English Premier League
Wolves 0- 1 Manchester United
Marcus Rashford turned from villain to hero as he came off the bench to score the only goal against Wolves and move Manchester United into the Premier League top four.
Manager Erik ten Hag left Rashford out of his starting line-up for “internal disciplinary” reasons.
But after a disappointing opening period, in which Rashford’s replacement Alejandro Garnacho wasted the visitors’ best chance when his shot was saved by Jose Sa, the England man scored 14 minutes from time.
Rashford picked the ball up outside the Wolves area, then, after exchanging passes with Bruno Fernandes, held off three defenders before driving home his 11th goal of the season in all competitions.
It was the first time he had scored in three successive games for United since December 2019.
The result ended Julen Lopetegui’s two-match winning start as Wolves manager and kept them in the relegation zone.
However, they came so close to snatching a point in stoppage time when Raul Jimenez’s goal-bound header was turned away at point-blank range by David de Gea.
The availability of loan signing Matheus Cunha for Wednesday’s West Midlands derby at Aston Villa cannot come soon enough for a side that struggles so badly to turn impressive approach play into goals.
Lopetegui said: “The way they fought a big team like Man Utd, in the end, I thought we deserved more.”
Ten Hag proved with his treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo that reputation would not get in the way of reinforcing team discipline.
Evidently, Rashford’s indiscretion was not on a serious scale as he was named on the bench, but, given Garnacho, was stopped from playing during the club’s pre-season tour because of persistent lateness, Ten Hag would view his actions as confirmation the same rules apply to all players, no matter what their status.
As it turned out, Garnacho produced a decent first-half display but, with United failing to make the most of limited opportunities, Rashford replaced the 18-year-old at half-time.
Ten Hag has made it clear he wants striking reinforcements this month. In their absence, Rashford remains United’s most potent goal threat.
The determination he showed to drive through so many defenders and score his latest effort indicates a hunger that was absent for much of last season.
Rashford thought he had a second near the end but his close-range effort was ruled out for handball after Sa saved his initial shot.
The win moved Manchester United into the top four at full-time, the first time they have been in the Champions League qualification places this season.
Ten Hag said: “We made a good step today – the first time we are in the top four but it means nothing.
“We have to win every game. We want to try and win something. It depends on hard work from everyone.”
In his first league home game in charge of the Wolves, Lopetegui was a demonstrative presence on the edge of his technical area.
If not quite as manic as Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, the former Sevilla boss was open with his feelings.
That included demanding a yellow card for Casemiro when he blocked Ruben Neves off during the first half, then letting the fourth official know it should have been two as referee Rob Jones finally a yellow card to the Brazilian when he fouled Daniel Podence.
Once he calms down from such injustices, Lopetegui will know – as he always has – the answer to Wolves’ problems comes through finding the net.
Lopetegui said: “We have to improve. I believe in my players. But it is not about one or two players. It is a team task. If we have more chances, we may score more.”
Diego Costa worked hard for little reward before the break and, until Jimenez was introduced once the Spaniard was replaced, there was no focal point for the Wolves midfield to play to.
Neves almost pulled one of his wonder strikes out of his repertoire to put the hosts in front, but De Gea was equal to that, just as he was when Jimenez’s stoppage-time effort was heading into the net.
source – BBC Sport
English Premier League
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool: Reds Outclass United in Comprehensive Win
![Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool](https://news365.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Manchester-United-0-3-Liverpool.jpeg)
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
![Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur](https://news365.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Newcastle-United-2-1-Tottenham-Hotspur.jpeg)
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
![Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace](https://news365.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chelsea-1-1-Crystal-Palace.jpeg)
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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