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Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win
Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win
Rob Edwards expressed his pride after a landmark win for Luton at Everton. The Hatters’ 2-1 victory at Goodison Park was their first ever win in the Premier League and first in the top flight since April 1992. Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris scored from set-pieces in the first half, with Everton pulling one back before half-time through Dominic Calvert-Lewin but unable to find an equaliser. “I’m just very, very proud of the players and pleased for the club,” said Hatters boss Edwards. “I know it’s a big moment, I get that. I don’t want this to come across in any kind of arrogant way but I expected us to (win) today, I really did. I told the boys before the game, ‘I know this is going to be a good day’. “We really believed we could come here and win the game. We had a really good plan. Everton have got some good players and they were very fluid, especially in that first half. “At 2-0 up there was a lot of movement, a lot of stuff going on. We had to adjust, which we did at half-time, then I thought we looked more solid again. I thought we deserved it. It felt great.” Luton’s band of supporters celebrated with glee at the final whistle, and the three points were enough to lift the newly-promoted side out of the bottom three. “Amazing day for the supporters,” said Edwards. “They deserve it, our board deserve it. They’ve really stuck with us. I know they’re going to because we’re on a brilliant journey and where the club has been. They’re going to enjoy this. “But it’s important we give them something to shout about as well, and not just, ‘Well done lads, unlucky’. They’re amazing supporters, I love them. They’ve travelled a long, long way today in the rain and they get to enjoy their day.” Everton began the game on the front foot and with optimism flowing that they could build on victories over Brentford and Aston Villa during the past week. But instead they suffered a fourth straight home victory, leaving manager Sean Dyche hugely frustrated at a big opportunity lost in front of their prospective new owners. “I’m disappointed in the result, obviously,” he said. “Performances, broken-record time – dominated so much of the game, give away really poor goals and don’t take our chances. “Changing the story, which I’ve spoken about endlessly this season, is our responsibility. We had a brilliant chance I thought today, a platform to begin the process of changing the story, the depth of it the last two years, all the noise and the rest of it, and we don’t take it. “It’s very frustrating because the team are there, it’s like, ‘Go on then, change the story, be the person that makes the difference, don’t wait for someone else to do it’. Then it spreads like wildfire. “And we sort of nearly do. Today just that weird thing when everyone’s sort of looking for someone else to change it. It’s an odd thing and I’ve been trying to break it since I’ve been at the club. And we keep trying.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
1970-01-01 08:00
Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result
Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result
Michael Beale looked back on a “horrible day” after a 3-1 defeat by Aberdeen left the Rangers boss admitting his future is in the hands of the Ibrox board. The home side missed several chances before defender Stefan Gartenmann scored his first Dons goal after 38 minutes and the Light Blues left the pitch at half-time with the boos of the Gers supporters ringing in their ears Dons midfielder Jamie McGrath added a second in the 68th minute before Rangers’ half-time substitute Scott Wright was sent off for picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Gartenmann. Abdallah Sima reduced the deficit in the 75th minute but Pittodrie defender Jack MacKenzie scored a third with five minutes left and the home fans stayed behind to vent their frustration at the final whistle as pressure piled on Beale, whose side already lie seven points behind league leaders Celtic. The Gers boss said: “It was a horrible day obviously, a terrible result. “We actually started really well. I thought Aberdeen were very compact and quite negative early on but we created three or four big chances. “You don’t take them and we defend a set-play as poorly as we did and go in 1-0 at half-time. “At that moment we could have done without Ridvan Yilmaz and Ryan Jack being injured because it compounds a light bench. “We reshuffled, started the second half OK and conceded from a set-play so we don’t deserve anything from the game.” Asked if he thought he will be given time, Beale said: “That’s somebody else’s decision. All I can do is continue with the job the best I can. “We felt we prepared well enough tactically. We went over and around them first half and created the chances. The way we played in the first half and the chances we made, I thought it was harsh to boo them off at half-time Michael Beale “It’s a really bad result and I feel the frustration and despair from the fans because we share it inside as staff and players, because first-half we had enough chances to win that game.” While understanding the frustration of the fans, Beale claimed their reaction at half-time was “harsh”. He said: “Listen, it’s a situation that’s escalated much faster than I thought. “The way we played in the first half and the chances we made, I thought it was harsh to boo them off at half-time. “We conceded from a set-play but we had played well enough to be 2-0 or 3-0 up. “I get the frustration, they follow this club all around the world. “It’s the fourth home game in 10 days and pretty much all of them have been sold out. “Sometimes the supporters could help the players but one or two could help themselves.” It was a well-deserved three points for Barry Robson’s side, who have now won three games in a row after a poor start to the season. The Dons boss was pleased for the travelling supporters who enjoyed the victory. He said: “It’s three points. That’s what we are in the game for. I thought in the game we were structurally very good. “We tried to frustrate them for the first 25 minutes then grow into the game and try and bring the things we are good at to the game and I think we did that well. “It’s a good feeling and it’s great for the fans. They deserve it. “They came here in numbers, they sell out when we are on the road, record season ticket sales and since I’ve come in as manager it’s been amazing how they have backed us. “That’s a brilliant performance for them. That’s what we are in it for.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
1970-01-01 08:00
Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal
Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal
Mikel Arteta hailed the “empathy” of his Arsenal players after what he hopes was a game-changing goal from Kai Havertz in their win at Bournemouth. The £65million summer signing from Chelsea had not registered a goal or assist in his first nine games for the Gunners but finally hit the target as he converted a penalty in a 4-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. Arsenal were already two goals to the good through Bukayo Saka’s header and a Martin Odegaard penalty when an on-field decision handed responsibility for a second spot-kick of the afternoon to under-fire Havertz. He tucked away his chance to break his duck, as his team-mates and the away end greeted the goal with jubilant celebrations. “I’m really happy for the win, but I’m even happier to be part of a team that shows the human qualities that they did today,” Arteta said. “Without me telling them nothing, to show that empathy to a player that has some question marks to resolve externally, they warmed me even more today. They’ve done it in a really natural way. “I’m delighted they made that decision. And so thankful as well to our supporters for the way they sung his name and made him feel today. If there’s a player who deserves that it’s Kai Havertz, so happy for him. “We have all tried to give him support and the right tools. He’s doing so many great things in the game. It was about that moment, that was the question that had to be resolved and today he has done it. “To show that level of empathy and understanding, worrying and caring for somebody is just great.” Without me telling them nothing, to show that empathy to a player that has some question marks to resolve externally, they warmed me even more today. They’ve done it in a really natural way Mikel Arteta Arteta referenced Olympic champion Usain Bolt when discussing how Havertz deserved his moment in the south coast sunshine following his hard work in recent weeks. “Probably it will change everything,” the Spaniard replied when asked what the goal could do for Havertz. “If he had any question marks about how we feel about him, about what he does, I think they are out. “I think in sport – Usain Bolt said it once – ‘I have to train four years to run nine seconds’. Sometimes you have to do a lot and you don’t see that. “In that moment you see it. I think after everything he’s been through in the last few weeks that moment is worth all of it, so really happy for him.” The one sour note for Arsenal came as Saka limped off injured for the second game in a row, raising the possibility he could miss next Sunday’s showdown with champions Manchester City. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain winless in the Premier League under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Cherries have come close on previous occasions but that was not the case here, with Iraola admitting the hosts did not deserve a result. “It was the first time we were not at the level the competition required and we did not finish the game well,” he said. “For sure this game leaves the worse sensation for me. You can lose against this type of team because they are really good but it is the first game this season where I have felt that we were not at the level. “You have to be at your best to compete against these teams and we weren’t after the first goal. We cannot concede two penalties and also the first goal is a bit strange, we should be there but we lost the positioning of Saka. “We started really well, were doing well but after 1-0 I think they were better than us.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result Rob Edwards ‘very, very proud’ of Luton after landmark Premier League win Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash
1970-01-01 08:00
Golf-Europe lead by five but U.S. finally show fight
Golf-Europe lead by five but U.S. finally show fight
By Mitch Phillips ROME (Reuters) -Europe have another home Ryder Cup victory tantalisingly within their grasp after ending Saturday five
1970-01-01 08:00
Soccer-Wolves end Man City's perfect start with shock win
Soccer-Wolves end Man City's perfect start with shock win
WOLVERHAMPTON, England Hwang Hee-chan scored a second-half winner as Wolverhampton Wanderers ended champions Manchester City's perfect start to
1970-01-01 08:00
There are no excuses: Erik ten Hag concerned over Man United’s woeful form
There are no excuses: Erik ten Hag concerned over Man United’s woeful form
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is concerned after his side suffered their worst start to a Premier League season with the 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace. Not since the 1989/90 campaign, when Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly one game away from the sack, have United lost four of their first seven league games. But Joachim Andersen’s first-half goal for Palace inflicted the same fate on the current crop, which left the Old Trafford faithful booing at the end. It had looked like United were turning their season around after a Carabao Cup win over the same opponents on Tuesday followed victory at Burnley last weekend, but the pressure is beginning to mount on Ten Hag. Asked whether he understood the crowd’s frustration, he said: “I understand, when we play home or away and we play Crystal Palace we have to win – with all respect. “I know every game in the Premier League is difficult and you have to play your best, but I understand fans are expecting a win and we didn’t win and we lost. “Of course it is a concern, we have to be more consistent, this is not the demand for Man Utd. The demand is we get a row of wins and get into a series. We have to do better than now. “I can give you reasons but you will explain it as an excuse and there are no excuses, we have to win.” United are having problems on home soil this season, having been fortunate to beat Wolves and Nottingham Forest, where they had to come from 2-0 down, but were soundly beaten by Brighton and have now lost to Andersen’s goal. The Dutchman insists his side are not a soft touch. “We lost two games in a row in the Premier League but I wouldn’t set that conclusion, but we have to do better, and that is definitely the case,” he said. “We have to show it in our body language that Old Trafford is a fortress and you can’t get anything here and the only way you can go away is with a loss. We have to do better here.” Palace boss Roy Hodgson could not find playing at Old Trafford any more enjoyable as he became the first Premier League manager to go five successive games unbeaten at the home of United. It was the perfect tonic for the veteran after his side were beaten 3-0 here in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. “I am happy about the record, I suppose. I am most happy with how the team played today and I’m so pleased for the players,” he said. “It’s not easy coming up here for the second time in a few days and to give that performance and to work that hard and defend as well as we did, that is what gives me the most satisfaction. “I am not even certain I could tell you about the other games gone before but I am pretty certain I would be delighted after those as well, no doubt I would have been saying the same things.” Asked whether this was his favourite result as Palace manager, he said: “I am hoping the favourite ones are to come, I have to be careful looking back. “It is my favourite one for the moment that’s for certain, there may be others. At the moment I am just happy for the day and the performance and for the players. “All credit to the players and an extra mention because Tuesday night was such a disappointment. We didn’t come here to lose 3-0, we came hoping we could progress but we were dumped out of that, so even more credit to the players to do what they did.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live United States fight back but Europe still favourites to regain the Ryder Cup David Moyes backs Jarrod Bowen for England recall after starring in West Ham win England battle to victory over 14-player Canada
1970-01-01 08:00
Canelo vs Charlo live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV tonight
Canelo vs Charlo live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV tonight
Jermell Charlo will look to become a two-weight undisputed champion on Saturday, as he challenges super-middleweight king Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Charlo, 33, holds all the major gold at super-welterweight, while his twin brother Jermall is WBC middleweight champion. The latter was expected to box Canelo here, but his two-year absence from the ring continues instead. And so the (minute-)younger Charlo steps in, moving up two weight classes to challenge Canelo, also 33, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. American Charlo has not fought since May 2022, when he stopped Brian Castano in a rematch of their 2021 draw. That rematch took place one week after Canelo’s loss to Dmitry Bivol in a light-heavyweight title fight, but the Mexican has since bounced back with decision wins over old rival Gennady Golovkin and – most recently – John Ryder in May. Here’s all you need to know about Canelo vs Charlo. 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? The fight will take place on Saturday 30 September, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card is due to begin at 1am BST on Sunday 1 October (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at 4am BST on Sunday (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? In the UK and Ireland, the event will stream live on DAZN. You can purchase a subscription to the streaming platform here. In the US, the fights will air live on Showtime pay-per-view at a cost of $84.99. 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 and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Canelo – 30/100 Charlo – 3/1 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (C) vs Jermell Charlo (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF super-middleweight titles) Yordenis Ugas vs Mario Barrios (WBC interim welterweight title) Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr vs Erickson Lubin (super-welterweight) Elijah Garcia vs Jose Armando Resendiz (middleweight) Frank Sanchez vs Scott Alexander (heavyweight) Gabriel Valenzuela vs Yeis Gabriel Solano (super-lightweight) Terrell Gausha vs KeAndrae Leatherwood (middleweight) Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs Isaac Rodrigues (light-heavyweight) Curmel Moton vs Ezequiel Flores (super-featherweight) Justin Viloria vs Angel Barrera (super-featherweight) Bek Nurmaganbet vs Abimbola Osundairo (super-middleweight) Abilkhan Amankul vs Joeshon James (middleweight) Read More The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings Eddie Hearn: ‘Ask someone to name three people in boxing, they’ll say: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, me’ The hidden side of Jake Paul What time does Canelo vs Charlo start in UK and US tonight? Who is fighting on the Canelo vs Charlo undercard tonight? The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings
1970-01-01 08:00
Canelo vs Charlo time: When does fight start in UK and US tonight?
Canelo vs Charlo time: When does fight start in UK and US tonight?
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to the ring this evening, defending his undisputed super-middleweight titles against another undisputed champion: Jermell Charlo. Canelo was expected to face Charlo’s twin brother – Jermall, who holds the WBC middleweight belt – but will instead box the super-welterweight champion in Las Vegas. The 33-year-olds will square off at the T-Mobile Arena, where Canelo retained his belts in a trilogy bout against Gennady Golovkin 12 months ago. The Mexican then returned to his home country in May, securing another decision win as he beat John Ryder. Meanwhile, Charlo’s last fight was in May 2022, a week after Canelo was outpointed by Dmitry Bivol in a light-heavyweight title fight. American Charlo stopped Brian Castano in Round 10 to improve upon his draw with the Argentine from 2021. Here’s all you need to know about Canelo vs Charlo. 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? The fight will take place on Saturday 30 September, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card is due to begin at 1am BST on Sunday 1 October (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at 4am BST on Sunday (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? In the UK and Ireland, the event will stream live on DAZN. You can purchase a subscription to the streaming platform here. In the US, the fights will air live on Showtime pay-per-view at a cost of $84.99. 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 and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Canelo – 30/100 Charlo – 3/1 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (C) vs Jermell Charlo (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF super-middleweight titles) Yordenis Ugas vs Mario Barrios (WBC interim welterweight title) Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr vs Erickson Lubin (super-welterweight) Elijah Garcia vs Jose Armando Resendiz (middleweight) Frank Sanchez vs Scott Alexander (heavyweight) Gabriel Valenzuela vs Yeis Gabriel Solano (super-lightweight) Terrell Gausha vs KeAndrae Leatherwood (middleweight) Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs Isaac Rodrigues (light-heavyweight) Curmel Moton vs Ezequiel Flores (super-featherweight) Justin Viloria vs Angel Barrera (super-featherweight) Bek Nurmaganbet vs Abimbola Osundairo (super-middleweight) Abilkhan Amankul vs Joeshon James (middleweight) Read More The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings Eddie Hearn: ‘Ask someone to name three people in boxing, they’ll say: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, me’ The hidden side of Jake Paul How to watch Canelo vs Charlo online and on TV tonight Who is fighting on the Canelo vs Charlo undercard tonight? The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings
1970-01-01 08:00
David Moyes backs Jarrod Bowen for England recall after starring in West Ham win
David Moyes backs Jarrod Bowen for England recall after starring in West Ham win
David Moyes believes Jarrod Bowen should be back in the England squad this week after his fifth goal of the season helped sink Sheffield United 2-0. Gareth Southgate names his next squad on Thursday ahead of a friendly against Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy. Bowen, who earned four caps last year, was overlooked for the September internationals but Moyes feels his current form makes him hard to ignore. “I would say Jarrod is as close now as he has ever been,” said Moyes. “He’s in really good form, quick, sharp and looks like he can do a lot of things. “I’m not going to pick the England team, but to play for England you have to be able to score in big games. Jarrod’s doing great for us.” Bowen grabbed his goal after 24 minutes, timing his run into the box to perfection and burying Vladimir Coufal’s low cross. Tomas Soucek added the second after he was slipped in by Michail Antonio as West Ham all but sewed up a comfortable victory before half-time. “I liked what I saw in the first half. The first goal was brilliantly worked. There were lots of good things, but not so much in the second half,” added Moyes. “I wanted us to score more goals but a lot of credit has to go to Sheffield United and their manager after a tough week and a big defeat. But ultimately we got the goals and the win. “It’s three points in the Premier League and when you look at some of the results today, it shows you can’t just turn up and get three points.” The Blades did at least improve on their 8-0 defeat at home by Newcastle six days earlier, not that they could have been any worse. Their boss, Paul Heckingbottom, maintains they can still pick up enough points to stay up. “We’ll see. I believe it,” he said. “If you look at our games we’ve not lost because other teams are far better, we’ve lost because of key moments. There’s evidence there that we can get the points. “Results like last week happen. There’s been some surprising ones today. What I didn’t like was the nature of some of the things I saw, I was adamant it was a one-off and I don’t want to see again. “No one’s going to feel sorry for us. We have to fight for those points.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live United States fight back but Europe still favourites to regain the Ryder Cup England battle to victory over 14-player Canada Manchester United’s struggles continue as Crystal Palace win at Old Trafford
1970-01-01 08:00
Fans jeer as Manchester United loses 1-0 to Crystal Palace
Fans jeer as Manchester United loses 1-0 to Crystal Palace
It’s back to the drawing board for Manchester United
1970-01-01 08:00
Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek inspire West Ham to victory over sorry Sheffield United
Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek inspire West Ham to victory over sorry Sheffield United
Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek were on target as West Ham strolled to a 2-0 victory over rock-bottom Sheffield United. The Blades, walloped 8-0 by Newcastle six days earlier, had the air of a team already resigned to relegation just seven matches into the season. Their visit to the London Stadium was a welcome one for West Ham, who had suffered back-to-back defeats by Manchester City and Liverpool. The only surprise was that the Hammers did not score more, although it could have been an entirely different story had the Blades opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Cameron Archer turned Kurt Zouma in the area, only for Nayef Aguerd to slide in and block his shot. That was pretty much their only glimpse of Alphonse Areola’s goal in the first half as West Ham went for the jugular. First Bowen out-muscled James McAtee on the byline and cut the ball back for Soucek, who blazed over the crossbar. Then, from a James Ward-Prowse corner, Bowen had a header saved at point-blank range by Wes Foderingham, with Aguerd’s follow-up headed off the line by Luke Thomas. The goal West Ham had been threatening arrived in the 24th minute when Vladimir Coufal crossed low into the penalty area. Bowen had timed his run into the box to perfection and arrowed a first-time finish past Foderingham for his sixth goal in the Premier League this season, and his first at home. West Ham, sensing they could fill their boots just like Newcastle did against the Blades a week earlier, poured forward with Michail Antonio curling a shot just wide and Soucek narrowly off target with a glancing header. Nine minutes before the interval they doubled their lead after the visitors lost possession as they tried to play out from the back. Emerson Palmieri’s pass along the edge of the box found Antonio, who unselfishly slipped in Soucek to slot the ball home. After the break Archer had a half chance in the area but his shot was deflected over the crossbar. And a miserable afternoon for the Blades got even worse when captain John Egan limped off. They should have been further behind when Bowen rounded Foderingham and pulled the ball back, but Antonio could not find the finish. Aguerd headed wide from another Ward-Prowse corner before Blades striker Oliver McBurnie could have set up a nervous finish for the hosts, only to see his header fly the wrong side of the near post. Read More Tomas Soucek helps West Ham avoid upset at Lincoln West Ham storm past minnows Backa Topola after early scare in Europa League Jarrod Bowen, Carlton Morris and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 7 Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Ten Hag loses signature strength as Man United’s revival proves a false dawn
1970-01-01 08:00
Erik ten Hag loses signature strength as mediocre Manchester United’s revival proves a false dawn
Erik ten Hag loses signature strength as mediocre Manchester United’s revival proves a false dawn
Perhaps it sums up the modern-day Manchester United that even as a Dane scored a high-class winner at Old Trafford, it was not their £72m striker. In fairness to Rasmus Hojlund, who was only denied a fine strike of his own by a goal-line clearance, the newcomer figures quite some way down the list of culprits for United’s fifth defeat of a season that has not even reached October. But as boos greeted the final whistle, Joachim Andersen delivered a goal that meant Roy Hodgson, whose managerial career began when Tommy Docherty was in charge of United, added a victory over Erik ten Hag to the two he secured at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s expense at Old Trafford. And United, whose two-game revival swiftly came to look a false dawn, were confronted with the reality that one of Ten Hag’s signature feats of his first season is no more. Old Trafford became something of a fortress under the Dutchman. When Brighton visited two weeks ago, United were unbeaten on home turf in 20 league matches, spanning over a year. Now it is two losses in two. Their problems are not confined to the road now and their latest setback came with all four of Ten Hag’s major summer signings starting together for the first time. Not for the first time, issues abounded and compounded one another. United were disjointed, at times shambolic at the back. They looked susceptible to the counter-attack, long a strength of Palace’s, and frail at set-pieces. After keeping consecutive clean sheets, Andre Onana conceded in a manner that posed the question if he might have done better. Sofyan Amrabat’s full Premier League debut came at left-back and suggested the Moroccan midfielder is not a left-back. He struggled and was booked for hauling down the quick, persistent winger Jordan Ayew. The mitigating – and sadly typical - factor is that United’s three senior left-backs are all sidelined yet it was also remarkable when Ten Hag substituted both central defenders who started, bringing on Harry Maguire to operate on his own. Further forward, United displayed neither the necessary conviction nor the requisite quality. Hojlund was much the best of the front three, with Marcus Rashford poor and Facundo Pellestri utterly ineffectual; Ten Hag may parachute the watching Antony back into the team at the first possible opportunity. Alejandro Garnacho, who came on for Pellestri, was altogether more threatening. There was a perverse logic to Casemiro finishing the game on the right wing – United’s top scorer looks their most dangerous attacker at the moment – but it was nevertheless ridiculous. There was a lack of genuine invention, even though the midfield contained both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes. United should not take solace in the statistics. They had 77 percent of possession and 19 shots, but as the home side and the favourites who trailed for the best part of 70 minutes, that might be expected. Sam Johnstone denied Fernandes and Hojlund but was not required to make any especially difficult saves. Andersen and Marc Guehi were outstanding but United were not. Subdued before the break, more urgent thereafter, they often seemed to lack both the final ball and the finishing touch. The most invention came from Raphael Varane, whose overhead kick almost yielded a remarkable equaliser and who guided a clever header just past the post. Of the starters, he and Casemiro seemed likeliest to make something happen, and the Brazilian headed just over, but United should not be as reliant on a defensive midfielder in attack. That said, Palace prospered when their centre-backs went forward. They almost combined for a goal when Andersen crossed and Guehi headed wide. Then the Dane delivered a wonderfully clean strike, dispatching a half-volley from 14 yards after Eberechi Eze’s free kick flicked off Hojlund’s head and fell to him. It was an unfortunate assist for a player waiting for his first Old Trafford goal. The majority present had been cheered by the earlier sight of Hojlund on the charge, the new striker powering forward, poking a shot past Johnstone but being denied by Tyrick Mitchell, who executed a goal-line clearance. But a promising start by United gave way to a mediocre display. Perhaps Palace lulled United into a false sense of security with their limp display in the midweek Carabao Cup tie between the sides. With six changes, an altogether stronger side married defensive resolve with menace on the break. In the process, they brought their veteran manager a rare distinction. Only Pep Guardiola had won three away Premier League games at Old Trafford. Hodgson is not often bracketed with the serial Champions League winner but joined him. More immediately, he took Palace above United in the table. And if that may only be a temporary state of affairs, United’s malaise may endure. Read More Manchester United enter another moral maze as Antony return poses questions Antony return to Manchester United will not be a distraction – Erik ten Hag Man United allow Antony to resume training despite assault investigations Manchester United’s struggles continue as Crystal Palace win at Old Trafford Manchester United vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Manchester United enter another moral maze as Antony return poses questions
1970-01-01 08:00
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