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Boss Unai Emery believes Aston Villa proved their European credentials after an emphatic 4-1 win at AZ Alkmaar. Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn struck as dominant Villa cruised to victory in the Europa Conference League. It was a second 4-1 win in two games – following Sunday’s victory over West Ham – and Villa earned successive Group E triumphs after dispatching last year’s beaten semi-finalists. “If we want to be a contender we have to show every day and when we are playing those matches, we have to show everybody our wishes. I think we did it,” Emery told a press conference. “We are respecting them because they played in the semi-final last year against West Ham. They won last year against Lazio, they won last year against Anderlecht and it’s because they have experiences in European competitions. “I am very happy with the players because I think they have to be mature, responsible and demanding themselves, not only when I’m pushing them. They have to try to increase their own individual and collective level.” Bailey opened the scoring when Villa cashed in on wasteful play from AZ and Tielemans doubled the lead 10 minutes later. Watkins made it 3-0 six minutes after the restart when Bailey’s shot was saved by former Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Just five minutes later, McGinn added a fourth when he turned Bailey’s cross in at the near post. AZ improved and pulled a goal back through Ibrahim Sadiq’s fine drive from the edge of the box with 25 minutes left. Home defender David Moller-Wolfe said: “I can only speak for myself, but I’ve never played against such a good team. “I felt when we tried to press them high, they just went in behind us and when we stayed they played in between us. That said, I don’t see why we can’t go to Villa Park in a few weeks and beat them.” Read More Tyson Fury has ‘no doubt’ he will knock out former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou David Moyes defends team selection as West Ham’s unbeaten European run ended West Ham suffer first European loss in 18 matches at hands of Olympiacos

West Ham’s unbeaten European record was reduced to ruins in Athens as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Olympiacos. The Hammers came a cropper in the shadow of the Acropolis as they suffered a first loss in Uefa competitions in 18 matches. David Moyes, who led his side to the Europa Conference League title last season, made seven changes for their Europa League Group A clash in the Greek capital. But his selection backfired as a soft goal from Olympiacos captain Kostas Fortounis and an own goal from stand-in Hammers skipper Angelo Ogbonna brought their undefeated run to a halt despite Lucas Paqueta’s late reply. A hostile reception for West Ham was guaranteed at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, with Olympiacos even issuing a warning to their supporters not to throw missiles or target players with laser pens. That plea came after their match against fierce rivals Panathinaikos on Sunday had to be abandoned when a visiting player was hit by a firework hurled from the crowd. With tensions high in Athens – Panathinaikos were also playing at home a few miles away – around 1,600 West Ham fans were bussed in from the city centre to the ground under a police escort to avoid any potential trouble. The local ‘ultras’ did not disappoint, with a huge banner reading “tonight you dine in hell” welcoming the visitors on to the pitch amid a cauldron of noise. Moyes would certainly have found West Ham’s first-half display hard to stomach. The hosts took the lead in the 34th minute when Fortounis turned away from Emerson Palmieri, James Ward-Prowse and Pablo Fornals far too easily, 25 yards out. Fortounis launched an old-fashioned toe poke from the edge of the box which flew past the flat-footed Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal. On the stroke of half-time the Hammers found themselves two behind when Ogbonna suffered his own personal Greek tragedy. The Italian veteran stuck out a foot to block a cross from Brazilian full-back Rodinei, only to help it past Areola into his own net. Moyes will have been having a bad case of deja vu; his ill-fated spell in charge of Manchester United included a 2-0 defeat at the same stadium in 2014. West Ham did at least come out in the second half with more purpose, but a low cross from Emerson was scooped over the crossbar by Danny Ings. Moyes made a triple substitution before the hour mark with Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio entering the fray. Paqueta halved the deficit with a stunning volley from the edge of the box with four minutes left, but despite a late flurry they could not find an equaliser. A victory would have all but secured West Ham’s passage into the knockout stages but now they find themselves with work to do, lying level with Freiburg at the top of the group with Olympiacos two points behind. Read More Former Everton boss David Moyes pays tribute to ‘wonderful man’ Bill Kenwright David Moyes hopes West Ham and Olympiacos fans behave in Greece Man Utd expect to pay further tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton on Tuesday night We’re after seven teams – Unai Emery plays down Villa’s Champions League chances Such a good man – David Moyes hails Sir Bobby Charlton help as fans pay tribute Ollie Watkins continues red-hot form as Aston Villa ease past AZ Alkmaar

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Ollie Watkins continued his red-hot form as Aston Villa cruised to a statement 4-1 Europa Conference League win at AZ Alkmaar. The striker netted his 10th goal of the season and fourth in Europe this season on Thursday. Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans – his first for Villa – put them in control in AZ Stadium after less than 25 minutes. Vangelis Pavlidis wasted the hosts’ best chances but Watkins and John McGinn added more goals after the break in Holland before Ibrahim Sadiq grabbed a consolation. It was the second time in two games Villa had scored four after their 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham on Sunday. Unai Emery celebrated a year in charge on Tuesday and victory underlined the progress his side have made, having been floundering in 14th and three points above the relegation zone 12 months ago. Villa host Alkmaar in two weeks knowing victory would see them take a giant leap to the knock-out stages, especially following an opening 3-2 defeat at Legia Warsaw in September. After two games in Group E, all four teams were locked on three points but Villa moved to remedy that quickly, opening the scoring just 13 minutes in. Watkins seized on a loose pass from Yukinari Sugawara and, while Boubacar Kamara’s ball was cut out, it fell for Bailey to control and rifle in low from the edge of the box. Alkmaar cried handball but the goal stood and 10 minutes later, the hosts were 2-0 down. Another poor pass, this time from Sven Mijnans, went straight to McGinn and his angled pass found Tielemans to bag his first Villa goal. Yet, 90 seconds later, the hosts should have pulled a goal back when Pavlidis fired over with just Emi Martinez to beat after Kamara was dispossessed on the edge of the box. Pavlidis had a goal disallowed for offside soon after but Villa regrouped and extended their lead six minutes after the break. AZ were picked apart by Watkins, Tielemans and Bailey, who saw his shot saved by Matt Ryan but it fell perfectly for Watkins to tap in the rebound. Five minutes later McGinn added a fourth when he turned in Bailey’s low cross at the near post. Sadiq pulled a surprise goal back with 25 minutes left when he latched onto Bruno Martins Indi’s crossfield pass and drilled the ball into the corner from the edge of the box. Tiago Dantas came close to a second, Tielemans deflecting his drive behind, with a comeback never on the cards. Read More West Ham suffer first European loss in 18 matches at hands of Olympiacos Brodie Retallick wins second-row start for New Zealand in World Cup final Ben Youngs ‘so content’ to sign off England career in bronze final at World Cup Sandro Tonali needs ’empathy and support’ after being banned for 10 months Jos Buttler: My future as captain out of my hands as England near World Cup exit Maro Itoje praises ‘courageous’ Tom Curry for reporting Mbongeni Mbonambi

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Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali deserves “empathy and support” for his gambling rather than a reported 10-month ban, campaigners have said. The Big Step campaign, part of the Gambling With Lives charity, claims asking a footballer who is addicted to gambling to play in stadiums plastered in betting logos is akin to making an alcoholic work in a pub. Tonali, 23, has been suspended for 18 months, eight months of which has been commuted, fined 20,000 euros and been ordered to partake in an eight-month course of therapy to address his issues after reaching a plea bargain following an investigation into illegal betting conducted by the Italian Prosecutor’s Officer and the Italian football federation (FIGC). The player’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has said his client is living with a gambling addiction. The PFA is understood to be working with and continuing to support Tonali. “Footballers are human and if they are suffering from addiction they deserve empathy and support, not lengthy bans,” the Big Step said in a statement issued to the PA news agency. “Every football game is wall-to-wall with gambling ads, not just across shirts but around stadiums and related media content. “Sending someone addicted to gambling into this environment is like sending an alcoholic to work in a pub. If you force young footballers to endorse addictive products then don’t be surprised if they use them. “Ending all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, including all parts of the shirt and in every stadium, will help to prevent harm to those on and off the pitch.” The FIGC confirmed Tonali’s ban on Thursday afternoon, less than 24 hours after he made what will be his final appearance for the club which paid AC Milan £55million for his services this summer as a substitute in Wednesday night’s 1-0 Champions League defeat by Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park. A statement on the federation’s official website said: “The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has reached an agreement (pursuant to art. 126 CGS) with the footballer Sandro Tonali, following which he will be sanctioned with an 18-month disqualification, eight of which will be commuted to alternative prescriptions, and a fine of 20,000 euros, for the violation of art.24 of the CGS which prohibits the possibility of placing bets on football events organized by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA. “Regarding alternative prescriptions, Tonali will have to participate in a therapeutic plan lasting a minimum of eight months and in a cycle of at least 16 public meetings, to be held in Italy, over a period of eight months, at amateur sports associations, federal territorial centres, for recovery from gambling addiction, and in any case according to the indications and program proposed by the FIGC. “The Federal Prosecutor’s Office will ensure compliance with what is indicated and, in case of violations, will adopt the measures within its competence, pursuant to the CGS, with termination of the agreement and continuation of the disciplinary proceedings before the sports justice adjudicating bodies.” Earlier FIGC president Gabriele Gravina had told reporters in Rome: “The rules call for a certain number of years of suspension, but the plea bargain and extenuating circumstances have been taken into consideration and the players’ collaboration went above and beyond, therefore we must continue to respect the rules we have established for ourselves.” Tonali was one of several players named in the FIGC’s investigation, which also saw Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli banned for seven months. The suspension will mean he will not play again for Newcastle this season and will miss Italy’s Euro 2024 finals campaign should they qualify. Magpies boss Eddie Howe has promised his big money summer acquisition the club’s full support, although his absence could hardly have come at a worse time for the club with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy both having picked up injuries during the defeat by Dortmund, which Sven Botman and Elliot Anderson missed with existing problems. Read More Jos Buttler: My future as captain out of my hands as England near World Cup exit Maro Itoje praises ‘courageous’ Tom Curry for reporting Mbongeni Mbonambi There’s a long way to go – Ange Postecoglou staying grounded despite Spurs form Celtic will only get better at game management – Matt O’Riley Sandro Tonali’s reported ban brings calls for ’empathy and support’ from charity It doesn’t add up – North Wales Crusaders chief on IMG’s new grading system

Everton’s takeover by the American investment firm 777 Partners remains on course, despite the possibility of a points deduction that could put the Merseyside club at greater threat of relegation. The Premier League are reportedly pushing for Everton to be deducted 12 points during an investigation into possible breaches of financial regulations but 777 are adamant they still want to proceed with plans to complete a buyout. Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has signed a deal with 777 Partners, who have invested in a range of clubs including Genoa, Sevilla and Hertha Berlin. Everton were accused of breaking Financial Fair Play rules, which are supposed to limit clubs to a total loss of £105m over a three-year period. But Everton announced losses £44.7m in 2022, £121.3m in 2021, £139.9m in 2020, £111.8m in 2019 and £13.1m in 2018. The Premier League charged them in March though Everton have insisted they have complied with the regulations and their additional losses stem involve allowances clubs were permitted when Covid meant grounds were empty. Everton disclosed all scenarios with 777 during talks and financial due diligence and the potential outcome was priced in to the structure of the deal. A 12-point deduction would leave Everton, who only just avoided relegation in the last two seasons, on minus five. Other potential punishments, if Everton are found guilty, could include a transfer ban or a fine, which West Ham were given for the third-party ownership of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2007. Read More Everton face ‘12-point deduction’ over alleged financial breaches Everton boss Sean Dyche pays tribute to ‘amazing servant’ Bill Kenwright Bill Kenwright: Theatre producer who went from terraces to boardroom at Everton

Ange Postecoglou has played down the significance of Tottenham potentially moving five points clear at the Premier League summit with victory at Crystal Palace on Friday. Spurs returned to top spot on Monday with a 2-0 win at home to Fulham and play before Arsenal and Manchester City this weekend. Postecoglou insisted his primary focus is on improving the team after he was critical of their second-half display against Fulham. “It doesn’t really add any significance because whatever happens Friday night there’s still a full round of Premier League fixtures to be played and nothing of any real significance comes of that,” he said. “We’re in a good space at the moment but again we’ve still got plenty of work to do to make sure what we do now is sustainable. That’s the main thing. “It’s not about making a short-term impact, it’s about building something which hopefully brings sustained opportunities of success for the club. “There is a really good reason no manager will talk about winning a title in October or November because we know there’s a long way to go.” Tottenham’s ascent to first position has seen them score 20 goals in nine matches, but Postecoglou feels attack is the area where they can improve the most. He added: “We still have to grow in every area. There are areas where we are already very good, particularly around the defensive side of the game. I think we’ve been excellent there – really consistent. “I still think our main growth will come in the attacking side of the game. I still think particularly in the front third, a lot of our movements are still not natural and fluent like we want them to be, which isn’t surprising. “But what is getting us the goals is that we have great quality up there, which is contributing to that. I still think the biggest growth for us will be in our attacking side of the game.” Spurs will have to assess Destiny Udogie for the Selhurst Park clash after the left-back was withdrawn in the 56th minute of Monday’s win with muscle tightness. Pape Sarr (illness) and Ben Davies (knock) are fit and Yves Bissouma is also available after he served a one-match ban for his recent red card at Luton, but Postecoglou was coy over his team after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg impressed against Fulham. “It’s no different to any other week. They’re not really dilemmas, just choices that people in my position have to make and I’ve always made those decisions pretty simply and cleanly about what I think we need,” the Australian coach explained. “Tomorrow night we’ll start with a certain group of players and finish with another and it’s about trying to get the job done. When that games done, we’ll look to the next one. “It’s good to have Biss available, he’s been a big part of what we’re doing. The team did well the other night so that should make us stronger.” Postecoglou also heaped praise on opposite number Roy Hodgson ahead of their second meeting. The Spurs boss faced Hodgson back in 2016 when they were in charge of Australia and England respectively in a friendly at the Stadium of Light. Asked if he still expects to manage at 76, Postecoglou replied: “Who knows. That’s not the plan. Seventy-six? Somewhere on a Greek island, lying back watching football from around the world, maybe doing some punditry and becoming an expert overnight. That’s the plan but you never know in life, mate. “I coached against Roy up in Sunderland so I have had the pleasure of coaching him at international level. “He is an outstanding manager, he’s an absolute gentleman and whenever I have come across him people always talk about the kind of person he is and I love his career, for someone like me with a different journey I have so much admiration for the career he has had.” Read More Maro Itoje praises ‘courageous’ Tom Curry for reporting Mbongeni Mbonambi Shambolic England slip to eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka Celtic will only get better at game management – Matt O’Riley Sandro Tonali’s reported ban brings calls for ’empathy and support’ from charity It doesn’t add up – North Wales Crusaders chief on IMG’s new grading system England ‘at end of cycle’ in ODIs – Michael Atherton

Matt O’Riley feels Celtic can make further strides in the Champions League with better game management. Brendan Rodgers’ side produced a blistering first-half display against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and deservedly led 2-1 at the interval. Midfielder O’Riley was at the heart of the action with an excellent exchange of one-touch passes to set up Kyogo Furuhashi’s opener and Celtic attacked with pace and purpose throughout the opening 45 minutes. They were pegged back eight minutes into the second half by Alvara Morata’s header and could not quite replicate the tempo of their attacking play, which Atletico boss Diego Simeone admitted his side had struggled to deal with in the opening period. A 2-2 draw gave Celtic their first point of the Group E campaign and fuelled belief within the squad. O’Riley said: “Lots of positives, a very good performance for the most part. We lost a bit of control at times, especially at the start of the second half, but overall it was a good performance and very good goals against a defensive team. “We were a bit disappointed not to get three points but a point on the board is a step in the right direction, so I think there is a lot to look forward to.” The Denmark Under-21 international felt they could have calmed the game down themselves after the break to deny Atletico a way back in. “It’s not necessarily sustaining that level, it’s managing the game in different ways,” he said. “There were times, especially at the start of the second half, where we could have managed it a lot better in terms of slowing the game down, pulling a few guys under the ball and just keeping the ball for a bit. “I know, naturally, you are at home and the crowd wants you to play quickly all the time but there are times when you’ve just got to slow it down and I think that’s something we will get better at.” Feyenoord’s win over Lazio sent them top of the group on six points and Celtic will need to take points from away games in Rome and the Spanish capital to keep their hopes of qualification alive before the Dutch champions visit Glasgow in December. Captain Callum McGregor said: “That’s the challenge now. We’ve got our point on the board, we obviously need more to get out the group but this should give us the belief that, if you look after the ball and play together as 11, there’s no reason why you can’t go there and get something out the game. “If we want to qualify then the next two games are vital. “Now we have played the three teams, there’s nothing to suggest we can’t have a strong second half to the campaign.”

Liverpool will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the Europa League campaign with a third successive victory in the competition against Toulouse. Jurgen Klopp’s side have won both their matches so far in the competition and will have had sufficient time to recover for the fixture from their 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. With another home match coming on Sunday against Nottingham Forest, Klopp may decide to rotate his players across the two fixtures. Toulouse are unbeaten in the group, having lost one and won one from their opening two games. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture: When is Liverpool vs Toulouse? The match will take place on Thursday October 26 at 8 pm BST (9pm CEST) How can I watch it? Liverpool vs Toulouse will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 streamed live through the Discovery + app with coverage starting at 7.45 pm. Team news Cody Gakpo is set to return after injuring his knee in the defeat to Tottenham but Andy Robertson could be out until the new year after undergoing surgery. Kostas Tsmikas is expected to continue in his place.Ibrahima Kounate returned to the starting XI against Everton, but he has only just returned from injury and Klopp might not want to risk him twice in less than a week. Predicted Liverpool line up: Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch, Diaz, Jota, Nunez Odds Liverpool 1/6 Draw 13/2 Toulouse 11/1 Prediction Liverpool might concede early as they have done a few times this season, but will have enough to overcome the Ligue 1 side. Liverpool to win 3-1. Read More Former Everton boss David Moyes pays tribute to ‘wonderful man’ Bill Kenwright Liverpool set for boost as Cody Gakpo in line to make return against Toulouse Van Dijk holds key to trophy hopes - is he still the best centre-back around? Everton boss Sean Dyche pays tribute to ‘amazing servant’ Bill Kenwright Build from the front? Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are repeating an old trick Jurgen Klopp knows Liverpool must shoulder the burden of Andy Robertson’s injury

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