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Luton boss Rob Edwards hailed “magic” super-sub Elijah Adebayo after the striker’s stoppage-time equaliser clinched a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest. Forest led 2-0 in the 83rd minute through Chris Wood’s second-half double, but Chiedozie Ogbene gave the Hatters a late lifeline and Adebayo’s superb effort snatched them a point. The 25-year-old took Tom Lockyer’s long ball into the box on his chest and buried a low shot in the second minute of added time as Luton, promoted via the play-offs in May, registered just their fifth point from nine matches. Edwards said: “It was a great goal. He’s got those moments. He came on against Burnley and got his goal and he’s done it again today. “He’s got these little moments of magic in him. The assist he got at Sheffield United, the assist at Wembley. He’s had big moments for us Eli since we’ve been here. “He was frustrated not to start the game as I would expect, but that’s what you’ve got to do when you come on. That’s what I want. He gives me a difficult decision to make next week.” Forest were worthy of their 2-0 lead after Wood struck in the 48th and 76th minute, but Luton refused to surrender. Ogbene lashed home in the 83rd minute after Forest had failed to clear a free-kick and Adebayo, a second-half replacement for Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, had the final word. Edwards added: “I’m really proud of the players. The spirit, the fight and determination. “We finish the game strongly. We will never give up, we will always keep fighting. “We’re where we expected to be. Nobody expects us to be top four. We’re where we expected to be, in the fight we expected to be in. We’re comfortable with it.” Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper could not hide his frustration after his side’s winless run was extended to five matches. “It’s disappointment in the end,” Cooper said. “We dominated the game and we’re disappointed we weren’t leading by one or two goals at half-time. “We obviously got the early goal in the second half and then made it 2-0 and it all changes on a set-piece, which we defended terribly really. “Of all Luton’s threats off set-plays, it was the worst delivery of the day and ends up in the back of our net and that’s where the momentum changes. “It’s a real pity because of the way we had played for however long it was before their first goal went in because it was a comfortable game for us.”

Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Brighton after his Manchester City side held on for a slender 2-1 win over the Seagulls in the Premier League on Saturday. The champions looked be cruising to victory as Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland struck inside the opening 19 minutes at the Etihad Stadium but the visitors responded after the break. Substitute Ansu Fati set up a nervy finish when he pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute and City were left clinging on when Manuel Akanji was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time. The victory stopped the rot after for City after successive league defeats prior to the international break. “Against Brighton it’s impossible to control the game for 90, 95 minutes – no team in the world can do that,” said City manager Guardiola. “I’m surprised that we did it for 55, 60 minutes. “We played an exceptional first half. We had more chances, we were aggressive in the link with the strikers. “In the second half they closed the space. They are really good and when they have the ball it is almost impossible to take it. We suffered for 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes and then there was a period at the end of the game as well. “After two defeats the performance was important but I give credit to Roberto (De Zerbi). When you see their games, his team is exceptional. They have a lot of injuries and that’s why I have pride in the team for the victory.” To compound their defeat, Brighton saw their lengthy casualty list added to as Danny Welbeck and Solly March were forced off with muscular and knee problems respectively. Manager De Zerbi admitted his side’s extra workload this season due to their involvement in the Europa League was taking its toll. He said: “This is the worst thing today. We can lose Solly March for a long time and Welbeck I don’t know. “We are playing a different sport this season. We are losing too many players. I think we are not ready to compete in this competition and we are adapting.” De Zerbi felt his team gave a good account of themselves after a difficult start. The Italian said: “We can speak of two parts of the game. The first part – there wasn’t the chance to play, because when City play like they do in first half it is not just very tough for Brighton but for everyone. “But second half we played better, with more energy, courage and personality. We kept order on the pitch, especially without the ball and we had two or three chances to score again. That improvement is important.” Read More Thomas Frank: Five-year anniversary meal will taste better after Brentford win Rob Edwards salutes Luton super-sub Elijah Adebayo after equaliser at Forest England skipper Jos Buttler questions his decision to field first in latest loss Skipper Rob du Preez gives Sale deserved win against Leicester A true gentleman – David Beckham pays tribute to ‘national hero’ Bobby Charlton Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point

Gary O’Neil maintained Wolves’ 2-1 victory over Bournemouth was no personal revenge tour after his side staged a comeback to take all three points at the Vitality Stadium from the club that sacked him in June. The Cherries remain winless in nine Premier League contests this season but got off to a bright start on Saturday after Dominic Solanke fired them to a 1-0 half-time lead. It all began to unravel after Matheus Cunha netted a quick equaliser after the restart and the hosts were left to defend for the majority of the second period with 10 men after Lewis Cook was shown red. The hosts looked to have clung on for a point until Sasa Kalajdzic fired in a late winner. O’Neil said: “It’s just a really big win for us to win on the road, second time this year. “The fixtures have been very tough for us, I think we’ve had the toughest run of fixtures. “We’re right up there at the top with the hardest runs, so to have gotten 11 points so far is really good, to win away from home against a good side that will cause teams problems is really good. “But it’s not about me or returning to AFC Bournemouth, just a really good win for a group that are making progress and working extremely hard. “Honestly, I feel no different to when we beat Manchester City, when we beat Everton. It feels exactly the same. “I have huge respect for everybody at AFC Bournemouth, they gave me an opportunity to manage a Premier League football team. “Thankfully I managed to go six unbeaten straight away, which got me on a decent run. But there’s nothing in it for me. It’s not that at all.” Solanke’s strike lifted the spirits of supporters sorely in need of a boost, but the mood soured after Cook’s needless red card, issued following a VAR review that showed him headbutting Hwang Hee-chan to force his team into playing short-handed from the 54th minute. To their credit the hosts held on until late, when Cherries keeper Neto’s loose short pass to Philip Billing was intercepted, ultimately allowing Hwang to set up Kalajdzic. Despite the worrying run of results, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola brushed aside speculation he might be running out of rope in the role he’s occupied since O’Neil’s exit. Asked if he was concerned about his position, the Spaniard replied: “I’m not. Nobody should be concerned about Andoni Iraola, I’m concerned about AFC Bournemouth winning games. “It’s like this and it has to be like this. “I haven’t talked (to the board), but it’s not a matter of me or my situation. It’s a matter of how can we solve this the best way?” Read More Eddie Howe says the ‘hardest part is ahead’ for Sandro Tonali Pep Guardiola hails ‘exceptional’ Brighton after Man City return to winning ways Thomas Frank: Five-year anniversary meal will taste better after Brentford win Rob Edwards salutes Luton super-sub Elijah Adebayo after equaliser at Forest England skipper Jos Buttler questions his decision to field first in latest loss Skipper Rob du Preez gives Sale deserved win against Leicester

Sasa Kalajdzic fired a late winner as Wolves completed a 2-1 comeback over 10-man Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium. Dominic Solanke gave the home support hope of a first win of the season when he handed his side the lead in the first half on ex-Cherries boss Gary O’Neil’s first trip back to his former side. It was all square two minutes after the break thanks to Matheus Cunha before the afternoon further unraveled for the hosts when Lewis Cook was sent off for a headbutt on Hwang Hee-chan . Bournemouth had their chances and managed to keep things level until deep into the second period, but the late drama left the Cherries mired in an abysmal start to their campaign. While O’Neil insisted his first trip back to Bournemouth was strictly business, one could forgive any deja vu he might have experienced standing in the opposite dugout, now managing the team he faced as a first-time Premier League manager last season. This time it was a Cherries player, not a manager, who marked his Premier League debut with Andoni Iraola handing now-fit summer signing Alex Scott a start. Both keepers were tested early, the hosts working the ball to David Brooks, who forced Jose Sa into a simple save with a rolling effort from the right. A flurry of activity at the other end of the pitch soon saw Pedro Neto – making his 100th Premier League appearance – smash an effort off the crossbar, Cunha denied by Cherries keeper Neto, and Hwang – in the hunt for his seventh goal in nine games – nod wide. With the unrelenting back-and-forth nature of the period still sustained it felt like a goal was imminent, and it soon came via another well-linked sequence beginning with Brooks finding Philip Billing. The Denmark international slipped the ball to Solanke, who opened the scoring with a backheeled finish from six yards out, the 1-0 advantage standing at the break despite both sides threatening. Wolves were level less than two minutes after the restart when Cunha fired past a diving Neto and soon it all began to unravel for the hosts, who were down to 10 men after Cook went in for a headbutt on Hwang and was shown a straight red after a VAR review. The mood in the stadium, bursting with hope after Solanke’s opener, quickly soured as the officials broke up the ensuing fracas, though spirits somewhat lifted when substitute Ryan Christie was able to break loose and force Sa into a low save. The hosts were given a boost when Neto squandered a late chance by firing his effort over the crossbar. The Cherries sparked back to life after Dango Ouattara battled to win the ball deep inside Wolves’ half and had chances through Joe Rothwell and Billing, but after deftly defending deep into the second half, saw a potential point slip away when Hwang played through Kalajdzic, who side-footed in the winner. Read More Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways Thomas Frank celebrates five years at Brentford with victory over 10-man Burnley Manchester City back to winning ways as Erling Haaland helps sink Brighton Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace

Manchester City hit back from successive defeats to secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side had slipped off the top of the Premier League table after defeats to Wolves and Arsenal before the international break but found form again to brush aside the high-flying Seagulls. Julian Alvarez fired the hosts ahead after just seven minutes ahead with a composed finish from Jeremy Doku’s cutback before Erling Haaland made it two with a left-footed strike from 18 yards. A goal from Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati for the visitors set up a nervous finish, but the hosts held on for their seventh Premier League win of the season despite Manuel Akanji’s late red card. Mohamed Salah became the first Liverpool player since Peter Beardsley 32 years ago to score in Anfield’s opening four league matches with both goals in a 2-0 victory over 10-man Everton in the 243rd Merseyside derby. Ashley Young was sent off for a second bookable offence shortly before half-time to make the Toffees’ task of ending their woeful record across Stanley Park even more difficult. Salah converted a 75th-minute penalty after a Michael Keane handball and then rounded off a counter-attack in added time to briefly lift the Reds to the top of the table before City’s victory over Brighton. Newcastle ran riot to win 4-0 against Crystal Palace at St James’ Park. The Magpies stretched their unbeaten run to five matches, with Jacob Murphy giving the hosts the ideal start after just four minutes as his looped effort found the far corner from Kieran Trippier’s cross. Eddie Howe’s side put the game to bed with two goals within three minutes before the break as Anthony Gordon and Sean Longstaff fired in, and Callum Wilson added a fourth in the 66th minute as he latched on to Murphy’s pass. Luton showed their battling qualities as they recovered from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The hosts led through a Chris Wood brace, but the Hatters hit back, with Chiedozie Ogbene giving them hope before Elijah Adebayo blasted in an equaliser. There was further late drama as Wood thought he had scored what would have been his hat-trick goal, but it was disallowed for offside. Brentford proved too good for Burnley as they beat the Clarets 3-0 in west London. Yoane Wissa’s third league goal of the season gave Brentford the lead after 25 minutes and Bryan Mbeumo added the Bees’ second with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box. Connor Roberts’ dismissal in the 78th minute made it an uphill task for Burnley to get back into the game and a stunning strike from Saman Ghoddos in the 87th minute put the result beyond doubt. A well-taken goal by Sasa Kalajdzic helped Wolves beat Bournemouth 2-1 and ensure a happy return for their manager Gary O’Neil to the Vitality Stadium. O’Neil was dismissed in the summer, with Andoni Iraola brought in to replace him, and his new club fell behind to a Dominic Solanke goal in the 17th minute. However, Wolves hit back as Matheus Cunha fired in an equaliser early in the second period and the Cherries then had Lewis Cook sent off for an apparent headbutt on Hwang Hee-chan. The game appeared to be heading towards a draw before Austria international Kalajdzic’s calm finish from Hwang’s pass with two minutes of regular time remaining. Read More Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways Thomas Frank celebrates five years at Brentford with victory over 10-man Burnley Sasa Kalajdzic gives Wolves late win on Gary O’Neil’s return to Bournemouth Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace

Manchester United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86, his family have announced in a statement. Charlton was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968. A statement on behalf of the Charlton family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.” The statement added: “His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.” Charlton’s European Cup success at United came 10 years after the Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Sir Matt Busby survived but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s team-mates. Born in Ashington on October 11 1937, Charlton played in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020, and won 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals. He made his debut for United in 1956 and went on to play 758 matches for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals. Both were long-standing club records until they were overtaken by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney respectively. Charlton won three league three titles and one FA Cup at Old Trafford and, after leaving United in 1973 and becoming Preston manager, he returned to Old Trafford 11 years later as a club director. He was knighted for services to football in 1994. “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club,” the Premier League club said in a statement. “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club Manchester United statement “He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. “A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. “Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. “The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.” Charlton was diagnosed with dementia and the announcement of his condition made public in November 2020. The announcement came two days after his United and England team-mate Nobby Stiles died following his own battle with the illness. The Telegraph said that Charlton’s wife, Lady Norma, was happy for his condition to be reported. Paying tribute to Charlton, the Premier League said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history. “Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United.” Charlton made his England debut against Scotland at Hampden Park in April 1958, just over two months after he had survived the Munich air disaster. He was not selected for England’s 1958 World Cup squad that summer, but played at the tournament in 1962, 1966 and 1970. Charlton scored three times at the 1966 World Cup, including both goals in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Portugal, and ended his England career at the age of 32 following the quarter-final exit to West Germany in 1970. “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton,” the official England account tweeted. “An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions. “A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby.” England manager Gareth Southgate added: “One of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton’s impact on our only World Cup triumph is there for all to see. “The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England and simply confirmed in my mind his standing as one of the gentlemen of the game. “The world of football will unite in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend.” Charlton’s death means Sir Geoff Hurst is the only survivor from England’s 1966 World Cup final win over West Germany. Hurst, who hit a hat-trick in the 4-2 Wembley victory, said: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football. “A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.” In its own tribute, UEFA added: “On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game’s true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.” Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby Charlton’s family, and all those who loved him, following the tragic news that he has died with dementia. “It’s absolutely devastating that Sir Bobby’s final years were blighted by dementia, but unfortunately this is the case for almost one million people in the UK today. “At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we are determined to change the ending for everyone affected by dementia by finding a cure and the awful news about Sir Bobby highlights that we don’t have a moment to waste.” Read More Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways Thomas Frank celebrates five years at Brentford with victory over 10-man Burnley Sasa Kalajdzic gives Wolves late win on Gary O’Neil’s return to Bournemouth Manchester City back to winning ways as Erling Haaland helps sink Brighton Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull

Thomas Frank celebrated five years in charge at Brentford with a much-needed 3-0 Premier League win over 10-man Burnley. But there was another VAR issue for Darren England to deal with after Neal Maupay had an early header ruled out. Goals from Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Saman Ghoddos secured a first home victory of the season for the Bees. But earlier Brentford striker Maupay saw a first-half goal disallowed after he headed in a cross from Nathan Collins. Collins was clearly onside when Mbeumo swung in the initial free-kick, while his central-defensive partner Kristoffer Ajer was standing beyond him in an offside position. But it was Collins who was given offside by VAR Stuart Attwell according to the big screen in the ground, leaving fourth official England – only just returning to Premier League duty after he oversaw the VAR fiasco at Tottenham against Liverpool last month – to face the wrath of Frank. In fact it was later explained by the PGMOL that Ajer had been given offside, as he was obstructing Lyle Foster. Luckily there will be no calls to replay this one from Frank, whose side were full value for the win and would have been 4-0 up at half-time were it not for VAR and Clarets goalkeeper James Trafford. Christian Norgaard saw a shot blocked on the line by Charlie Taylor and Mbeumo’s effort was held by Trafford before Brentford’s pressure told after 25 minutes when Sander Berge lost possession. Maupay fed the ball out to Mbeumo, whose precise pass across goal was gleefully tapped in at the far post by Wissa. Maupay’s quest for a goal – he has not scored in the Premier League in more than a year – continued when he found himself one-on-one with Trafford, who got a slight hand to the Frenchman’s shot. The Brentford fans behind the goal were willing the ball to roll in, but Dara O’Shea got back to hook it off the line. Trafford then produced a stunning save to deny Wissa from point-blank range before tipping Maupay’s drive over the crossbar. Brentford have thrown away 11 points from winning positions this season, but there were to be no such jitters this time as they grabbed a second on the hour mark. Frank Onyeka fed Ajer, who in turn gave Maupay the ball to lay back for Mbeumo, who finished superbly into the top corner from the edge of the area. For Burnley another week in the bottom three beckons, which will come as little surprise if Luca Koleosho’s late miss-of-the-season contender – he somehow sliced wide of an open goal from five yards out – is anything to go by. Their miserable afternoon was complete when Connor Roberts was sent off late on for bringing down Wissa before Ghaddos put the gloss on Brentford’s win with a long-range volley. Read More Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways Sasa Kalajdzic gives Wolves late win on Gary O’Neil’s return to Bournemouth Manchester City back to winning ways as Erling Haaland helps sink Brighton Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace

Substitute Elijah Adebayo struck a stoppage-time equaliser as Luton fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Chris Wood’s second-half double appeared to have set Forest on their way to a third league win of the season but Chiedozie Ogbene fired Luton a late lifeline and Adebayo rescued them a point in the second minute of added time. New Zealand striker Wood could have easily ended up with a hat-trick as he went close with two other headers while Luton’s Jacob Brown spurned a golden chance to equalise for the visitors when they trailed 1-0. Forest forced the early pressure as Wood’s early volley was held by Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and Ibrahim Sangare headed narrowly over. Luton responded through Ogbene’s low cross, which narrowly evaded team-mates Carlton Morris and Brown. Morris fired a low shot wide as Luton made their intentions clear by committing men forward on the counter before another first-time effort from Wood deflected off Luton defender Teden Mengi for a corner. Luton’s former Manchester United forward Tahith Chong’s shot from outside the box was comfortably saved by Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner and Wood failed to get his header on target from Serge Aurier’s cross. Forest went close again on the stroke of half-time when Sangare somehow missed the target from Morgan Gibbs-White’s low ball across the six-yard box. But the home side broke the deadlock three minutes into the second period. Anthony Elanga threaded a neat through-ball into Wood’s path and the striker provided an emphatic left-footed finish. Wood should have made it 2-0 moments later when he headed Aurier’s excellent cross inches over before Luton spurned a golden chance to equalise, with Brown heading tamely at Turner from six yards. Wood appeared to have sealed the points for Steve Cooper’s side with a fine header from Elanga’s pin-point, in-swinging cross with 14 minutes remaining. But the Hatters refused to lie down. Their appeals for a penalty as Morris went down inside the box were dashed by VAR before Ogbene lashed home a volley from eight yards, which stood after another VAR check. Still the visitors were not finished. Tom Lockyer launched a long ball into Forest’s penalty area and Adebayo took it superbly on his chest before firing home to haul his side level in the second minute of added time. Read More Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways Thomas Frank celebrates five years at Brentford with victory over 10-man Burnley Sasa Kalajdzic gives Wolves late win on Gary O’Neil’s return to Bournemouth Manchester City back to winning ways as Erling Haaland helps sink Brighton Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace

Erling Haaland got back on the scoresheet as Manchester City returned to winning ways with narrow 2-1 win over Brighton. After suffering successive defeats prior to the recent international break, the champions were in danger of falling to three consecutive Premier League losses for the first time under Pep Guardiola. That did not seem likely once play began at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as early goals from Julian Alvarez and Haaland – his first City strike in four matches – put them on course for three points. A reply from Brighton substitute Ansu Fati 17 minutes from time made for a nervous finish – and tension increased when Manuel Akanji picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time – but City held on. For most of the game, City had looked more like their assertive selves with Rodri back after his costly recent suspension. The return of John Stones also brought more assurance, even though first-choice goalkeeper Ederson was on the bench after his recent international exertions for Brazil. Brighton have impressed under Roberto De Zerbi – of whom Guardiola continually speaks highly – but, for all their enterprising play, their defence is proving leaky and their openness was quickly exploited. Phil Foden troubled the visitors early on as he seized possession and broke forward to release the lively Jeremy Doku, who cut inside and curled over. The opener was not long in coming and again Doku glided through the defence to reach the byline and pull back for Alvarez. The Argentinian World Cup winner’s strike was not the cleanest but such is his confidence that his first-time shot had too much power as he beat Jason Steele for his seventh goal of the season. City maintained the pressure with another break from deep ending when Josko Gvardiol shot straight at Steele. Kaoru Mitoma had Brighton’s first opportunity but his tame effort was easily dealt with by Stefan Ortega and the Seagulls suffered a blow when Mancunian Danny Welbeck was forced off injured after 15 minutes. Haaland took further advantage of Brighton’s defensive weakness as he ended his recent – by his extraordinary standards – goal ‘drought’ by doubling City’s lead on 19 minutes. The Norwegian was given too much space as he powered towards the box before firing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from distance. Alvarez attracted the attention of the VAR after a push on Pascal Gross but nothing was given and Doku threatened again when he beat veteran former City player James Milner but missed the target. Brighton started to show life early in the second half as Gross skewed a shot wide under pressure. Haaland latched onto a Foden pass just after the hour but his strike was beaten away by Steele. Mitoma had another good chance after getting behind the City back line but Ortega rushed out to block on the edge of the area. That was a warning City failed to heed and moments after Alvarez’s attempt to lob a stranded Steele dropped short, they were caught on a rapid counter-attack. Brighton quickly shifted the ball upfield and, although Mitoma’s attempt to pass into the danger area was cut out by Akanji, Fati was on hand to turn in the rebound. Brighton pressed to the end but struggled to create meaningful chances. Akanji’s late dismissal brought more jitters for the home fans, but City completed the job. Read More Luton fight back to stun Nottingham Forest and earn a point Thomas Frank celebrates five years at Brentford with victory over 10-man Burnley Sasa Kalajdzic gives Wolves late win on Gary O’Neil’s return to Bournemouth Manchester City back to winning ways as Erling Haaland helps sink Brighton Daniel Kanu scores four in five-star Southend display against Solihull Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace

From thrilling comebacks to disappointing losses, Week 7 of college football showcased the top quarterback prospects. Find out how they performed in our latest update.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.