English Premier League
Wolves 0 – 2 Brentford
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Wolves 0 – 2 Brentford. Diego Costa’s first Premier League goal in almost six years set Wolves on the way to a priceless victory over Brentford that gives them breathing space in their relegation battle.
Costa capped his best performance since coming out of retirement in September by scoring his first Wolves goal, with substitute Hwang Hee-chan adding a second midway through the second half at Molineux.
“He has a big heart. He wants to be here. He is a very competitive player,” said Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui.
“You can’t buy his spirit. You either have it or you don’t. That is why he has had the career he has. We are happy for him but he has to continue.”
It completed successive league victories for the home side for only the second time in 13 months but, tellingly, for the second time since Lopetegui’s arrival in November, which has transformed Wolves’ fortunes.
Bottom of the table when the season stopped for the World Cup, Wolves have picked up 24 points in 16 games under Lopetegui and are now seven clear of the drop zone.
And another clean sheet means another meal out for Lopetegui and his squad, something the former Real Madrid boss committed to as an incentive to improve a squad that looked destined for the Championship.
Matheus Nunes was outstanding for the home side and created Hwang’s goal with a surging run into the box.
Defeat was Brentford’s third in a row, while a run of two points from five games is their worst this season.
This is a different Costa to the one who answered Wolves’ SOS call for a striker in September.
At that point Costa had not played a game for eight months, and it has taken him another seven to get to the fitness levels required for the Premier League.
He may be 34, but the former Chelsea man retains the old competitive spirit. He is now chasing defenders down and Brentford keeper David Raya was fortunate a slight mis-control did not prove costly as Costa bore down on him.
Costa created his first Wolves goal himself as he drove deep into the Brentford half before flicking a pass out for Toti. Costa held his run so he was in space when the return pass came and, after some excellent close control, held off Christian Norgaard to deliver a precise finish into the corner.
The obvious personal feeling at the goal was reciprocated from the stands. The Wolves fans have evidently taken Costa to their hearts despite having to wait so long to see him score, and his industry was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was replaced with 20 minutes left.
“When he came here, he came with the intention to help, sometimes in the team and sometimes out,” said Lopetegui. “I am happy for him. He worked hard to have this chance.
“He has had bad moments. But he is always trying to help on and off the pitch. This is important.”
Brentford emerged from an eight-game run without a victory last season to finish a creditable 13th on their top-flight return.
Manager Thomas Frank needs to stabilise the present situation if what seemed for so long to be a season of improvement does not peter out in disappointing fashion.
Wolves keeper Jose Sa was fortunate Craig Dawson was on hand to clear when he inexplicably dropped the ball in a crowded penalty area, preventing what would have been a Brentford equaliser.
However, Sa made amends with a decent save from Norgaard’s header as Brentford launched an unsuccessful comeback mission once Wolves had doubled their lead.
A largely quiet Ivan Toney was denied a 19th league goal of the season twice in stoppage time, first when Sa turned his angled drive on to the bar, before Wolves skipper Max Kilman tracked the striker’s run into the box and blocked his shot.
Brentford’s usual fluid passing game failed to penetrate the Wolves defence often enough to cause any significant stress until those latter stages, and not even a triple substitution on the hour made any notable difference.
“It is so difficult,” said Frank about the prospect of finishing in a European spot. “It shouldn’t be possible with the resources the top six, and now Newcastle [have], to get into the top seven.
“Brighton have done well, we have done well, Fulham have done well, Villa are in a top position. Those three clubs are bigger than us and have more finances.
“Look at West Ham with [David] Moyes, so many times before, it is fantastic what he has done with the club. It is so tough to keep performing when the difference between the bottom 13 is tiny. One moment can change things around.
“The top six still need to do it and it is football, so a team like Chelsea is struggling and Liverpool are not at their best. But their level is top four, minimum, every year. For us, it is between 17th and seventh.”
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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