European Super Football

 Middlesborough 0 - 1 Aston Villa Aston Villa secured their first FA Cup victory since 2016, as Matty Cash delivered a late winning goal against Middlesbrough.  Highlights below from  The Emirates FA Cup - YouTube   The Championship club Boro was on the verge of forcing a replay when Cash's shot from outside the box took an unexpected deflection, ultimately beating goalkeeper Tom Glover. The Australian keeper had earlier displayed an impressive performance at the lively Riverside Stadium, frustrating the Premier League visitors with saves against young Colombia forward Jhon Duran (twice) and captain John McGinn. Villa' s frustration grew as Ezri Konsa's header hit the post before Poland full-back Cash scored his fourth goal of the season in three different competitions. Magic of the FA Cup: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) More Aston Villa news and stories This victory marked a significant milestone for Villa, a seven-time FA Cup-winning team that had not tas

 Aston Villa 1 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United gained a valuable 2-1 away win at Aston Villa to earn a long-awaited victory away against top-nine opposition. The Red Devils started the match at Villa Park, hoping to extend their recent game streak across all competitions. More Premier League news here:  Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Villa made a good start to the game and looked to keep possession of the ball for long spells to draw Manchester United onto them. However, the visitors had other plans as they sat back and looked to hit on the counter. Rasmus Hojlund gave them the perfect start as he fired the Red Devils 1-0 up after 17 minutes following an assist by Harry Maguire. United had 42% of the ball in the first half and attempted seven shots, but hit the target just once for Hojlund’s goal. Villa had 10 attempts with three on target but neither side managed to alter the scoreline as the visitors led 1-0 at the break. Unf

 Aston Villa 2 - 4 Olympiakos "Everything that could have gone wrong, did." Those were the words of one Aston Villa fan as their chances of reaching a first European final since 1982 were severely dented against Olympiakos. The star man on the night for the visitors was Ayoub El Kaabi. He scored a hat-trick, netting twice early on. Ollie Watkins then reduced the deficit for Unai Emery's side and Moussa Diaby equalised moments after the interval. Villa Park was rocking at this point, creating an atmosphere that had not been seen at the famous old stadium for many years.  However, Olympiakos roared back into a two-goal lead with a El Kaabi penalty and a deflected strike from Santiago Hezze.  Douglas Luiz missed a late penalty, meaning Villa must overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg.  The Greek Super League side have actually never reached a major European final. They played without fear and attacking verve as they pressed and harassed Villa into defensive mist

 West Ham United 1 - 1 Aston Vila Tomas Soucek came agonisingly close to securing a thrilling victory for West Ham, but fate had other plans as they had to settle for a single point against Aston Villa at London Stadium. In the dying moments of added time, Soucek believed he had clinched the win for the Hammers, connecting with James Ward-Prowse's free-kick. However, his jubilation was short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling out the goal due to a handball. Aston Villa, vying for a spot in the Champions League , found their saving grace in Nicolo Zaniolo, who equalised in the 79th minute. With a precise finish, Zaniolo capitalised on Moussa Diaby's well-placed pass into the box, notching his second league goal for Villa. Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 Michail Antonio initially gave West Ham the lead with a splendid diving header, his first Premier League goal since August. However, his joy was tempered when a second goal was disallowed for handball early in the sec

 Aston Villa 3 - 3 Liverpool Aston Villa pulled off a thrilling late comeback against Liverpool at Villa Park to secure a crucial point in the battle for fourth place in the Premier League. Villa had the chance to seal a Champions League spot with a win, setting the stage for an electric atmosphere ahead of kickoff, highlighted by a special address to the fans from Hollywood icon and avid supporter Tom Hanks. However, Unai Emery's squad found themselves trailing 3-1 with just five minutes remaining, seemingly leaving the door ajar for Tottenham, but two goals from substitute Jhon Duran turned the tide, securing an improbable draw. The early festivities took a hit within minutes when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's unfortunate blunder saw him deflect Harvey Elliott's cross into his own net, leaving the Holte End in disbelief. Villa then rallied as Youri Tielemans slammed home an equaliser after 12 minutes, only for Liverpool to regain the lead through Cody Gakpo, exploit

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping that the hard-fought draw at Aston Villa eases some of the intense pressure surrounding his role. In contrast to recent performances, United showed signs of the resilience that had been sorely lacking during the home defeat to Tottenham and the defensive frailty witnessed against Porto in the Europa League. Ten Hag called upon experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans to bring stability to the backline, though Maguire was forced off with an injury just before half-time. Marcus Rashford twice tested Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, while United captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring with a second-half free-kick that rattled the crossbar in front of the Holte End. Substitute Antony also drew an impressive acrobatic save from Martinez with a long-range effort. Meanwhile, United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, had a relatively quiet evening but made an excellent save to deny a power

Brighton and Hove Albion 1 - 0 Aston Villa The impact of this Villa defeat was ultimately lessened after Spurs lost 4 - 2 away at Liverpool  Joao Pedro scored a late goal as Brighton put a small dent in Aston Villa's Champions League hopes at the Amex Stadium. The winner arrived when Pedro scored a rebound in the 87th minute after his penalty was saved by Robin Olsen. Earlier in the match, Pascal Gross had an effort for the hosts ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) . At the other end of the pitch, Villa captain John McGinn was also judged to be inches ahead of the Brighton defence before scoring in vain. Brighton's beat Aston Villa in a home game for the first time in the Premier League since its inception and for the first time at home across all competitions since December 1980. For Brighton fans, this win was a huge relief. Even then, they will have a few concerns. A lack of goals is not a characteristic often associated with Brighton managed by De

Walsall 0 - 3 Aston Villa Two first-half goals from Morgan Rogers helped Aston Villa open their pre-season schedule with a 3-0 victory at Walsall. Rogers scored in the 21st minute after receiving a quick free-kick from summer signing Ross Barkley and calmly finishing. He then doubled his tally with a tidy finish on the turn from a corner shortly after the half-hour mark. This put Villa in control against the Saddlers. The Villa boss Unai Emery changed the entire team at the interval . New arrivals Kosta Nedeljković, Samuel Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea were all introduced. A host of youngsters featured throughout at the Poundland Bescot Stadium. It took Villa time to get going again in the second half on the front foot and Walsall created several half-chances. Villa eventually started to pose a threat at the other end. It was one of those youngsters in Louie Barry who converted a third for the visitors from close range in the 90th minute from Iling Jr’s low cross. Aston Villa c

 Wolves 1 - 0 Aston Villa Victory on derby day over Aston Villa tasted all the sweeter for Wolves as it left them within touching distance of survival. Toti Gomes' bullet header settled a typically lively West Midlands clash and secured Wolves a fourth successive Molineux triumph. This has created a ten-point gap between them and the drop zone. Toti’s first goal for the club proved to be the game's only goal, with striking duo Matheus Cunha and Diego Costa both coming close, but it mattered not as a fiery atmosphere brought home the three points. This could lead to Premier League safety soon rather than later.  Let's explore the post-match reaction from the West Midlands. The full-time whistle sparked joyous scenes of celebration and another Premier League season is now within touching distance for the club. For Villa, it represents a missed opportunity in their quest for European qualification.  Danny, a Wolves Season Ticket holder, said: "That is a massive result

West Ham United continued to impress as they beat Aston Villa 4-1. The result leaves the Hammers level on points with third-placed Manchester City. Things are looking less promising for Villa. They remain in 15th place and only three points above the relegation zone. The highlights Watch the embedded YouTube video below to see some of the best action Villa Park. One fan commented on the video simply saying: "Superb". Post match reaction Most of the post match reaction focused on West Ham's great run of form and where they could potentially finish the season. In an interesting article for the BBC, former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was full of praise for the job David Moyes is doing: David is someone I have got a huge admiration for, going back to when he started out at Preston and then shaking a big club from top to bottom like he did at Everton. He gave his Everton team an identity that matched the club's own - they are known as the people's club - and

Is this a good appointment for Aston Villa? They have appointed Unai Emery as manager following the sacking of Steven Gerrard. Premier League news: Steven Gerrard sacked by Aston Villa (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Emery had joined Villarreal in 2020 and led them to Europa League success in the 2020-21 season, beating Manchester United in the final. The Spanish club also reached last year's Champions League semi-finals under Emery, losing 5-2 to Liverpool on aggregate. Emery in his Arsenal days. Credit -  Rckr88 | Flickr Emery's Villarreal appointment followed his sacking after just 18 months as Arsenal manager in November 2019. He was dismissed after failing to win in seven games. During his time in North London he took Arsenal to the Europa League final, losing to Chelsea in 2019. Villa beat Brentford 4-0 on Sunday under caretaker Danks - just their third win in 12 Premier League games this season - which left them 14th, three points above the relegation zone. All the

Villa are strengthening their squad ahead of a campaign where they will compete in the Premier League and Champions League They have signed midfielder Ross Barkley from Luton Town on a permanent deal. The 30-year-old made 32 Premier League appearances for Luton, who were relegated from the top flight in 2023-24. This is Barkley's second spell at Villa Park. He spent the 2020-21 season on loan there from Chelsea. The former Everton midfielder also made 33 appearances for England between 2013 and 2019 and was regarded as one of England's most promising talents, featuring in the Three Lions side at the 2014 World Cup. Barkley made 150 appearances for Everton over eight years  He joined Chelsea in a £15m move in 2018 but left by mutual consent at the start of the 2022-23 season after 100 appearances for the club. Also read Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories  The latest from Aston Villa  A spell at Luton helped Barkley find his feet in the top flight once again after j

Aston Villa have announced that they have agreed to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan.  The deal is subject to a medical and a work permit being granted and includes an option to buy the former Liverpool player. Coutinho joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018. His impact at the club hasn't been great, scoring only 26 goals in 106 appearances. Villa boss Steven Gerrard described his former team-mate as a special footballer recently. The pair were key parts of a Liverpool side who fell just short of winning the Premier League back in 2014. (YouTube video from  Sports Fan's News) More Reaction Steven Gerrard said: "I don't think you get a nickname as a magician if you're not a special footballer." "I don't think you get a nickname as a 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 if you're not a special footballer." ✨ Steven Gerrard on Philippe Coutinho, who has agreed terms to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park, with an option to

England 1-0 Australia Ollie Watkins made a triumphant return to the England national team by scoring the winning goal in a friendly match against Australia at Wembley. The Aston Villa striker turned in Jack Grealish's shot from very close to the goal line just before the one-hour mark, creating one of the few bright moments in an otherwise unimpressive performance by the English team. Watkins made up for a missed opportunity in the first half when he hit the post. Australia couldn't capitalize on several chances before halftime. Sam Johnstone, who was given the opportunity to play as the goalkeeper, made an excellent save against Keanu Baccus, and Mitchell Duke narrowly missed with a volley.  UK and Republic of Ireland announced as Euro 2028 hosts (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Lewis Dunk also came to the rescue, clearing a shot off the line from Ryan Strain. After Watkins scored, Australia had a late opportunity to level the score, but Connor Metcalfe hit the post with a

As Manchester United prepare to host Aston Villa in the Premier League, we are looking at one of the most memorable encounters between the two clubs.  This article was originally posted on Greater Manchester Football. You can read that here What happened on the night? Manchester United were 2-0 down and seemingly heading out of the FA Cup when a Dutch legend answered Man United's alarm call from the substitutes' bench. On this day 17 years ago... Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sparked a dramatic 3-2 FA Cup win for United away to Aston Villa in 2002 2-0 down, Solskjaer scored in the 77th minute before Van Nistelrooy scored two late goals to seal a remarkable comeback #mufc pic.twitter.com/US4ytm74vV — United In Focus (@UnitedInFocus) January 6, 2019 In a stunning five-minute spell, Villa's 2-0 lead was turned on its head. It was a nightmare for Villa and a wonderful evening for all associated with Manchester United. Incredible following from Manchester United This match went d

Jacob Ramsey played a key role for Aston Villa after a magnificent solo effort helped his die win 2-0 at Norwich. The 20-year-old ran at the Norwich defence from inside his half before thumping the ball past Tim Krul to break the deadlock at Carrow Road. Ollie Watkins sidefooted home Carney Chukwuemeka's low delivery to complete the scoring and deepen Norwich's relegation fears. The player told BT Sport: "I've been watching clips of the gaffer (Steven Gerrard). He was one of the best goalscoring midfielders and that's what I want to be" More reaction This is how Steven Gerrard responded after the match. 𝗕𝗜𝗚 praise for @JacobRamsey28 and Carney Chukwuemeka from Steven Gerrard. 💫 pic.twitter.com/pp3JiMagws — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 15, 2021  Ashley Young tweeted: "Dominant Performance! I think the smile on my face says it all, 3 points and a clean sheet away from home." The reaction from Norwich City was obviously very different.

Arsenal 5 - 0 Nottingham Forest . @Arsenal are young and flying! 💨 pic.twitter.com/SMHyIgZCKs — Premier League (@premierleague) October 31, 2022 Arsenal returned to winning ways in convincing fashion at the Emirates, with Reiss Nelson coming off the bench to score a brace. Gabriel Martinelli set them on the way early on with a flying header, but it wasn’t until the second half that they took control. Nelson netted twice in quick succession before a Thomas Partey screamer made it 4-0. Martin Odegaard crashed home the fifth after being set up by Gabriel Jesus, as we recorded our biggest win of the season.  The victory was Arsenal's 300th all-time at the Emirates, and took The Gunners back to the top of the Premier League table. Highlights Highlights. Video from  Arsenal - YouTube   One Arsenal fan was full of praise for Gabriel Jesus and commented on the video: "Gabriel Jesus might not be scoring goals as expected but his fluidity is helping arsenal score more goals as

Manchester United 2 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur Spurs came back from behind twice in a pulsating Premier League encounter to deny Manchester United what would have been a very important victory.  Rasmus Hojlund drove United into a third-minute lead. Richarlison then levelled with his sixth goal in as many Premier League games for the visitors. Tottenham were without three players, including captain Son Heung-min - who is away with South Korea at the Asian Cup. Marcus Rashford took the lead for the home team before halftime , but Rodrigo Bentancur nullified the advantage a minute into the second half with a powerful shot. This marked his first goal since April, overcoming a cruciate knee ligament injury and an ankle problem during that period. For new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe , who was seated alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the directors' box, the rest of the match served as a learning experience. Manchester United had less than 40% possession, managed only nine shots compared to Totten

Manchester United 3 - 0 West Ham United This could prove to be an important day and win for Manchester United.  Despite West Ham starting well, Rasmus Hojlund eventually put Man United 1-0 up in the middle of the first half, continuing his excellent run in the Premier League with four goals in his last four games, giving the Red Devils a crucial lead. Casemiro played a huge role in this goal. Man United fans will wondering how much much of an impact he'll have during the rest of the season. Jay Dee on X: "Man United lead 1-0. I'll have the match report for @ESFootballNews at full time https://t.co/af7bfGF8Kd" / X (twitter.com) Ten Hag's side had numerous chances in the first half, but it was only after the break that they doubled the lead.  This time, Garnacho made a slick move inside and got a bit of luck with a deflection from his shot. Garnacho then bagged a third goal after a strong run from substitute Scott McTominay, just six minutes before the end of

 2023/2024 was another historic campaign for Brighton & Hove Albion. Let's explore what happened. This was the 122nd season in the history of Brighton & Hove Albion and their seventh consecutive season in the Premier League.  They also competed in the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and a debut appearance in UEFA Europa League.  Some of the match reports from their campaign. On August 12th, they welcomed Luton Town for the opening game of the seaso n, marking the Hatters' debut in the Premier League. Albion emerged victorious with a 4–1 win. This match also saw the debuts of several players, including João Pedro and Simon Adingra. Against Newcastle United in September,  Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick to show off his extraordinary potential. Amy, a Brighton fan, was delighted with their performance. She said: "We played well against one of the best teams in the Premier League. All the fans are delighted with the attitude of the players. It has been a