Tag: Bournemouth

‘Spat his dummy out’ Postecoglou a big loser but Brentford winner is Prem’s best
Tottenham and Newcastle kicked off a thrilling day of Premier League action, but Brentford and Bournemouth did their best to steal the headlines.

Spurs continued their ‘Ange-ball’ ways but slumped to a third defeat in four as Newcastle and talisman Alexander Isak continued their climb up the table with yet another victory, this time 2-1 in north London.

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Newcastle made it five wins on the bounce as Spurs went four without a victoryCredit: Getty

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Bournemouth continued their incredible campaign with a goal of the month contenderCredit: Getty

Elsewhere, yet another win for Bournemouth, 1-0 against Everton, saw them stay just a point behind champions Manchester City who thumped West Ham 4-1 to leave Julen Lopetegui in big trouble.

Brentford, who have been stellar at home but terrible away, picked up their first three points on the road in commanding fashion by hammering a sorry Southampton 5-0.

And there was also frustration for title challengers Chelsea and Arsenal, who were both held to 1-1 draws by Crystal Palace and Brighton respectively.

With big wins but even bigger defeats the order of the day, talkSPORT pair Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara had plenty to pick from in their winners and losers from the action.

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Winners

Bryan Mbeumo

Long regarded as the most underrated player in the Premier League, Bryan Mbeumo is making sure everyone knows him now as he leads his side following Ivan Toney’s departure.

In Brentford’s 5-0 win over Southampton he scored twice and assisted another to take his total for the season to 13 goals and three assists in the league.

Aged just 25 and with a contract until 2026, it surely won’t be long until Champions League sides come knocking, and Cundy can’t believe they haven’t already.

“Bryan Mbeumo off the right side is as good as anything outside of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka right now, he is so good,” the former Chelsea defender said.

“Thomas Frank was asked about him leaving in January and said something along the lines of ‘good luck with that one’ but let me tell you, they’ve shown in the past they will sell.

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Mbuemo peppered Southampton’s goal in another Man of the Match display

“They don’t want to because Ivan Toney’s already gone, but this boy, his goals, his assists, he’s got the whole lot, he’s as good as anything right now in the Premier League.

“I said Arsenal might look at him, but he’s going to cost a lot, I’m looking at Liverpool if Salah leaves, they should be looking at him.”

Andoni Iraola

It wasn’t Saturday’s most thrilling game, but it certainly saw the best goal when a first-time David Brooks volley earned a 1-0 win for Bournemouth over Everton.

The result made it nine wins and 33 points in 20 games, and the Cherries are well on course to obliterate their best-ever Premier League point tally.

In fact, they could even be heading to Europe for the first time, and Cundy puts it down to manager Andoni Iraola.

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Bournemouth are well on their way to a best ever top flight campaign

“They’re flying high, they are now three points outside the top four, that is unbelievable for them, it’s incredible,” he said.

“For them to be there tucked in behind Man City by one point, without question he deserves to be in there.”

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle extended their run as the Premier League’s form team by making it five wins on the bounce away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Isak incredibly made it seven-straight top flight games that he’s scored in, matching Newcastle’s all-time record.

Yet it was his wingman that left Cundy most impressed, as Anthony Gordon slots into the winners’ column.

England and Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon responds to Harry Kane calling out Premier League dropouts

“He’s doing good stuff and he could’ve had another goal, he’s had another stellar start to the season and [England manager] Thomas Tuchel was there to see it,” he said. “Well done to him, and Newcastle are a problem.”

O’Hara added: “I like him a lot, Newcastle are back amongst it and flying and Gordon is a big part of that.”

Losers

Ivan Juric

It’s now three games and three defeats for Ivan Juric, but this one was the worst of the lot.

Pumped 5-0 at home by a Brentford side who were yet to win away, O’Hara had to put Southampton’s new manager in the losers’ bracket.

“It’s a disaster class he’s putting out every week,” the former Spurs midfielder said. “They got beaten 5-0 at home by a team that never wins away from home.”

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Juric could combine with Russell Martin for a worst Premier League point total

Cundy wanted to defend the Croat, but quickly changed his mind.

“He’s taken over a rabble, it’s harsh on him. He’s in there for a reason but they’re rabble,” he began.

“He’s in there, though. To lose at home with Brentford’s away record this season, they’ve got more points today than the whole of 2024 so he’s in there.”

Frank Lampard

Stepping away from the Premier League, it was a legend of the division that took the headlines in the Championship.

Frank Lampard was well on course for another win as Coventry manager as Milan van Ewijk had them leading away from home at Norwich into injury time.

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Lampard was left reeling on the Coventry benchCredit: Getty

Yet Amankwah Forson turned the game on its head, not just by equalising in the 91st minute, but by adding an astonishing winner four minutes later.

Feeling sorry for his fellow former Blue, Cundy said: “To be leading that late into the game… the goal and the way Norwich celebrate, they can’t believe they’ve equalised, then a few minutes later they get the winner.

“Brutal. Poor old Frank. There’s a saying in football – if you can’t win it don’t lose it!”

Ange Postecoglou

It’s back to where we started with today’s final pick, and it’s Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian made it one win in eight league games with defeat to Newcastle, and things got particularly bad when a Radu Dragusin injury left him without a centre back on the pitch.

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Postecoglou reacted furiously in an interview with talkSPORT’s Sam MatterfaceCredit: Getty

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Postecoglou was adamant that his Spurs side deserved to win

On top of that, Gordon’s opener came from a ball off the hand of Joelinton, which led to yet another painful interview as he told talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface about the game not being an ‘even and fair playing field’.

Listening back to the interview, Cundy commented: “Big Ange, he’s spat his dummy out there, his toy pig, his thrown his little teddy…

“Sam Matterface has done nothing wrong, they were all valid questions so why is he so chippy?

“The reason he gets the same question every week is because he gets pumped every week. Help yourself out by coming in to get interviewed after a win.”
Premier League results – January 4

Premier League results – January 4

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester

Bournemouth 1-0 Everton

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

Southampton 0-5 Brentford

Man City 4-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 Arsenal
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January 4, 2025
Bournemouth agree deal for wonderkid handed debut by Wayne Rooney

Bournemouth will have at least one new addition to their squad by the end of January.

The Cherries have agreed a £1million deal with DC United for highly-rated defender Matai Akinmboni, with the 18-year-old set to fly into the UK in the next 24 hours undergo a medical.

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Matai Akinmboni has made 17 appearances altogether for DC UnitedCredit: Getty

One of the MLS‘ leading young talents, Akimboni has drawn interest from a host of European clubs after impressing in the States.

And with the January transfer window opening tomorrow, the imminent deal would likely make the US Under-19 star its first arrival, with Bournemouth moving quickly to secure his services.

Seen as a player with a huge future, it is hoped that Akinmboni will be able to provide cover in the second half of the season, as the Cherries look to build on their strong start.

Since being handed his DC United debut by Wayne Rooney aged just 15 in 2022, the youngster has racked up plenty of experience.

Last season, he made 13 appearances in all competitions, despite only turning 18 as the campaign reached its conclusion in October.

It was Akinmboni’s appearances which prompted several clubs to take notice of him as a potential signing for 2025.

And it’s fair to say he comes highly-recommended, with Rooney speaking in glowing terms about the starlet after he became the third-youngest player in MLS history when he made his senior bow.

On giving him his first start for DC, the Manchester United legend said: “I think I’m a man of my word.

“What I said to the players when I came in was: ‘If you perform well in training, you’ll get your chance to play.’

“He [Akinmboni] has been excellent in training and he deserved to come in.”

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Wayne Rooney was Akinmboni’s manager at DC United between 2022 and 2023Credit: AFP

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The teenager has made three appearances for the United States’ under-19 teamCredit: Getty

With Akinmboni contributing towards a clean sheet on his debut, playing the first-half of a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake, Rooney tipped him for a bright future.

He added: “I just felt he was ready to come in and play. Is he going to play every game? Of course not. He’s still a very young boy.

“But for him and for us to see him playing in an away game in difficult circumstances and performing the way he did as a 15-year-old – he’s got a very bright future.

“I got everything I wanted from the 45 minutes that he played tonight that I wanted to see.

“I’ll keep trying to develop him as a player and hopefully be seeing more of him in this season and for years to come.”

And the former England hero’s prediction now looks to be coming true, with Akinmboni set for a taste of Premier League football.

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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will take charge of Akinmboni’s developmentCredit: AFP

But things could have turned out differently, with the American reportedly spending two weeks training with Bayern Munich in 2021, before he opted to turn down their offer a contract.

And a move to the Bundesliga would have made Akinmboni the second member of his family to play for the German giants.

His uncle is former Ghana international Samuel Kuffour, who spent 12 years at Bayern between 1993 and 2005, and played in the 1999 Champions League final defeat to Man United.

But with Bournemouth flying high in seventh in the Premier League table, Akinmboni will be hoping to become the latest in his family to experience European football, as he looks to help Andoni Iraola’s side build on their position in the coming months.

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December 31, 2024
Slot, Arteta and Guardiola to speak, Wolves appoint Pereira
Ivan the Saint

talkSPORT understands that Southampton are set to appoint Ivan Juric as their new manager to replace Russell Martin.

The Croatian is a free agent after he was sacked by Roma in November after a 3-2 loss at home to Bologna, a game in which the club’s ultras walked out of at half time to show their distaste for the boss.

The Saints have long tracked Juric, and he had been under consideration to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl two years ago.

Juric is in England today to speak to Southampton.

He lasted just three months at Roma after he was picked to replace Daniele De Rossi.

If he is to be made the Saints new boss, he will hope to last longer.
Pressers, pressers, pressers

It’s Friday, which means there are lots of Premier League press conferences.

Arne Slot and Eddie Howe have already been speaking to the media, and we’ll have news from them soon, while later on, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will be among those to be speaking to the media.

Of course, there is plenty for Guardiola to talk about after City lost the Manchester derby 2-1, while Arteta will most likely speak about his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final draw against Newcastle and the title race.

We will also hear from new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira.

09:00 Newcastle press conference

09:15 Liverpool press conference

10:30 Leicester press conference

11:00 Tottenham press conference

12:30 Manchester City press conference

13:00 Bournemouth press conference

13:15 West Ham press conference

13:30 Arsenal press conference

13:30 Wolves press conference

13:30 Everton press conference

13:30 Aston Villa press conference

13:30 Ipswich press conference

13:30 Crystal Palace press conference

13:30 Fulham press conference

13:30 Southampton press conference
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December 20, 2024
Ange Postecoglou confronts booing Tottenham fans after defeat at Bournemouth

Ange Postecoglou has insisted he’s ‘determined get it right’ at Tottenham after confronting the angry travelling supporters in Bournemouth.

Spurs suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Cherries on Thursday night, with teenager Dean Huijsen bagging what went on to be the winner early in the first half.

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Postecoglou went to speak to the furious away fans at the final whistleCredit: AFP

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He didn’t appear to have much luckCredit: Getty

The away end let their feelings known at the final whistle, with a number booing their side off the pitch.

Postecoglou, who came over to show his gratitude to the supporters, was also booed.

He was seen approaching the away end, with the Australian expressing himself with his hands as he reacted to the criticism.

Two stewards stood in the way of him and the crowd, with one extending their arm out.

Footage shows Djed Spence putting his arm on Postecoglou’s back as he turned away and towards the tunnel.

Asked about the reception from the fans and the booing, he told talkSPORT: “Yeah, well rightly so.

“They’re disappointed and I got some pretty direct feedback, which is always healthy mate.”

In his post-match press conference, he continued: “I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve for to cop it.

“I’ve been around long enough to know when things don’t go well you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment. And they’re rightly disappointed because we let a game of football get away from us. But that’s OK. I’m OK with all that.

“All I can say is I’m really disappointed and I’m determined to get it right and will keep fighting until we do.”

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It was a dry night for Spurs on the south coast

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It was Bournemouth’s nightCredit: Getty

Bournemouth had the better chances on the night, with Spurs, in truth, lucky to escape with conceding just one goal.

The Cherries managed 21 shots.

Addressing the number of chances his side gave up in the clash, Postecoglou said: “Yeah well that’s because we were chasing the game.

“When you go a goal down, in the second half you’re on the up and up and chase the game.

“That’s going to give them space and that’s what they want and what they’re good at, so.”

Bournemouth have jumped above Tottenham in the table after claiming all three points.

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Spurs were second best throughout against BournemouthCredit: Getty

The Cherries sit in ninth, one point above tenth place Spurs.

And the north London side’s 4-0 thumping of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last month now feels like a distant memory.

talkSPORT’s resident Spurs fan, Jamie O’Hara, said on the Sports Bar: “It’s hard work you know, watching Spurs. One minute you’re up, then you’re down, then you’re up, then you’re down.

“And you know what? It’s just, it’s painful. We are painful to watch. Painful. Because you know there’s a big performance in there because we’ve seen it.

“Aston Villa. Man City. You go away from home, you get beat by Bournemouth.

“I know everyone loves Ange, you know, in terms of like the attacking football. I can’t, I’m getting bored of watching this.”

Jamie O’Hara believes Daniel Levy will SACK Ange Postecoglou after Christmas

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December 5, 2024
‘He has my support’ – O’Neil backs Sa after Wolves goalkeeper confronts fan

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has backed goalkeeper Jose Sa after he was held back by security for confronting his own supporters.

Sa clashed with fans at Molineux during his side’s damaging 4-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as tensions rose.

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Wolves’ keeper Sa had an altercation with one of the home fans at the MolineuxCredit: AFP

Wolves were trailing Bournemouth 3-1 at the time of the incident, which unfolded just before the break.

Sa, visibly frustrated, walked around the goal he had been guarding and began pointing and shouting at a member of the crowd.

Security quickly intervened, stepping in to prevent him from getting any closer.

Soon after, a supporter in a Wolves shirt was seen being escorted out by security personnel.

It was a difficult match for the Wolves keeper, who conceded four goals throughout the game – three of which penalties.

To make matters worse for Sa, it was his foul on Bournemouth’s Evanilson that resulted in two of the three penalties.

The nightmare performance and following confrontation with a fan was mentioned to manager Gary O’Neil after the game.

And despite not commenting on the row in the stands, he did stick by his player who is part of a team in a ‘difficult situation’.

O’Neil said: “I think situations like this that we’re in, as I say, has heightened emotions and responses.

“Jose Sa has my full support, whatever he needs from me he will get. He has my full support.

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A Wolves supporter was escorted by security after the clash with Jose SaCredit: Rex

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Sa had a difficult match, facing three penalties – two of which he concededCredit: Getty

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But O’Neil has stuck by his goalkeeperCredit: Getty

“The passes he received today he shouldn’t have received. The first one he can clear much quicker. Of course he can.

“None of the players have anything but my full support. We tackle this difficult situation together.”

Wolves came into the Bournemouth match sitting 17th in the Premier League, just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Despite their precarious position, they had entered the game on the back of two consecutive victories.

But the pressure has continued to mount on boss O’Neil as his side have picked up just nine points in 13 games so far this campaign.

Despite a difficult run of fixtures at the start of the season, fans were booing at full time as Wolves drop back down to 18th position in the league and into the relegation zone.

Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy pick their Premier League winners and losers as Arsenal smash West Ham

They are still just one point from safety though, and O’Neil has tried to keep positive despite the loss on Saturday.

He said: “We have just gone four unbeaten in the Premier League against some tough opponents.

“So we’ve had a bad day, but it’s important not to overreact to a game that got away from us very, very early.

“Especially when we have two more big games coming up in the next 10 days.”

Wolves travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton in their next Premier League clash on Wednesday night.

Then they face a trip to West Ham next Monday evening.

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December 1, 2024
Sa has ‘howler’ as Munoz goes from zero to hero – talkSPORT’s winners and losers

Thrilling derbies, historic moments, two hat-tricks and an injury time equaliser.

It was yet another wild Saturday of action which saw 21 goals scored across five matches.

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Arsenal thrashed West Ham on Saturday evening to move up to secondCredit: AFP

And that’s not including Friday night’s controversial south coast derby between Brighton and Southampton.

Moving onto Saturday’s 3pm action, and Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert created Premier League history.

He became the first player to ever score a hat-trick of penalties in the Cherries’ 4-2 win away at Wolves.

Meanwhile Brentford striker Kevin Schade became the fourth German player to score a Premier League treble.

He proved to be the star of the show in the Bees’ comeback 4-1 win over Leicester, which saw new Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy watching on from the stands.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace equalised at the death against Newcastle at Selhurst Park with Daniel Munoz cancelling out Marc Guehi’s own goal.

And Chris Wood brought up his ninth league goal of the season in Nottingham Forest’s win over Ipswich.

Finally, Arsenal beat West Ham 5-2 in Saturday evening’s London derby, which saw a record-equalling seven goals scored in the first half.

Mikel Arteta‘s side also become the first team in Premier League history to score 60 away goals at a single tournament.

Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from the weekend’s action so far on the Game-Day Phone-In…

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Wood continues to bang in the goals for Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty

Winners

Justin Kluivert

The Dutchman scored two spot-kicks in the first half, before making history with his third in the second period.

It’s been 67 years since a player in the top-flight has scored three penalties in the same match, with ex-Chelsea defender Cundy left almost speechless by his feat.

He said: “It’s not often you see history being made in the Premier League, especially at this stage when you think of the history of how long the Premier League has been alive.

“But the first player ever to score a hat-trick of penalties, and I believe I’m right in mentioning Evanilson is the first player ever to win a hat-trick of penalties in the same game.

“He must be fuming he’s not on pens, but you know what? It’s all about taking it, so congratulations to Kluivert.”

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Kluivert proved to be Bournemouth’s hero against Wolves

Daniel Munoz

The Colombian right-back missed a sitter in the first half, but made amends by rescuing a point for the Eagles in dramatic fashion with his header too hot for Nick Pope to keep out.

His mess from point-blank range led former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara to say: “He was going to be on our losers!”

Cundy then remarked: “He missed a chance, wait until you see this, he’s at the back post, it’s on his left foot, goal gaping, comes off the end of his toe, he doesn’t get good contact, if he hits the target it’s a goal.

“But he misses the post, and you think to yourself, ‘Is he going to be in the losers?’

“Well no, he manages with the last header of the game pretty much to get himself out of the losers and into the winners.”

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Munoz wheeled away in delight after helping Palace rescue a point for Palace against NewcastleCredit: Getty

Kevin Schade

The 23-year-old scored his first Premier League goals of the season against the Foxes having failed to find the back of the net in the previous 12 matches this term.

Schade scored twice in the first half to help seal Brentford’s comeback, before wrapping up the win in the 59th minute.

West Ham fans filmed in huge brawl as supporter is knocked to ground in crazy clash with Arsenal

Speaking of the four-cap Germany international, Cundy stated: “A hat-trick for him, you talk about Ivan Toney leaving Brentford, ‘Where are the goals going to come from?’

“Well, Kevin Schade steps up.”

His treble at the Gtech Community Stadium has seen Thomas Frank’s men move up to seventh in the table.

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Schade moved to Brentford on an initial loan deal in January 2023Credit: Getty

Losers

Jarred Gillett

The Australian referee was on VAR duty for Southampton’s clash with Brighton which saw the Saints denied a late winner.

Cameron Archer thought he had fired Russell Martin’s men in front, but it was deemed by VAR that an offside Adam Armstrong was in Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s line of sight.

Having his say on the incident, Cundy said: “By the letter of the law, Archer’s goal was chalked off because Armstrong was in an offside position.

“So being in an offside position on the field of play, that is not a crime in itself, you can be offside in an offside position, it’s when you become active.

“And VAR deemed that Armstrong became active when he tried to play the ball off his heel when the ball was behind him.

“I personally think the goal should stand, but they’ve gone for letter of the law.

“Has he tried to touch the ball? You have to say yes, but then they’re trying to say that it impacted Verbruggen, I don’t believe that, because the ball was behind Armstrong.”

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Archer has a late strike at the Amex Stadium ruled out in controversial fashionCredit: AFP

Jose Sa

The Wolves goalkeeper, who clashed with his own supporters, was guilty of a poor performance at Molineux – giving away Bournemouth’s second and third penalties.

He inadvertently took out Evanilson after the Brazilian pipped him to the ball, before clattering into him later in the game.

Commenting on his display, O’Hara said: “Jose Sa obviously deserves to be in there today, he’s had a howler, he’s had a stinker.

“There’s no getting away from it, he’s cost his team today.”

Cundy then added: “He has. For him to dwell on the ball, credit to Evanilson, he’s sharp, he’s a quick boy, he reads it, gets there.

“Jose Sa decided to boot him in the ankle, and then second half, Evanilson goes through, Evanilson is 60/40 in his favour.

“Jose Sa comes through and slides him down, nowhere near the ball, pretending he got a little whack on the head to try and put the referee off the scent.

“Referee wasn’t having any of it, gives the penalty and books him.”

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Sa gave away two penalties as Wolves lost to Bournemouth at MolineuxCredit: Getty

Jose Sa rows with Wolves fan in shocking scenes in defeat to A.F.C. Bournemouth

Julen Lopetegui/West Ham

The Hammers were 4-0 down against the Gunners after just 36 minutes.

Despite halving the deficit to 4-2, the east London outfit soon fell 5-2 behind and failed to have any answers for their visitors.

Lopetegui watched on from the stands having been given a one-match touchline ban, but he still made into Cundy and O’Hara’s losers.

Cundy pointed out he had no influence from the stands, but O’Hara wasn’t having any of it, as he stated: “Well even more so! Double stinkfest from him!

“He had to sit in the stands and watch it, he might have left [before full-time].”

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The Hammers have now lost three home London derbies in a row for the first time since 2008Credit: Getty

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This is how the table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures

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November 30, 2024
Cunha too good for Wolves as West Ham stink up place – winners and losers

A shock win, a drab draw, a five-goal thriller and more attacking artistry.

Saturday’s Premier League action yet again failed to disappoint with 12 goals scored across six fixtures.

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Manchester City lost at Brighton to see them lose further ground on LiverpoolCredit: AFP

The biggest surprise of the day was at the Amex Stadium where Brighton came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1.

In doing so, they have ensured that the Citizens have lost four games in a row for the first time since 2006.

City’s slip-up saw Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points, which they did by beating Aston Villa 2-0.

Meanwhile Wolves recorded their first top-flight win this term after coming out on top against fellow strugglers Southampton in a 2-0 win at Molineux.

Elsewhere, Fulham beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in a fiery London derby at Selhurst park, with Brentford fighting back against Bournemouth to claim all three points in a 3-2 win.

Though it was another poor performance from West Ham under Julen Lopetegui, as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton at the London Stadium.

Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In…

Winners

Matheus Cunha

The Brazilian chipped in with a goal and an assist for Wolves as he proved to be his side’s main man yet again.

His goal in the second half – his fifth of the campaign – was a goal of the season contender after finding the top left corner from range to leave ex-Chelsea defender Cundy waxing lyrical over him.

He said: “He set up [Pablo] Sarabia for the first goal, but his goal, what a strike, this boy has got so much quality.

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Cunha doubled Wolves’ lead in the second half in exquisite fashionCredit: Getty

“Ball at his feet, he travels at pace, there ain’t many players that can travel with the same pace with the ball at their feet than they can in a sprint.

“He will end up leaving Wolves, he’s going to end up being too good for them, he’s a top, top player.”

Yoane Wissa

The Brentford striker scored twice to help Brentford move into the top half of the table.

Only Erling Haaland [20] has now scored more non-penalty goals than Wissa [15] in the Premier League in 2024.

Praising the DR Congo international, Cundy stated: “He has now scored seven goals in his last five games at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“He is on fire, him and [Bryan] Mbuemo, they are good players. And Brentford are side, underestimate them at your peril, because they can turn you over.

“But Wissa and Mbuemo, they are two brilliant attacking players.”

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Wissa has been one of the standout players in the top-flight so far this term

Jordan Pickford

The Everton goalkeeper helped his save take a point back to Merseyside thanks to a wonder save in injury time to deny Danny Ings.

Ings’ deflected strike seemed destined to nestle into the roof of the net, only for Pickford to heroically tip it over the bar.

Cundy said of the stop: “What a save he makes, he made a couple of really good saves, but the one at the end, it’s at point-blank range.

“The thing that suits him, it’s above his head, it’s straight at him, but his reactions, he’s like a ninja.”

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Pickford celebrated after the full-time whistle in what was a game lacking qualityCredit: Getty

Losers

Rob Edwards

Dropping into the Championship, and Luton boss Edwards continues to find himself in deep water with the Hatters in serious trouble.

Luton are in danger of back-to-back relegations, with Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Middlesbrough leaving them in 21st spot.

From their 15 matches in England’s second-tier this season, they have won just four times – losing on eight occasions.

Fearing Luton could now relieve Edwards of his duties, O’Hara remarked: “It feels like he’s in here every week at the moment.

“But a 5-1 drubbing away from home, sitting 21st in the table, he’s having a nightmare.”

He added: “He’s waiting for the call [to inform him of sacking].”

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Edwards is under pressure at Kenilworth Road with Luton sitting in the relegation zoneCredit: Getty

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Bournemouth could have escaped with a point at the Gtech Community Stadium had Kepa not allowed Mikkel Damsgaard to equalise at his near post.

The Spaniard – on loan from Chelsea – failed to stop the Danish midfielder’s low effort from trickling in, before Wissa scored the winner moments later.

Criticising the former Real Madrid man, Cundy said: “It’s at the near post, and if he covers that near post, it doesn’t go in.

“The gap is tiny, it’s a good finish, but you shouldn’t get beat, the angle is so tight.

“If you cover the near post, the worse-case scenario is the attacker has got to drill the ball across the face of goal, if Kepa gets anything on it, it then goes back in.

“But Kepa has already gambled, and in doing so, he has left the space, [Damsgaard] finished it and they end up winning.”

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Kepa failed to cover himself in glory for Brentford’s second goal of their 3-2 winCredit: Getty

Anyone at West Ham

West Ham were guilty of another lethargic display – much to the dismay of the Hammers fanbase who have been left bored by new boss Lopetegui’s style of play.

Languishing 14th in the table, West Ham have failed to impress this season having been tipped for a potential European spot due their summer transfer business.

Ripping into the east Londoners, Cundy said: “So here’s the deal, the fans, I feel for you guys, you paid money to be there, but there’s people there today, the stewards, the St John’s Ambulance, the referee, he had to run around amongst that turgid poop, he was amongst it all.

“He was there thinking, ‘Get me out of here,’ the manager, the camera crew, anyone, people that work up in the boxes, you have my sympathy.

“Luckily the chefs didn’t see it! No bubbles come out today.

“The ball boys, I feel for you ball boys, that was one of the worst games we’ve seen in a long time.”

O’Hara then simply stated: “It was an absolute nightmare of a game.”

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Thins haven’t went to plan for Lopetegui at West Ham as of yetCredit: AFP

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This is how the Premier League table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures

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November 9, 2024
Nunez stuns Slot and gets standing ovation from Deeney with outrageous goal

Darwin Nunez repaid Arne Slot’s faith by opening his account for the new campaign in spectacular fashion.

Just a day after being told by the Liverpool boss he must ‘work hard’ to get back into the starting line-up, the 25-year-old dazzled in the 3-0 win against Bournemouth.

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Liverpool striker Nunez scored his first goal of the season in stunning fashionCredit: Getty

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Reds boss Slot was left shocked by the epic effort into the far cornerCredit: Premier League

With the Reds 2-0 up courtesy of Luis Diaz’s quickfire double, Nunez put the Merseyside outfit three to the good in the 37th minute thanks to a stunning strike.

Combining with Mohamed Salah down the right flank, the Uruguay international then cut inside the box, before unleashing a bending left-footed shot into the far corner.

The relief and emotion was there for all to see as Nunez run to the corner flag to celebrate, where he was mobbed by his jubilant teammates, on his first league start of the season.

And Slot was every Liverpool fan watching on, with the Dutchman turning around to his coaching staff with his hands on his head in disbelief.

Fans were loving his reaction, as one X user said: “Arne Slot’s reaction to Darwin Nunez goal is PRICELESS..”

Another quipped: “He can’t believe he hit the target.”

A third added: “What a goal! Arne Slot’s reaction after the goal says it all.”

Prior to Nunez’s start against the Cherries, the ex-Benfica striker had been limited to just 62 minutes of Premier League action spread across three games.

But his opening 45 minutes will show Slot that he is more than capable of leading the line for Liverpool.

His effort not only had the Liverpool fans on their feet, but also talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney, who was watching on inside Anfield.

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Nunes’s strike from just inside the box smashed in off the post and into the back of the net

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He looked emotional after opening his account for the new campaignCredit: AFP

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It was a stunning move and individual effort

Speaking on talkSPORT commentary at Anfield, the ex-Watford striker said: “I think that is excellent centre-forward play.

“He has all the attributes, he wins the ball down the line, he has no right to win that, he wins the flick-on into Salah.

“He then gets onto his own flick-on with Salah giving it to him back, he chops inside onto his weak foot.

Adrian Durham rips into Arne Slots tactics after historic loss to Nottingham Forest

“And then it’s just about composing yourself, feel it, and he’s just felt it with his left foot, post and in.

“And you can hear this place, he needed that, they needed that, what a goal, and that’s why he got a standing ovation from me.”

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September 21, 2024
Unique PL record broken as Chelsea beat Bournemouth in ill-tempered affair

Chelsea’s late 1-0 win over Bournemouth saw the Premier League record broken for most yellow cards in a single game.

The previous record for the most cautions in a Premier League clash was 13 – set by Tottenham in their 2–1 win over Sheffield United on September 2023.

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Taylor was giving out cards like it was ChristmasCredit: Getty

Now, that record has been broken, with Saturday’s ill-tempered clash at the Vitality Stadium seeing a whopping 14 dished out by referee Anthony Taylor.

Two of those came when Chelsea conceded a penalty in the first half, with one going to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and the second going to Adam Smith.

Though Sanchez, who gave away the penalty following a poor back pass from Wesley Fofana, redeemed himself by brilliantly saving Evanilson’s spot-kick.

And there were three yellow cards brandished from the 87th minute onwards which helped secured a unique piece of Premier League history.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola refused to comment on Taylor’s refereeing performance in his post-match interview.

He said: “I will not talk about the referee.

“I have been talking and it is not working so I have decide now I will try the opposite, not talk and let’s see what happens.”

Asked for his thoughts on whether he felt it was an aggressive match, he simply stated: “No comment.”

In the end, it was Chelsea who ran out as 1-0 winners on the south coast, with substitute Christopher Nkunku firing in an 86th minute winner.

He combined with Blues debutant and Jadon Sancho, who picked up the man of the match award from the bench, with Nkunku then firing home into the bottom right corner.

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A Premier League record of 14 yellow cards were dished out at the Vitality StadiumCredit: Getty

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And it was Chelsea who came out on top on what was an ill-tempered affairCredit: Getty

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Nkunku scored the only goal of the game on the south coast

Despite a late Bournemouth onslaught, Chelsea held on for the win, which has seen them secure their first away clean sheet since October 2023.

But in truth, they can count themselves somewhat fortuitous to walk away with three points.

Goalkeeper Sanchez proved to be Chelsea’s hero throughout, where he made a total of seven saves – including his penalty heroics.

Football Finance Expert Stefan Borson explains why the ‘civil war’ at Chelsea is ‘no surprise’

Chelsea had almost less than half the shots the hosts mustered, while they also had less possession, but in the end, they showed their resilience to grind out the victory.

Their win has lifted them up to seventh in the table – level on points with London rivals Arsenal in sixth.

Meanwhile Bournemouth have dropped into 11th spot, though boss Iraola will be pleased with what he saw from his side.

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This is how the table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures

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September 14, 2024
Chelsea to face Bournemouth with makeshift defence as Sancho looks to make debut

Enzo Maresca has been presented with a right-back conundrum in his preparations for Chelsea’s trip to Bournemouth.

The Blues face the Cherries on Saturday evening, live on talkSPORT, in search of a second Premier League win of the season.

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Chelsea are eyeing a second league win of the seasonCredit: Getty

Chelsea fans could be set for a first glimpse of Deadline Day signing Jadon Sancho, with Cole Palmer set to play a key role again.

However, Maresca will be without his two senior right-backs on the south coast as Reece James and Malo Gusto are out through injury.

“Malo is still out and he is not available for tomorrow’s game,” he said on the Frenchman, who suffered a thigh injury in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last time out.

Speaking on club captain James, who has been dealing with another hamstring problem, Maresca stated: “Unfortunately, Reece needs more time.”

Given the absences at right-back, talkSPORT.com has looked at how Chelsea’s starting XI could look this weekend at Bournemouth.

Robert Sanchez has featured as the Blues’ goalkeeper in all three of their opening Premier League matches and is set to do so again.

Filip Jorgensen started in their Conference League qualifying matches against Servette, but could miss out after coming off for the Denmark U21s during the international break.

With James and Gusto unavailable, Maresca could turn to Axel Disasi to play at right-back against Bournemouth.

The Frenchman is a natural centre-back, but has played on the right of the defence for Chelsea before, doing so eight times last term.

Moises Caicedo is another potential option for the position having featured there for Brighton, but he is almost certain to play in midfield instead.

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Maresca will not have right-backs James and Gusto available against BournemouthCredit: Getty

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Disasi could the man who plays in their absenceCredit: Getty

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Colwill and Fofana are likely to start in front of SanchezCredit: Getty

Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill have been Maresca’s go-to pairing at centre-back in the Premier League so far this season.

They are likely to start again this weekend ahead of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo, who both featured against Servette.

At left-back, Marc Cucurella is likely to be named in the starting XI for a fourth consecutive league match over Ben Chilwell.

Football Finance Expert Stefan Borson explains why the ‘civil war’ at Chelsea is ‘no surprise’

Chilwell is back in Chelsea contention after being included in their 25-man Premier League squad list and is set to return to training after his exile from the first-team.

Romeo Lavia made his first start for the Blues in their 2-0 opening weekend defeat to Manchester City, but will miss the trip to Bournemouth.

Maresca said he is ‘very close’ to making a comeback in training after a hamstring injury, so Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are likely to be given the nod in midfield.

Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga are other options, however it’s unlikely they will all feature in the matchday squad.

Noni Madueke will be hopeful of a return to the starting XI at right-wing after he assisted Harry Kane on his England debut on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old shone in Chelsea’s 6-2 win against Wolves prior to the international break as he scored an excellent second-half hat-trick.

In attacking midfield, Palmer looks to be the nailed-on choice for Maresca as he continues to be the Blues’ standout player.

He already has one goal and four assists to his name this season and, despite withdrawing from England duty, he has been in training this week and is set to feature at the Vitality Stadium.

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Caicedo will be hopeful of putting in another dominant midfield performanceCredit: Getty

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Palmer and Madueke were excellent together against WolvesCredit: Getty

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Pedro Neto could be handed another start for Chelsea at left-wingCredit: Getty

For the left-wing position, Sancho could be handed his Chelsea debut after signing on loan from Manchester United in a deal that includes an obligation to buy for a total £25million.

Maresca spoke on his potential inclusion during his pre-match press conference, but remained coy when he said: “I decide the first XI.

“It depends on the training session. Jadon is one of our wingers. I’m seeing the exact way I expected of him.

“He is a very good player in the last third, one-v-one, quality in the last third, so he is exactly the player we were looking at. It’s a matter of finding the right moment for him and to give him a chance.”

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Sancho may be set to make his Chelsea debut this weekendCredit: Getty

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Jackson has scored against Wolves and Palace so far this seasonCredit: Getty

Mykhailo Mudryk has made the most starts on the left of the attack this season, but Maresca could opt for Pedro Neto instead, with Sancho coming off the bench if needed.

Chelsea announced on Friday that Nicolas Jackson has signed a new two-year deal at the club until 2033 and he looks set to lead the line once again.

The Senegal international banged in 19 goals in all competitions last season and already has two to his name this campaign, as well as an assist across four appearances.

Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have so far scored one and two goals respectively and can play as the centre-forward if needed along with Marc Guiu, although he is unlikely to feature.

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Here’s how Chelsea could line up against Bournemouth…

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September 13, 2024