
Watch: Spain’s World Cup champions welcomed home by acting prime minister
Watch as Spain's acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez welcomes the national football team home to Madrid on Tuesday (22 August) after winning the Women's World Cup for the very first time. Tuesday's meeting follows La Roja's rapturous victory parade through the streets of the Spanish capital city last night. The national team waved to cheerful fans from a bus as they drove through Madrid to celebrate. Afterwards, the squad took to a stage where captain Olga Carmona, who scored the only goal of the match, was thrown into the air by her teammates. Spain defeated England 1-0 at Stadium Australia on Sunday, 20 August, with 5.6 million people in Spain tuning in to the final of the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses were looking to bring home the game's biggest prize from Sydney, but couldn't fashion an equalizer - although Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty with 20 minutes remaining. Read More Statistics show Spain were worthy World Cup winners Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father World Cup-winning goalscorer is informed of father’s death minutes after final ends
1970-01-01 08:00

Jana Kramer reveals she couldn’t brush her teeth for three months while pregnant
Jana Kramer has revealed one of her unlikely triggers for morning sickness. During the 21 August episode of her podcast, Whine Down, the singer explained that toothpaste has made her nauseous throughout her pregnancy. “This is gross but, like, the water and mint [of toothpaste] made me want to vomit in the first trimester, so I couldn’t brush my teeth,” she said. “Like, I just used [Colgate] wisps,” she explained, referring to single-use toothbrushes meant to be used on-the-go, as they don’t require toothpaste. Instead, the toothbrushes have a built-in “freshening bead” that dissolves as you brush. The singer explained that she tried to regularly brush her teeth on multiple occasions, before resorting to her other method. “I would try and then I would gag and then I’d puke and so, it just wasn’t worth the extra puke of the day,” Kramer added. During the podcast, she discussed how nervous she was when the time finally came to go to the dentist, after spending three months not brushing her teeth. Luckily, it appeared to have worked in her favour, as her dentist let her know that she “did a really good job for not brushing your teeth in three months.” “He goes, ‘Everything looks good. Where you’re saying the pain is under a cavity, it’s a cavity tooth,’” the One Tree Hill alum said. “So, he’s like, ‘Nothing looks like it’s cracked or seeping or anything.’ He’s like, ‘I can’t do anything anyway ‘cause your pregnant. But a lot of women - when they’re hormonal - it hurts more, your teeth.’” Kramer also shared in her podcast that she recently discovered cavities can be genetic, and that people can end up with poor teeth despite how well they take care of them. “It makes sense now ‘cause my daughter has two cavities - she’s seven - on her adult teeth,” Kramer explained. “So, I’m like, ‘Oh, I gave it to my daughter.’” She shares daughter Jolie, seven, and son Jace, four, with ex-husband Mike Caussin. In June, Kramer announced she and her fiancé, Allan Russell, are expecting their first child together. “We’ve been keeping another secret from you guys (I promise this is the last announcement... at least for a little while) but I’m pregnant!!!!” she captioned an Instagram post. “Beyond blessed and grateful for this baby to be a part of our story. I never thought I would see the word pregnant again on a test, but I’m thankful for @clearblue for making it as clear as ever,” Kramer added. On her podcast, she revealed that they were expecting a boy. In addition to her aversion to toothpaste, the singer also revealed some of her other pregnancy symptoms in an Instagram Story post on 20 August, per US Weekly. “In the first trimester, I couldn’t really stomach anything but a bagel and cream cheese and now the thought of a bagel and cream cheese makes me want to vomit,” she wrote. “I can’t eat any sweets or my stomach hurts. I’m still nauseous throughout the day but it’s worse at night and in the morning.” Read More Jana Kramer claims her ex-husband cheated on her with ‘more’ than 13 women Jana Kramer clarifies Chris Evans ‘bathroom ghosting’ incident Jana Kramer says brief relationship with Chris Evans ended after ‘mortifying’ bathroom incident
1970-01-01 08:00

TOUR Championship picks 2023: Expert picks, best bets for PGA Tour golf this week
TOUR Championship picks and best bets at East Lake this week with an outright, Top 5, One and Done, and more PGA Tour expert picks for golf.We've finally arrived at the end of the PGA Tour season and the FedEx Cup Playoffs with the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club. It will also be t...
1970-01-01 08:00

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest goal updates as Martin Odegaard scores penalty
The final match of the weekend in the Premier League takes place on Monday night with Crystal Palace hosting Arsenal at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson is back once more for another campaign with the Eagles and they made a good start to 2023/24 with a 1-0 win at Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Arsenal, meanwhile, battled to a 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta’s side hoping to go one better this term after finishing runners-up to Man City in May. The Gunners have added the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to their squad over the summer, while Palace lost key winger Wilf Zaha - but have brought in Matheus Franca from Flamengo in their big-money addition so far. Follow all the live action below as Crystal Palace host Arsenal and see the latest odds for the game here. Read More Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 3 Declan Rice is type of player everyone is looking for – Palace boss Roy Hodgson Michael Olise signs bumper new deal as Crystal Palace fend off Chelsea interest
1970-01-01 08:00

Usyk vs Dubois live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend
Oleksandr Usyk faces Daniel Dubois in Poland this weekend, as the unbeaten Ukrainian defends the unified heavyweight titles. Usyk took the belts from Anthony Joshua with a decision win in 2021 before repeating the trick last August to retain them. He was then in talks to unify the titles against WBC champion Tyson Fury, but negotiations collapsed and led the southpaw, 36, to a new opponent. That opponent is Dubois, who will be up against his toughest foe by far when he fights Usyk in Wroclaw. The Briton, 25, has an impressive knockout record of 18 from 19 wins, but he has also shown vulnerabilities. His sole professional defeat came against Joe Joyce in 2020, when “Dynamite” Daniel suffered a fractured eye socket, and he was down three times in his most recent win – against Kevin Lerena – partly due to a knee injury. Here’s all you need to know about Usyk vs Dubois. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Usyk vs Dubois is set to take place at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday 26 August. The main card is expected to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event likely to follow at 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the fight and undercard will air live on TNT Sports pay-per-view (formerly BT Sport). The event will cost £19.95 and is not exclusive to TNT subscribers. It will also stream live on the broadcaster’s website and app. No US broadcaster has been confirmed at the time of writing. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help: Get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Odds Usyk to win – 1/10; Usyk via KO, TKO or DQ – 4/11 Dubois to win – 15/2; Dubois via KO, TKO or DQ – 9/1 Draw – 22/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers. Full card (subject to change) Oleksandr Usyk (C) vs Daniel Dubois (WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles) Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit (lightweight) Dmytro Mytrofanov vs Hamzah Sheeraz (middleweight) Daniel Lapin vs Aro Schwartz (light-heavyweight) Fiodor Czerkaszyn vs Anauel Ngamissengue (middleweight) Rafal Wolczecki vs Roberto Arriaza (middleweight) Vasile Cebotari vs Joel Julio (welterweight) Nursultan Amanzholov vs Lazizbek Mullojonov (heavyweight) Oleksandr Solomennikov vs Piotr Gudel (featherweight) Aadam Hamed vs TBA (super-welterweight) Ziyad Almaayouf vs Janos Penzes (super-lightweight) Bryce Mills vs Damian Tymosz (super-lightweight) Yaroslav Khartsyz vs Konrad Czajkowski (lightweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Anthony Joshua has the blueprint to beat Deontay Wilder – is he brave enough to use it? Conor McGregor on UFC return: ‘They’re not going to let me fight’ Sean O’Malley becomes newest UFC superstar with dazzling KO of Aljamain Sterling Who is fighting on Usyk vs Dubois undercard this weekend? What time does Usyk vs Dubois start this weekend? Hamzah Sheeraz relishing chance to beat Dmytro Mytrofanov ‘in his backyard’
1970-01-01 08:00

Usyk vs Dubois time: When does fight start in UK and US this weekend?
Oleksandr Usyk defends his unified world titles against Daniel Dubois this weekend, as the heavyweights clash in Poland. Usyk, 36, is making his second defence of the belts, having retained them against Anthony Joshua one year ago – and one year after taking them from “AJ” with another decision win. The unbeaten Ukrainian, formerly undisputed at cruiserweight, was hoping to fight Tyson Fury next, but talks collapsed and left Usyk with this bout: against mandatory challenger Dubois. The Briton, 25, has achieved 18 of his 19 wins via knockout and will hope his power is enough against southpaw Usyk, but Dubois must also beware his own vulnerabilities. They were on display in a stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, when Dubois suffered a fractured eye socket, and in his most recent win as he hit the canvas three times – partly due to a knee injury. Here’s all you need to know about Usyk vs Dubois. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Usyk vs Dubois is set to take place at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday 26 August. The main card is expected to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event likely to follow at 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the fight and undercard will air live on TNT Sports pay-per-view (formerly BT Sport). The event will cost £19.95 and is not exclusive to TNT subscribers. It will also stream live on the broadcaster’s website and app. No US broadcaster has been confirmed at the time of writing. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help: Get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Odds Usyk to win – 1/10; Usyk via KO, TKO or DQ – 4/11 Dubois to win – 15/2; Dubois via KO, TKO or DQ – 9/1 Draw – 22/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers. Full card (subject to change) Oleksandr Usyk (C) vs Daniel Dubois (WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles) Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit (lightweight) Dmytro Mytrofanov vs Hamzah Sheeraz (middleweight) Daniel Lapin vs Aro Schwartz (light-heavyweight) Fiodor Czerkaszyn vs Anauel Ngamissengue (middleweight) Rafal Wolczecki vs Roberto Arriaza (middleweight) Vasile Cebotari vs Joel Julio (welterweight) Nursultan Amanzholov vs Lazizbek Mullojonov (heavyweight) Oleksandr Solomennikov vs Piotr Gudel (featherweight) Aadam Hamed vs TBA (super-welterweight) Ziyad Almaayouf vs Janos Penzes (super-lightweight) Bryce Mills vs Damian Tymosz (super-lightweight) Yaroslav Khartsyz vs Konrad Czajkowski (lightweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Anthony Joshua has the blueprint to beat Deontay Wilder – is he brave enough to use it? Conor McGregor on UFC return: ‘They’re not going to let me fight’ Sean O’Malley becomes newest UFC superstar with dazzling KO of Aljamain Sterling Who is fighting on Usyk vs Dubois undercard this weekend? Hamzah Sheeraz relishing chance to beat Dmytro Mytrofanov ‘in his backyard’ How to watch Usyk vs Dubois online and on TV this weekend
1970-01-01 08:00

Usyk vs Dubois card: Who else is fighting this weekend?
Daniel Dubois challenges Oleksandr Usyk for the unified heavyweight titles this weekend, as the Briton ventures to Poland for his toughest test yet. Dubois, 25, has secured 18 of his 19 victories via knockout, and he will lean on that destructive power in Wroclaw, where Usyk and a legion of Ukrainian fans await. “Dynamite” Daniel has also shown vulnerability, however; he suffered a fractured eye socket in a TKO loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, and he hit the canvas three times in his most recent win – against Kevin Lerena – partly due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Usyk is unbeaten, an Olympic gold medalist, and the only undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era. The southpaw, 36, is still seeking a fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury, whom he was due to face before talks fell through in spring. As such, Usyk was left to take on mandatory challenger Dubois, who will look to succeed where all others have failed – including Anthony Joshua, who dropped the unified titles to Usyk in 2021 and lost to the Ukrainian again in August. Here’s all you need to know about Usyk vs Dubois. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Usyk vs Dubois is set to take place at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday 26 August. The main card is expected to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event likely to follow at 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the fight and undercard will air live on TNT Sports pay-per-view (formerly BT Sport). The event will cost £19.95 and is not exclusive to TNT subscribers. It will also stream live on the broadcaster’s website and app. No US broadcaster has been confirmed at the time of writing. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help: Get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Odds Usyk to win – 1/10; Usyk via KO, TKO or DQ – 4/11 Dubois to win – 15/2; Dubois via KO, TKO or DQ – 9/1 Draw – 22/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers. Full card (subject to change) Oleksandr Usyk (C) vs Daniel Dubois (WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles) Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit (lightweight) Dmytro Mytrofanov vs Hamzah Sheeraz (middleweight) Daniel Lapin vs Aro Schwartz (light-heavyweight) Fiodor Czerkaszyn vs Anauel Ngamissengue (middleweight) Rafal Wolczecki vs Roberto Arriaza (middleweight) Vasile Cebotari vs Joel Julio (welterweight) Nursultan Amanzholov vs Lazizbek Mullojonov (heavyweight) Oleksandr Solomennikov vs Piotr Gudel (featherweight) Aadam Hamed vs TBA (super-welterweight) Ziyad Almaayouf vs Janos Penzes (super-lightweight) Bryce Mills vs Damian Tymosz (super-lightweight) Yaroslav Khartsyz vs Konrad Czajkowski (lightweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Anthony Joshua has the blueprint to beat Deontay Wilder – is he brave enough to use it? Conor McGregor on UFC return: ‘They’re not going to let me fight’ Sean O’Malley becomes newest UFC superstar with dazzling KO of Aljamain Sterling What time does Usyk vs Dubois start this weekend? Hamzah Sheeraz relishing chance to beat Dmytro Mytrofanov ‘in his backyard’ How to watch Usyk vs Dubois online and on TV this weekend
1970-01-01 08:00

Is Crystal Palace v Arsenal on TV? How to watch Premier League fixture
After a narrow win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day, Arsenal will be looking for a second successive victory as they aim to push Manchester City for the title again. Arsenal have won their last two matches against Crystal Palace, but with Roy Hodgson in charge again, Palace fans will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-0 win over the Gunners in April 2022. After shelling out for the likes of now-injured Jurriën Timber and Declan Rice in the summer, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can find their footing and although it’s only early in the season, if they want to challenge for the top spot, they cannot afford any slip-ups. It will be the Eagles’ first home game of the campaign after winning at recently-promoted Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture; get all the latest football betting sites offers here and get all the latest Palace vs Arsenal odds here. When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal? Crystal Palace vs Arsenal is due to kick-off at 8pm on Monday 21 August at Selhurst Park in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League - from 6.30 pm Team news Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber for the match with knee injuries and Mikel Arteta will be hoping Oleksandr Zinchenko will have built up enough fitness to be able to start. Michael Olise is still expected to be injured in another blow to Roy Hodgson, but Palace are likely to be compact and organised against the Gunners. Predicted line-ups Crystal Palace XI: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli Odds Crystal Palace win 9/2 Draw 12/5 Arsenal win 1/2 Prediction It might be cagey at times and Arsenal will have to work hard but they will get the three points in a relatively straightforward affair. Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal Read More Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could dip back in market after Jurrien Timber injury Mikel Arteta presents David Raya’s grandfather, 91, with gift as goalkeeper signs for Arsenal Eddie Nketiah forced his way into Arsenal team with performances in training, Arteta says Liverpool to appeal Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in win against Bournemouth Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time
1970-01-01 08:00

Spanish FA boss under fire for kissing player filmed making obscene gesture
Luis Rubiales, the Spanish FA president at the centre of a storm following the Women’s World Cup final, has been caught making an obscene gesture during celebrations at full-time. Rubiales came under fire in the aftermath of Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney for kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips on the presentation stage. Asked about the moment, Hermoso intially said: “Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that.” Later, via quotes put out by the Spanish FA, she described the kiss with the organisation’s president as “mutual and spontaneous”. Now footage has emerged of Rubiales grabbing his genitals in celebration in the moments after Spain’s victory. Standing close to Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter, video shows him punch the air and apparently point at the players before making the gesture. Rubiales was later asked about the kissing incident, in which he grabbed Hermoso’s head. He told Radio Marca that it was merely “two people having a minor show of affection” and that he will not take notice of “idiocy,” referencing those outraged by his behaviour. “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere,” he said. “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocies. We are champions and that is what stays with me.” Spain’s Equality Minister Irene Montero criticised his actions, saying: “We shouldn’t assume that kissing someone without their consent is something that just happens. It’s a form of sexual violence women suffer regularly, and invisibly, that we cannot normalise.” The latest footage is likely to increase pressure on Rubiales, whose role in charge of the country’s game has also come under scrutiny for his handling of a players’ protest which saw several Spain stars boycott the World Cup. Read More Moment Spanish FA president kisses Jenni Hermoso on the lips after world cup win Spain star reacts after FA president kisses her on lips Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war
1970-01-01 08:00

Chris Evans reveals he’s been diagnosed with skin cancer during Virgin Radio show
Radio presenter Chris Evans has announced live on air that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Evans, 57, revealed on his Virgin Radio show on Monday morning (21 August) that his doctors broke the news to him just recently. However, he reassured listeners that the disease was discovered in its early stages and he is hopeful he will have a full recovery after he undergoes treatment next month. Evans said on his breakfast show: “We need to discuss what’s going on with this issue. It is a melanoma. “There’s this phrase called a malignant melanoma – you know once you get something and you find out all about it – that is a redundant phrase because if it is a melanoma, it is malignant.” He added: “But it’s been caught so early, just so you know, that it should be completely treatable.” According to The Sun, the broadcaster said his treatment is settee begin on 14 September. Evans, who is a running enthusiast, joked that he won’t be able to run for “a month afterwards”, adding: “So I’m going to do nothing but run until then. Is that OK?” He previously had a cancer scare in 2019 and revealed at the time he took a skin cancer test after finding unusual marks on his body before Christmas. That year, the radio presenter said: “I went and had a few marks on my body inspected by a skin expert before Christmas and she said. ‘You need to come and see me again, just because of your complexion’. The expert advised him to get checked once a year. Read More Barbie? Ken? Venezuela?: Why baby names won’t be boring for much longer Britney Spears posts heartbroken statement after Sam Asghari split: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Geri Halliwell says her ‘sillier self came out’ when she met husband Christian Horner
1970-01-01 08:00

World Cup-winning goal scorer Olga Carmona learns of father’s death minutes after final whistle
Spain's Olga Carmona's World Cup Celebrations have been marred by tragedy after she found that her father died just minutes after the game. The 23-year-old Real Madrid star secured a 1-0 win over England today in Sydney in the final. Carmona found out that her father died following the full-time whistle. Spanish FA said her father died just before the final got underway. Carmona posted an emotional tribute to her father after she helped her country to their first Women’s World Cup triumph. “Without knowing it, I had my star before the game started,” Carmona wrote. “I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. “I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace dad.” The 23-year-old had celebrated her goal on Sunday with a tribute to a friend who recently lost her mother. “I think all of us, we felt that this team had something special,” the defender said after Spain won the title. Writing on Twitter, the Spanish FA said: "We deeply regret to announce the death of Olga Carmona's father. "The footballer learnt the sad news after the World Cup final. We love you, Olga, you are part of Spanish football history. "We send out most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. "We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football." A statement from Real Madrid read: “Real Madrid, our president and our board of directors are deeply saddened by the death of the father of our player Olga Carmona. “Real Madrid want to express our condolences and our love to Olga, her family and all her loved ones.” Carmona was named as player of the match in the final, after also scored a late winner in Spain's semi-final against Sweden. Read More Lionesses have ‘inspired millions’ despite falling short in first World Cup final Lionesses ‘won the hearts’ of fans despite World Cup defeat: ‘This is just the beginning’ Lionesses deserve honours after World Cup final run, says Labour leader Declan Rice is type of player everyone is looking for – Palace boss Roy Hodgson I’ll be there for him – Dele Alli always has friend in Spurs star Son Heung-min We won’t stop – Georgia Stanway vows England will ‘continue to break barriers’
1970-01-01 08:00

Unai Emery Aston Villa masterclass delivers humiliating defeat on hapless Everton
Opening-day results can set the tone for a season. Sometimes they don’t, however. Aston Villa’s heaviest defeat at the start of the season in almost four decades may have looked like an anomaly when they were destroyed by Newcastle. It certainly did eight days later. A game later, Villa have wiped out their goal difference. Hammered one week ago, today they inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Toffees. Everton were eviscerated. If there was a deceptive scoreline now, it was because the margin flattered Sean Dyche’s hapless team. They take the place at the bottom of the league that Villa had occupied: unlike them, they could stay there. Villa were terrific. Play like this and it is tempting to wonder how much higher a team who surged from relegation contention to seventh last season can go. Certainly, the ambition that accompanied Unai Emery’s appointment is reflected on the pitch. There was a speed of foot and thought, a sharpness and a style, an evident enthusiasm to suggest that the Spaniard’s impact will not be confined to his first few months. An eighth straight home win – the sort of statistic Everton can only dream of – came with a sense of normality. Villa Park now expects a side brimming with energy and ideas to secure this kind of result. They played with a confidence to bely three setbacks: the loss at St James’ Park and the loss of Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings. But Emery’s rebuilding job has taken on an auspicious look. Pau Torres cruised through his home debut. Moussa Diaby almost marked his with a stunning goal – Jordan Pickford excelling to turn a thunderous volley onto the post – and was still only the second most impressive former Bayer Leverkusen winger. Youri Tielemans was limited to a cameo: Villa’s midfield options are such that he may have to wait a little longer. But much of Emery’s brilliance has been reflected by his inheritance and how he has altered perceptions and results. Bailey has been an inconsistent presence, an expert at flattering to deceive in his first two seasons in the Midlands. An assist and a goal were allied with razor-sharp running. Bailey was a catalyst in a way he had been too rarely. The merits of Emery’s narrow 4-2-2-2 formation were shown by the first goal: one of the tucked-in, attacking midfielders crossed for the other to score, Bailey picking out John McGinn to finish from four yards. It is a system that also gives Villa a surfeit of players in the centre of the pitch and they cut through Everton; too easily, too often. There was a sense that Dyche’s team were too slow to react to everything, perhaps summed up when Pickford clattered into Ollie Watkins, rendering Nathan Patterson’s goal-line clearance from the striker irrelevant. Douglas Luiz has replaced Watkins on spot-kick duty – perhaps another illustration of Emery’s attention to detail and certainly rewarding a player transformed under his tutelage – and he converted from 12 yards. And yet, well-coached as Villa are, slick as some of their moves were, two of their goals stemmed simply from Everton errors. Maybe they were frazzled by Villa’s verve and relentlessness. There could be a few other excuses for Michael Keane’s twin mistakes: first, he only redirected a throw to Bailey, who dispatched a half-volley. Then, worse, came a wild swing at thin air, allowing Jhon Duran to run on and score a first Villa goal, 50 seconds after the introduction. It may have been especially welcome. Villa are well-stocked in several positions but not for out-and-out strikers. Watkins, who did everything but score, lacks a high-class deputy. His young understudy accepted the opportunity. Another substitute was more ill-fated: Philippe Coutinho was hamstrung and in considerable pain. Injuries have been Everton’s constant companion in recent years. On a day when virtually everything that could go wrong did, it was perhaps unsurprising that Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s comeback lasted a mere 37 minutes with the striker hurt after colliding with Emi Martinez. Alex Iwobi went off, too, while Idrissa Gueye’s removal was probably to stop him being sent off. Everton could argue last week’s loss to Fulham offered encouragement, in the number of chances created. This offered none, a side devoid of organisation and fight showing no quality. Maybe there was a deceptive element to their start, too: it could be worse than being beaten by Fulham at Goodison Park implied. Read More Eddie Howe relishing selection dilemmas as Newcastle prepare for packed season Aston Villa suffer another blow as extent of Tyrone Mings knee injury revealed Ashley Young embracing challenge of turning things around for Everton
1970-01-01 08:00