List of All Articles with Tag 'foot'

Rob Edwards insists his Luton players have achieved nothing yet after a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Kenilworth Road saw them pull clear of the Premier League relegation zone. It was a first home victory on their top-flight return for Edwards’ side and it came courtesy of late drama, culminating in a winning goal prodded in by substitute Jacob Brown seven minutes from time. The game looked to be petering towards a drab goalless draw until defender Teden Mengi struck with 18 minutes to go, blasting a shot across goal and beyond Sam Johnstone from a corner to put Luton in sight of victory. The lead was wiped out in seconds as virtually from kick-off Michael Oliseh collected the ball wide on the left, stepped inside and curled beautifully into the corner for a fine solo goal. Yet Luton would have the final say, Brown getting in between defender Joachim Andersen and his goalkeeper to turn the ball home and propel his side to an historic win. Edwards admitted his relief at seeing his side survive 12 minutes of stoppage time to finally get off the mark at home at the sixth attempt but emphasised the size of the task that still lies ahead. “(It feels) really good,” he said. “Relief, I feel drained now, it was the longest game I’ve ever been a part of. Pleased for the supporters, pleased for everyone connected to the club. “It’s been a long time coming here at home. I think we deserved a bit more than what we’ve got here in some of the games. We were close against Liverpool, close against Wolves, Burnley could have gone another way. But it’s taken until today. “I don’t want the players having a party. We’ve done nothing (yet). We’ve got nine points. I don’t think that’s anything to be going out to the nightclub and having a flipping disco or a party. “Enjoy it, but we’ve got to go again. Brentford’s really difficult next week, then we’ve got Arsenal and Man City to look forward to. We’ve got to keep improving and getting better. “So enjoy the moment, enjoy the feeling, it’s nice. The players can enjoy their weekend. But it’s back to work quickly.” The win was notable for a fine display by Ross Barkley in midfield, with the summer signing having played an increasingly influential role in recent matches. “He allows us to play differently, allows us to be a different team,” said Edwards. “Ross is a really good player and he does help us, gives us more control. “He has a 360 view of the pitch, he knows where the space is, he can calm things down for us. It was another big performance from him. He’s getting better every week.” Palace boss Roy Hodgson reflected on a game that got away from his side as it hung in the balance at 1-1. “A good goal from Luton’s point of view but a bad one from our point of view, especially at a time when we were playing well,” said Hodgson. “We got the equaliser and should have been looking at consolidating and maybe going on to win the game. “Congratulations to Luton for holding on and for a spirited performance.” Read More Ding Junhui defies illness to defeat defending champion Mark Allen in York West Ham defeat is toughest one to take yet – Burnley boss Vincent Kompany Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is still looking for answers to their penalty problem after Luis Palma missed from 12 yards in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell. The Hoops missed three penalties last season and Palma followed David Turnbull and Reo Hatate in missing from the spot since Rodgers returned. Turnbull did convert a penalty in the 86th minute after Palma went off, but Jonathan Obika headed a last-minute equaliser. Palma scored from the spot against Aberdeen last time out, but Liam Kelly dived to his right to parry in the 66th minute and deny Celtic a platform to look for further goals. Rodgers said: “I was looking before I came in here that there have been a number of penalties missed. “These are decisive moments in games and you have to be ready to take them. You are never always going to be three, four, five up in games. You get that opportunity, you have to take it. “It is something that the players who are going to be the penalty takers are working on every day. “We have to stay focused on that because it is a skill. You can’t replicate the pressure, but penalties are a skill and a skill we have to be better at. “The keeper’s made a decent save. It’s all about variety with penalty takers. I know he practised (on Friday), he didn’t go that side, he was working on the keeper’s left. “But that is the choice he made. He is brave enough to take them.” Rodgers felt the cinch Premiership leaders were missing “that little bit of freshness and zip in the final third” as they moved nine points ahead of Rangers, who have two games in hand. He added: “We should win the game. Obviously we had enough of the ball. We got into a lot of good areas and obviously (had) chances to be more comfortable. It is always a danger when you are not. “But credit to Motherwell, they defended really well and we never had enough to break them down. “But when we did get the opportunity to go in front then every moment after that is a decisive one. I think it was probably their only effort in the second half and we never defended it, which was a surprise because we have been defending set-pieces well.” Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell did not feel Celtic should have had a second penalty after Calum Butcher was penalised for holding Mikey Johnston. Kettlewell attended a meeting with the Scottish Football Association’s referees department on Thursday where it was explained that such incidents would only be punished if the attacking player has a chance of getting on the ball. He said: “If the officials are telling me something when I go and sit for two-and-a-half hours with chief executives and managers when that exact incident came up in one of the clips and there were conversations around whether the player was going to get on the end of it and whether every contact in the box is a penalty. “From the angle I’ve seen Calum Butcher is adamant he didn’t pull the jersey. His palm is resting on the waist. “The guys from Celtic will maybe think it’s justified, but I think it’s incredibly soft.” It was only Motherwell’s third point from 10 games and Kettlewell said: “It indicates to everyone how together we are as a football club and a group of players. They gave us absolutely everything out there. “A lot of people will say we should be looking to be more progressive and to create more chances in the game. Well, that was everything that I asked of the players. “Of course we want to try to win games, but to concede that second penalty and go behind we showed brilliant personality and character to get ourselves back into the game.” Read More Mauricio Pochettino angry as ‘soft’ Chelsea fall apart at Newcastle Brighton boss explains ‘big, big celebration’ and says no disrespect was meant Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola full of praise for two-goal Marcus Tavernier Joe Root joins England captain Ben Stokes in skipping next Indian Premier League Ding Junhui defies illness to defeat defending champion Mark Allen in York No cause for a party, Rob Edwards warns Luton after victory over Palace

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi made no apology for celebrating his side’s 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest like they had won the Champions League final. De Zerbi sprinted straight to the away fans at the City Ground, without shaking counterpart Steve Cooper’s hand, after his side ended a six-game winless run in a drama-filled Premier League encounter. The Seagulls looked primed for an easy three points after a tidy finish from Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro’s double, the second from the penalty spot, put them 3-1 up after Anthony Elanga’s early goal for Forest. But the complexion of the game changed when VAR advised referee Anthony Taylor to give Forest a penalty, with Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk seeing red for his over-zealous protest. Morgan Gibbs-White scored from the spot but Forest could not find a leveller and Brighton held on for a much-needed win, which moves them into the top seven. “I want to explain our celebration, it wasn’t disrespectful to the opponent because I am used to living inside of football, but we are suffering a lot with injuries, we lost two players in the first half, we suffered a red card, we lost two points in the last games against Sheffield United and Fulham, the last win in the Premier League was at the end of September. “We are suffering a lot because it is one of the toughest times in my career. It was a big, big celebration. “We are very happy and I am very proud of the character and attitude we showed in a very tough moment. Without 10 players if Brighton can compete in two competitions, seventh in the league, and in the Europa League with Ajax, AEK Athens and Marseille, it is difficult. “We celebrated it like the final in the Champions League, it was not the Champions League, but the way we won the game with 10 players without the captain was excellent.” Dunk received a straight red card for foul and abusive language following Taylor’s decision to award Forest a penalty, which came 21 seconds after he was booked for encroaching while Taylor checked the VAR monitor. De Zerbi admitted Dunk apologised to his team-mates but will not face any internal disciplinary action. “I have not spoken yet with Lewis, he is a good guy, maybe he made a mistake,” De Zerbi added. “For me the situation is not clear. We have to accept the referee’s decision. “I always accept the referee’s decision. Dunky is a fan of Brighton, he is not a simple player. We can understand his emotion and his mistakes. “I don’t like rules. I am not a policeman, I am coach. He said sorry to everyone, he has understood his mistake.” Forest boss Cooper said would have liked the opportunity to shake De Zerbi’s hand at full-time. “I have not seen him. I don’t want to get into that, to be fair,” he said. “If you ask me I am a British coach, I have been brought up in always shaking hands after games and showing respect and trying to win and lose with dignity. “I am not saying he has not done that, you’ll have to ask him. If you ask me about what I will do, I will always shake hands. “But I understand that elsewhere it is a bit different. That is how it is.” Read More Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola full of praise for two-goal Marcus Tavernier Joe Root joins England captain Ben Stokes in skipping next Indian Premier League Ding Junhui defies illness to defeat defending champion Mark Allen in York No cause for a party, Rob Edwards warns Luton after victory over Palace West Ham defeat is toughest one to take yet – Burnley boss Vincent Kompany Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said Marcus Tavernier’s double in his side’s 3-1 win at Sheffield United was just reward for his recent performances. Tavernier struck early in both halves, either side of Justin Kluivert’s effort, as the Cherries notched their first Premier League away win of the season to maintain their climb away from relegation danger. Oli McBurnie headed the Blades’ late consolation as Bournemouth cruised to their third win in four top-flight matches. After seeing his side sweep the Blades aside, Iraola was delighted with 24-year-old Tavernier’s contribution. Iraola said: “He was playing really well in the last games but he had some chances he didn’t finish, against Burnley and Newcastle. “But it was a matter of time because he has the quality. It’s good he gets the reward because he is contributing in such different ways to the team. I’m really happy for him.” Tavernier, who missed the first month of the campaign through injury, scored five Premier League goals last season. With Dominic Solanke scoring six times this season and Kluivert – son of former Netherlands striker Patrick – notching his first goal for the club, Iraola saluted his side’s all-round offensive threat. “Today also we added Justin scoring in the league and Tav scoring two goals,” the Spaniard added. “I think we have talent there, I think we have goals there, behind Dom. We were having the chances. “They were not scoring the goals before and I think it is good for them confidence-wise to come here and to score in such an important game.” After Tavernier had given the Cherries a 12th-minute lead, the Blades gifted the visitors a second in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Kluivert, who then steered the ball into an empty net and manager Paul Heckingbottom acknowledged his side’s performance levels had dropped. “Yeah that’s been the topic of conversation in there,” he said. “If we give goals away like that we’re not going to win games in this league, we know that. “We started poorly and never really recovered. We can’t hide behind mistakes, though, we need to play better than that and get it out of our heads before the next game.” The Blades face another relegation rival in bottom club Burnley at Turf Moor next Saturday and Heckingbottom added: “We’re going to have moments in this league, we are not stupid enough to know we will be at our best every week. “But we have to try. We have to quickly get this out of our heads for Burnley next week.” Read More Brighton boss explains ‘big, big celebration’ and says no disrespect was meant Joe Root joins England captain Ben Stokes in skipping next Indian Premier League Ding Junhui defies illness to defeat defending champion Mark Allen in York No cause for a party, Rob Edwards warns Luton after victory over Palace West Ham defeat is toughest one to take yet – Burnley boss Vincent Kompany Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic

Mauricio Pochettino was “angry and disappointed” after watching Chelsea fall apart in their 4-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle. The Argentinian was left furious by his side’s second-half capitulation at St James’ Park, which saw full-back Reece James sent off to erase the memories of their creditable displays against Tottenham and Manchester City before the international break. Pochettino, who watched the game from the directors’ box as he served a touchline ban, said: “We didn’t prepare ourselves in the best way to compete today, that is my concern. “We thought that we were ready to compete today, but we didn’t in the way that the competition demands. “Even if Newcastle weren’t great, it was an easy win to prepare for the Champions League today. We had to come here, Chelsea, to show that it’s going to be difficult for them to play, to win the game and to beat us. “But it was really easy in the way that we conceded and the way that we were so soft in every single challenge. We didn’t show that we were playing for something important. “That’s what makes me angry and disappointed. We talk about that we are a young team and we have to learn, but I think these type of games make me very, very, very, very, very angry because it’s about showing your personality and character. “Okay, we are young as a team, but we cannot lose this type of opportunity to show our best.” Newcastle had 13 players missing after midfielder Joe Willock had been added to the casualty list with a recurrence of an Achilles injury. But the hosts took a 13th-minute lead when Alexander Isak, back after a month out, span on 17-year-old Lewis Miley’s astute pass and fired past Robert Sanchez. The visitors levelled before the break courtesy of Raheem Sterling’s sweetly-struck free-kick, only to succumb to goals from Lascelles and Joelinton within three second-half minutes and a fourth from Anthony Gordon after James had picked up a second booking. Magpies head coach Eddie Howe, who now faces the tasking of preparing his injury-ravaged side for Tuesday night’s Champions League trip to Paris St Germain, was delighted with the resilience his players showed in adversity. Howe said: “It’s such an important win for us with the position we’re in, the stretched resources that we have. “To be able to come together and give a performance like that speaks volumes for the character of the players we have, the leaders we have in the group and our ability to just focus on the present, on what’s happening right now. “You look at the players who were missing and that was a giant performance from the players we have fit.” However, Howe’s enjoyment was tempered by Willock’s misfortune with the player and his club awaiting a prognosis. He said: “It looks like a recurrence of an Achilles injury that he had a few weeks ago. It’s a massive blow for us. “We don’t know how long he’s going to be out, we’re going to have to seek specialist advice, but it’s a huge blow for us.” Read More We have to be better – Brendan Rodgers says Celtic’s penalty record must improve Brighton boss explains ‘big, big celebration’ and says no disrespect was meant Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola full of praise for two-goal Marcus Tavernier Joe Root joins England captain Ben Stokes in skipping next Indian Premier League Ding Junhui defies illness to defeat defending champion Mark Allen in York No cause for a party, Rob Edwards warns Luton after victory over Palace

Vincent Kompany admitted Burnley’s 2-1 home defeat to West Ham was the toughest one to take yet in what has been a miserable start to life back in the Premier League. The Hammers, poor by David Moyes’ own admission for most of the afternoon, scored twice in the space of five minutes to snatch victory away, with Tomas Soucek hitting a superb volley to win it in the first minute of stoppage-time. It was a seventh-straight home defeat for Burnley to start the season and leaves them bottom of the table with just four points from 13 games. “You can say that,” Kompany said with a rueful laugh when asked if this was the hardest one yet of Burnley’s 11 defeats. “It’s what makes this game beautiful but also what makes this game hard. “There’s no other way to say it. Today was a tough one to take but I’ve mentioned it before, it’s still a universal recipe, you’ve got to get back up and keep going.” Burnley had led through Jay Rodriguez’s 49th-minute penalty after Luca Koleosho had been tripped by Mohammed Kudus and West Ham, without the injured Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio, rarely threatened to get back into the game. But that all changed in a frantic finish as Kudus atoned for conceding the penalty by setting up the equaliser, with his cross deflected in by Dara O’Shea for an own goal and then picking out Soucek to strike the winner. “You have to play until the end but in minute 86, probably what I would have said was how outstanding the performance was, on the ball, off the ball, disciplined, mature,” Kompany said. “But as it is in football, it is shaped fairly by the result and every minute of the game is as important as the first one and in this case it’s tough… “When you go home, if your children fall down what do you tell them? ‘Get back up and go again’. But you also have to really believe in that. I always have. “What happens in the last five minutes is we throw everything away. It’s not good enough but it’s not supposed to be easy to get up to this level.” Moyes recognised his side were lucky to escape Turf Moor with the points. “I certainly didn’t see it (coming) at half-time with the way we started the game,” he said. “To get in at 0-0 was as good as it could get. “We hadn’t played well in the first half at all, we were too slow, we never affected Burnley…The climax was great, it shows a lot of the things we’ve got about the team. “A bit of resilience, we stuck at it, never wilted and had to find a way of getting a goal. “We didn’t play at our best today. A lot of players were nowhere near their levels but ultimately we got three points in the Premier league.” Soucek was the matchwinner in the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest before the international break, then scored two in two for the Czech Republic, before his sixth club goal of the season and ninth overall broke Burnley hearts here. “Tomas scored for the Czech Republic in midweek, he’s scored today, he scored against Forest so really he’s in a bit of goalscoring form,” Moyes said. “He took it really well and he took it as someone who’s got a bit more confidence in his finishing. “When he first came in he got 10 goals in his first season, last year not so much but this year, I think he is up to six already so that’s great.” Read More Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag On This Day in 2020: Gunners welcome their fans back in style Miami Dolphins take down New York Jets in 21-point win

Well that Chelsea renaissance did not last long. Losing at St James’ Park, especially since the Saudi money rolled in, is nothing to be ashamed of, but Newcastle United did not earn victory against Chelsea through any blistering display, roared on by 50,000 blood-hungry Geordies – Mauricio Pochettino’s team lost this encounter of their own accord. They had done all the hard work in battling back from a goal down to turn the tide in their favour. At the start of the second half, there really only looked likely to be one winner. Raheem Sterling had hit top form and was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch, Enzo Fernandez was controlling the ebb and flow on his terms, while Thiago Silva cruised around in his effervescent manner at the back. Two very early Christmas presents – Newcastle’s game-clinching third particularly gifted by Silva – in 90 second-half seconds reminded everyone just how far this Chelsea team still have to go. Four goals conceded and a man sent off, in a game that was so evenly poised – the inquiry into capitulations like this will take some time and will provide Pochettino with arguably his biggest challenge yet. One look at the benches ahead of kick-off should have given every indication as to which way the result was going to go. While Chelsea could boast £300m worth of talent in reserve, with international superstars galore in the dugout, Newcastle had to name three goalkeepers and four academy players on the sidelines, Matt Ritchie being the most recognisable name, and he has not started a league match all season. The home side’s first 11, however, had a much more formidable look to them. Several of the big-money signings since the takeover at St James’ have certainly made a real impact in their short time at the club, but the one with the real standout star quality, when fit, remains Alexander Isak. He just has that natural, God-given talent that mere mortals can only envy. His fitness problems deprived him of a move to a European giant before Newcastle took the risk on him last summer – a move that has paid off handsomely, even with the Swede’s injuries persisting. The finish, his seventh goal in seven league starts, that edged the hosts in front belied a player who had not seen any match action in a month. The pass from Lewis Miley, a 17-year-old thrown in at the deep end given the Newcastle injury situation, was sublime in the extreme. Yet, after Sterling had found the net for the third time in four games from a free-kick 23 minutes in, Chelsea assumed control. Conor Gallagher should have scored after a mistake from Nick Pope in the home goal, before Fernandez almost finished off a sweeping move late in the first half only to be denied by a recovered Pope. The football was being played by the Blues. In the blink of an eye, however, the game was inexplicably taken away from Chelsea. Firstly, Jamaal Lascelles was allowed to steal into the box and head a simple Anthony Gordon cross home before, 90 seconds later, on the day he became Chelsea’s oldest-ever outfield player, Silva seemed to stub his foot into the ground, allowing fellow countryman Joelinton in to latch onto the ball and stroke it into the net. Reece James’s dismissal for two bookable offences and Gordon’s late fourth ensured a miserable trip north became a potentially damaging one. Chelsea still remain a team of individuals. Pochettino is making strides and is finally starting to settle on a starting 11 at least. There remains, however, too many gaps in the game plan. Newcastle have a blueprint that they adhere to by the letter. Just watch one of the set pieces, which would not look out of place in the NFL, where most of the players are in there as blockers, creating space for their aerial dangermen, tells you all you need to know about the thorough preparations from Eddie Howe and his staff. It is of course far too early to be judging Pochettino yet, but if they resembled his Tottenham side in their pomp against Manchester City last time out, they reverted back to the Frank Lampard days on Tyneside. Back very much to square one. Read More Chelsea vs Manchester City LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Luton clinch huge win as Jacob Brown scores decisive goal against Crystal Palace Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Luton clinch huge win as Jacob Brown scores decisive goal against Crystal Palace Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Brighton return to winning ways by edging Forest in thriller

Marcus Tavernier fired a double as Bournemouth dismantled Sheffield United to win 3-1 at Bramall Lane and maintain their resurgence under Andoni Iraola. Tavernier struck early in both halves, his brace sandwiching Justin Kluivert’s first Premier League goal, while the impressive Cherries could have won by a bigger margin. Substitute Oli McBurnie headed a stoppage-time consolation for the Blades, who remain in the relegation zone. Bournemouth cruised to their first league win on the road this season and made it three victories in four top-flight matches to climb seven points clear of the bottom three. The Blades had followed up their recent first Premier League win of the season against Wolves with a 1-1 draw at Brighton before the international break but were a distant second best. Bournemouth bounced back from a 6-1 thrashing at Manchester City by beating Newcastle 2-0 at home in their previous match and their confidence was soon apparent as they were rewarded with a 12th-minute lead. Antoine Semenyo cut in from the right and his ball into the box found Tavernier, who evaded his marker with a neat first touch before burying a shot under Wes Foderingham. Tavernier went close to adding his second goal of the season moments later when he was foiled by Jack Robinson’s last-ditch tackle. Bournemouth continued to dominate and Kluivert, son of former Netherlands striker Patrick, was a fraction away when he fired into the side-netting following Tavernier’s clever step-over. The visitors threatened again as in-form striker Dominic Solanke flashed a near-post volley wide. The Blades became increasingly ragged and Tavernier, who could have had a first-half hat-trick, fired over after more good work from Semenyo. Paul Heckingbottom’s side regained a semblance of composure as half-time approached but that was undone in first-half stoppage time by Foderingham’s costly error. The Blades goalkeeper dallied as he collected a long punt forward outside his area and was dispossessed by Kluivert, who then stroked the ball into an empty net. The Blades were booed off at the interval and the home fans vented their frustration again six minutes after the restart when Bournemouth added their third goal to put the game to bed. Adam Smith clipped in an excellent cross from the right when left unopposed and Tavernier ghosted in at the far post to side-foot home. James McAtee fired wide for the Blades following a goalmouth scramble but Bournemouth threatened to add to their tally. Foderingham kept out further efforts from Semenyo, Kluivert, Ryan Christie and substitute Luis Sinisterra while tempers flared in the 69th minute, with George Baldock, Robinson and Bournemouth substitute Philip Billing all booked after a melee. McBurnie’s late header was scant consolation for the Blades, who slipped to their 10th league defeat of the season. Read More Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic Luton leave it late as Jacob Brown goal sinks Crystal Palace Tomas Soucek nets late winner as West Ham fight back to beat sorry Burnley Brighton return to winning ways by edging Forest in thriller Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium

Luton won for the second time in the Premier League this season as substitute Jacob Brown’s dramatic late goal earned a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Kenilworth Road. A stolid match burst suddenly to life 18 minutes from time when defender Teden Mengi blasted Rob Edwards’ side into the lead from a corner, just reward for the pressure they had put Palace under in the second half. Michael Olise levelled within seconds for the visitors, a brilliant goal that deserved more than to be in a losing cause. But Luton, buoyed by the 10-point deduction handed to Everton this week, roared back, sealing a first top-flight home win in more than 30 years when Brown nipped between defender and goalkeeper seven minutes from time to nick it. The hosts dominated the ball in the opening 20 minutes but with little clear idea of how to hurt Palace. The visitors by contrast were superior in possession and almost made it count after 23 minutes. Eberechi Eze blasted low from range and brought a diving save from Thomas Kaminski, with the goalkeeper up quickly to deny Jeffrey Schlupp on the rebound with a superb block. Amari’i Bell thumped a speculative drive from all of 40 yards that Sam Johnstone took the sting out of well with two solid palms. It encapsulated Luton’s approach in the first period as they found the route to goal, both out wide and centrally, barred by an organised Palace rearguard. Tom Lockyer tripped Eze 20 yards out to give Palace a final shot at breaking the deadlock before half-time, but the forward’s free-kick lacked the power to beat Kaminski who saved comfortably. It was the kind of tame, ponderous effort that a languid first half had deserved. Cheick Doucoure left the field on a stretcher shortly after half-time, having gone down off the ball. It seemed to unsettle Palace and Luton were quickly on top, Chiedozie Ogbene coming to life down the left with a series of driving runs. Odsonne Edouard put the ball in the net with a cool finish on the rebound after Lockyer blocked his initial shot, but VAR intervened, ruling the striker had handled the ball as it clipped up off the Luton skipper. A goal at that stage for Palace would have been completely against the run of play. When Luton’s goal arrived minutes later, it was utterly deserved. Alfie Doughty’s corner was floated over left-footed and arrived in a cluster of bodies eight yards out. As heads flew towards the ball, Mengi peeled away in anticipation at the far post and, as it dropped at his feet, he showed consummate cool to take a touch and drive it low across goal into the corner. There was barely time to assess what three points might do for Luton’s survival hopes before Palace equalised, Olise showing why the club strived so hard to keep him in the summer with a sublime solo goal, stepping in off the left and bending a cool, arching finish high past Kaminski. But Luton were not done and it was Palace’s tormentor Ogbene who made the goal that would win it. His cross from the right pitched awkwardly inside the box but should nevertheless have been a simple mop-up job for Joachim Andersen. Instead, the defender allowed the ball to run across him and there darting between him and the goalkeeper was Brown, lunging in to prod Luton back in front. Andersen had the chance to make amends when he shot low towards Kaminski’s near post, the keeper turning it behind well with a strong right foot, before Jefferson Lerma hit a post in stoppage time. But Luton held on to put life into their survival bid. Read More Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can benefit from Alexis Mac Allister’s deeper role Man Utd forward Rasmus Hojlund in race to be fit to face Everton Rob Page: Wales not entertaining Euro 2024 play-off talk before Turkey qualifier Talking points as Wales look to pip Croatia to Euro 2024 spot in final round Victor Lindelof: Scoring more goals is next step for Manchester United

Ten-man Brighton ended their six-game winless run in the Premier League by beating Nottingham Forest 3-2 in a drama-filled encounter at the City Ground. Injuries and their Europa League exertions had caught up with the Seagulls as they last won against Bournemouth at the end of September, but they put that right in testing circumstances. They fell behind to Anthony Elanga’s early opener but were in total control after Evan Ferguson’s fine goal and Joao Pedro’s double put them 3-1 up. But the complexion of the game changed when VAR advised referee Anthony Taylor to give Forest a penalty, with Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk seeing red for his over-zealous protest. Morgan Gibbs-White scored from the spot but Forest could not find a leveller and Brighton held on for a much-needed win, which keeps them on the shoulder of the top seven. For Forest this was a first home defeat in the Premier League since April and with just one win in the last nine games, boss Steve Cooper might be starting to feel the pressure. His side enjoyed the perfect start as they went ahead inside the opening three minutes. Gibbs-White picked the ball up on the right and surged forward before sending in a cross which was perfect for Elanga to head back across goal into the far corner. It could have been a platform for Forest to build on but they did not take the opportunity and the visitors began to get a foothold in the game. The hosts created their first chance in the 18th minute when Billy Gilmour was teed up on the edge of the penalty area, but he shot straight at Odysseas Vlachodimos. Ferguson made no such mistake in the 26th minute as he pulled Brighton level with a fine finish. Pascal Gross fizzed a ball into him on the edge of the area, he took a touch and then curled a sublime finish into the bottom corner. The Seagulls continued to look the better side and went ahead in first-half added time. Pedro ghosted in late to meet Gross’ cross with a thumping header as the £30million-man scored for the first time in the league since September. Things got even better for Brighton just before the hour as they made it 3-1 from the penalty spot. Chris Wood needlessly tugged Pedro to the floor and the striker picked himself up and converted with ease. The drama arrived in the 69th minute as Callum Hudson-Odoi was barged over by Jack Hinshelwood, though referee Taylor chose not to award the penalty. He was advised to check his pitchside monitor by VAR official Graham Scott and subsequently changed his decision. Seagulls captain Dunk did not take the news well and earned two yellow cards in the space of 21 seconds for dissent but took much longer before he eventually left the field. After some pushing and shoving in the penalty area, Gibbs-White kept his calm to convert the penalty almost seven minutes after the foul was awarded. That set up a grandstand finish and Forest thought they had snatched a point in the last minute of 10 added on but Bart Verbruggen palmed away Ryan Yates’ header. Read More Marcus Tavernier bags brace as Bournemouth sink Sheffield United Luton leave it late as Jacob Brown goal sinks Crystal Palace Tomas Soucek nets late winner as West Ham fight back to beat sorry Burnley Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag

Jonathan Obika headed an equaliser amid more late drama between Motherwell and Celtic as the champions were held to a 1-1 home draw. Substitute David Turnbull opened the scoring for the cinch Premiership leaders with an 86th-minute penalty, but the visitors stunned Celtic Park in the 90th minute when Obika glanced home Blair Spittal’s corner. Luis Palma earlier had a penalty saved by Liam Kelly as Celtic struggled to break down a dogged Motherwell side, who restricted their hosts to few chances, although Yang Hyun-jun missed a sitter as Brendan Rodgers’ men dominated the majority of the second half. Motherwell survived 10 minutes of stoppage time to get their second draw in succession at Parkhead and only a third point in their last 10 matches. Stuart Kettlewell’s side also came within seconds of getting a point against Celtic at Fir Park during that run, only for Matt O’Riley to net moments after Spittal had equalised. Celtic only made one change from the side that beat Aberdeen 6-0, with Anthony Ralston coming in for Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, while Motherwell lined up with Calum Butcher in midfield ahead of a three-man central defence, with Mika Biereth up front on his own. Kelly made two good stops early on, from O’Riley’s first-time strike and a header from team-mate Stephen O’Donnell as he defended Palma’s inswinging corner. The visitors generally protected Kelly for the majority of the first period, though, and grew in confidence towards the end of the half. O’Donnell had an effort cleared from the goalmouth by Cameron Carter-Vickers, with Joe Hart stranded after a ball over the top, before Dan Casey fired over from the loose ball. The Celtic goalkeeper then produced a diving parry from Harry Paton’s well-struck effort from 20 yards. Rodgers decided a half-time change was needed and brought on striker Oh Hyeon-gyu for midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, although Kyogo Furuhashi dropped deeper as a result. After a scrappy start to the second half, Furuhashi sparked the move that led to Celtic’s first penalty in the 66th minute when he won the ball on the halfway line and drove forward before releasing Palma. The winger’s low delivery was nearly turned into his own net by Bevis Mugabi, only for Kelly to save, and the defender’s sliding challenge brought down Oh as the South Korean prepared to convert the rebound. Mugabi escaped with a yellow card from Steven McLean after making a genuine attempt to play the ball and Motherwell survived the spot-kick after Kelly dived to his right to stop Palma’s effort after the Honduran had halted his run-up. Palma had scored from the spot against Aberdeen but became the third Celtic player to miss a penalty this season following Reo Hatate and Turnbull. Celtic brought on Turnbull and Mikey Johnston in the immediate aftermath of the miss. It was one-way traffic now and Johnston set up a glorious chance for Yang as the South Korean ran into the middle to meet the winger’s cross. However, he sent his free header wide of a post. Liam Scales soon came close with a more difficult header as his effort drifted wide of the far post from Turnbull’s corner, but the danger was not over for Motherwell as replays showed Butcher had held back Johnston as he followed in the header. McLean pointed to the spot after taking a look at the incident on the monitor. With Palma off, Turnbull stepped up and dispatched the ball right into the bottom corner for his seventh goal of the season. Kettlewell immediately brought on two strikers to join fellow substitute Obika up front and the extra bodies paid dividends as they won a corner which sparked the equaliser from their only second-half effort at goal. Read More Luton leave it late as Jacob Brown goal sinks Crystal Palace Tomas Soucek nets late winner as West Ham fight back to beat sorry Burnley Brighton return to winning ways by edging Forest in thriller Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag

Luton won for the second time in the Premier League this season as substitute Jacob Brown’s dramatic late goal earned a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Kenilworth Road. A stolid match burst suddenly to life 18 minutes from time when defender Teden Mengi blasted Rob Edwards’ side into the lead from a corner, just reward for the pressure they had put Palace under in the second half. Michael Oliseh levelled within seconds for the visitors, a brilliant goal that deserved more than to be in a losing cause. But Luton, buoyed by the 10-point deduction handed to Everton this week, roared back, sealing a first top-flight home win in more than 30 years when Brown nipped between defender and goalkeeper seven minutes from time to nick it. The hosts dominated the ball in the opening 20 minutes but with little clear idea of how to hurt Palace. The visitors by contrast were superior in possession and almost made it count after 23 minutes. Eberechi Eze blasted low from range and brought a diving save from Thomas Kaminski, with the goalkeeper up quickly to deny Jeffrey Schlupp on the rebound with a superb block. Amari’i Bell thumped a speculative drive from all of 40 yards that Sam Johnstone took the sting out of well with two solid palms. It encapsulated Luton’s approach in the first period as they found the route to goal, both out wide and centrally, barred by an organised Palace rearguard. Tom Lockyer tripped Eze 20 yards out to give Palace a final shot at breaking the deadlock before half-time, but the forward’s free-kick lacked the power to beat Kaminski who saved comfortably. It was the kind of tame, ponderous effort that a languid first half had deserved. Cheick Doucoure left the field on a stretcher shortly after half-time, having gone down off the ball. It seemed to unsettle Palace and Luton were quickly on top, Chiedozie Ogbene coming to life down the left with a series of driving runs. Odsonne Edouard put the ball in the net with a cool finish on the rebound after Lockyer blocked his initial shot, but VAR intervened, ruling the striker had handled the ball as it clipped up off the Luton skipper. A goal at that stage for Palace would have been completely against the run of play. When Luton’s goal arrived minutes later, it was utterly deserved. Alfie Doughty’s corner was floated over left-footed and arrived in a cluster of bodies eight yards out. As heads flew towards the ball, Mengi peeled away in anticipation at the far post and, as it dropped at his feet, he showed consummate cool to take a touch and drive it low across goal into the corner. There was barely time to assess what three points might do for Luton’s survival hopes before Palace equalised, Oliseh showing why the club strived so hard to keep him in the summer with a sublime solo goal, stepping in off the left and bending a cool, arching finish high past Kaminski. But Luton were not done and it was Palace’s tormentor Ogbene who made the goal that would win it. His cross from the right pitched awkwardly inside the box but should nevertheless have been a simple mop-up job for Joachim Andersen. Instead, the defender allowed the ball to run across him and there darting between him and the goalkeeper was Brown, lunging in to prod Luton back in front. Andersen had the chance to make amends when he shot low towards Kaminski’s near post, the keeper turning it behind well with a strong right foot, before Jefferson Lerma hit a post in stoppage time. But Luton held on to put life into their survival bid. Read More Jonathan Obika’s last-gasp equaliser earns Motherwell point at Celtic Tomas Soucek nets late winner as West Ham fight back to beat sorry Burnley Brighton return to winning ways by edging Forest in thriller Opposing managers happy with a point as Manchester City and Liverpool draw Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag