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Roy Hodgson ‘feels sorry’ for referees as Palace boss questions new directives
Roy Hodgson ‘feels sorry’ for referees as Palace boss questions new directives
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted he “feels sorry” for referees challenged with incorporating a host of new Premier League rules and regulations implemented before the start of this season. The 76-year-old returned to the dugout at Selhurst Park after illness caused him to miss last weekend’s trip to Villa Park, and disagreed with Fulham boss Marco Silva that the Cottagers were the superior side in Saturday’s goalless draw. Among the changes this season is a crackdown on having more than one coach inside the technical area, a decision Hodgson will still need some convincing to embrace. The former England coach said: “I feel so sorry for the referees. All these new directives, which to most of us who have been in football for a long time can’t really make an awful lot of sense, but they feel obliged to follow it through. “Little things annoy you. Why can’t somebody from the bench, one of the coaches, come and stand by me for 30 seconds to shout instructions with you before being told immediately you’ve got to go back to the bench? “It’s our job to do that, our job is to coach the players, work with the plan. I can understand if people are crowding in the bench in that area and making a nuisance of it. “But if you’re talking about someone who comes out from time to time to say a couple of words, where is the problem? How does football benefit from that?” The two London sides entered Saturday’s contest with almost identical records to start their season, Hodgson’s men having scored just one more goal than Silva’s to separate them in the table. Both teams had chances, Eberechi Eze firing just wide late in the first half of his 100th appearance for Palace while both Raul Jimenez and Willian were denied by Eagles keeper Sam Johnstone. Fulham squandered a second-half chance with an overpowered pass, while Hodgson’s introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta to play up front alongside Odsonne Edouard failed to break the deadlock. Hodgson said: “I’ve seen many games like today lost by just one goal. We didn’t do that, so the positive is we can be better, we will be better and we got one more point in our bid to move up the table.” Fulham boss Silva, however, felt his side did enough to deserve more. He said: “I think overall during the game we were the team that created more chances to win. I think I’m pleased with the performance, just we have to be much more effective in our attack, when we’re in certain areas of the pitch. “I think we were strong enough with good organisation, very good work from our two midfielders and our two central defenders. Good work from our two full-backs as well. “I think overall we were the best team on the pitch and deserved three points, even if the game was balanced, of course, but the team that created more was ourselves.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘We should’ve won’ – Rob Edwards reflects on Luton’s first Premier League point Five-try Henry Arundell has World Cup debut to remember as England crush Chile Pep Guardiola unhappy at Rodri for red card in Man City win
1970-01-01 08:00
Pep Guardiola unhappy at Rodri for red card in Man City win
Pep Guardiola unhappy at Rodri for red card in Man City win
Pep Guardiola admitted he was angry with Rodri after the influential midfielder was sent off in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The Spain international was dismissed early in the second half of Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium after raising his hands to the neck of Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Rodri protested at the time, and there was a delay before referee Anthony Taylor’s decision was upheld by VAR, but Guardiola claimed there could be no excuses for his conduct. The City manager said: “Hopefully Rodri will learn. The game was perfect with 35 minutes gone and after it became chaos. “That’s not our responsibility, that’s for sure, but Rodri has to control himself and his emotions. I can get a yellow card but Rodri can’t. I don’t play. The guys inside (the pitch) have to be careful. “I said at half-time, ‘Be careful guys, relax, control your emotions’. Unfortunately, Rodri could not do it. Now we have to accept the decisions.” Asked if he was angry with Rodri, Guardiola said: “Yes. I don’t like to play with 10 for our faults. He has apologised.” Despite being critical of Rodri, Guardiola was not happy with the way the game was controlled by Taylor. As well as Rodri’s red card, there were 11 bookings during the game, including one for Guardiola himself. Guardiola said: “The referee changed the game. “For the first 35 minutes, it was absolutely not (a bad game). What changed? What happened after 2-0, it’s not down to us. You have to ask the other ones but I don’t know if they will hang up the phone.” City had put themselves into a comfortable lead with goals inside the first 14 minutes from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. After Rodri’s departure, the hosts needed to change approach and Guardiola was pleased with the outcome. He said: “Our game in the first 35 minutes was beyond good, how we find our men free, it was really, really good. “It was a lot of minutes we had to defend, and we conceded one chance in the 94th minute. We didn’t concede anything else, against a team who won at Stamford Bridge and created problems at Arsenal and Old Trafford. “I’m really satisfied and pleased for all of us.” Forest manager Steve Cooper had conflicting thoughts about his side’s performance. He said: “We had a really poor start in terms of goals conceded. We knew the level of the challenge we faced here – it doesn’t get any tougher – and the two City goals were of great quality, typical City goals. “But we’d planned for that. It was a repeat tactic and to let it happen as easily as they did – if they were going to score I wanted it to be with real difficulty. “The game changes with the red card. That we had a second half played in City’s half I have mixed feelings about. “You rarely get an opportunity to have that territory here. Even more experienced teams don’t get anywhere near that but we need to make more of these opportunities. We have got to be more productive.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘We should’ve won’ – Rob Edwards reflects on Luton’s first Premier League point Five-try Henry Arundell has World Cup debut to remember as England crush Chile Sam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
1970-01-01 08:00
‘We should’ve won’ – Rob Edwards reflects on Luton’s first Premier League point
‘We should’ve won’ – Rob Edwards reflects on Luton’s first Premier League point
Rob Edwards was frustrated Luton did not get the result he felt their performance deserved in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Wolves at Kenilworth Road. Luton claimed their first point since earning promotion to the Premier League after Carlton Morris’ penalty cancelled out Pedro Neto’s opener. But Edwards believes the Hatters should have converted more of their 20 shots after they failed to take full advantage of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s first-half sending off. “I’m pleased but I think it should have been all three points,” Edwards said. “I’m really proud of the players, the performance was excellent, it’s a great day for the club, the supporters were great and the players did everything we asked for to engage the fans. “We started the game so well, it was probably the best we’ve played since I’ve been at the club. I think the level of the game, the fact Wolves couldn’t get out of their half we completely dominated the game. “Overall I’m really happy and proud but we should’ve won. “We were really aggressive on the front foot and tried to provoke them and that’s what Kenilworth Road can do. “When they get a man sent off you really want to try and find a way to win but they’ve got quality and Neto’s a top player and we lost the ball cheaply. We gave away a goal but to get something from the game after it’s a positive. “The lads are flat and deflated because we feel that there was a win there for us today.” Luton are still searching for their first Premier League win and still sit at the foot of the table. Edwards highlighted the difficulty of the league after a lapse of concentration by Tom Lockyer in the 50th minute was punished by Neto, who scored his first of the season. “It shows how good the Premier League is, you have to be almost perfect to get anything from it and today we were close with how we wanted to play but we haven’t won,” Edwards added. “It’s like a different sport (Premier League) in every way. Everyone is way better (than the Championship), the decision making, the quality, the speed that things happen and the execution is hard to comprehend. “If people look at us as a small club in the Championship then they’ll look at us as a small club in the Premier League. “We’re up against mammoths, giant clubs and in a way we probably shouldn’t be here.” Gary O’Neil was disappointed with Wolves’ first-half performance which saw them on the back foot. He said: “I’m extremely disappointed with the first 25 minutes. “We knew today would be a test of mentality and Luton were aggressive and we lost every duel, they were faster in midfield. “We had to change the shape and get a foothold which I thought we then did.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Five-try Henry Arundell has World Cup debut to remember as England crush Chile Pep Guardiola unhappy at Rodri for red card in Man City win Sam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
1970-01-01 08:00
Burnley vs Manchester United LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more tonight
Burnley vs Manchester United LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more tonight
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are under pressure as they head to Burnley looking to end a run of three defeats in a row in Saturday night’s Premier League action. United were beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich on Wednesday night as Ten Hag’s defensive problems continued in the club’s Champions League opener. Ten Hag’s side have now conceded at least two goals in five consecutive games, following back-to-back Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Burnley and manager Vincent Kompany will now look to pile on the misery at Turf Moor after picking up their first Premier League point in a 1-1 draw at Forest on Monday night. Follow live updates as Manchester United travel to Burnley in the Premier League and get all the latest match odds and tips here.
1970-01-01 08:00
No arm around the shoulder – Pep Guardiola counts the cost of Rodri red card
No arm around the shoulder – Pep Guardiola counts the cost of Rodri red card
On Tuesday, Pep Guardiola had been happy to eulogise about Rodri, quick to agree when it was suggested his fellow Spaniard was the best midfielder in Europe at the moment. Yet as the man who earned Manchester City their first Champions League trudged past him, Guardiola stood and stared. There were no consoling words, no arm around the shoulder, no superlatives and no celebration. The City manager may have already been counting the cost of a red card. Not against Nottingham Forest, who were beaten anyway, but for the three occasions when he will be without a talisman. Rodri will be banned against Newcastle, in the Carabao Cup, plus Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League. The loss of a big-game player for the biggest match of City’s season so far could be telling. A couple of seasons ago, Rodri was City’s match-winner against Arsenal. There will be no repeat in October and the chances are that Mikel Arteta will welcome his suspension. Certainly, if anything halts City, who equalled their longest winning start to a Premier League campaign, it could be a loss of key players. Suddenly Guardiola, the manager who collects midfielders, looks short of them. Ilkay Gundogan is gone, Kevin de Bruyne is injured for the long term, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva for the short term. City will study the fitness bulletins for the Croatian and the Portuguese, particularly ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium. A rare sighting of Kalvin Phillips on the pitch, and not merely for the last couple of minutes in a token cameo, counted as a desperate measure, by Guardiola’s standards. If Rodri has acquired a ubiquity of late at City, this was an illustration it is not always a benefit. He has been a scorer more than before and turned creator, with a wonderful pass that led to Phil Foden’s opener. But when there was a flashpoint immediately after half-time, it involved him. After they had bumped chests, he grabbed Morgan Gibbs-White by the throat; the hysterical reaction of the Englishman scarcely helped his cause, but the Spaniard’s reaction was needless. It seemed out of character, too: Rodri is no stranger to yellow cards but this was the first red of his City career. As VAR upheld referee Anthony Taylor’s decision, it is hard to imagine it will be overturned should City appeal. It came in the context of a match that felt unnecessarily fractious. Guardiola got a first-half yellow card for dissent and Ederson a caution for going head-to-head with Taiwo Awoniyi, while Forest amassed seven bookings. Yet Rodri’s exit also meant that from the most comfortable of starts – City had two goals within a quarter of an hour, 90 percent of possession after 27 minutes – they had to offer an illustration of their grit. Plan B for Guardiola was to withdraw two of his attack-minded players, Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez, and overload on defenders, with substitute Nathan Ake making it five at the back. Amid a role reversal – Forest, initially defensive, sent on Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood and Divock Origi - a clean sheet was secured with the aid of a 5-3-1 formation that Guardiola rarely deploys. It was a testament to their defending that there were few alarms. But it made a break from the norm whereas, until Rodri’s sending off, there was a familiar feel. The bare facts are that City have played 20 games at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 and won all 20; it is still the case that the last team to emerge with a draw here were Frank Lampard’s Everton. There was another recurring theme. After scoring once, but mustering several glaring misses, from 15 shots across the games to West Ham and Crvena Zvezda, Erling Haaland converted his first chance. The 6.66 percent conversion rate from those two games was consigned to the past, aided by poor marking by Forest, when Matheus Nunes stood up a cross and the Norwegian supplied an emphatic header. It was a first assist in City colours for Nunes, the summer signing from Wolves, and a second City goal. Haaland should have had a second of the day, volleying over from Ake’s late cross, but by then he was isolated in attack. Forest had begun by dropping captain Joe Worrall, despite fielding a back five. They still conceded inside seven minutes, twice within 14. The opener at least offered Rodri something to savour. He provided the kind of pass more associated with the injured De Bruyne, a diagonal ball behind the Forest defence for the on-rushing Kyle Walker to cushion a cut-back. Foden hooked in a half-volley. It seemed to set the tone for a stroll, but the side-effect of victory – with Rodri’s dismissal – means it may yet prove an afternoon City rue. Read More Pep Guardiola provides positive Jack Grealish update ahead of Man City return Kyle Walker to continue as Manchester City skipper ‘until the time is right’ Julian Alvarez relishing Erling Haaland link-up as Man City launch CL defence
1970-01-01 08:00
Crystal Palace and Fulham share points in Selhurst Park stalemate
Crystal Palace and Fulham share points in Selhurst Park stalemate
Crystal Palace and Fulham walked away with a point apiece after their Selhurst Park encounter ended in a goalless draw. Eagles boss Roy Hodgson was back in the dugout after missing last weekend’s loss to Aston with Villa due to illness. The evenly-matched contest saw Eberechi Eze fire just wide late in the first half, while the visitors were unable to capitalise on their best chance after the restart. The result ensures the London rivals will share almost identical Premier League records for another week, with Palace only ahead on goal difference. Sam Johnstone did well to parry away Andreas Pereira’s early effort from the left corner of the penalty area, later diving to deny Willian as the first period ticked past the 10-minute mark. Fulham picked up two bookings in quick succession before Eze floated in a dangerous free-kick which the visitors were able to clear, and boss Marco Silva breathed a sigh of relief after Joao Palhinha was deemed fit to continue after knocking heads with Jordan Ayew in an aerial challenge – for which the Palace man was booked. The hosts earned another free-kick and this time Eze aimed straight for the visiting net, where Bernd Leno was alert to grab the ball. At the other end, Johnstone stooped to first collect Timothy Castagne’s close-range effort at his near post, then was called in to action soon after to turn away Raul Jimenez’s good opportunity to break the deadlock of an increasingly physical contest. Eze looked to do the same when he patiently swerved his way through a cluster of white shirts, unleashing a strike that sailed just wide of the right post, while Leno picked Ayew’s cross out of the air to ensure it remained level at the break. Will Hughes, who was involved throughout the first half, started off the second by forcing Leno into a simple save with an attempt from his preferred left foot. Eze, who had just slipped a fine pass to the Odsonne Edouard, who was caught offside, then saw an effort of his own saved, while Jimenez could only nod Antonee Robinson’s cross wide of Johnstone’s right post. The Cottagers should have taken the lead when Bobby De Cordova-Reid dispossessed Hughes in midfield and worked his way down the pitch. The opportunity was wasted when the Jamaica international slipped in Jimenez, who overcooked his pass to the awaiting Pereira and the chance skipped past his foot. Hodgson made a 70th-minute substitution, replacing Jeffrey Schlupp with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has so far this season proven a productive partner with the in-form Edouard. Joachim Andersen headed Eze’s corner over and Silva made his first change, swapping Pereira with Alex Iwobi and Fulham enjoyed one of their longest spells inside Palace’s final third, Willian forcing Johnstone into another good save with a sharp effort. Palace had a late chance of their own through Mateta, who saw his weak left-footed shot stopped shortly before four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. Hodgson elected to bring on 20-year-old Jesurun Rak-Sakyi for Edouard to see out the final few minutes, where Fulham staged a late rally but were not able to find the finishing touch. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves Man City march on despite Rodri red card Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses
1970-01-01 08:00
Man City march on despite Rodri red card
Man City march on despite Rodri red card
Manchester City had Rodri sent off as they extended their winning start in the Premier League with an unnecessarily complicated 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The champions looked to be cruising to victory after early goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland put them in complete control at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The mood changed dramatically early in the second half when Rodri was dismissed for violent conduct after raising his hands towards the neck of Morgan Gibbs-White. The game became fractious and City lost some of their discipline before manager Pep Guardiola switched to a defensive shape to secure the three points. It was City’s sixth win in succession at the start of their latest title defence but the price of Rodri’s indiscretion is yet to be seen. The influential Spaniard now faces a three-game ban which will include a trip to Arsenal next month. That City made such hard work of victory was extraordinary given their dominant and untroubled start. Julian Alvarez had already forced a good save from Matt Turner from a free-kick when they pieced together a remarkable 46-pass move that led to the opening goal inside seven minutes. The hosts built patiently before Rodri caught out the Forest defence with a superb crossfield ball to pick out Kyle Walker’s run into the box. The England full-back’s touch was equally brilliant as he laid off to Foden with a cushioned volley. Foden then did the rest with a clinical strike. City doubled their lead seven minutes later, this time after a Matheus Nunes run down the right. The Portuguese reached the byline and then centred perfectly for Haaland, scorer of a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season, to head home from close range. In spite of some rumblings about the high volume of chances the Norwegian had missed in his previous two games, it was his eighth goal in nine appearances. Forest’s first serious attack ended when Taiwo Awoniyi was tripped on the edge of the area by Manuel Akanji. Both the Swiss and Guardiola – for his protestations – were booked but Gibbs-White’s free-kick came to nothing. Alvarez twice went close to adding to City’s lead before the break as he forced another save from Turner before being denied by a good block from Willy Boly. City’s control temporarily evaporated within minutes of the restart when Rodri got involved in a tussle with Gibbs-White by the corner flag. The pair came face to face as the situation escalated and, amid the pushing and shoving, Rodri placed his hands close to Gibbs-White’s neck. The Forest midfielder ended up on the ground and referee Anthony Taylor showed the red card in Rodri’s direction. City were unsettled and moments later Ederson and Awoniyi were booked after clashing in the area. Guardiola settled his side by sacrificing Jeremy Doku and Alvarez for Kalvin Phillips and Nathan Ake. Forest battled on but did not look like scoring until Anthony Elanga and Boly tested Ederson in injury time. Haaland could have added a third for City but volleyed over after a good run by Ake. There were further scuffles in the closing minutes with Jack Grealish – returning from injury as a late substitute – involved but City saw it out. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland
1970-01-01 08:00
Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves
Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves
Luton claimed their first point of the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against 10-men Wolves at Kenilworth Road. Carlton Morris’ penalty cancelled out Pedro Neto’s earlier strike to share the spoils in a positive Hatters performance. Rob Edwards will be proud of his side’s display but will leave thinking his side should have used the extra-man more effectively after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was sent off in the 39th minute. Edwards experimented with a 4-4-2 and the change in shape worked in the early stages as the Hatters enjoyed possession and space out wide through Chiedozie Ogbene and Jacob Brown, who nearly got on the end of a dangerous cross in the fifth minute. Kenilworth Road’s vocal support set the tone and striker Morris nearly rewarded it in the 10th minute when his thunderous long-range effort cannoned off one of Jose Sa’s posts. Edwards would have wanted a response after a poor second half against Fulham last week and he got that through midfield duo Marvelous Nakamba and Albert Sambi Lokonga who relentlessly pressed, tackled and played dangerous passes as the hosts began to ramp up the pressure. Wolves began to work their way into the game after 30 minutes and strung neat passages together before the creative Bellegarde produced a stunning through ball in behind, but there was no one there to get on the end of it. But the Frenchman undid his positive work when he was shown a straight red card. The midfielder was dispossessed by Tom Lockyer and he kicked out at the Luton captain before he was given his marching orders by referee Josh Smith. Wolves held on during added time but the home side were hot out the traps in the second half when Morris got on the end of strike partner’s Ogbene’s cross in the 48th minute but his effort was saved by Sa. Luton were on top but it was Wolves who took a 1-0 lead against the run of play in the 50th minute. Neto gambled on a long ball and beat Lockyer in a foot race before he shrugged the defender off, cut in on his left foot and produced a thumping strike past Thomas Kaminski. The Premier League newcomers paid the price yet again for a simple lapse of concentration. Kenilworth Road cried out for a response and in the 65th minute Luton levelled the contest. Joao Gomes handled the ball in the box and after a VAR check Morris stepped up, stuttered in his run up and finished calmy past Sa into the bottom left corner. Target man Elijah Adebayo was brought on by Edwards and orange shirts marauded down the flanks and whipped in crosses in search of the striker but they were denied by Wolves’ tight defence. Nakamba’s shot was deflected into the path of Ogbene who finished his effort but it was ruled offside and Luton could not get the goal they searched for in six minutes of added time. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland Josh Adams wants Wales to wrap up quarter-final place with time to spare
1970-01-01 08:00
Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses
Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses
Harvey Elliott believes the family feel which surrounds Jurgen Klopp’s squad is making the transition to Liverpool 2.0 as smooth as possible. Summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have slotted seamlessly into their roles as first-choice midfielders after an unexpectedly larger-than-expected overhaul of the engine room. It was evident new blood was required after last season’s disappointing performance but while the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were anticipated those of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were not. The arrival of four replacements, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch the two others, could have led to a difficult settling in period but instead the team has displayed remarkable resilience so far this season as they have had to come from behind in four of their six fixtures. Elliott, himself trying to gain a foothold in midfield, believes the way the squad has gelled together has played a big part. “It is a team at the end of the day and the quicker we become a team and have those relationships with one another and become a family then the better and more successful we will be,” he said ahead of Sunday’s visit of West Ham, where Liverpool will look to make it five successive Premier League victories. “We just need to keep being a team, keep mixing among each other, keep learning off each other and have those relationships we want because it helps on the pitch and it works on the pitch. “The quicker and earlier we can do that the best possible outcome we will have. Everyone takes responsibility: if someone is feeling left out you go sit with them or call them over. “It’s part of our policy: no-one eats alone, no-one is alone in the changing room or when we go for walks. We do everything as a team and it reflects on the pitch. We just need to keep being a team, keep mixing among each other, keep learning off each other and have those relationships we want because it helps on the pitch and it works on the pitch Harvey Elliott “This season feels different, the hunger and desire, and we just need to keep putting in these performances and keep coming away with three points.” Incredibly, the 20-year-old was Liverpool’s senior midfielder in terms of club appearances in the Europa League victory over LASK as he lined up alongside Endo and Gravenberch. But he admits he is still learning his trade and knows he can only benefit from the atmosphere which has been generated and playing alongside the likes of World Cup-winner Mac Allister. “It’s a tough one to get my head around still being so young but we all need to play our part,” Elliott said. “We want to step up this season and that’s exactly what I’m trying to do each and every game. I’m trying to put in the performances and put the hard work in for the team and help others around me. “I am just happy to play anywhere and give it my best shot. (Against LASK) I was right mid, left mid and right centre mid as well so I definitely need to work on that versatility in my game. “Each and every game I play I need to accept the challenge and accept where I am going to be playing and just go out and enjoy my football. “Everyone in the team has achieved great things and you want to play a part and to have these world-class players around me and high-profile players that have won loads of trophies and competitions is a dream come true to be learning off them. “I try to allow them to learn off me if there is anything they need to learn but at the end of the day to be playing among them and be around them is unbelievable and I’m so happy to be here and to put on a shirt and go out and play.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland Josh Adams wants Wales to wrap up quarter-final place with time to spare Sione Tuipulotu has ‘lot of love’ for Tonga but focus is on getting Scotland win
1970-01-01 08:00
Harry Kane scores first Bayern Munich hat-trick in Bundesliga thrashing
Harry Kane scores first Bayern Munich hat-trick in Bundesliga thrashing
Harry Kane bagged a hat-trick as Bayern Munich maintained their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga after hammering Bochum 7-0. The hosts ran riot with the England captain scoring just minutes after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s opener and goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Leroy Sane gave them a 4-0 lead at half-time. Their dominance continued after the break as Kane scored from the spot and assisted Mathys Tel before earning his first hat-trick for Bayern with minutes to go. Kane’s excellent start with Bayern means he has now scored seven goals in five league matches as the defending Bundesliga champions sit top of the table. The hosts threatened early as Manuel Riemann saved from Choupo-Moting in the first minute, but the forward made no mistake the second time after Kingsley Coman squared the ball to him for an easy tap-in just four minutes into the match. Kane doubled their lead in the 13th minute with a neat finish into the bottom corner and soon had a chance to earn his second but blasted the ball over the bar. Sven Ulreich was called into action to make a diving save from Christopher Antwi-Adjei, but Bayern quickly had their third in the 29th minute after Joshua Kimmich’s corner found De Ligt, who thumped a header into the corner. Another great chance saw Kane thread the ball through to Choupo-Moting, who was denied by Riemann, but the England captain then hit a great pass for Sane, who burst down the centre of the pitch to tuck the ball into the far bottom corner seven minutes before half-time. Riemann made two crucial saves late in the first half to deny Kane and Coman in quick succession, but the goals kept flowing for Bayern after the break. Ivan Ordets conceded a penalty after handling the ball in the box and Kane earned his brace in the 54th minute with a low spot-kick beating Riemann. Coman kept the pressure on, going close a few minutes later with a curling effort clipping the post and Frans Kratzig smashed an effort towards goal forcing Riemann to tip the ball over the bar, but Bayern extended their lead in the 81st minute when Kane found Tel who fired the ball into the far corner. The former Tottenham man then earned his hat-trick with two minutes of normal time left, getting on the end of a ball from Sane to slot the ball in at the near post. PA Read More Harry Kane happy with Bayern Munich start in Europe – Thursday’s sporting social Classy Kane and brilliant Bellingham – England duo making waves in Europe Bruno Fernandes tells Andre Onana to stop blaming himself for Man Utd defeat Devastated Andre Onana takes responsibility for Man Utd’s defeat in Munich Football transfer news: Tottenham have first refusal when Harry Kane leaves Bayern How Harry Kane unshackled Bayern Munich with a classic move from his Tottenham days
1970-01-01 08:00
Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe inspires Republic of Ireland to Nations League victory
Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe inspires Republic of Ireland to Nations League victory
Katie McCabe inspired Republic of Ireland to a comfortable 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in their opening Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Arsenal midfielder had a hand in all three goals as the Republic began life under interim manager Eileen Gleeson in style. Kyra Carusa had Ireland’s best chance when her low header from a McCabe corner was well saved by Shannon Turner in the Northern Ireland goal. But the hosts moved ahead on the half-hour when another McCabe set-piece was only partially cleared, falling to Lucy Quinn whose shot was deflected and flashed into the bottom corner. Northern Ireland were fortunate to reach half-time just one behind as Quinn came close again from a similar effort, Carusa was off target with a header, and another Quinn effort was cleared off the line by Sarah McFadden. Republic keeper Courtney Brosnan was called into action early in the second half to deny Marissa Callaghan as Northern Ireland threatened to wrestle their way back into the match. But their good work was undone after 70 minutes when Turner raced out of her goal to try to reach a McCabe through pass, only for a mix-up with defender Rebecca Holloway allowing Carusa to direct the ball into an empty net. The visitors wilted and the Republic wrapped up an impressive win five minutes from time when Lily Agg, recently on as a substitute, rose highest to direct home a McCabe set-piece off the underside of the bar. Read More What is the Women’s Nations League and how does Olympics qualification work? England find another blueprint for success to beat Scotland in inaugural Women’s Nations League clash
1970-01-01 08:00
Luton Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
Luton Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
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