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Tag: relegation zone

  • Ange under fire after disastrous PL loss — but Tottenham fans are raging at another Spurs target

    Ange under fire after disastrous PL loss — but Tottenham fans are raging at another Spurs target

    Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said it is his responsibility to turn around a miserable Premier League season after a 3-2 defeat to Everton on Sunday (Monday AEDT), which helped the Toffees pull clear of the relegation zone.

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    Previously goal-shy Everton tore through Spurs’ under-strength backline to net three times before the break through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye and an Archie Gray own goal.

    A first win in seven league games takes David Moyes’ men four points clear of the bottom three.

    Tottenham’s 12th Premier League defeat of the season leaves them just four points above Everton in 15th and ramps up the pressure on manager Postecoglou.

    However, it was chairman Daniel Levy, not the Australian, who felt the fury of the travelling support as they chanted for change at the top of the club.

    “This is not about me, but what is about me is I have a responsibility to the players I do have. For me to focus on anything else is abstaining from the responsibility I do have,” said Postecoglou, who was without 10 first-team regulars due to injury.

    Everton did bite the bullet to sack Sean Dyche earlier this month and it was like the Goodison days of old for Moyes as he enjoyed a first win of his second spell in charge.

    “Really pleased we could give everyone something to shout about,” said Moyes. “We played ever so well in the first half, scored three and could have scored more.”

    Ange Postecoglou (R) consoles Archie Gray after defeat at Goodison Park.Source: AFP

    Moyes’ homecoming fell flat in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, after which the former Manchester United boss said he was aware of the task he faces to preserve Premier League status due to a lack of firepower.

    Calvert-Lewin had not scored since September but did not look like a striker short on confidence as he turned Gray and Lucas Bergvall before firing in the opening goal on 13 minutes.

    To compound the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and three of Postecoglou’s preferred back four in Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, Tottenham were also without club record signing Dominic Solanke.

    Captain Son Heung-min stepped in to start as a makeshift centre-forward and should have levelled when he shot too close to Jordan Pickford from Dejan Kulusevski’s cross.

    But Tottenham looked likely to concede every time Everton sprang out on the counter-attack.

    Calvert-Lewin should have had a second but for a heavy touch that allowed Antonin Kinsky to block before the Czech goalkeeper turned Orel Mangala’s effort onto the post.

    David Moyes applauds Toffees fans after Everton beat Tottenham.Source: AFP

    Everton had scored just 15 goals in 20 league games prior to kick-off, going goalless in nine of their last 11.

    What little inspiration there has been from the Toffees this season has come from Ndiaye.

    The Senegal international produced a moment of magic to double the lead as he skipped past the statuesque Radu Dragusin before slotting high past Kinsky.

    Gray’s own goal compounded a terrible first 45 minutes for the visitors as their frailty from set-pieces was again exposed when the 18-year-old could only turn Calvert-Lewin’s flick into his own net.

    Kulusevski’s classy chip over three scrambling Everton defenders pulled a goal back before Richarlison turned home at the back post in stoppage time.

    Postecoglou’s men remain alive in three cup competitions, but Levy has a decision to make on whether the quest for a first trophy since 2008 would be better served by a change of manager.

    “We’re still in all four competitions. Our league position is not great to say the least but eventually our players will come back. Significant talent will come back,” added Postecoglou.

    “I’ve got great motivation to get through this so when we do get our players back we can get something significant out of our season.”

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  • Six in a row: PL fairytale rolls on as Kiwi star does it again, unthinkable 45-year first looms

    Six in a row: PL fairytale rolls on as Kiwi star does it again, unthinkable 45-year first looms

    Nottingham Forest’s stunning season continued with a 3-0 victory at Wolves on Monday to give manager Nuno Espirito Santo a winning return to Molineux.

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    England international Morgan Gibbs-White and the in-form Chris Wood struck before half-time to take Forest to within six points of leaders Liverpool, who they host in their next Premier League game.

    Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. Defeat leaves Wolves outside the relegation zone only thanks to goal difference as they suffered a first defeat under new boss Vitor Pereira.

    Forest remain third in the table but move level on points with Arsenal. Even if a shock title challenge proves beyond Espirito Santo’s men, they are building up an impressive cushion in the race for Champions League football next season.

    They are five points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle and six in front of struggling champions Manchester City in sixth.

    A top-four finish would guarantee a return to the continent’s elite competition for the first time in 45 years for the two-time European champions.

    However, fifth could also be good enough depending on how English clubs fare in European competition this season.

    READ MORE: Bargain buys — and unlikely hero behind 30-year fairytale: Inside PL season’s wildest rise

    Gibbs-White savoured his return to the club where he spent the early part of his career.

    In front of the watching new England manager Thomas Tuchel, the midfielder did his case for further international recognition no harm with a cool finish from Antony Elanga’s pass.

    Forest’s unexpected rise from battling relegation until the final day of last season into Champions League contenders has been build on a solid defence and Wood’s purple patch.

    WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Molineux on January 06, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The New Zealand international turned in Callum Hudson-Odoi’s low cross for his 12th goal of the season to double the visitors’ lead just before half-time.

    Wolves pressed and probed for a way back into the game after the break but were toothless in the absence of talisman Matheus Cunha through suspension.

    Mats Sels was forced into one brilliant save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen to preserve a ninth clean sheet of the season and fourth in a row.

    That solidity is familiar to Wolves fans from Espirito Santo’s time in charge of their club between 2017 and 2021.

    The Portuguese coach led Wanderers from the Championship into Europe for the first time in 39 years.

    Now after troubled spells at Tottenham and Saudi club Al-Ittihad, he is recreating that magic to leave Forest fans in dreamland.

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  • Man Utd’s six-year first snaps horror losing streak as Liverpool blow big opportunity in Anfield thriller

    Man Utd’s six-year first snaps horror losing streak as Liverpool blow big opportunity in Anfield thriller

    Manchester United rallied to snap a four-game losing streak and halt Liverpool’s romp towards the Premier League title in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

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    Liverpool move six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand to come, over second-placed Arsenal.

    But this was an opportunity lost for Arne Slot’s men after they came from behind to lead 2-1 through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s penalty.

    United broke their six-year goal drought at Anfield to open the scoring in spectacular fashion through Lisandro Martinez and got the point a much-improved performance deserved when Amad Diallo levelled on 80 minutes.

    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Amad Diallo of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    A point edges the Red Devils up to 13th in the table and seven clear of the relegation zone.

    Liverpool boss Slot warned that United were “much better” than their shocking league position suggested ahead of the game and so it proved.

    United had been carved open at will by Newcastle in a dismal 2-0 defeat on Monday that left manager Ruben Amorim declaring they were in a relegation battle.

    Amorim’s hand was strengthened by the return of captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte from suspension, while Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting line-up.

    The Portuguese’s plan to frustrate Liverpool worked but the home side did have the chances early on to make the breakthrough.

    Gakpo prodded past the far post from Ryan Gravenberch’s through ball. Moments later Salah picked out Alexis Mac Allister with a sumptuous pass that the Argentine caught flush and forced Andre Onana into a fine save with his feet.

    United took time to begin to impose themselves as an attacking threat but should have been in front before the break.

    Diallo miscued his header with the goal gaping from Diogo Dalot’s cross. Rasmus Hojlund then had the best chance of the first half when he raced in behind the Liverpool defence but could not beat Alisson Becker.

    – Renewed confidence –

    However, confidence was suddenly coursing back into United players who have looked bereft in recent weeks.

    The visitors’ breakthrough came from an unlikely source as Martinez showed his strikers how to finish with a blistering hit in off the underside of the bar for just his second goal for the club.

    The Anfield crowd were beginning to get restless as the league leaders were briefly at sixes and sevens.

    However, Liverpool’s position at the top of the table owes much to the depth of firepower they possess.

    Even on a quiet day for Salah, they had an in-form forward to come up with the moment of magic required to turn the game.

    Gakpo turned inside his Dutch international colleague Matthijs de Ligt and blasted high past Onana for his 10th goal in 15 games on the hour mark.

    Despite the equaliser Slot immediately made two offensive changes, as Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were introduced, and got his reward.

    MacAllister’s header flicked off De Ligt’s outstretched arm inside the penalty area and a VAR review resulted in the awarding of a spot-kick.

    Salah smashed low and hard beyond Onana for his 18th Premier League goal in 19 games.

    However, United’s spirited display got the point it merited to halt an alarming losing streak for Amorim so early in his reign.

    Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude has been questioned by his new boss but the Argentine came off the bench to make the equaliser as his low cross was turned in by Diallo.

    And it should have been even better for United when Harry Maguire spooned Joshua Zirkzee’s pass over the bar with the goal gaping deep into stoppage time.

    – Fulham fight back to draw against Ipswich –

    Raul Jimenez scored two penalties as Fulham twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Ipswich at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

    Sam Szmodics put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute, with Jimenez levelling from the spot midway through the second period.

    Liam Delap restored Ipswich’s lead with another penalty but Jimenez had the final say in stoppage time.

    The result leaves Ipswich third from bottom of the table after falling agonisingly short of recording two consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

    Mid-table Fulham enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half but Ipswich broke the deadlock against the run of play with their first chance of note.

    Delap surged forward and fed Leif Davis, whose cross was headed onto the bar by overlapping right-back Ben Johnson. After a scramble to clear the danger, Szmodics was on hand to crash the ball off Calvin Bassey and past Bernd Leno.

    It took until the 69th minute for the Cottagers to get back on level terms. Harry Wilson found a pocket of space once more following Rodrigo Muniz’s pass and was brought down inside the box by Sam Morsy.

    Referee Darren Bond initially said no penalty but changed his original decision after a VAR check and Jimenez stepped up to slot his spot-kick to Christian Walton’s left.

    Delap put Ipswich back ahead just two minutes later after he was fouled by Timothy Castagne and they went close to a third when substitute Jack Clarke struck a post.

    But Fulham continued to probe for an equaliser and it arrived in the first minute of stoppage time.

    Jimenez picked himself up after being fouled by Davis and coolly found the top-right corner to secure his side a share of the spoils.

    “When you lead twice you always feel a little bit disappointed not to win,” Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna told Sky Sports.

    “I’m so proud of the way we played. We had some chances to get a two-goal margin but weren’t able to take them.” Fulham boss Marco Silva praised the performance of Jimenez, who now has eight Premier League goals this season.

    “He showed the character and the calmness,” he said. “There are many positives I take from the game. In some moments we cannot concede like we did and we have been punished by some mistakes.

    “Everybody can talk about European hopes. I prefer our team to speak on the pitch. If you want to be fighting you have to be much more ruthless and aggressive.”

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  • Forest loss for Tottenham heaps pressure on Ange as rampant Reds surge clear — PL wrap

    Forest loss for Tottenham heaps pressure on Ange as rampant Reds surge clear — PL wrap

    Liverpool powered seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against Leicester, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off in Manchester United’s dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves.

    Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs copped another loss, 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.

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    Erling Haaland missed a penalty as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, but it was United’s travails and Liverpool’s remarkable run that took centre-stage on Thursday.

    Arne Slot’s side were shocked by Jordan Ayew’s early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo.

    England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time.

    Mohamed Salah’s 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool’s 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions.

    “We created enough, but because we went 1-0 down it was a game,” Liverpool manager Slot said.

    Liverpool’s comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were defeated 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day.

    Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his team’s third goal.Source: Getty Images

    United suffered a third successive loss in all competitions to leave new boss Ruben Amorim with five defeats in his first 10 games.

    Fernandes was dismissed two minutes into the second half at Molineux for a second bookable offence.

    United’s 10 men cracked in the 58th minute when Matheus Cunha’s corner went straight in as goalkeeper Andre Onana flapped under pressure.

    Hwang Hee-chan compounded Amorim’s misery when he tapped in with just seconds left.

    Losing to fourth-bottom Wolves was another bitter blow for United, who endured a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend after losing 4-3 in the League Cup at Tottenham.

    With his team marooned in 14th place — just eight points above the relegation zone — Amorim’s woes might not be over, with United facing in-form Newcastle on Monday before travelling to Liverpool in their first game of 2025.

    “It’s so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it’s more difficult,” Amorim said.

    Ruben Amorim has had a rough start at Manchester United.Source: Getty Images

    Champions Manchester City have just one victory in their last 13 games in all competitions as their Christmas schedule started in disappointing fashion.

    Bernardo Silva put City in front early on before Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a point for Everton.

    Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland had the chance to end his longest goal drought at the Etihad but Jordan Pickford denied him.

    City are languishing in seventh place and sit five points adrift of the top four, with their astonishing decline showing no sign of ending.

    “Of course we need results and we didn’t get it. The team played really good again in all departments and unfortunately could not win,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.

    Erling Haaland is challenged by Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.Source: Getty Images

    At Stamford Bridge, second-placed Chelsea were stunned by Fulham’s late fightback for a 2-1 win in a dramatic west London derby.

    It was Chelsea’s first home defeat against Fulham since 1979. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead after 16 minutes, the England forward drilling home from the edge of the area after weaving through the Fulham defence in dazzling style.

    But Fulham levelled with eight minutes left when Antonee Robinson’s cross was headed down by Timothy Castagne and Harry Wilson nodded in from close range.

    Chelsea were furious, claiming Alex Iwobi had fouled Pedro Neto in the build-up to the goal.

    But there was worse to come for the Blues in stoppage-time when Rodrigo Muniz converted Sasa Lukic’s pass with a clinical strike.

    Chelsea are four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand and host Leicester later on Thursday.

    Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure.Source: AFP

    Nottingham Forest climbed to third place after a 1-0 win against sputtering Tottenham at the City Ground.

    Forest went ahead in the 28th minute when Anthony Elanga raced onto Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass and stroke a composed finish past Fraser Forster.

    Forest’s fourth successive win was sweet revenge for boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose former club Tottenham had Djed Spence sent off in the closing moments for a second booking.

    Tottenham are stuck in 11th as the pressure mounts on boss Ange Postecoglou. Newcastle swatted aside 10-man Aston Villa 3-0, moving up to fifth place after winning three consecutive league games for the first time since 2023.

    Jarrod Bowen’s 59th-minute goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win at bottom of the table Southampton after the visitors saw Guido Rodriguez’s red card overturned by VAR.

    It was a frustrating start for new Saints boss Ivan Juric, who has replaced the sacked Russell Martin.

    Bournemouth and Crystal Palace shared a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium.

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  • Man City crisis plummets to new low; Arsenal gun scores five in a week against London rivals – PL Wrap

    Man City crisis plummets to new low; Arsenal gun scores five in a week against London rivals – PL Wrap

    Manchester City hit a new low with yet another loss to slide down the Premier League, while third-placed Arsenal produced a commanding performance to stay in touch in the title race.

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    A hat-trick from a Newcastle forward piled on the pain for the league cellar dwellers and Nottingham Forest’s top four fairytale continued with a unique away win.

    Plus much more in our Premier League wrap!

    VILLA BEAT CITY TO DEEPEN GUARDIOLA’S PAIN

    Aston Villa beat crisis-hit Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday to heap more misery on floundering manager Pep Guardiola, who has now suffered nine defeats in his past 12 matches, after losing only eight times in his previous 106 contests.

    Jhon Duran finished off a fine team move to give the home side an early lead and Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s advantage in the 65th minute.

    Phil Foden scored his first Premier League goal of the season in stoppage time to pull one back but it proved to be too little too late.

    Guardiola, in the worst run of his glittering career, said Friday that “sooner or later” things will turn around but City’s fear factor has vanished and they have just one win in their past 12 games in all competitions.

    City have now lost six Premier League games in the current campaign, twice as many as they suffered during the whole of last season, when they were crowned champions for a fourth straight season.

    They have dropped to sixth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played two games more, while Villa leapfrogged them into fifth.

    Guardiola said he trusted his players despite their shocking form. “It depends on us,” he told the BBC. “The solution is bring the players back. We have just one central defender fit, that is difficult.” “We have to think positive and I have incredible trust in the guys,” he added. “Some of them have incredible pride and desire to do it. We have to find a way, step by step, sooner or later to find a way back.” Guardiola made six changes to the team side that lost last week’s Manchester derby, bringing in goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and reshaping his defence with Rico Lewis, John Stones and Manuel Akanji.

    Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish also returned.

    But the defending champions started the match in chaotic fashion and could have been behind with just 15 seconds on the clock.

    Untidy work from Josko Gvardiol allowed John McGinn to steal the ball and he fed Duran, whose shot from outside the box was pushed behind by Ortega.

    Villa were millimetres away from taking the lead from the resulting corner, with Ortega, in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, producing a superb save to deny Pau Torres.

    City then settled and their possession numbers topped 75 percent but they created little.

    – Duran strikes again –

    Instead it was Villa who took the lead in the 16th minute through Duran after a superb team move.

    Youri Tielemans delivered a wonderful defence-splitting pass to Rogers, who burst through City’s backline with ease before squaring for Duran and the Colombian international finished crisply for his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

    Foden tested Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the 35th minute after an incisive move involving Lewis.

    And Gvardiol squandered a glorious chance moments before half-time, heading a Grealish cross over the bar.

    Guardiola brought on Kyle Walker for Stones at the break but Villa again took control, this time enjoying much more of the ball.

    Minutes into the second half Matty Cash lashed an attempt into the side netting after a speedy attack before Duran had a strike ruled out for offside.

    Rogers, formerly of Manchester City, hit the foot of the post just before the hour mark after an intricate team move down the left.

    But Emery’s men doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second half, with Rogers finishing unerringly from a McGinn pass.

    City created little as they searched for a way back into the game until Foden pounced for a late consolation goal.

    Emery told TNT Sports that Villa were “feeling strong”.

    “We played the first half very well,” he said. “In the second half we kept possession more and getting in the box to score the second goal, we imposed and dominated more.”

    ARSENAL PUT FIVE PAST LONDON RIVALS

    Arsenal kept themselves in touch with league leaders Liverpool with a 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace away from home.

    The Gunners sit three points shy of the Reds, who have two games in hand, and one point behind second-placed Chelsea, who also play tomorrow, courtesy of dominant display in south London spearheaded by Gabriel Jesus.

    The Brazilian scored twice in the opening 14 minutes of the game to ensure Arsenal had the early ascendancy despite an 11th minute goal to Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

    Jesus was giving the home side nightmares after also scoring a hat-trick against them in Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 League Cup quarter-final victory on Thursday, and the five goals he has put past Palace this week are as many as he had scored in his previous 45 appearances.

    “It’s been such an amazing week for Jesus,” Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp said.

    “I’m really happy for him because he’s had injuries, he’s always got a smile on his face and obviously had his problems when he was at Manchester City with the injuries.

    “But to see him playing at that level, he’s never been the most clinical goal scorer, the two that he missed were probably easier than the ones he scored, but just to see him playing, it’s been a fabulous week for him.”

    Kai Havertz got on the score sheet before half time, and Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice scored goals of their in the second half to give the Gunners a much-needed goal difference boost – which now stands at 18, the equal best in the league alongside Liverpool and Chelsea.

    Arsenal also finish the year with bragging rights over their London rivals.

    With eight wins and two draws, they became the first team since Chelsea in 2005 to go unbeaten in Premier League London derbies in a calendar year. It was the first time Arsenal had kept that unblemished record since 2004.

    They also created a slice of history by scoring five or more goals in an away game for the sixth time in all competitions this year, the most ever by an English top-flight club.

    FOREST FAIRYTALE CONTINUES, ISAK’S HAT-TRICK

    Nottingham Forest won their third consecutive Premier League match, condemning Brentford to their first home defeat this season.

    Coming into the game, Thomas Frank’s team boasted the best home record in the league, with seven wins and a draw from their eight games at the Gtech Community Stadium.

    But they came unstuck against Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form team. Ola Aina slotted home the opener towards the end of the first half and Anthony Elanga made it 2-0 early in the second period.

    Newcastle deepened Ipswich’s plight and lifted themselves to seventh in the table with a 4-0 win at Portman Road.

    Isak volleyed Eddie Howe’s team ahead in the first minute and Jacob Murphy doubled their lead before Isak side-footed in from close range just before the break.

    The Sweden international scored his third nine minutes into the second half, poking the ball home after more fine work from Murphy.

    It was a ninth defeat in 17 games for Ipswich since they returned to the Premier League and they remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.

    Mats Wieffer gave Brighton a 51st-minute lead against West Ham but Mohammed Kudus equalised seven minutes later and the match finished 1-1.

    Premier League leaders Liverpool face a tricky trip to Tottenham on Sunday while second-placed Chelsea visit Everton among five matches.

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  • Man Utd legend’s dream start to new role; captains of relegation battlers spark controversy – PL wrap

    Man Utd legend’s dream start to new role; captains of relegation battlers spark controversy – PL wrap

    Ruud van Nistelrooy savoured his first match in charge of Leicester with a 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham, while Crystal Palace edged Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday.

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    Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka got the goals as Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a dream start to his new role shortly after his departure from Manchester United.

    “On a long-term basis we know the performances need to get better. But the spirit and how we want to do things we saw today because, if not, the Premier League is too brutal,” said Van Nistelrooy.

    The Dutchman said he had been “astonished” by the number of offers he received after a four-game spell as interim United boss, which included two wins over Leicester.

    A lethal finisher in his playing days, Van Nistelrooy watched on approvingly as Vardy opened the scoring after just 99 seconds at the King Power.

    The 37-year-old had initially been flagged offside, but a VAR review showed he was clearly on for his fifth goal of the season.

    LEICESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City interacts with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manager of Leicester City, as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and West Ham United FC at The King Power Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Defeat ramps up the scrutiny of Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui after a seventh defeat in 14 Premier League games.

    The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and had 31 shots to Leicester’s eight but failed to make it count.

    “A frustrating night because we deserved much more today,” said Lopetegui. “Normally we have to win this match but we didn’t because we didn’t score.” West Ham did have a goal controversially ruled out when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen punched the ball into his own net and was relieved to be awarded a foul due to minimal contact from Tomas Soucek.

    Conor Coady also cleared off the line from Crysencio Summerville in the second half.

    But Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and doubled their lead when El Khannouss coolly stroked home Kasey McAteer’s pass.

    Daka then blasted in to make it 3-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug netted a late consolation with his first West Ham goal.

    Victory lifts Leicester up to 15th, four points above the relegation zone, and within two points of 14th-placed West Ham.

    – Guehi defies FA –

    Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal at Portman Road as Palace won the battle of two more sides at the bottom end of the table.

    The Frenchman produced a classy finish from Eberechi Eze’s pass on the hour mark to secure the Eagles’ first away win of the season.

    Palace pull three points clear of the bottom three, while Ipswich remain second from bottom and winless at home on their return to the top flight.

    However, Palace captain Marc Guehi is now at risk of a suspension after defying a Football Association warning over displaying religious messages.

    As part of the “Rainbow Laces” campaign to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, Premier League captains are wearing rainbow-coloured armbands.

    IPSWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans, whilst wearing a rainbow coloured Captains Armband which reads “Jesus hearts You” after the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Crystal Palace FC at Portman Road on December 03, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Guehi’s armband bore the message “I love Jesus” during their 1-1 draw against Newcastle, prompting the FA to contact Guehi and Palace and remind them of rules forbidding the display of religious messages.

    The England defender doubled down on his message with “Jesus loves you” displayed on his rainbow-coloured armband.

    “Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

    “He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.” Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, who also caused controversy by opting not to wear the rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, once again wore a regular armband.

    His club issued a statement on Monday saying he chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.

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  • Arsenal’s BIG win sends stern message; striker’s record-breaking hat-trick: EPL Wrap

    Arsenal’s BIG win sends stern message; striker’s record-breaking hat-trick: EPL Wrap

    Arsenal has thumped Aston Villa to shoot up to second on the ladder after an unstoppable first-half performance on the road.

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    Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Dutchman has made history overnight with a record hat-trick for Bournemouth.

    Read on for a full wrap of the day’s Premier League action!

    GUNNERS SMOKE HAMMERS

    Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2 on Saturday to climb up to second in the Premier League, while Justin Kluivert scored the first ever Premier League hat-trick of penalties in Bournemouth’s 4-2 win at Wolves.

    The Gunners have struck 13 goals in a week to re-find their form and cut the gap to runaway leaders Liverpool, who host struggling defending champions Manchester City in Sunday’s blockbuster clash, to six points.

    “We are back to our best form. We look fluid and dynamic we are all enjoying football right now,” said Bukayo Saka, who shone with a goal and two assists.

    “It has been a top week for us. We have built a lot of momentum and we want to go on to the next few games.” Arsenal scored four times before the break in a 6-0 rout at the London Stadium last season and went one better this time as all the goals came in a manic first half, Gabriel Magalhaes’ threat from set-pieces is well-known but the Brazilian was inexplicably not picked up to head in Saka’s corner on 10 minutes.

    Brighton move to second on EPL ladder | 01:02

    Saka then teed up Leandro Trossard to double the lead before he stepped aside for Martin Odegaard to score Arsenal’s third from the penalty spot.

    Kai Havertz slotted in from Trossard’s pass to make 4-0 after just 36 minutes. Another heavy home defeat increased the pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.

    The Hammers flickered into life with two goals in two minutes through Aaron Wan-Bissaka and a brilliant Emerson Palmieri free-kick.

    But Saka restored the three-goal advantage from the spot after Gabriel was felled from another corner.

    KLUIVERT MAKES HISTORY IN SIX-GOAL GAME

    Justin Kluivert made history at Molineux to curtail Wolves’ mini-revival. There were three goals inside eight minutes as the Dutchman opened the scoring, Jorgen Strand Larsen replied for Wolves before Milos Kerkez made it 2-1 for the visitors.

    Kluivert made it 3-1 just 10 minutes later and completed his hat-trick 16 minutes from time after Evanilson also set a record by winning a third penalty.

    “I was not completely sure I should allow him to take the third one,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

    “It is difficult, every time you shoot the first one, you give information to the keeper.” Strand Larsen pulled another goal back for Wolves, but Gary O’Neil’s men slip back into the relegation zone.

    SCHADE STINGS FOR BEES

    Brentford continued their stunning home form to thrash Leicester 4-1 in front of the Foxes’ incoming manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

    Facundo Buonanotte had put the visitors in front in west London. But Brentford roared back to make it six wins and one draw from seven home league games this season — the best points return in the Premier League.

    Yoane Wissa started the comeback before Schade took centre stage. The German had only scored two Premier League goals since joining the Bees in 2023 but matched that tally before half-time to put the home side in front.

    Schade then rounded off the scoring to show Van Nistelrooy the scale of the task that awaits him ahead of his first game in charge at home to West Ham on Tuesday.

    “The shining star today was Kevin Schade,” said Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

    “I celebrated so much his first because I know how hard it’s been for him because he’s had so many injuries and he’s wanting to play in the team.

    Tillies coach Sermanni takes aim at refs | 01:13

    EAGLES EQUAL LATE IN THRILLING DRAW

    Crystal Palace edged out of the relegation zone on goal difference thanks to late drama in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

    Marc Guehi, who had been the subject of multiple bids from Newcastle during the transfer window, put the Magpies in front early in the second half with an own goal.

    However, the England defender redeemed himself as from his cross Daniel Munoz powered home a header at the back post.

    FULL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

    Brentford 4 (Wissa 25, Schade 29, 45+8, 59) to Leicester 1 (Buonanotte 21)

    Crystal Palace 1 (Munoz 90+4) to Newcastle 1 (Guehi 53-og)

    Nottingham Forest 1 (Wood 49-pen) to Ipswich 0

    West Ham 2 (Wan-Bissaka 38, Emerson 40) to Arsenal 5 (Gabriel 10, Trossard 27, Odegaard 34-pen, Havertz 36, Saka 45+5-pen)

    Wolves 2 (Strand Larsen 5, 69) to Bournemouth 4 (Kluivert 3-pen, 18-pen, 74-pen, Kerkez 8)

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  • ‘Wait in the car park’: Man Utd legend involved in fiery clash with fan after tirade of abuse

    ‘Wait in the car park’: Man Utd legend involved in fiery clash with fan after tirade of abuse

    Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told an Ipswich Town fan to “wait in the car park” after he was fed up with the heavy abuse he was copping from supporters of the newly promoted side during their one-all draw with United.

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    The Irishman was working for broadcaster Sky Sports as a pundit when the home fans unleashed by shouting abuse at him upon his return to Portman Road – where he managed Ipswich Town, then in the Championship, from 2009 to 2011.

    Keane was renowned for his feistiness on the pitch and showed he’s lost none of his white line fever when in an ad break – he had been part of the panel analysing the game on the pitch after the final whistle – he took his chance to hit back at one fan in particular.

    Keane walked up close to his face and repeatedly told him to “wait in the car park”.

    “Wait in the car park and we’ll discuss it,” said the Irishman adding, “I can’t hear you… wait in the car park”.

    Ipswich fans were heard saying “you’re a better pundit than you are a manager” among many other jeers and taunts directed at Keane.

    It is the not the first time the 53-year-old has been involved in confrontations with fans while working for Sky Sports.

    Keane was headbutted by a fan – who was handed a three-year ban from football as well as 80 hours of community service – after Arsenal 3-1 victory against Manchester United in September last year.

    After the exchange of words with the fan, Keane got straight back to business dissecting the “big problems” new Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim has to solve as they sit in 12th place on the Premier League table.

    The UK Telegraph reported that Sky Sports chiefs “had no immediate issue with Keane’s decision to go over to the fan” in response to the heavy abuse was receiving.

    Keane’s time as manager of Ipswich Town yielded 28 wins, 25 draws and 28 defeats, and he was sacked when the club sat three points above the relegation zone in the Championship.

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  • Salah rescue mission as Reds soar clear; Sheeran rubs in Man U boss’ tough start – PL Wrap

    Salah rescue mission as Reds soar clear; Sheeran rubs in Man U boss’ tough start – PL Wrap

    Mohamed Salah urged Liverpool to deliver a hammer blow to Manchester City’s fading title hopes after inspiring the Premier League leaders’ dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton on Sunday.

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    Arne Slot’s side moved eight points clear of second-placed City thanks to Salah’s second half double at St Mary’s.

    After taking the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai’s early strike, Liverpool were rocked by Adam Armstrong’s equaliser before Mateus Fernandes put bottom of the table Southampton ahead in the second half.

    As he has so often done before, Salah came to Liverpool’s rescue with a typically predatory equaliser and a coolly converted penalty in the closing stages.

    Liverpool’s 10th win in 12 league games ensured they capitalised on City’s dismal 4-0 defeat against Tottenham 24 hours earlier.

    Chasing a first Premier League crown since 2020, the Reds have a golden opportunity to throttle City’s hopes of a fifth successive title when Pep Guardiola’s team visit Anfield on December 1.

    City have lost five in a row in all competitions and Salah said: “Hopefully, we keep going in that direction. We have a game against them so hopefully, we win it and go 11 points clear.

    “Man City is Man City. They have a bad time now but they have great players.” Salah now has 12 goals in all competitions this term, including six in his last five league games.

    “They were very important, especially after being down 2-1. It’s the most important thing to have won the game,” he said.

    “Each game is different. They had a game plan and played very well. We managed to come back and win the game.”

    Pep: “We have got to fix something” | 01:14

    – ‘Urgency and intensity’ –

    Having Salah on form has been crucial to Slot’s dream beginning to life at Anfield.

    Slot has made a remarkable start, winning 16 of his first 18 games in all competitions.

    The former Feyenoord manager’s deft touch has established Liverpool as title favourites in his maiden season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp.

    Slot conceded Liverpool lacked intensity in the first hour at St Mary’s, but he was pleased with the way his players responded to falling behind.

    “In the second half I saw the intensity I was looking for in the first half. Southampton make it really difficult for many teams, including top clubs, and they made it difficult today, though we dominated the game completely in my opinion,” Slot said.

    “There was not enough urgency to arrive in the box in the first half, we just kept the ball instead of attacking the box.

    “Although we fell behind in the second half we showed more urgency and intensity. That led to numerous chances and eventually two goals.”

    Ange reflects on Man City thumping | 01:01

    With Salah’s contract due to expire at the end of this season and the forward yet to sign a new deal, Slot was quick to praise the contribution of his talisman.

    “If you want to win you need to score goals and we know Mo can score,” he said. “For me his first goal is the most important as we scored out of nowhere, then after that it was just waiting for us to score another.”

    Before City’s crucial trip to Anfield next weekend, Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Slot is relishing the blockbuster clashes.

    “They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years. So two big games and that’s why we needed to win today and that is what I am happy about,” he said.

    Spurs extend champions horror run | 02:07

    – Man Utd held by Ipswich in Amorim’s first match in charge –

    Ruben Amorim was given a stark illustration of the size of his task at Manchester United after his uninspiring team were held 1-1 by struggling Ipswich in his first match in charge on Sunday.

    The Portuguese — the latest man tasked with restoring the club to the top of English football — spoke before kick-off about the need to be “patient”.

    But he had barely settled in his seat at a blustery Portman Road before Marcus Rashford turned in Amad Diallo’s inviting cross, stunning the home crowd.

    Ipswich, who started the day in the relegation zone, battled back, earning the equaliser they deserved through Omari Hutchinson just before half-time.

    Neither side could find a winner in the second period despite chances at both ends, with the result leaving both managers unsatisfied.

    The result leaves United 12th in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, while Ipswich are still in the drop zone.

    Before kick-off two Manchester United fans held up a home-made sign saying: “Good luck Ruben Amorim, Make our team great again.”

    The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, made three changes from the final line-up named by United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before the international break.

    And he changed his formation to play three at the back as widely expected, with England forward Rashford operating as a lone central striker ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.

    United were ahead within two minutes when Diallo surged down the right, shrugging off the attentions of Leif Davis and Jens Cajuste to whip in a cross that Rashford touched home from close range.

    Amorim, wearing a black coat and dark trousers, remained impassive in his seat as United’s players celebrated in the corner.

    “I’d stay” – Pep on City ‘relegation’ | 01:04

    Christian Eriksen flashed wide from just outside the box in the seventh minute after more incisive work from Diallo.

    But Ipswich responded well, creating openings of their own and looking the more dangerous team as the half wore on.

    The home side should have been level in the 40th minute but Andre Onana somehow kept out a close-range effort from Liam Delap with a strong right hand before Cajuste flashed over the bar.

    Ipswich got the equaliser they deserved just before half-time when Hutchinson hit a stinging shot that skimmed off the head of Noussair Mazraoui and beyond the diving Onana.

    The watching Ed Sheeran celebrated wildly in the stands among the 30,000-strong crowd.

    Garnacho had a chance to put United back ahead in the opening moments of the second half but Arijanet Muric got down to his left to keep out the shot.

    Onana saved well with his foot from a Delap flick from close range before Cajuste produced a perfectly timed challenge at the other end to cut out a Garnacho pass to Rashford after a swift break.

    Amorim threw on Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte for Jonny Evans and Casemiro about 10 minutes after the restart but United continued to labour against a team with just one Premier League win all season.

    Ange praises Pep as “one of the greats” | 00:57

    He later introduced forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to add fresh legs to his attack.

    Fernandes hit a free-kick just wide of the post from a central area and Onana saved from Conor Chaplin at the other end but neither side found the quality to earn the win.

    Amorim is United’s sixth permanent appointment since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after leading to the team to a 20th English title.

    At 39, he is the youngest United boss since Wilf McGuinness followed Matt Busby in 1969.

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  • Odegaard adds ‘different’ element in Gunners return; Chelsea survives late scare — PL Wrap

    Odegaard adds ‘different’ element in Gunners return; Chelsea survives late scare — PL Wrap

    Arsenal crushed Nottingham Forest to end their winless run as skipper Martin Odegaard made a long-awaited injury return. Meanwhile, Chelsea survived a late Leicester scare to put more pressure on Manchester City.

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    ARSENAL REIGNITE TITLE HOPES WITH BIG WIN

    Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team “flows in a different way” when Martin Odegaard is playing after the Gunners crushed Nottingham Forest 3-0 to end their winless run.

    Stunning strikes from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey and a first Premier League goal for teenager Ethan Nwaneri gave Arsenal a first victory in five league games, reigniting their title challenge.

    Arsenal, Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons, started the campaign strongly but their form dipped and they kicked off on Saturday nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

    Victory at the Emirates lifts them to 22 points, level with third-placed Chelsea.

    Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Saka exchanged passes with Odegaard on the edge of the area before lashing a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.

    Captain Odegaard was making his first appearance at the Emirates since late August and showed what a huge miss he was for Arsenal during his two-month injury absence.

    Time and again the Norwegian found space in the penalty area with his quick feet and he teed up Gabriel Jesus, who curled narrowly wide, before linking up with Saka again.

    Partey doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second half after collecting Saka’s pass 20 yards out and taking a touch, before curling his shot away from the dive of Matz Sels and inside the far post.

    Seventeen-year-old Nwaneri tucked away Raheem Sterling’s cutback to wrap up an emphatic win in the 86th minute.

    “I think we started really well,” Arteta told the BBC. “The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it.”

    Speaking about Odegaard, who returned to action at Inter Milan earlier this month, he said: “It’s not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when he is playing.” And he also had warm words for Nwaneri.

    “He is the second-youngest (Premier League goalscorer) in our history,” Arteta said. “That’s a story in itself.

    “He’s brave. You see the reaction of fans and they were singing ‘He’s one of our own’. I think we have to put brick by brick and make sure the cement doesn’t get dry. Hopefully we can build a beautiful thing with him.”

    CHELSEA SNEAK PAST LEICESTER

    Chelsea survived a late scare to beat Leicester 2-1 on Enzo Maresca’s return to the King Power Stadium, climbing just a point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.

    The visitors looked comfortable after goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez, but they faced a nervy final few minutes after Jordan Ayew pulled a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.

    Chelsea’s win, which came after two draws, lifts them to 22 points — one behind City and three clear of fourth-placed Arsenal ahead of the later kick-offs on Saturday.

    Maresca said he was proud of his team after so little preparation time following the international break.

    “The only thing I asked the players before the game, I said, ‘Guys, we have the chance today to make a statement in terms of (who) we are’,” he told TNT Sports.

    “Because when you play this kind of game, all the clubs that they are behind, like in this moment, I don’t know, Arsenal or Villa or Brighton or (Manchester) United, Tottenham, they are watching.

    “They are waiting for us to drop points. And we show that we are there. And we’re going to compete until the end and then we’ll see where we arrive.”

    It was Maresca’s first game at the King Power since he took Leicester back to the Premier League last season in his only campaign at the club.

    Chelsea took control from the kick-off and Joao Felix, making his first Premier League start of the season, had two early efforts.

    But the visitors got the goal they deserved when Jackson won his tussle with Leicester defender Wout Faes.

    The ball fell to Fernandez, who found Jackson and the Senegal forward poked home with the outside of his right foot for his seventh league goal of the season.

    Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept out Noni Madueke’s sharp effort and Madueke had a goal disallowed for a tight offside against Marc Cucurella just after the half-hour.

    But as the first period wore on there was a momentum shift and Leicester suddenly started looking more dangerous.

    Steve Cooper’s men broke at pace and Oliver Skipp found Kasey McAteer on the right. McAteer, making his full Premier League debut, cut inside but steered his shot just beyond the far post.

    Wilfred Ndidi then screwed wide as half-time approached.

    Chelsea looked certain to double their lead 10 minutes after the restart but somehow contrived to squander the chance, when Madueke got in the way of a Cole Palmer shot on the goalline in a comical episode.

    England international Madueke did his best to try and jump out of the way of Palmer’s effort but it hit him and rolled out for a goalkick, with Palmer seeing the funny side.

    But Chelsea did find the net in the 75th minute when Fernandez headed home after Hermansen kept out Jackson’s header.

    Leicester substitute Stephy Mavididi appeared to have a strong case for a penalty after he tumbled in the box about 10 minutes later but no foul was given.

    Fellow substitute Ayew did pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 95th minute after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was brought down but it was too little, too late.

    Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions, remain just three points above the relegation zone.

    OTHER RESULTS

    Aston Villa are now winless in six games in all competition and had to twice come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.

    Brighton’s incredible start under 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler continued with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to climb to fifth.

    Wolves are out of the bottom three thanks to a stunning 4-1 win at Fulham, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice.

    Everton failed to take advantage of an early red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

    Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim takes charge of Manchester United for the first time in the pick of Monday’s action when the Red Devils visit Ipswich.

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