Sports Buzz

Tag: horror start

  • The Kerr court circus hid Matildas’ most important question. The answer can’t wait any longer

    The Kerr court circus hid Matildas’ most important question. The answer can’t wait any longer

    The Matildas are still searching for a win in the SheBelieves Cup and while it was a gutsy 2-1 fightback against the No.1 team in the world, the USA, it threatens to disguise the biggest problem Football Australia is yet to solve; who will coach the Matildas?

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    Even Sam Kerr’s court case in London proved a convenient distraction with the talking point both heading into this tournament, and after their opening 4-0 loss to Japan, centring around the injured skipper. Was the Kerr case a distraction? Should she still be captain? They were just some of the repetitive headlines.

    Now the narrative needs to turn to the fact that the Matildas still don’t have a long term coach.

    This is nothing against interim coach Tom Sermanni, who has been an incredible servant to the women’s game for 12 years with this, his third stint as the Matildas mentor. But the Australian National Team needs stability, longevity, strategic planning and fresh ideas.

    They need a full time coach.

    It’s been seven months since Tony Gustavsson finished his four-year stint — the most important tenure in Matildas history with the home World Cup in 2023 — with no word yet on any replacement.

    READ MORE: ‘Nightmare’: 41-second disaster rocks Matildas as Aussie fightback falls short

    Horror start! Tillies concede in 1st min | 00:44

    For context, when Graham Arnold quit as Socceroos coach in September, they hired Tony Popovic four days later. The Socceroos had World Cup qualifiers and needed to fill the hole fast, but the Matildas have their own deadline with the Asian Cup, which is being held on home soil next March.

    The Matildas won the Asian Cup in 2010 but failed to make it past the quarterfinals at the last Cup in 2022. The stakes are high. The commercial success of the Matildas has never been greater. The team created a tidal wave of excitement and interest from the Australian public like we’ve never seen before during their successful World Cup campaign in 2023. And if there is one thing that sustains that passion, it’s winning.

    We have another opportunity to relive the Matildas hysteria and fandom of 2023 when we host next year’s Asian Cup. There’s a real opportunity to again create something special during the tournament and preserve the Matildas legacy. The packed stadiums, strong viewership and water cooler conversations can become the platforms to inspire and be a national source of pride. Not just strong performances, but winning scorelines, are essential to that success.

    It was also widely expected Gustavsson wouldn’t be back after his contract came to an end, meaning either the search should have started much sooner or it’s taking way too long.

    There’s been little said about FA’s shortlist. From what we do know, representatives have been reported as saying they were hoping to speak to the England Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman. Yet Wiegman is contracted to the World Cup Finalists until 2027 and is in the midst of preparing for the women’s Euros 2025 where they’re hoping to defend their title. The Euros final also isn’t until the end of July, leaving it very late for discussions and a possible, but improbable, move.

    There were also rumours Football Australia was interested in former Manchester United women and San Diego Waves coach Casey Stoney although she has recently been appointed as the Canadian women’s head coach.

    Closer to home, Ross Aloisi, Ante Juric and former Matilda Tanya Oxtoby were also reportedly being considered despite Oxtoby being contracted as the Northern Ireland women’s coach until 2027.

    Reds sink City in epic title statement | 01:27

    Another woman in the pathways system, Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney took up a position as the Japanese Assistant Coach earlier this year.

    The Matildas World Cup legacy is at risk if a coaching solution isn’t found soon. Commentator Grace Gill raised the concern after the Matildas loss to the USA.

    “I think another thing the USA has is a coach (Emma Hayes) who is backed, who is there for the future, who has got these grand plans and we’re seeing those plans start to fall into place. Tommy Sermanni is in a position where he’s the interim coach, we know he’s not there long term,” Gill said.

    “So in the way we saw such experimentation by Emma Hayes she’s got that backing, she’s got that support, you can see the federation is there saying ‘yep we’re behind you’ bringing in the 17s, the 20s, the senior team in the US altogether.

    “Imagine that happening in Australia our 17s training with our senior team so there’s this stylistic pathway up from our juniors, our grassroots. These are grand plans, grand ambitions but Emma Hayes has that backing and Tom Sermanni is a little hamstrung in how much he can do while he is in the job.”

    Former Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes only started as the USA coach a year ago and has already blooded 15 debutants and is unbeaten in 17 games.

    The clock is ticking to fill the vacant coaching position and there’s so much more than just a game to lose for the Matildas.

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  • ‘No desire to play for them’: Bryce Cotton reveals why he won’t ever play for Boomers

    ‘No desire to play for them’: Bryce Cotton reveals why he won’t ever play for Boomers

    The best player in Australia’s premier basketball league says he doesn’t want to play for the Boomers because of the administrative saga he’s been put through.

    American import Bryce Cotton is on track for his fourth NBL MVP award after helping the Perth Wildcats revive their reason after a horror start to the season.

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    The Wildcats now sit second on the ladder behind championship favourites Melbourne United and if Cotton continues his red hot form, he could claim his fourth NBL title with Perth.

    Cotton has called Australia home for many years now and first applied for Australian citizenship in 2019, but has encountered numerous delays.

    Basketball Australia has been urged to do more to expedite Cotton’s citizenship application, given the shooting guard would be a welcome addition to Australia’s national team.

    But speaking on The Basketball Show, Cotton said the citizenship process had been so frustrating he wouldn’t want to play for the Boomers, even if he was granted Australian citizenship.

    “The process has just been so annoying, and I guess some of the obstacles we dealt with, it’s turned me off,” Cotton said.

    Bryce Cotton is lighting up the NBL but says he will never play for Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    “So I don’t really care to play. I still wish them the best, but I have no desire to play for them. Nah I’m good.

    “It was just so many obstacles. It just seemed like the old dangling carrot is right there, we’re so close, and then when you think you’re going to turn the corner, it’s another hiccup.

    “Dealing with that for years was enough, but still no hard feelings for any of the players, nothing like that. I really wish them the best, but I have no desire to play.”

    Boomers legend Shane Heal added: “That’s disappointing as a past Boomer and it sounds like the process wasn’t really embraced by Basketball Australia and them putting their weight behind it and trying to make that happen.”

    The Boomers could have done with a scorer at the World Cup. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The Boomers won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in their first ever appearance on the podium, but will face a tough ask to repeat that achievement in Paris up against the USA, Canada, World Cup winners Germany and European teams including Slovenia and Serbia.

    Patty Mills scored 42 points in that bronze medal game against Slovenia, but Luka Doncic got revenge on the Boomers as Mills and the Aussies went cold and got knocked out in the group stage at last year’s FIBA World Cup.

    Mills is now in the twilight of his career and while Josh Giddey has been handed the reins of the Boomers’ offence, he is a pass-first player.

    It’s left the Boomers crying out for a prolific scorer who can single-handedly win a game for Australia if needed.

    But they’ll have to win a place on the podium in Paris without Cotton.



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  • PL LIVE: Star’s brain fade proves costly as Ange’s Spurs suffer horror start

    PL LIVE: Star’s brain fade proves costly as Ange’s Spurs suffer horror start

    Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Brighton has started in horrendous fashion as two costly defensive errors gifted the Seagulls a 2-0 lead at the Amex Stadium.

    Brighton went ahead in the 11th minute through teenager Jack Hinshellwood when he fired a rapid strike past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario inside the box.

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    Seagulls striker Joao Pedro wriggled away from defenders before shifting the ball to the right, where an unmarked Hinshellwood waited.

    The teen took a touch before smashing his effort into the net.

    Brighton doubled their advantage just 12 minutes later through Pedro from the penalty spot thanks to a VAR check.

    The hosts were incensed when Danny Welbeck looked to be pulled down in the box by Dejan Kulusevski, although referee Jarred Gillett initially did not see the foul.

    Joao Pedro doubled Brighton’s lead from the penalty spot. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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    But VAR directed Gillett to review the incident on the pitchside monitor and it didn’t take long for the Australian ref to see Kulusevski’s blatant pull of Welbeck’s shirt and subsequently point to the spot.

    Pedro stepped up to take the penalty and sent Vicario the wrong way from the spot as the Seagulls boosted their lead.

    Brighton could and perhaps should have been ahead by more, if not for two superb stops early on from Vicario to deny Welbeck from close range in the box.

    PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

    Brighton v Tottenham

    Arsenal v West Ham United

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  • Late strike gives Aussies hope on day of Indian domination

    Late strike gives Aussies hope on day of Indian domination

    Australia is in desperate need of early wickets on the second day of its historic Test against India after the hosts dominated the opening day in Mumbai.

    Smriti Mandhana was 43 not out and Sneh Rana unbeaten on four at stumps as a 90-run opening stand between Shafali Verma and Mandhana put India in the driver’s seat.

    Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield’s first taste of Test cricket in India turned to disaster when she was run out without facing a ball.

    Australia was reeling at 2-7 after a mix-up between Litchfield and Beth Mooney and a Ellyse Perry’s early dismissal off the bowling of seamer Pooja Vastrakar.

    Vastrakar extracted plenty of movement from the Mumbai pitch, dazzling the Australians with 4-53 from 16 overs.

    Tahlia McGrath (50), Mooney (40) and captain Alyssa Healy (38) got starts but were unable to convert into the big score Australia was craving.

    Day one would have been even more lopsided had it not been for a late rally from Australia’s lower-order.

    From 8-168, Jess Jonassen (19) and Kim Garth (28 not out) rescued the innings and lifted Australia passed 200.

    “We just didn’t stick at our plans for long enough,” McGrath said.

    “There’s still a lot of cricket to be played in this game…hopefully we swing the momentum back.”

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  • The pair who saved Yarraville Club from a horror start

    The pair who saved Yarraville Club from a horror start

    Yarraville Club’s first innings of the VTCA season was saved in almost the perfect fashion.

    Nandhalal Sangaran scored 103 not out, his first century in Clubbers’ colours, against his former side Sunshine United.

    Mathieson King, 17, scored a half-century with his first opportunity with the bat in the first grade.

    The pair combined for a 107-run partnership to dig Yarraville Club out of 6-64 hole on Saturday before the visitors eventually posted 8-235.

    It’s a target that gives their bowlers “something to work with” according to captain-coach Mitch Johnstone.

    “We were really struggling, it came down to a combination of some poor shots from us and steady bowling from their guys,” he said.

    “Sangaran is a really good man in a crisis, he played a similar innings in last year’s semi-final. He was a little bit emotional doing against his former side, it was really nice to see him get a nice round of applause.

    “He obviously knew some of their bowlers and was able to take advantage of what they did. It was a really impressive start to his season.”

    King, who the club has high hopes for, was the premiership captain of the Clubbers’ under-17s side last season.

    He played in the Second XI for most of last season after making the move from St Albans.

    “He plays footy as well so he didn’t have much of a pre-season but whatever he did worked,” Johnstone said.

    “For a young guy, he’s got a really even temperament and he was able to show that in a high pressure situation.

    “We’re excited about how he’s going to develop over the course of the season.”

    Yarraville Club’s score was booted by some late order hitting from off-season recruit Nathan Johnson who finished with 29 runs off 28 deliveries.

    “He had a bit of a lean year with the bat for Druids last season but I knew he had it in him,” Johnstone said.

    “I played in the VTCA rep game with him and he scored some quick runs on a tricky pitch. He’s got a beautiful bat swing.

    “When you’re coming in at eight or nine you’ve got licence to play your shots. Then we’ve got Ash Sweet at 10 and Jackson Martin, who won the 17A batting award last season, there’s some depth there.”

    Play will resume at 12.30pm on Saturday.

    Originally published as VTCA: The near perfect start for Yarraville Club

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  • Damning stat exposes Utd; Blues’ crisis as Ange record shows biggest strength: PL Talking Points

    Damning stat exposes Utd; Blues’ crisis as Ange record shows biggest strength: PL Talking Points

    Two Premier League heavyweights are in dire straits after disastrous starts to their seasons.

    Meanwhile comeback kings Liverpool did it again for the third time in five games, but Jurgen Klopp isn’t happy despite ending a dry run from last season.

    And Ange Postecoglou hit a major milestone – and it showed off one of his greatest strengths.

    Here’s the big talking points from the Premier League!

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    Arsenal break Goodison Park drought | 02:19

    INJURIES TO BLAME FOR CHELSEA’S BLUES?

    It’s been a horror start for Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino, whose side sits 14th after three losses in their first five games. That’s their equal second-worst points tally through five games in Premier League history, while their five goals is their worst output at this stage since 1996.

    It continues their dismal scoring record from last season – 38 in 38 games.

    Misfiring Kai Havertz might have been sold, but the new men in the door aren’t having any better luck.

    Christopher Nkunku was a big-money arrival but was injured in pre-season, and the Blues are badly missing him.

    Meanwhile their other top attacking signing, Nicolas Jackson, is having a disastrous time in front of goals.

    The 22-year-old has taken the sixth-most shots of any player but has scored just once, and has missed six ‘big chances’.

    In this weekend’s goalless draw with Bournemouth, Jackson hit the post in the first half, but his struggles were later summed up by a shot so badly struck that he fell over while taking the attempt.

    Meanwhile £88.5m January signing Mykhailo Mudryk was poor on his first start of the season, taken off after an hour as his goalless start to life at Stamford Bridge stretched to 19 goals.

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    Mauricio Pochettino has a scoring problem.Source: Getty Images

    Chelsea are creating plenty of chances, but they lack any sort of clinical streak up front.

    Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told Sky Sports: “Someone needs to take the responsibility to say, ‘I’m going to go by myself and I’m going to finish with a shot’.

    “We didn’t see enough of that. We saw passes that put their teammate in, but the passes weren’t great.

    “Sometimes you have to be more selfish and go direct and finish the action. It was not enough.

    “They are creating chances, they’re playing well and they’re passing the ball up to that final third. The issue here is the final pass and scoring goals, it’s that final bit that they have to figure out.”

    Nunku is one of a massive 12 players currently out injured, with a lack of squad stability badly hurting the Blues.

    The Chelsea bench included six players who had never made a Premier League appearance before the weekend, as well as two goalkeepers.

    Pochettino said: “We know what we need to do, we are strong in our belief. We have 12 injured and [on Sunday] we had three or four young guys and two ‘keepers on the bench.

    “I’m going to cry? I’m going to complain? To who? I need to accept this, the challenge and keep being positive.”

    Manchester United are in dire straits.Source: AFP

    MISERABLE MAN UTD

    Just like Chelsea, Manchester United have struggled early this season. Their 3-1 loss to Brighton means the Red Devils have just six points from five games to leave them 13th on the table. Their three losses in five games is a new club low in the Premier League era.

    Coach Erik ten Hag insists the club is not in crisis – but they’re not far off.

    Jadon Sancho is in exile over a row with the coach, last year’s captain Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband and has fallen down the pecking order, Antony is on leave as he deals with domestic violence allegations, and Mason Greenwood was shipped to Spain after sexual assault and abuse allegations of his own.

    Then there’s the ultra-unpopular owners, the Glazer family, who put the club up for sale months ago – only to apparently backflip on that after offers came in well below their sky-high asking price.

    Brighton tore United apart despite a monumental disparity in the fees paid for the two teams’ starting line-ups – United’s starting XI cost £347m, while Brighton’s was just £17m.

    Erik ten Hag defended that, saying: “They also spend money, as everyone is doing.”

    Former United star Gary Neville said on his podcast for Sky Sports: “I always used to think at Old Trafford, ‘Don’t give the opposition an easy out’. They had an easy out yesterday and they dismantled Manchester United and made them look quite ordinary at times.

    “It was a worrying, concerning day in that Brighton were better than Manchester United. They were fantastic with a group of players that on paper aren’t as sexy, as valuable but they were the better team.”

    Man City perfection, Man Utd pain | 03:28

    United’s recruitment this transfer window has come under plenty of criticism.

    Ten Hag’s side spent a reported £183.5m on signings, bringing in Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Sergio Reguilon, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir.

    “I was worried at the start of the season,” said Neville.

    “There was this feeling Manchester United had got their business done early in the transfer window and that was good, but I was concerned the players they had brought in wouldn’t improve them from last season.

    “I never thought for one second they would challenge Manchester City and Arsenal from the players that they brought in.

    “That would have needed a Harry Kane-type signing or Declan Rice, as an example. They didn’t have the money to do those types of signings.”

    He added: “But the amount of money Manchester United have spent on that squad, it should have been a lot better. They’ve signed Onana, Hojlund and Mount.

    “Does that make them better than what they were?”

    So far, the answer is no. Ten Hag needs time to turn things around. But like Pochettino, he’ll be feeling plenty of pressure as the poor performances mount up.

    100th-minute miracle does it for Spurs | 00:48

    ANGE’S EPIC MILESTONE

    50 home games, zero losses. It’s the remarkable run that Ange Postecoglou has been on across three different clubs – first Yokohama F. Marinos, then Celtic, and now Tottenham. The streak runs almost three years, but came under great danger when Sheffield United led in the 98th minute, only for substitute Richarlison to score then assist Dejan Kulusevski for the 100th-minute winner. It was the latest-ever comeback in Premier League history and took Spurs to second on the table with four wins and a draw from their first five games – their best start to a top-flight season since 1965.

    It also took Postecoglou’s record to 42 wins from his most recent 50 home games.

    Postecoglou said after the match: “I do put a big emphasis on that wherever I’ve been because ultimately for your supporters, as much as you enjoy the away wins because you’ve got to earn every one of them, it’s when they come to their home ground that you want to really reward them.

    Aussie Ange has a stunning home record.Source: Getty Images

    “I’ve been very fortunate that at the last three clubs I’ve had, even in Japan we had 30,000 to 40,000 fans and at Celtic they’re always sold out and it creates an atmosphere which you can see helps the team.

    “That helps you as a club if you’re really strong at home, so, yeah it’s something I’m proud of.”

    One of Postecoglou’s great strengths is getting his players to buy into his distinct attacking identity – but another is getting the fans on board.

    The proof is in the pudding – 50 times over.

    Postecoglou wins Manager of the Month | 00:33

    REDS FINALLY END HOODOO – THE HARD WAY

    Last year, Liverpool played at 12.30pm local time – the early kick-off – six times. They didn’t win a single match, losing three and drawing the other three. In those six games, they scored just three times from 83 shots.

    They finally managed to end that dire streak with a comeback win over Wolves, but it was far from pretty. The Reds were utterly atrocious in the first 45 minutes, looking sluggish and sloppy on and off the ball. After an international break, many of his stars returned to the club just a day or two before the match – and it showed, with many of them not looking up for the fight.

    Coach Jurgen Klopp has often spoken out against the intense fixture schedule his players face, and he was at it again before this weekend. Klopp blasted a journalist in his pre-match press conference who asked whether it was the time of day – and not the lack of preparation time – causing his team problems.

    The German replied: “Are you serious with that question? What do you think is the difference when you play 30 hours away?

    “12:30 is not a problem if you have a week to prepare. The only problem is the lack of recovery time.

    Cooney Cross & Hunt sign with big teams | 00:45

    “We have four international breaks until March. Two of them we have the early kick-off. If I say more about it the whole world goes again and says ‘he’s moaning again’.

    “This is a joke. We have players in South America I haven’t seen yet. In 24 hours we play.

    “But this is like it is, we cannot change that, they will never change that, whoever we talk to. Now the TV channel has a different name but that doesn’t change anything at all. They just don’t give a ‘bleep’ about that.”

    In the last eight years, Liverpool have played 12 early kick-offs – double the number of any other team.

    It’s a significant disadvantage. Luckily, Klopp nailed his substitutions to change the game and inspire another comeback win – Liverpool’s third of the season after doing so against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and now Wolves. It shows the team has great resilience, but Klopp will be desperate for his side to start matches better.

    Jurgen Klopp isn’t happy with the scheduling – but does he have a point?Source: Getty Images

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  • Blues booed after disastrous draw, Gunners end six-year wait with crushing win: PL Wrap

    Blues booed after disastrous draw, Gunners end six-year wait with crushing win: PL Wrap

    Chelsea’s horror start continued after a dismal goalless draw with Bournemouth, but coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted he would not condemn the fans who again booed his team.

    Meanwhile Arsenal dominated struggling Everton in a 1-0 win to remain in the top four.

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    Chelsea’s English midfielder #07 Raheem Sterling came close to winning it for the Blues.Source: AFP

    BLUES BOOED AFTER HORROR START CONTINUES

    Troubled Chelsea had to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday as their dismal start to the Premier League season showed no signs of improving.

    Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won just once in five league games this term and they were booed off after lacking any semblance of a cutting edge at the Vitality Stadium.

    The Blues are without a goal in their last two matches and have scored only five times in the league this season.

    They are languishing in 14th place, closer to the relegation zone than the top four, as Pochettino comes to terms with the size of the task facing him at Stamford Bridge.

    “I cannot say that I am happy but it was a very competitive game. We should win 1-0 or 2-0 easily because in the first 30 minutes we had the chances,” Pochettino said.

    “With 12 injuries and only three players that started today who were with us for these two weeks I think I need only need to say it was a really good effort.”

    The former Tottenham and Paris Saint Germain boss was hired in the close-season to clean up the mess left by Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, who all had spells in charge of Chelsea during last season’s wretched campaign.

    But Pochettino has so far been unable to make an impact despite Chelsea’s £350 million spending spree on new signings.

    A rash of untimely injuries haven’t helped but Chelsea’s decision to largely sign younger players has left Pochettino with an inexperienced squad that lacks the maturity to close out games.

    “We need to prove our efficiency in front of goal. We need to be calm also but these circumstances are not always easy for the players. We cannot blame anyone,” Pochettino said.

    “The fans are disappointed because of the situation but I am not worried about that because we really know what we are doing.”

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    Challenging for a place in the Champions League was Pochettino’s target this season, but that ambition already seems overly optimistic on the evidence of this drab display against winless Bournemouth.

    While it is too soon to say Pochettino is in danger of the sack, he will be well aware Potter lasted less than seven months before being sacked by co-owner Todd Boehly.

    Despite an injury crisis that forced Pochettino to name three outfield players aged 19 or under on the bench as well as two goalkeepers, the Argentine said he couldn’t complain about the fans’ jeers.

    “What can we do? For me, I have nothing to say. The fans can do whatever they want,” he said.

    “We know what we need to do, we are strong in our belief. We have 12 injured and today we had three or four young guys and two keepers on the bench.

    “I’m going to cry? I’m going to complain? To who? I need to accept this, the challenge and keep being positive.”

    Pochettino has big problems to address.Source: Getty Images

    Pochettino made two changes from the side that lost to Nottingham Forest in their previous game, with big-money summer signing Moises Caicedo left out of the squad and teenager Lesley Ugochukwu given his first Premier League start.

    Chelsea thought they had finally taken the lead early in the second when Raheem Sterling’s free-kick bounced off the bar to Levi Colwill, who slotted into the empty net only to see his effort disallowed for off-side.

    But it was Bournemouth who finished stronger and Axel Disasi narrowly avoided conceding a penalty when his despairing lunge brought down Justin Kluivert just outside the area.

    Sanchez came to Chelsea’s rescue in the 80th minute, saving with his legs to keep out Dominic Solanke’s strike.

    Sterling could have won it with a close-range header that lacked the power to beat Neto, who also made a fine instinctive save to repel Cole Palmer’s close-range volley.

    It was another disaster for Chelsea.Source: Getty Images

    GUNNERS END SIX-YEAR STREAK

    Arsenal ended their six-year wait for a Premier League victory at Everton as Leandro Trossard fired the title-chasing Gunners to a 1-0 success on Sunday.

    Mikel Arteta’s side had to work hard for their first win at Goodison Park since 2017, with Belgian forward Trossard settling a scrappy encounter midway through the second half.

    Arsenal were not at their fluent best but they earned their fourth win in five games this season by matching Everton’s physical approach.

    Arteta has warned his players they would only end their Everton curse if they are willing to put their bodies on the line and they rose to that challenge.

    After leaving it late to beat Manchester United in their previous game before the international break, this was another tense affair for Arsenal.

    But Trossard’s goal lifted unbeaten the north Londoners into fourth place, two points behind leaders Manchester City as they aim to avenge last season’s late collapse in the title race.

    “It was a long time without a win here. We played a great game and didn’t give anything away. We dominated and the score should probably have been bigger,” Arteta said.

    “Everton haven’t created a single chance. It’s about intelligence but also about the fight.

    “Against Manchester United I saw my face after and it was a bit of relief. This was enjoyment. We were patient and Leandro produced an incredible finish to win the game.”

    100th-minute miracle does it for Spurs | 00:48

    Winless Everton remain in the relegation zone as they face up to another relegation battle after narrowly beating the drop in the last two seasons.

    Sean Dyche’s team headed into the game on the back of the news that the club is set to have new owners after Farhad Moshiri agreed to sell his 94 per cent stake to American investment fund 777 Partners.

    The takeover would bring to an end the tumultuous tenure of British-Iranian Moshiri, who first invested in 2016.

    Everton’s new owners got an early glimpse into the size of the task facing them as the Toffees suffered a fourth defeat in their opening five league games for the first time since 2005-06.

    Arteta, a former Everton midfielder, has no such worries as Arsenal prepare for their return to the Champions League after a six-year absence against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

    The Spaniard was rewarded with a clean-sheet from keeper David Raya, who made his Arsenal debut following his move from Brentford as Aaron Ramsdale dropped to the bench.

    Raya was one of two changes, with Fabio Vieira making his first start since April in place of Kai Havertz.

    “It is nothing different. I have 11 players to pick and no-one is different,” Arteta said of his ruthless decision to axe Ramsdale.

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  • ‘Not much there at all’: Arsenal survive ‘harsh’ red card call in win over Crystal Palace

    ‘Not much there at all’: Arsenal survive ‘harsh’ red card call in win over Crystal Palace

    Arsenal shrugged off Takehiro Tomiyasu’s red card to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season as Martin Odegaard sealed a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Tuesday [AEST].

    Odegaard’s second-half penalty at Selhurst Park put Arsenal on course for their second successive win.

    But Mikel Arteta’s side had to dig deep to preserve the points after Japan defender Tomiyasu was controversially sent off for a second yellow card midway through the second half.

    10-Man Gunners hold on against Palace | 01:56

    Tomiyasu had been booked for taking too long over a throw-in before his dismissal for making minimal contact on Jordan Ayew.

    “I’m not wearing my Arsenal colours here… to get sent off for that just feels really harsh,” former Arsenal player Alan Smith said.

    “A tug of the shirt I could understand but there was not much there at all.”

    Arteta was delighted with the way Arsenal refused to surrender their lead as they moved up to third place, behind leaders Brighton and second-placed Manchester City on goal difference.

    “Great win. I’m so happy. To play 30 minutes away from home with 10 men is extremely difficult,” Arteta said.

    “Some players were suffering physically. The subs were magnificent, they knew what they had to do.

    “Today we had a difficult one, we overcame it and it will make us better.” Frustrated by Tomiyasu’s first booking for time-wasting, Arteta added: “This is the standard. I think it was eight seconds. We might have to play with a stop watch.”

    Expected to mount a sustained title challenge following last season’s late collapse that gifted the trophy to City, the north Londoners look up for the fight after building on their opening weekend win against Nottingham Forest.

    While they haven’t played their most fluent football yet, this could prove a significant building block in their bid for a first title since 2004.

    Arsenal had the best away record in the top flight last season and registered a division-best 10 clean sheets on their travels.

    Arteta’s men looked like road warriors again as they repelled Palace’s late flurry of pressure.

    With new goalkeeper David Raya among the Arsenal substitutes after his loan move from Brentford, the spotlight was on Aaron Ramsdale as the England international fights to hold onto his place.

    Ramsdale rose to the challenge with a confident display from the moment he turned away Eberechi Eze’s long-range strike in the early stages.

    Chelsea’s big signing flops in debut | 01:04

    Emulating City boss Pep Guardiola’s tactic of instructing a defender to advance forward whenever they have possession, Arteta deployed Thomas Partey at right-back with a license to link up play from his preferred midfield role.

    That allowed Arsenal to dominate possession but Eddie Nketiah, deputising for the injured Gabriel Jesus, failed to make their first-half pressure pay off.

    The 24-year-old wasted a good chance when he nimbly turned away Joachim Andersen, only to scuff his shot against the far post with just Sam Johnstone to beat.

    Palace were denied a penalty after William Saliba’s sliding tackle on Ayew was ignored by VAR.

    Nketiah was profligate again when he chipped over from just six yards after Declan Rice picked out the unmarked forward.

    Arsenal kept their composure and Odegaard’s fierce 25-yard strike forced a superb tip over from Johnstone.

    Odegaard wouldn’t be denied again as the Norwegian netted from the spot in the 54th minute to reward Arsenal’s dominant display.

    Mac Allister shown RED on Anfield debut | 00:37

    Gabriel Martinelli’s quick free-kick caught Palace dozing and Nketiah rounded Johnstone before being upended by the keeper, who was sent the wrong way by Odegaard’s ice-cool penalty.

    When Partey’s blast from the edge of the area was slapped over by Johnstone, it looked like Arsenal would cruise to victory.

    But Palace were given a glimmer of hope in the 67th minute as Tomiyasu was harshly dismissed for a slight push on Ayew that was not reviewed by VAR under rules governing second yellow cards.

    Palace’s frustration mounted when Eze went down under contact from Partey but saw his penalty claim rejected.

    In a tense finale, Odsonne Edouard had Palace’s best chance to equalise when he headed wide from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross.

    Mitchell also squandered an opportunity, blazing over from six yards as Arsenal held firm.

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  • Greenwood to leave after internal investigation as Man Utd slammed over ‘pretty horrible’ handling of situation

    Greenwood to leave after internal investigation as Man Utd slammed over ‘pretty horrible’ handling of situation

    Manchester United and Mason Greenwood have mutually agreed for the forward to leave Old Trafford after he faced allegations of abuse involving a young woman, the club announced.

    The 21-year-old forward has been suspended by the Premier League giants since January 2022 over the allegations after images and videos were posted online.

    Prosecutors said in February they were dropping charges, including attempted rape and sexual assault, against Greenwood, after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence came to light.

    On Tuesday [AEST], the club said that after a six-month internal investigation into his conduct, it was releasing Greenwood so he could attempt to rebuild his career elsewhere.

    Aston Villa crush dreadful Everton | 00:30

    The club said: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.

    “It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome. ” Greenwood, whose contract runs until June 2025, said: “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.

    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”

    He added: “The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.

    “I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.”

    The club said: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.

    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.”

    Greenwood was tipped for stardom at United after rising through the Old Trafford youth system and went on to score 35 goals in 129 senior appearances for the club.

    In his statement, he said: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.

    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong… However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.

    He added he was “learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner”.

    Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold, who was criticised after suggesting this year that Greenwood might be reintegrated back into the first-team squad, wrote an open letter to United’s fans.

    He acknowledged that while “reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for,” his view had “evolved as our process progressed”.

    Ange claims first EPL win against United | 02:46

    Arnold added: “I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United.

    “The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.”

    Despite Arnold’s attempt to pacify angry supporters, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville slammed the club’s handling of the situation.

    “It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again,” Neville said.

    “I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires an authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that.

    “On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be an independent panel.”

    Former England midfielder Karen Carney said on Sky Sports: “I empathise with anyone that’s been through or has been triggered by the conversations that we’ve been having.

    “Personally I feel really uneasy with the situation. I think Manchester United, as an institution and a football club and what it stands for, have handled this really, really poorly.”

    Jamie Carragher added: “You almost think of what decision Manchester United may have come to if these stories hadn’t been leaked and then you get the force of public opinion, that would be a worry. Ultimately, they’ve got to the right decision.”

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  • Liverpool win but star’s reaction says it all as red card drama divides opinion — EPL Wrap

    Liverpool win but star’s reaction says it all as red card drama divides opinion — EPL Wrap

    Tottenham showed there is life after Harry Kane with a 2-0 win over Manchester United as Liverpool shrugged off a red card for Alexis Mac Allister to beat Bournemouth 3-1.

    Spurs were playing for the first time at home since record goalscorer Kane departed for Bayern Munich.

    But in Ange Postecoglou’s first match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home side showed promising signs of a new era as Pape Sarr’s strike and Lisandro Martinez’s own goal continued United’s sluggish start to the season.

    Ange claims first EPL win against United | 02:46

    Erik ten Hag’s men escaped with a 1-0 victory at home to Wolves on Monday despite being outplayed.

    This time United were punished as they faded after a bright start. Bruno Fernandes should have headed the visitors in front midway through the first-half.

    Spurs ended the opening period in the ascendency as Pedro Porro rattled the crossbar.

    And the Postecoglou’s men got their reward when Sarr smashed home his first goal for the club on 49 minutes.

    A comedy of errors summed up United’s day for the second goal as Ben Davies failed to connect with Ivan Perisic’s cross and Martinez could only turn it beyond the flat-footed Andre Onana.

    United’s decision not to rival Bayern with a bid for Kane will now face more scrutiny as they looked toothless without new striker Rasmus Hojlund due to injury.

    Kiwi Chis Wood the hero for Forest | 01:25

    LIVERPOOL OVERCOME HORROR START TO GET WIN

    Liverpool recovered from a terrible start and the controversial loss of Alexis Mac Allister to get their frist win of the season.

    Bournemouth had lost 9-0 on their visit to Anfield a year ago but led inside three minutes when Antoine Semenyo drilled into the far corner.

    Liverpool needed some inspiration to kickstart their season after a 1-1 draw at Chelsea last weekend.

    Luis Diaz provided it as he flicked up Diogo Jota’s cross and then acrobatically fired an overhead kick into the bottom corner.

    Jurgen Klopp’s men led nine minutes before half-time, but Mohamed Salah needed a second opportunity to tap in the rebound after Neto had saved his penalty.

    The Egyptian has now failed to score three of his last five penalties, but edged ahead of Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s fifth highest scorer of all time on 187.

    Momentum could have swung back Bournemouth’s way when Mac Allister was harshly shown a straight red card for leading with his studs on Ryan Christie, despite minimal contact with the Scotland international.

    “I saw the red card back and for sure we have to talk about it. I understand 100 percent how it looks for a ref in that moment, but when you see it back it is the inside of the foot and no power behind it,” Klopp said.

    Mac Allister was shown a red card. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)Source: AFP

    Former Premier League referee Mike Dean defended the call on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.

    “His foot’s raised, the guys cleared the ball and the lads caught him,” Dean said.

    “[He’s] probably caught him shin high, foots off the floor, I’ve got no issues with it. It was looked at by VAR, that’s been checked and cleared, it’s the right decision from Tom Bramall.”

    Arsenal legend Paul Merson though disagreed.

    “Because it’s slow motion and it hits his shin, when you look at it you go ‘ooh’. I see what Mac Allister was trying to do, he was trying to play a sidefoot pass but the lad was too quick for him,” he said in response.

    “Sometimes that we have to understand, sometimes if someone is too quick for someone, he didn’t mean it. I’ve seen people do people, I didn’t think it was. Best move before Mike [Dean] says anything.”

    BBC pundit and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton said: “I thought the McAllister sending off was a shocking decision”.

    A 10-man Liverpool added to their lead within four minutes when Jota pounced after Neto could only palm Dominik Szoboszlai’s effort into his path.

    Japan captain Wataru Endo was then introduced after Liverpool finally landed a defensive midfielder on Friday after losing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

    HAALAND FIRES BLANKS BUT CITY STEP UP TO CHALLENGE

    Meanwhile, Manchester City laid down an early-season marker in the Premier League title race as Julian Alvarez’s stunning strike earned a 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Etihad.

    A club record 17th consecutive home victory for the treble winners was thoroughly deserved despite their exertions in lifting the UEFA Super Cup in midweek.

    Newcastle’s 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa last weekend had raised hopes on Tyneside they could be the pick of the challengers to City’s crown as English champions.

    But on this evidence, Pep Guardiola’s men will take some stopping in their quest to become the first side to ever win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

    Guardiola was furious at the Premier League for scheduling the game just three days after his side were forced to penalties to beat Sevilla under baking heat in Athens.

    City’s squad has also been stretched early on in the campaign by the absence of Bernardo Silva and John Stones, while Kevin De Bruyne will be out for up to four months with a hamstring injury.

    But dreams the Magpies could pose a challenge for their frist top-flight league title in 97 years were dampened by City’s dominance before tiredness crept in late on.

    City scored a crucial win. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The visitors were happy to surrender possession before the break, but it took a moment of magic for City to find a way through.

    Alvarez could be one of the benefactors of De Bruyne’s lengthy lay-off. The Argentine scored 17 goals in his debut season in Manchester despite having to play largely second fiddle to Erling Haaland.

    Guardiola may now be forced to pair Alvarez with the Norwegian more often and he showed what he is capable of with a stunning finish into the top corner from Phil Foden’s pass on 31 minutes.

    Haaland was not as accurate moments later as he dragged a shot inches wide when played in by another Foden through ball.

    Newcastle’s more attacking intent in the second half only succeeded in leaving City more space to exploit in behind.

    Erling Haaland reacts after missing a goal opportunity. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP

    However, a rare off night for Haaland in front of goal continued. Foden stepped up in the absence of De Bruyne and Silva to be the creative spark in the City midfield.

    The England international’s turn and pass picked out Haaland once more on his favoured left foot only for last season’s Golden Boot winner again fail to hit the target.

    Haaland went for raw power with his next effort, but was repelled by the legs of Nick Pope as City were made to wait for a second goal to kill the game off.

    The European champions were nearly made to pay when Rodri’s slack pass presented Callum Wilson with a huge opportunity.

    But 90-million-euro ($99 million) defender Josko Gvardiol showed his worth on his home debut to hold up Wilson and Harvey Barnes’ shot was comfortably held by Ederson.

    Despite his side’s fatigue, Guardiola refused to make a single substitution and told one City fan to take his place on the bench when urged to make some changes.

    But it all ended in smiles for the home side as City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season to sit second behind Brighton at the top of the table.

    BRIGHTON, BRENTFORD BANK WINS

    Brighton banked a British record transfer fee that could rise to £115 million ($146 million) for Caicedo.

    But the Seagulls continue to soar under Roberto De Zerbi despite seeing their best players picked off by the Premier League’s elite.

    Kaoru Mitoma may be the next big-money departure and the Japanese international opened the scoring in stunning style at Molineux as he slalomed past four Wolves defenders before producing a classy finish.

    In stark contrast to their performance at Old Trafford, Wolves had no answer to Brighton’s speed of passing and movement as the visitors scored three times in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

    Mitoma teed up Pervis Estupinan to smash home for 2-0 before Solly March scored twice from Julio Enciso assists.

    De Bruyne to miss 4 months with injury | 01:17

    Wolves pulled a goal back through Hwang Hee-chan, but a chastening afternoon for Gary O’Neil’s men was rounded off by a red card for Matheus Nunes in stoppage time.

    Brentford are also making light of the absence of the suspended Ivan Toney as they won 3-0 at Fulham.

    Yoane Wissa opened the scoring before Bryan Mbuemo scored twice after Fulham captain Tim Ream was sent off for a second yellow card.

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