English Premier League
Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United
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Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United. Rasmus Hojlund scored for the sixth successive Premier League game as Manchester United survived a Luton Town display of fierce determination to stay in contention for the top four with victory at Kenilworth Road.
United’s £72m summer signing from Atalanta has hit a red-hot streak after early struggles in front of goal and scored twice in the first seven minutes to set up a fourth successive league win for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The 21-year-old pounced on Amari’i Bell’s error after only 37 seconds to round keeper Thomas Kaminski and score, adding a second in the seventh minute, instinctively diverting Alejandro Garnacho’s shot into the net.
Luton Town, in an uproarious atmosphere, responded with defiance and character, Carlton Morris swiftly giving the Hatters hope with a header as United struggled to cope with the intensity of the home side, especially in the opening half.
United lost defender Luke Shaw to injury before the interval, while Harry Maguire and Casemiro also went off at the break, but for all Luton’s second-half endeavour it was the visitors who created the better chances, Kaminski denying Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, and a Hojlund hat-trick.
However, there was one more nervous moment for the visitors in stoppage time when Ross Barkley’s glancing header clipped the top of the crossbar.
The win means United are now only five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
United needed leaders to see them through an encounter that became an ordeal for long spells, especially in the opening half, and they emerged from unlikely sources as another important three points were secured.
While experienced players such as Casemiro, so lucky to avoid a second yellow card, Maguire and Raphael Varane struggled and were exposed by the sheer energy of Luton’s approach, it was match-winner Hojlund and outstanding 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo who stepped up.
Hojlund has really come to the fore in recent weeks, now getting the goals all his hard work – even early in the season when they were in short supply – deserve, his first a composed piece of work and his second quick thinking as United established early control.
The Denmark forward showed commendable hold-up play, a willingness to engage in the physical exchanges with Luton’s defence, and was only denied a treble by Kaminski’s block before he departed to a standing ovation from United’s away support.
Mainoo, meanwhile, rose above the blood and thunder with rare composure for one so young. United have a gem on their hands.
The visitors improved after the break and even though Luton pressed, they were the more dangerous side, Kaminski and Albert Sambi Lokonga denying Rashford before a combination of the goalkeeper and Bell thwarted Garnacho.
In the end, Hojlund’s early goals were enough as United extended their winning run.
Luton lost another home game to one of the Premier League’s big guns but once again more illustrious visitors to Kenilworth Road were made to fight every inch of the way.
United joined Manchester City and Arsenal in chalking up a narrow wins while Liverpool were held to a draw – and it is no surprise when Luton’s approach in this wonderfully hostile environment is taken into account.
The Hatters could have been forgiven for thinking their day was done when they conceded two goals in only seven minutes but, galvanised by the home support, Rob Edwards’ side responded superbly and were right back in it after Morris’ goal.
The reborn Barkley prompted from midfield with confidence while Lokonga was one of the game’s outstanding performers.
Luton faded after the break but showed enough to suggest they can make a real fight of things before the relegation places are decided, the standing ovation at the final whistle merited for their efforts.
Barkley almost snatched a point when his header glanced off the bar in the closing seconds but it was not to be for battling Luton.
source – BBC
English Premier League
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool: Reds Outclass United in Comprehensive Win
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Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool. Liverpool continued their flawless start to the season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, underlining their impressive form under new manager Arne Slot.
The game showcased Liverpool’s superiority, prompting renewed scrutiny on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who was granted a new contract after last season’s FA Cup triumph despite an underwhelming start this campaign.
Since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have maintained an unbeaten record with three straight Premier League wins, all without conceding a goal. This performance was their most commanding yet.
Liverpool took control with two quick goals just before halftime. Trent Alexander-Arnold had an early goal disallowed for offside before Luis Diaz capitalized on Casemiro’s mistakes. Diaz first headed home a cross from Mohamed Salah in the 35th minute and then netted again seven minutes later, finishing off a pass from Salah.
Salah added a third in the 56th minute, scoring his 12th goal in 15 appearances against United, converting a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai and beating United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
While United had some chances, primarily through Joshua Zirkzee, Liverpool rarely looked troubled and kept their opponents at bay.
Ten Hag, who survived a summer review partly due to the FA Cup win, needed a strong start but has instead seen his team struggle. After scraping a late win against Fulham and losing to Brighton, this heavy defeat to Liverpool exacerbates the pressure on him.
The United fans’ frustration was palpable, with jeers at halftime and full-time, and discontent with substitutions like Alejandro Garnacho’s replacement by Amad Diallo. Casemiro’s poor performance, which led to the first two Liverpool goals, saw him replaced by Toby Collyer at halftime.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, watching from the directors’ box, witnessed the harsh reality of United’s current predicament as Liverpool dismantled their side with ease.
Ten Hag’s challenges are compounded by injuries to key players like Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Hojlund. Yet, these issues do not excuse the glaring quality deficiencies displayed by United.
Liverpool’s new era under Slot has begun smoothly, with previous wins over newly promoted Ipswich Town and Brentford. This match was seen as a significant test of Slot’s ability to manage Liverpool post-Klopp, and the emphatic win confirms that he is instilling a more controlled and effective approach.
Slot’s Liverpool, while still retaining their attacking prowess, demonstrated a new level of tactical control, rarely relinquishing their grip on the game once ahead. Goalkeeper Alisson made crucial saves to deny United, particularly from Zirkzee.
In contrast, this defeat highlights ongoing issues for Manchester United. Ten Hag’s future may hinge on his ability to quickly turn the tide, with the pressure intensifying from a demanding fan base and the looming prospect of speculation should results not improve.
Slot’s Liverpool performance was rounded off by enthusiastic celebrations from the away fans and a modest response from the new manager, signaling a promising start to his tenure and a strong connection with the supporters.
source – BBC
English Premier League
Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
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Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle United preserved their unbeaten start to the season with a dramatic 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at a vibrant St James’ Park.
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute when Harvey Barnes controlled a difficult side-footed shot with finesse, following a pull-back from Lloyd Kelly down the left flank.
Tottenham equalized in the 56th minute. After Pedro Porro’s effort was deflected onto the crossbar, Brennan Johnson, making his debut after the break, saw his shot deflected into the net by Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
Spurs intensified their attack, with Nick Pope making a crucial save to deny James Maddison’s curled attempt and Johnson firing over the bar as they pressed for a second goal.
However, Newcastle seized the advantage with 12 minutes remaining. Joelinton orchestrated the play from midfield, releasing substitute Jacob Murphy, who delivered a low cross for Alexander Isak to score the decisive goal.
The match also marked a significant moment for Newcastle as Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali made his first Premier League appearance since serving a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations. Tonali, who had previously played in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest, received a warm standing ovation from the home fans when he came on as a substitute.
With the win, Newcastle climbed to fourth in the Premier League table with seven points from their opening nine matches. They could drop to fifth if Liverpool secures a win against Manchester United later on Sunday. Tottenham’s defeat saw them slip to 10th, ending their unbeaten run and leaving manager Ange Postecoglou to reflect on a missed opportunity.
Spurs dominated possession with two-thirds of the ball and had 20 shots compared to Newcastle’s nine, yet the Magpies capitalized on their limited opportunities, scoring twice from their three shots on target.
Newcastle almost took the lead early on, with Alexander Isak’s chip narrowly missing after a clever interception from Son Heung-min. Barnes, Emil Krafth, and Kelly all had chances before a temporary halt due to an injury to assistant referee Ian Hussin disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm.
Tottenham had their chances, including a header from Cristian Romero that was ruled offside and missed efforts from Wilson Odobert and Porro. Pape Sarr also tested Pope, but the visitors were unable to capitalize on their dominance.
Barnes’ goal seemed to be a turning point, but Tottenham’s second-half surge appeared to set them up for a win. Instead, they were struck by a late counter-attack as Murphy’s assist for Isak sealed the win for Newcastle.
Tonali, who has made only 14 appearances for Newcastle since his £55 million transfer from AC Milan last season, was warmly welcomed by fans. The Gallowgate End displayed numerous Italian flags and banners celebrating his return.
Despite frustrations in the transfer market, including failed bids for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Tonali’s return is a boost for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe as they aim to build on their promising start to the season.
source – BBC
English Premier League
Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace
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Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze delivered a sensational equalizer as Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The result comes as a boost for Palace, who had suffered consecutive defeats prior to this match.
Chelsea, fresh off a dominant 6-2 win over Wolves, started strong and looked set to continue their winning form. Cole Palmer came close early on, narrowly missing the target, while Dean Henderson made a stunning save to deny Noni Madueke. Nicolas Jackson eventually broke the deadlock, finishing off a rapid Chelsea counterattack by tapping in Palmer’s cross at the near post.
Palace had a narrow escape when Will Hughes, already on a booking, avoided a second yellow card for a foul on Palmer. Shortly after, Eze leveled the score with a brilliant strike, curling the ball past Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez made an excellent save to deflect Daichi Kamada’s powerful shot, keeping Chelsea in the game. However, Jackson had a chance to secure the win for Chelsea in stoppage time, only for Henderson to thwart his effort with a crucial save.
The draw marked Crystal Palace’s first point of the season after two previous losses, while Chelsea now have four points from their opening three games.
Chelsea’s summer has been marked by significant changes, with over £200 million spent and 13 new players joining the squad, while 37 players have either been loaned out or sold. With the transfer window closing on Friday, the focus can now shift entirely to the pitch.
Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s final summer signing, was introduced to fans before the game, though only one of the new arrivals, Pedro Neto, started against Palace. Despite their initial dominance, highlighted by Jackson’s first-half goal, Chelsea struggled to convert their chances, reminiscent of their issues from last season. Jackson had two late opportunities to clinch the victory but was thwarted first by the side-netting and then by Henderson.
Chelsea’s search for their first home win of the 2024-25 season continues. Despite the encouraging performance against Wolves, they couldn’t convert their dominance into a win.
Eze and Michael Olise were standout performers for Palace last season, with Olise’s form earning him a move to Bayern Munich. Eze, however, has continued to shine, and his superb goal against Chelsea underscored his importance to the team. Though Palace had few opportunities, Eze made the most of his, demonstrating once again why he is a game-changer for the Eagles.
The draw is a positive result for Palace, who have historically struggled against Chelsea, having lost their last 13 encounters with them. It provides a solid foundation for their season moving forward.
source – BBC
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