minutes to make his presence felt. Spotting Bayern’s experienced keeper, Manuel Neuer, out of position, he calmly lobbed the ball into the net. A closer look at a sensational night in the Midlands For Villa manager Unai Emery, this was another resounding success. The result builds on Villa's strong start to their Champions League   campaign having beaten Young Boys 3-0 in Switzerland in their opening match. Villa Park, hosting its first Champions League

UCL: Barca thrash Swiss side

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Barcelona 5 - 0 Young Boys Robert Lewandowski netted twice as Barcelona cruised to victory over Young Boys in the Champions League. Lewandowski opened the scoring just eight minutes in, slotting home Raphinha’s cross at the far post. Barca soon doubled their advantage, with Raphinha tucking away the rebound after Pedri’s initial shot was blocked. The La Liga leaders were in full control, and just three minutes later, Iñigo Martínez added a third, heading in from close range following a pinpoint free-kick from Pedri. Barcelona extended their lead early in the second half, with Martínez nodding the ball back across goal for Lewandowski to tap in his second of the night. Champions League: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Young Boys’ best opportunity came when Joel Monteiro's effort struck the crossbar, but their night went from bad to worse in the 81st minute when Mohamed Ali Camara inadvertently turned Alejandro Balde's cross into his own net. Monteiro thought he ha

UCL: Havertz and Saka sink PSG

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Arsenal 2 - 0 PSG Arsenal claimed their first victory in the revamped Champions League, defeating Paris St-Germain in North London. Mikel Arteta's men built on their initial draw with Atalanta by taking charge early, thanks to two first-half goals: Kai Havertz's well-timed header and a cleverly placed free-kick from Bukayo Saka that slipped past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Although PSG had their chances, most notably when Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves struck the woodwork either side of the break, Arsenal's dominance in the first half set the stage for their triumph. Havertz opened the scoring after 20 minutes, beating Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross and nodding it home. Saka added a second, catching the PSG keeper off guard with a long-range free-kick that found its way into the net through a crowded penalty box. PSG, now in a period of transition without their former stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, applied more pressure in the

PL Reaction: Spurs fans respond to memorable afternoon

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Manchester United 0 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur After a poor result against Arsenal, the pressure was starting to build on the Tottenham manager.  At Old Trafford, during this 3-0 victory, Tottenham looked like a completely different team.  These fans are die-hard Spurs supporters, and they were thrilled with both the result and the performance that went with it. After some difficult Premier League matches, this was a Spurs side full of confidence. The fans have since responded in an equally positive way. Greg, a Spurs fan living in Halifax, said: "We put in a fantastic performance. Manchester United were below par, and we took full advantage of that. Delighted with the 3-0 win, although it could have been even more emphatic. Timo Werner should have put away those one-on-one opportunities, and Dominic Solanke also missed a clear chance. Nevertheless, I'm pleased with the team's effort and superb result." Peter watched the match from the home stands Old Trafford. He said

The Big Discussion: What needs to change at Manchester United

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Does there need to be a change in tactics? Do they need a new manager? What's next for the Old Trafford club? Despite last season's FA Cup win, United fans views on the future of Ten Hag were split. After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, many fans wondered if he was the right man to lead the club back to its former glories.  Some supporters also argued that his tactical approach was too rigid, and there was additional growing concerns about his ability to adapt to the demands of the English game.  Debate about Ten Hag's future again Once again, the Dutchman's position at the helm of one of football's giants has shifted from persistent uncertainty to genuine crisis following a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham. For United's hierarchy, the choice to stick with the ex-Ajax manager is proving to be one that may cast a shadow over the early phase of his reign at Old Trafford. But the question now is whether they should double down on their decision

Premier League: Soucek secures a point for West Ham

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Brentford 1 - 1 West Ham United Tomas Soucek's second-half goal secured a point for West Ham against Brentford after Bryan Mbeumo netted a lightning-fast opener for the hosts within the first minute. For the third consecutive Premier League match, Brentford scored in under 60 seconds, with Mbeumo expertly curling a volley beyond Alphonse Areola's reach. Despite the early setback, West Ham maintained a positive approach, dominating the chances in the first half. Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Mohammed Kudus all had opportunities, though only Kudus managed to test the keeper. Brentford, after their early burst, seemed content to sit back and absorb the pressure. Their next significant effort came in the 34th minute when Mbeumo headed over the bar. West Ham’s persistence paid off shortly after the break. Soucek, drafted into the starting line-up to replace the suspended Edson Alvarez, capitalised on a loose ball and calmly slotted home from close range. Premier League: 202

Scotland: No let-up from Celtic in Perth

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St Johnstone 0 - 6 Celtic  Celtic surged to the top of the Scottish Premiership after a resounding 6-0 victory against St Johnstone.  The defending champions initially believed they had scored early on through Daizen Maeda, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a foul in the build-up. A closer look at what happened in Perth Kyogo Furuhashi eventually put the visitors in front with a typical run and finish and Paulo Bernardo completed an excellent move with a fine finish. Kyogo then headed a third in first-half added time and Callum McGregor, Maeda and substitute Adam Idah added more goals in the second period. Brendan Rodgers' side lead Aberdeen on goal difference at the top of the table while Saints are a point above second bottom. Celtic looking unstoppable in Scotland. Positive signs for their Champions League campaign? Celtic made several changes once again in their 5-2 Scottish League Cup victory over Falkirk last week, and it was a similar story in Perth, with the injured Ca

Premier League: Late drama at The Emirates

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Arsenal 4 - 2 Leicester City The Gunners snatched a thrilling victory over Leicester at the Emirates Stadium with two stoppage-time goals. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match.  An own goal from Wilfred Ndidi in the 94th minute, followed by a close-range finish from Kai Havertz deep into injury time , crushed Leicester's hopes of an unlikely point after they had clawed back from two goals down in the second half. Gabriel Martinelli had put the Gunners ahead in the first half with a composed finish from Jurrien Timber’s cross, before setting up Leandro Trossard for a second goal right on the brink of half-time. Leicester barely threatened in the first half, managing only a single touch in Arsenal’s box before the break. However, they pulled one back just over a minute into the second half when James Justin’s header from Facundo Buonanotte’s free-kick deflected off Havertz and into the net. Justin then levelled the score in spectacular fashion, lashing home a swervin