Tottenham take their moment of fortune as Liverpool are left with only fury and frustration
Everything keeps going Ange Postecoglou’s way, as Liverpool will argue everything went against them – not least Joel Matip’s 96th-minute attempt to divert Pedro Porro’s cross. That brought a 2-1 win for Tottenham Hotspur, who will doubtless say it came from the adventure they keep showing under the Australian. Something bigger is happening at Spurs, as could be sensed in the raucous atmosphere after another late victory, but their biggest yet. They are level with Manchester City on points, only behind the champions on goal difference. Who would have expected that after the lukewarm response to Postecoglou’s appointment at the start of the summer. Liverpool might fairly say they would have been ahead of City had it not been for much smaller moments. Jurgen Klopp’s side endured two red cards – for Curtis Jones and substitute Diogo Jota – that they greatly disputed, as well as an offside call for a Luis Diaz finish that seemed the most borderline possible. Later, the referees’ body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) admitted it was the wrong decision to disallow Diaz’s effort, blaming human error, and “should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention”. On such events seasons can swing. On the other side, strokes of fortune are often the sources of greater success, especially when you put yourself in the position to take advantage of that. Spurs will argue that’s what Postecoglou’s approach absolutely does. There’s a bravery to it. There was only a fury and frustration to Liverpool, even if some solace could have been taken from the resolve… until the own goal. Again, Klopp will say it shouldn’t have come down to that. Liverpool had been the better side, and would have been ahead had it not been for two brilliant successive saves from Guglielmo Vicario. He kept out both Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson, although the former’s decision to dwell on the ball that bit too long would doubtless influence his next chance. That only came after the game turned, from referee Simon Hooper overturning a big decision. Curtis Jones had gone in rashly on Yves Bissouma but the lack of reaction from the players seemed to vindicate the official’s initial decision that it was no more than a yellow. On reviewing the footage, though, Hooper felt he had no choice but to send Jones off. Liverpool’s impetus started to go. Luis Diaz still turned the ball in but his fine finish was ruled out for what ended up looking the most marginal of offsides. That felt like it changed Liverpool’s mindset even more than the red card. Spurs sensed an opportunity and immediately went about creating one, then another and another. Postecoglou at one point reacted as if Bissouma missed a sitter when the midfielder merely hesitated on the ball and played a sideways pass. The Spurs manager wanted it forward much quicker. He eventually got that, and the sort of goal that Postecoglou no doubt sees as an ideal. A wondrous move at speed involved two luscious single touches from both Richarlison and Son, the Korean’s diverting the ball past Alisson. Liverpool could well have been furious with how the half had played out, but it partly played into their hands. The unusual amount of first-half stoppage time allowed another attack, from which Gakpo this time proved assertively decisive. With the ball headed down, he ensured he turned on time, lashing the ball past Vicario. He was almost too decisive, though. Appearing to over-extend himself to make the shot, Gakpo was visibly in pain as he celebrated, and then went off at half-time. His replacement, Jota, got much less time on the pitch, after almost negligible time between two yellow cards. Just 22 minutes after coming on, the Portuguese received a first booking before immediately fouling Destiny Udogie for a second. That only deepened the inevitable pattern of the game, which was Spurs controlling all play near Alisson’s area, and Liverpool looking to counter. The goalkeeper was on supreme form, probably surpassing Vicario with the pass of the match as he kept out James Maddison’s viciously swerving effort. He’d had so many individual moments of sparkling creativity that it felt a winner could come from there. Mohamed Salah’s breaks meanwhile felt the best source of a Liverpool goal, only for Klopp to take him off. From that point, it was always too much of a stretch to create a chance. Liverpool had to expend too much energy on defending against two more players. There was, inevitably, always one man over. In the very final seconds, after it looked like Liverpool had weathered the storm, that man was Porro. He drilled the ball across, more in optimism rather than real accuracy. It was enough. Matip tried to clear only for the ball to fly past Alisson into the top corner. Spurs surge past Liverpool in the table. It might take Liverpool a while to look past this one. Read More Ange Postecoglou hopes key duo will be fit to face Liverpool Ange Postecoglou had a love of Liverpool as a youngster but says ‘things change’ Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Why new-look midfields will decide Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham Football rumours: Ivan Toney can leave Brentford if the price is right I don’t understand handball rule – Spurs’ Ange Postecoglou bemused by penalty
2023-10-01 04:53
PGMOL admit Liverpool offside goal should have stood after ‘significant human error’
Liverpool have been told they should have had the opening goal of the match in their late 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, after a “significant human error” during the VAR process which should have checked the offside call initially given. The Reds were down to ten men at the time after Curtis Jones’ red card - and would finish with nine as Diogo Jota followed - but Luis Diaz ran through to beat Guglielmo Vicario to score what he thought was the first of the match. An offside flag denied him and referee Simon Hooper blew the whistle to cut celebrations short, but replays showed Diaz looked onside - only for VAR to erroneously uphold the decision. A statement released shortly after the match by the sport’s referee organisation acknowledged that shouldn’t have been the case and although no specifics were offered, relayed that another full review would be launched. “PGMOL acknowledge a significant human error occurred during the first half of Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool,” it read. “The goal by Luis Diaz was disallowed for offside by the on-field team of match officials. This was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention, however, the VAR failed to intervene. “PGMOL will conduct a full review into the circumstances which led to the error.” Manager Jurgen Klopp dismissed the review as irrelevant to his team after the decisions contributed to his team’s defeat, while also making reference to an incident earlier in the campaign under the same referee, where Wolves were denied a late penalty when Andre Onana should have been penalised for a clear foul. That incident ended in referee Hooper being stood down immediately into the new season, but he has since returned for three Premier League games. “How’s the statement help now? We had the situation in the Manchester United game and did Wolves get points for it? No. And we will not get points for today,” Klopp said. “So it doesn’t help. Nobody expects 100 per cent right decisions on-field. “We all thought when VAR came in it might make things easier, but I don’t know why people in VAR… are they under that much pressure? “The decision was made really quickly. It changed the momentum of the game. I knew at half-time, in the first moment I saw it’s a clean onside. “With normal, normal pictures, easy to see, but pretty sure that whoever did that made a decision. didn't do it on purpose.” Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Son Heung-min’s opener shortly before half time, only for Liverpool’s Joel Matip to score an own goal deep into injury time to hand Spurs the points. Read More Spurs take their fortune as Liverpool are left with only fury and frustration Man City failed to execute their ‘process’ in defeat at Wolves – Pep Guardiola Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win Spurs take their fortune as Liverpool are left with only fury and frustration Man City failed to execute their ‘process’ in defeat at Wolves – Pep Guardiola Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win
2023-10-01 04:27
Projected college football rankings after USC survives against Colorado, Penn State pulls away, Florida upset
USC survives a tough battle against Colorado, while Penn State pulls away and Florida suffers an upset. Get all the details and see how the Top 25 rankings could shift.
2023-10-01 04:18
VAR makes a mistake as ‘significant human error’ denies Liverpool opening goal
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited has acknowledged a “significant human error” occurred during Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Liverpool after a Luis Diaz effort in the 34th-minute was incorrectly ruled out for offside. Spurs claimed a dramatic three points after Joel Matip turned Pedro Porro’s cross into his own net in the sixth minute of stoppage time to continue the hosts’ flying start under new boss Ange Postecoglou. Referee Simon Hooper sent off Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota either side of half-time, but Liverpool were left aggrieved by the first-half decision to rule out a Diaz 34th-minute effort. Mohamed Salah played Diaz through and the Colombian rifled into the bottom corner, but the offside flag was raised and a quick VAR check by Darren England at Stockley Park deemed the Liverpool attacker was offside. Still images of the incident appeared to show Cristian Romero play Diaz onside and Spurs took the lead two minutes later when Son Heung-min poked home. Cody Gakpo did level before half-time, but Matip’s last-gasp own-goal inflicted a first Premier League defeat of the season on Jurgen Klopp’s men. “PGMOL acknowledge a significant human error occurred during the first half of Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool,” a PGMOL statement read. “The goal by Luis Diaz was disallowed for offside by the on-field team of match officials. “This was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention, however, the VAR failed to intervene. “PGMOL will conduct a full review into the circumstances which led to the error.”
2023-10-01 03:54
Tottenham claim dramatic last-gasp victory over nine-man Liverpool
Tottenham celebrated another jaw-dropping 2-1 stoppage-time victory as Joel Matip’s own goal finally broke nine-man Liverpool’s resistance. Saturday evening’s box office battle pitted together exciting, resurgent sides that had both begun the new Premier League season unbeaten having bounced back from chastening campaigns last term. Jurgen Klopp’s men were seconds away from leaving north London with a fantastic point after Cody Gakpo cancelled out Son Heung-min’s opener in a match which saw the visitors have two players sent off. Curtis Jones and half-time introduction Diogo Jota were sent off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Spurs finally beat Liverpool at the fifth time of asking. Just like in their last home game against Sheffield United a fortnight ago, Ange Postecoglou’s men triumphed thanks to a stunning stoppage-time conclusion. This time it was Liverpool defender Matip providing the key touch, inadvertently turning home Pedro Porro’s cross to spark wild celebrations in the sixth minute of added time. It was a fitting end to a breathless encounter, which had started in an intense, open fashion. Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister had attempts for Liverpool before Dejan Kulusevski failed to reach Richarlison’s tantalising cross at the other end. Spurs were looking dangerous but Liverpool were getting more shots aways, with home goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario receiving an ovation after denying Gakpo and Andrew Robertson. The helter-skelter theme continued before the dynamics shifted on a VAR review in the 26th minute. Jones had been booked for a poor, clumsy challenge that saw his boot go over the ball and plant in Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma’s shin. Referee Simon Hooper was advised to watch the challenge back and, after reviewing it, upgraded the card to red. There was a collective gasp inside the stadium when the replay was shown on the big screen, but Liverpool did not appear happy with the decision. James Maddison saw a shot held and Richarlison lasered over as Tottenham attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage, only for the Reds to seemingly make the breakthrough. Mohamed Salah did well under pressure to slip through Diaz to strike across Vicario and into the far corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations in the away end that continued long after offside was called. The travelling support eventually realised it had been ruled out, and to add to their disappointment, then had to watch the home fans around them go wild as Spurs took a 36th-minute lead. Maddison slipped Richarlison behind with an excellent pass and the former Everton forward’s smart first-time squared pass was turned home from six yards by skipper Son. Spurs smelt blood and Richarlison drilled in a low shot which struck the post and overconfident Son shot rather than passed to Maddison. It looked a poor decision rather than a costly one until the fourth minute of stoppage time, when Liverpool equalised after Virgil van Dijk’s header back across goal was controlled by Gakpo and struck home on the turn. The goalscorer hurt himself in the process and did not return for a second half that Liverpool could have started in the lead, had Diaz met Salah’s exquisite pass just before the break. Postecoglou’s outfit returned with the bit between their teeth and it looked a case of when rather than if they would score as they laid siege to Liverpool’s goal. But Alisson was in inspired form between the sticks, stopping Maddison finding the top left-hand corner from 20 yards in the 49th minute before tipping over Son’s volleyed snapshot two minutes later. The Liverpool goalkeeper also dealt with a Pape Matar Sarr strike down the throat and was saved by an offside decision when Maddison fed Richarlison to cross for what would have been Son’s second goal of the night. Tottenham’s pressure was unrelenting and the incline on the visitors’ uphill battle increased in the 69th minute. Half-time substitute Jota had just been booked for fouling Destiny Udogie and was soon handed a second yellow for trying to win the ball back from the Spurs left-back. Klopp made a triple change in a bid to tighten up against a Tottenham side struggling to break down the visitors. The away end was making more noise than the frustrated home faithful as the Reds looked set to hang on for a fantastic point in trying circumstances. But Spurs have a never-say-die attitude under Postecoglou and their patience paid dividends in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Cristian Romero played wide to Porro on the right and his driven ball was slammed into his own goal by Matip.
2023-10-01 03:23
Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win
Rob Edwards expressed his pride after a landmark win for Luton at Everton. The Hatters’ 2-1 victory at Goodison Park was their first ever win in the Premier League and first in the top flight since April 1992. Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris scored from set-pieces in the first half, with Everton pulling one back before half-time through Dominic Calvert-Lewin but unable to find an equaliser. “I’m just very, very proud of the players and pleased for the club,” said Hatters boss Edwards. “I know it’s a big moment, I get that. I don’t want this to come across in any kind of arrogant way but I expected us to (win) today, I really did. I told the boys before the game, ‘I know this is going to be a good day’. “We really believed we could come here and win the game. We had a really good plan. Everton have got some good players and they were very fluid, especially in that first half. “At 2-0 up there was a lot of movement, a lot of stuff going on. We had to adjust, which we did at half-time, then I thought we looked more solid again. I thought we deserved it. It felt great.” Luton’s band of supporters celebrated with glee at the final whistle, and the three points were enough to lift the newly-promoted side out of the bottom three. “Amazing day for the supporters,” said Edwards. “They deserve it, our board deserve it. They’ve really stuck with us. I know they’re going to because we’re on a brilliant journey and where the club has been. They’re going to enjoy this. “But it’s important we give them something to shout about as well, and not just, ‘Well done lads, unlucky’. They’re amazing supporters, I love them. They’ve travelled a long, long way today in the rain and they get to enjoy their day.” Everton began the game on the front foot and with optimism flowing that they could build on victories over Brentford and Aston Villa during the past week. But instead they suffered a fourth straight home victory, leaving manager Sean Dyche hugely frustrated at a big opportunity lost in front of their prospective new owners. “I’m disappointed in the result, obviously,” he said. “Performances, broken-record time – dominated so much of the game, give away really poor goals and don’t take our chances. “Changing the story, which I’ve spoken about endlessly this season, is our responsibility. We had a brilliant chance I thought today, a platform to begin the process of changing the story, the depth of it the last two years, all the noise and the rest of it, and we don’t take it. “It’s very frustrating because the team are there, it’s like, ‘Go on then, change the story, be the person that makes the difference, don’t wait for someone else to do it’. Then it spreads like wildfire. “And we sort of nearly do. Today just that weird thing when everyone’s sort of looking for someone else to change it. It’s an odd thing and I’ve been trying to break it since I’ve been at the club. And we keep trying.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
2023-10-01 02:26
Man City failed to execute their ‘process’ in defeat at Wolves – Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola said Manchester City failed to properly execute their “process” and was keen to praise Wolves after his side’s 100 per cent start to their Premier League title defence ended with a 2-1 loss at Molineux. City went into the contest looking to make it seven league victories at the start of a campaign for the first time. But the treble-winners were condemned to defeat by Hwang Hee-chan’s 66th-minute finish, eight minutes after an early Ruben Dias own goal had been cancelled out by Julian Alvarez’s free-kick. City boss Guardiola, who watched from the stands as he served a one-match ban for picking up three yellow cards, said: “Congratulations Wolves, they defended really well. “We had our moments. We didn’t do properly our process, to attack (with) a little bit more fluidity and that’s why we struggled a little bit. “And the transitions – (Pedro) Neto (who was key for the first goal) was better than us, so they beat us in that situation. “When they defend that well, (Mateo) Kovacic or Ruben has to attack central defenders of the opponents and we didn’t do it, that was why it was more difficult. “The opponent played really good, defended really well, and after, when they contact with the players up front, they had the ability to keep it and drive and dribble and drop you. They are so strong. “Today some details didn’t happen, because it’s football, because the players, it happens, maybe I apply bad some decisions, I don’t know.” City’s starting line-up included Matheus Nunes, signed from Wolves last month, with it reported that he had stopped training with the midlands outfit ahead of the move. The Portuguese was the subject of boos and chants from the crowd during the first half before being brought off at the interval for Oscar Bobb. Guardiola said, when asked why he had made the change: “I needed more dynamic. Oscar is really good to find in small spaces, the creativity he has. “That was the reason why – not because he wasn’t playing not good at all. It’s just because I thought Oscar could give us something different.” On having to watch from the stands, Guardiola said: “The view is perfect. The problem is when you are banned and you are in the hotel. But they allow you to be here…in the Champions League it cannot happen. “I spoke before the game, half-time and after the game. During the game you can be involved in something, but not much.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win
2023-10-01 02:25
Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result
Michael Beale looked back on a “horrible day” after a 3-1 defeat by Aberdeen left the Rangers boss admitting his future is in the hands of the Ibrox board. The home side missed several chances before defender Stefan Gartenmann scored his first Dons goal after 38 minutes and the Light Blues left the pitch at half-time with the boos of the Gers supporters ringing in their ears Dons midfielder Jamie McGrath added a second in the 68th minute before Rangers’ half-time substitute Scott Wright was sent off for picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Gartenmann. Abdallah Sima reduced the deficit in the 75th minute but Pittodrie defender Jack MacKenzie scored a third with five minutes left and the home fans stayed behind to vent their frustration at the final whistle as pressure piled on Beale, whose side already lie seven points behind league leaders Celtic. The Gers boss said: “It was a horrible day obviously, a terrible result. “We actually started really well. I thought Aberdeen were very compact and quite negative early on but we created three or four big chances. “You don’t take them and we defend a set-play as poorly as we did and go in 1-0 at half-time. “At that moment we could have done without Ridvan Yilmaz and Ryan Jack being injured because it compounds a light bench. “We reshuffled, started the second half OK and conceded from a set-play so we don’t deserve anything from the game.” Asked if he thought he will be given time, Beale said: “That’s somebody else’s decision. All I can do is continue with the job the best I can. “We felt we prepared well enough tactically. We went over and around them first half and created the chances. The way we played in the first half and the chances we made, I thought it was harsh to boo them off at half-time Michael Beale “It’s a really bad result and I feel the frustration and despair from the fans because we share it inside as staff and players, because first-half we had enough chances to win that game.” While understanding the frustration of the fans, Beale claimed their reaction at half-time was “harsh”. He said: “Listen, it’s a situation that’s escalated much faster than I thought. “The way we played in the first half and the chances we made, I thought it was harsh to boo them off at half-time. “We conceded from a set-play but we had played well enough to be 2-0 or 3-0 up. “I get the frustration, they follow this club all around the world. “It’s the fourth home game in 10 days and pretty much all of them have been sold out. “Sometimes the supporters could help the players but one or two could help themselves.” It was a well-deserved three points for Barry Robson’s side, who have now won three games in a row after a poor start to the season. The Dons boss was pleased for the travelling supporters who enjoyed the victory. He said: “It’s three points. That’s what we are in the game for. I thought in the game we were structurally very good. “We tried to frustrate them for the first 25 minutes then grow into the game and try and bring the things we are good at to the game and I think we did that well. “It’s a good feeling and it’s great for the fans. They deserve it. “They came here in numbers, they sell out when we are on the road, record season ticket sales and since I’ve come in as manager it’s been amazing how they have backed us. “That’s a brilliant performance for them. That’s what we are in it for.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
2023-10-01 02:21
Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League latest updates as Diogo Jota sent-off to leave Reds with nine men
Tottenham face Liverpool in the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp’s in-form Reds face their toughest test of the season at Ange Postecoglou’s resurgent Spurs. Both sides are unbeaten so far in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning five of their opening six fixtures to lead the challenge to Manchester City in the early standings. But Tottenham are only two points behind after battling back to a thrilling draw at rivals Arsenal last weekend, as James Maddison and Son Heung-min starred in the comeback. Now Postecoglou’s side face a Liverpool team who are also reborn from last campaign with a new-look midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning strike helped the Reds to their seventh win in a row in all competitions in midweek, and there will be talk of Klopp’s side fighting for the title should they beat Spurs for the first time this season. Follow live updates from Tottenham vs Liverpool in the Premier League below and check out the latest match odds here. Read More Why new-look midfields will decide Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham Liverpool announce investment through new minority shareholder
2023-10-01 02:18
Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal
Mikel Arteta hailed the “empathy” of his Arsenal players after what he hopes was a game-changing goal from Kai Havertz in their win at Bournemouth. The £65million summer signing from Chelsea had not registered a goal or assist in his first nine games for the Gunners but finally hit the target as he converted a penalty in a 4-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. Arsenal were already two goals to the good through Bukayo Saka’s header and a Martin Odegaard penalty when an on-field decision handed responsibility for a second spot-kick of the afternoon to under-fire Havertz. He tucked away his chance to break his duck, as his team-mates and the away end greeted the goal with jubilant celebrations. “I’m really happy for the win, but I’m even happier to be part of a team that shows the human qualities that they did today,” Arteta said. “Without me telling them nothing, to show that empathy to a player that has some question marks to resolve externally, they warmed me even more today. They’ve done it in a really natural way. “I’m delighted they made that decision. And so thankful as well to our supporters for the way they sung his name and made him feel today. If there’s a player who deserves that it’s Kai Havertz, so happy for him. “We have all tried to give him support and the right tools. He’s doing so many great things in the game. It was about that moment, that was the question that had to be resolved and today he has done it. “To show that level of empathy and understanding, worrying and caring for somebody is just great.” Without me telling them nothing, to show that empathy to a player that has some question marks to resolve externally, they warmed me even more today. They’ve done it in a really natural way Mikel Arteta Arteta referenced Olympic champion Usain Bolt when discussing how Havertz deserved his moment in the south coast sunshine following his hard work in recent weeks. “Probably it will change everything,” the Spaniard replied when asked what the goal could do for Havertz. “If he had any question marks about how we feel about him, about what he does, I think they are out. “I think in sport – Usain Bolt said it once – ‘I have to train four years to run nine seconds’. Sometimes you have to do a lot and you don’t see that. “In that moment you see it. I think after everything he’s been through in the last few weeks that moment is worth all of it, so really happy for him.” The one sour note for Arsenal came as Saka limped off injured for the second game in a row, raising the possibility he could miss next Sunday’s showdown with champions Manchester City. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain winless in the Premier League under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Cherries have come close on previous occasions but that was not the case here, with Iraola admitting the hosts did not deserve a result. “It was the first time we were not at the level the competition required and we did not finish the game well,” he said. “For sure this game leaves the worse sensation for me. You can lose against this type of team because they are really good but it is the first game this season where I have felt that we were not at the level. “You have to be at your best to compete against these teams and we weren’t after the first goal. We cannot concede two penalties and also the first goal is a bit strange, we should be there but we lost the positioning of Saka. “We started really well, were doing well but after 1-0 I think they were better than us.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
2023-10-01 02:18
There are no excuses: Erik ten Hag concerned over Man United’s woeful form
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is concerned after his side suffered their worst start to a Premier League season with the 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace. Not since the 1989/90 campaign, when Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly one game away from the sack, have United lost four of their first seven league games. But Joachim Andersen’s first-half goal for Palace inflicted the same fate on the current crop, which left the Old Trafford faithful booing at the end. It had looked like United were turning their season around after a Carabao Cup win over the same opponents on Tuesday followed victory at Burnley last weekend, but the pressure is beginning to mount on Ten Hag. Asked whether he understood the crowd’s frustration, he said: “I understand, when we play home or away and we play Crystal Palace we have to win – with all respect. “I know every game in the Premier League is difficult and you have to play your best, but I understand fans are expecting a win and we didn’t win and we lost. “Of course it is a concern, we have to be more consistent, this is not the demand for Man Utd. The demand is we get a row of wins and get into a series. We have to do better than now. “I can give you reasons but you will explain it as an excuse and there are no excuses, we have to win.” United are having problems on home soil this season, having been fortunate to beat Wolves and Nottingham Forest, where they had to come from 2-0 down, but were soundly beaten by Brighton and have now lost to Andersen’s goal. The Dutchman insists his side are not a soft touch. “We lost two games in a row in the Premier League but I wouldn’t set that conclusion, but we have to do better, and that is definitely the case,” he said. “We have to show it in our body language that Old Trafford is a fortress and you can’t get anything here and the only way you can go away is with a loss. We have to do better here.” Palace boss Roy Hodgson could not find playing at Old Trafford any more enjoyable as he became the first Premier League manager to go five successive games unbeaten at the home of United. It was the perfect tonic for the veteran after his side were beaten 3-0 here in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. “I am happy about the record, I suppose. I am most happy with how the team played today and I’m so pleased for the players,” he said. “It’s not easy coming up here for the second time in a few days and to give that performance and to work that hard and defend as well as we did, that is what gives me the most satisfaction. “I am not even certain I could tell you about the other games gone before but I am pretty certain I would be delighted after those as well, no doubt I would have been saying the same things.” Asked whether this was his favourite result as Palace manager, he said: “I am hoping the favourite ones are to come, I have to be careful looking back. “It is my favourite one for the moment that’s for certain, there may be others. At the moment I am just happy for the day and the performance and for the players. “All credit to the players and an extra mention because Tuesday night was such a disappointment. We didn’t come here to lose 3-0, we came hoping we could progress but we were dumped out of that, so even more credit to the players to do what they did.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live United States fight back but Europe still favourites to regain the Ryder Cup David Moyes backs Jarrod Bowen for England recall after starring in West Ham win England battle to victory over 14-player Canada
2023-10-01 01:51
David Moyes backs Jarrod Bowen for England recall after starring in West Ham win
David Moyes believes Jarrod Bowen should be back in the England squad this week after his fifth goal of the season helped sink Sheffield United 2-0. Gareth Southgate names his next squad on Thursday ahead of a friendly against Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy. Bowen, who earned four caps last year, was overlooked for the September internationals but Moyes feels his current form makes him hard to ignore. “I would say Jarrod is as close now as he has ever been,” said Moyes. “He’s in really good form, quick, sharp and looks like he can do a lot of things. “I’m not going to pick the England team, but to play for England you have to be able to score in big games. Jarrod’s doing great for us.” Bowen grabbed his goal after 24 minutes, timing his run into the box to perfection and burying Vladimir Coufal’s low cross. Tomas Soucek added the second after he was slipped in by Michail Antonio as West Ham all but sewed up a comfortable victory before half-time. “I liked what I saw in the first half. The first goal was brilliantly worked. There were lots of good things, but not so much in the second half,” added Moyes. “I wanted us to score more goals but a lot of credit has to go to Sheffield United and their manager after a tough week and a big defeat. But ultimately we got the goals and the win. “It’s three points in the Premier League and when you look at some of the results today, it shows you can’t just turn up and get three points.” The Blades did at least improve on their 8-0 defeat at home by Newcastle six days earlier, not that they could have been any worse. Their boss, Paul Heckingbottom, maintains they can still pick up enough points to stay up. “We’ll see. I believe it,” he said. “If you look at our games we’ve not lost because other teams are far better, we’ve lost because of key moments. There’s evidence there that we can get the points. “Results like last week happen. There’s been some surprising ones today. What I didn’t like was the nature of some of the things I saw, I was adamant it was a one-off and I don’t want to see again. “No one’s going to feel sorry for us. We have to fight for those points.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live United States fight back but Europe still favourites to regain the Ryder Cup England battle to victory over 14-player Canada Manchester United’s struggles continue as Crystal Palace win at Old Trafford
2023-10-01 01:50