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Liverpool win second Premier League title and crowned champions for 20th time

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Newly promoted Ipswich will host Liverpool while champions Manchester City are away to Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Ipswich, who are back in the top flight after a 22-year absence, will play on Saturday, 17 August, with City starting their title defence at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 18 August.

Manchester United's game against Fulham at Old Trafford will kick off the campaign on Friday, 16 August.

Arsenal, who finished runners-up to City last season, are at home to Wolves on the Saturday while fourth-placed Aston Villa have been handed an away game against West Ham on the same day.

Championship play-off winners Southampton face Newcastle at St James' Park, Everton host Brighton and Nottingham Forest take on Bournemouth to complete the Saturday fixtures.

Brentford welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday and Championship winners Leicester City will host Tottenham on Monday, 19 August.

Ipswich's last game in the Premier League was a 5-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of the 2001-02 season. Their relegation came just a year after the club finished a surprise fifth in the top flight.

City won a record fourth consecutive English league title in May when they finished two points ahead of Arsenal.

==

Full fixtures list:

Friday 16 August 2024
20:00 Man Utd v Fulham (Sky Sports)

Saturday 17 August 2024
12:30 Ipswich Town v Liverpool (TNT Sports)
Arsenal v Wolves
Everton v Brighton
Newcastle United v Southampton
Nottingham Forest v AFC Bournemouth
17:30 West Ham v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)

Sunday 18 August 2024
14:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)
16:30 Chelsea v Man City (Sky Sports)

Monday 19 August 2024
20:00 Leicester City v Spurs (Sky Sports)

2024/25 opening-weekend Premier League fixtures
Opening weekend: 2024/25 season to kick off with Man Utd v Fulham
New Premier League campaign to begin at Old Trafford on Friday night before Man City start title defence at Chelsea

Saturday 24 August 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Brighton v Man Utd
Crystal Palace v West Ham
Fulham v Leicester City
Liverpool v Brentford
Man City v Ipswich Town
Southampton v Nottingham Forest
Spurs v Everton
Wolves v Chelsea

Saturday 31 August 2024
Arsenal v Brighton
Brentford v Southampton
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v AFC Bournemouth
Ipswich Town v Fulham
Leicester City v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Spurs
Nottingham Forest v Wolves
West Ham v Man City

Saturday 14 September 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Everton
Brighton v Ipswich Town
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Fulham v West Ham
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
Man City v Brentford
Southampton v Man Utd
Spurs v Arsenal
Wolves v Newcastle United

Saturday 21 September 2024
Aston Villa v Wolves
Brighton v Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace v Man Utd
Fulham v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Everton
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
Man City v Arsenal
Southampton v Ipswich Town
Spurs v Brentford
West Ham v Chelsea

Saturday 28 September 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton
Arsenal v Leicester City
Brentford v West Ham
Chelsea v Brighton
Everton v Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Spurs
Newcastle United v Man City
Nottingham Forest v Fulham
Wolves v Liverpool

Saturday 5 October 2024
Arsenal v Southampton
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Brentford v Wolves
Brighton v Spurs
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Newcastle United
Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth
Man City v Fulham
West Ham v Ipswich Town

Saturday 19 October 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal
Fulham v Aston Villa
Ipswich Town v Everton
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man Utd v Brentford
Newcastle United v Brighton
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
Southampton v Leicester City
Spurs v West Ham
Wolves v Man City

Saturday 26 October 2024
Arsenal v Liverpool
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth
Brentford v Ipswich Town
Brighton v Wolves
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Spurs
Everton v Fulham
Leicester City v Nottingham Forest
Man City v Southampton
West Ham v Man Utd

Saturday 2 November 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Man City
Fulham v Brentford
Ipswich Town v Leicester City
Liverpool v Brighton
Man Utd v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Southampton v Everton
Spurs v Aston Villa
Wolves v Crystal Palace

Saturday 9 November 2024
Brentford v AFC Bournemouth
Brighton v Man City
Chelsea v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Leicester City
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United
Spurs v Ipswich Town
West Ham v Everton
Wolves v Southampton

Saturday 23 November 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Brighton
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Everton v Brentford
Fulham v Wolves
Ipswich Town v Man Utd
Leicester City v Chelsea
Man City v Spurs
Newcastle United v West Ham
Southampton v Liverpool

Saturday 30 November 2024
Brentford v Leicester City
Brighton v Southampton
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
Liverpool v Man City
Man Utd v Everton
Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town
Spurs v Fulham
West Ham v Arsenal
Wolves v AFC Bournemouth

Tuesday 3 December 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Spurs
Arsenal v Man Utd
Aston Villa v Brentford
Everton v Wolves
Fulham v Brighton
Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
Leicester City v West Ham

Wednesday 4 December 2024
Man City v Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Southampton v Chelsea

Saturday 7 December 2024
Aston Villa v Southampton
Brentford v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Man City
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Arsenal
Ipswich Town v AFC Bournemouth
Leicester City v Brighton
Man Utd v Nottingham Forest
Spurs v Chelsea
West Ham v Wolves

Saturday 14 December 2024
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham
Arsenal v Everton
Brighton v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Brentford
Liverpool v Fulham
Man City v Man Utd
Newcastle United v Leicester City
Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa
Southampton v Spurs
Wolves v Ipswich Town

Saturday 21 December 2024
Aston Villa v Man City
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Southampton
Ipswich Town v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Wolves
Man Utd v AFC Bournemouth
Spurs v Liverpool
West Ham v Brighton

Thursday 26 December 2024
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Ipswich Town
Brighton v Brentford
Chelsea v Fulham
Liverpool v Leicester City
Man City v Everton
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Spurs
Southampton v West Ham
Wolves v Man Utd

Sunday 29 December 2024
Aston Villa v Brighton
Brentford v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Everton v Nottingham Forest
Fulham v AFC Bournemouth
Ipswich Town v Chelsea
Leicester City v Man City
Man Utd v Newcastle United
Spurs v Wolves
West Ham v Liverpool

Saturday 4 January 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Everton
Aston Villa v Leicester City
Brighton v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v Ipswich Town
Liverpool v Man Utd
Man City v West Ham
Southampton v Brentford
Spurs v Newcastle United
Wolves v Nottingham Forest

Tuesday 14 January 2025
Arsenal v Spurs
Brentford v Man City
Everton v Aston Villa
Ipswich Town v Brighton
Leicester City v Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
West Ham v Fulham

Wednesday 15 January 2025
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth
Newcastle United v Wolves
20:00 Man Utd v Southampton

Saturday 18 January 2025
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Brentford v Liverpool
Chelsea v Wolves
Everton v Spurs
Ipswich Town v Man City
Leicester City v Fulham
Man Utd v Brighton
Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest v Southampton
West Ham v Crystal Palace

Saturday 25 January 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa v West Ham
Brighton v Everton
Crystal Palace v Brentford
Fulham v Man Utd
Liverpool v Ipswich Town
Man City v Chelsea
Southampton v Newcastle United
Spurs v Leicester City
Wolves v Arsenal

Saturday 1 February 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool
Arsenal v Man City
Brentford v Spurs
Chelsea v West Ham
Everton v Leicester City
Ipswich Town v Southampton
Man Utd v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Brighton
Wolves v Aston Villa

Saturday 15 February 2025
Aston Villa v Ipswich Town
Brighton v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Everton
Fulham v Nottingham Forest
Leicester City v Arsenal
Liverpool v Wolves
Man City v Newcastle United
Southampton v AFC Bournemouth
Spurs v Man Utd
West Ham v Brentford

Saturday 22 February 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Wolves
Arsenal v West Ham
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Everton v Man Utd
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town v Spurs
Leicester City v Brentford
Man City v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest
Southampton v Brighton

Tuesday 25 February 2025
Brentford v Everton
Brighton v AFC Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Spurs v Man City
West Ham v Leicester City
Wolves v Fulham
20:00 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

Wednesday 26 February 2025
Chelsea v Southampton
20:00 Liverpool v Newcastle United
20:00 Man Utd v Ipswich Town

Saturday 8 March 2025
Brentford v Aston Villa
Brighton v Fulham
Chelsea v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town
Liverpool v Southampton
Man Utd v Arsenal
Nottingham Forest v Man City
Spurs v AFC Bournemouth
West Ham v Newcastle United
Wolves v Everton

Saturday 15 March 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Brentford
Arsenal v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Everton v West Ham
Fulham v Spurs
Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest
Leicester City v Man Utd
Man City v Brighton
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v Wolves

Tuesday 1 April 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Ipswich Town
Arsenal v Fulham
Brighton v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Man Utd
Wolves v West Ham

Wednesday 2 April 2025
Chelsea v Spurs
Man City v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Brentford
Southampton v Crystal Palace
20:00 Liverpool v Everton

Saturday 5 April 2025
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
Brentford v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Brighton
Everton v Arsenal
Fulham v Liverpool
Ipswich Town v Wolves
Leicester City v Newcastle United
Man Utd v Man City
Spurs v Southampton
West Ham v AFC Bournemouth

Saturday 12 April 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Fulham
Arsenal v Brentford
Brighton v Leicester City
Chelsea v Ipswich Town
Liverpool v West Ham
Man City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Man Utd
Nottingham Forest v Everton
Southampton v Aston Villa
Wolves v Spurs

Saturday 19 April 2025
Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Brentford v Brighton
Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth
Everton v Man City
Fulham v Chelsea
Ipswich Town v Arsenal
Leicester City v Liverpool
Man Utd v Wolves
Spurs v Nottingham Forest
West Ham v Southampton

Saturday 26 April 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Man Utd
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Brighton v West Ham
Chelsea v Everton
Liverpool v Spurs
Man City v Aston Villa
Newcastle United v Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Southampton v Fulham
Wolves v Leicester City

Saturday 3 May 2025
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
Aston Villa v Fulham
Brentford v Man Utd
Brighton v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Liverpool
Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
Everton v Ipswich Town
Leicester City v Southampton
Man City v Wolves
West Ham v Spurs

Saturday 10 May 2025
AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Fulham v Everton
Ipswich Town v Brentford
Liverpool v Arsenal
Man Utd v West Ham
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Nottingham Forest v Leicester City
Southampton v Man City
Spurs v Crystal Palace
Wolves v Brighton

Sunday 18 May 2025
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Spurs
Brentford v Fulham
Brighton v Liverpool
Chelsea v Man Utd
Crystal Palace v Wolves
Everton v Southampton
Leicester City v Ipswich Town
Man City v AFC Bournemouth
West Ham v Nottingham Forest

Sunday 25 May 2025
16:00 AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City
16:00 Fulham v Man City
16:00 Ipswich Town v West Ham
16:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace
16:00 Man Utd v Aston Villa
16:00 Newcastle United v Everton
16:00 Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
16:00 Southampton v Arsenal
16:00 Spurs v Brighton
16:00 Wolves v Brentford
 
New Season, new challenges for Manchester city.

Can they defend the title??

What about the fifer for Manchester city, can they win this one as well???
 
BouncerGuy said:
New Season, new challenges for Manchester city.

Can they defend the title??

What about the fifer for Manchester city, can they win this one as well???
Click to expand...
A fifth title win would turn EPL into another farmer's league.
 
BouncerGuy said:
New Season, new challenges for Manchester city.

Can they defend the title??

What about the fifer for Manchester city, can they win this one as well???
Click to expand...
They have won 6 out of the last 7.

Unless Arsenal or Liverpool invest well in summer and improve their squads. City will win 5 in a row.

Farmer Pep will have another title.
 

Two famous global brands will collaborate​

This is the most recent partnership between WWE and a major sports team, following the production of 31 custom NFL Championships and the distribution of a traditional title after the NHL Stanley Cup. WWE Shop has partnered with Manchester City Football Club.

The 10-time Premier League winners, on six T-shirts that combine iconic Star slogans with the football team, such as “The Mann City,” which pays homage to Becky Lynch, and “Top of the Table,” which pays homage to Roman Reigns, dubbed “The Head of the Table.”
 
Official 🚨: Lewis has been included in the top-100 list for the 2024 Golden Boy award.
 

Premier League clubs spend £245m around PSR 'deadline'​

Premier League clubs have already spent more in four days this summer - a total of £245m - than the entirety of the January transfer window.

Top-flight teams had been scrambling towards what was described as the 'unofficial transfer deadline day' on Sunday.

And more deals are being announced on Monday as the new accounting period begins at the start of July.

To avoid charges and possible points deductions clubs must be compliant with profit and sustainability rules (PSR) - and 30 June was a key date.

The summer transfer window does not officially close until Friday, 30 August but, as Nottingham Forest discovered to their cost last season, some Premier League clubs needed to get business done earlier.

www.bbc.com

Premier League and PSR transfer deals: Clubs spend £245m around deadline to comply

Premier League clubs spend about £245m as they scramble to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
www.bbc.com
 
New Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has described himself as "the grounded one" and a "friendly authority"

The 31-year-old has been appointed as Roberto De Zerbi’s replacement at Brighton and becomes the Premier League’s youngest permanent head coach.

“I will work here the same as I have done before,” said the German, who steered St Pauli to the Bundesliga II title last term.

It was not quite as flamboyant as Jose Mourinho’s ‘Special One’ introduction at Chelsea in 2004, more in keeping with the ‘Normal One’ description fellow German Jurgen Klopp applied to himself when he arrived at Liverpool.

Hurzeler gave the impression of someone who wasn’t that keen to dwell on his age, preferring instead to outline the philosophy he will bring to the Amex Stadium.

“I am aware this is a huge job and a big challenge,” he said. “I need a lot of courage and to stay humble. If I am not convinced me and my team can do it, I wouldn’t do it.

“I call myself the friendly authority. Football is my passion. I try to convince my players using the power of ideas. I will learn a lot and by that I won’t become a worse manager.”

It was almost in keeping with Brighton as a club and a city that they should appoint someone so young.

It remains to be seen whether Hurzeler adopts the same combative approach as De Zerbi, which led to him criticising the data-driven model that has brought Brighton so much success under the ownership of Tony Bloom.

“We do think data is really important in all high level sport,” said Bloom. “It is important to have someone who believes in that, whether it is in recruitment or medical or anything else.”

Hurzeler certainly talks as though he believes that to be true.

“I really like the DNA, and the very analytical data-based approach,” he said. “I like the style and playing with courage. I want to achieve big things here. I want to challenge the establishment.”

Bloom continues to set high standards for Brighton, who he believes are capable of becoming a top-10 club on a regular basis.

Last term, they failed in that objective by a single place. Bloom wants improvement. He also wants a return to Europe after their momentous debut campaign last season in which they exited the Europa League in the round of 16.

He does not believe he is taking a chance by putting his faith in someone so young.

“I wouldn’t talk about it as a gamble at all,” he said. “We put a lot of work into appointments. This was the least risk option of all the options we had.”

Source: BBC
 

Man City, Man Utd cleared to play in Europe alongside sister clubs​


Manchester City and Manchester United will be allowed to play in the Champions League and Europa League along with their sister clubs Girona and Nice, UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) First Chamber said on Friday.

The European soccer body said the sister clubs' investors had implemented changes to avoid any conflict with UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, including transferring their shares of Girona and Nice to an independent trustee under the CFCB First Chamber's supervision until July 1, 2025.

City Football Group, which owns City and Girona, and INEOS Sport, which controls the football operations of United and Nice, demonstrated to the CFCB that no one was simultaneously involved with administering more than one club, or had control or decisive influence over more than one club, UEFA said.

The clubs would also not transfer players to each other until September 2025.

"The significant changes made to the ownership, governance, and financial support of the concerned clubs, substantially restrict the investors’ influence and decision-making power over more than one club," UEFA said in the statement.

"The CFCB First Chamber will continue to monitor the above-mentioned situations to ensure that the multi-club ownership rule continues to be complied with during the 2024/25 season."

City won the Premier League and Girona finished third in LaLiga to qualify for the Champions League, while United won the FA Cup and Nice finished fifth in Ligue 1 to reach the Europa League.

 
Manchester United's move for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee expected to accelerate following Netherlands' elimination from Euro 2024

Sky News
 
Manchester United have appointed Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers of the men’s first team, to work under Erik ten Hag until June 2026

Sky sports
 
Brighton have turned down an £8m bid from Italian side Napoli for Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour

Sources say the offer was regarded as an initial approach, suggesting Napoli will be back as they believe they can complete a transfer.

The 23-year-old has flown to Japan with the Seagulls for the start of a two-match tour.

They will face Kashima Antlers on 24 July before meeting Tokyo Verde on 28 July as they look to build on the popularity of Kaoru Mitoma, the Japan international who has made such a huge impression at the club.

Gilmour started 24 Premier League games last season and played 41 times in all competitions.

He signed for Brighton for £7.5m in 2022 and still has two years left on his contract.

Napoli, managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, finished 10th last season after winning the title in 2023 for the first time in 33 years.

Meanwhile, Brighton are edging closer to signing Paraguay international Diego Gomez from Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.

Gomez will be part of his country’s Olympic squad later this month, so he would not be able to link up with Brighton until after the tournament.

However, sources say talks over a deal are close to completion, with suggestions a fee will be about $18m (£13.9m).

Source: BBC
 
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley would not support any plan to play Premier League games outside England

In an exclusive chat with BBC Sport in Santa Barbara during his club's pre-season tour of the United States, Foley said he was too respectful of the game and its fans to think it was a good idea.

In May, world governing body Fifa said it was setting up a working group to assess the potential impact of competitive domestic matches being played overseas.

The Premier League has previously said it had no plans to get involved, although Spain's La Liga is hopeful of staging games in the United States in the 2025-26 season.

Bournemouth are one of 10 Premier League teams playing pre-season games in the United States this summer.

"I believe what we are doing today – and there are other pre-season games – is what we should be doing," said Foley.

"In terms of playing actual Premier League matches in America? We should play in the UK. That is where they belong. I am very respectful of our fans and the whole system. I wouldn't want to be involved in changing any of that. I believe if you talk to our fans at Bournemouth, they think Foley actually respects our system and respects our heritage. And I do.

"Premier League games in America? No."

Foley reportedly paid £120m for Bournemouth in December 2022.

He took the controversial decision to sack manager Gary O’Neil in June 2023 despite the club finishing 15th. He was rewarded with a 12th-placed finish last season under Andoni Iraola.

Bournemouth are part of a multi-club ownership model that also includes Foley's Black Knights Sports and Entertainment group holding significant stakes in French club Lorient, A League outfit Auckland FC and Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

Foley also spoke to BBC Sport about Bournemouth's European ambitions and striker Dominic Solanke's future after his 19-goal Premier League campaign last term.

Solanke and a £65m release clause
"I believe Dom is going to be with us this coming year. He has a release clause, which is very expensive.

"We shouldn't reveal anything about the contract but that area [reported £65m] sounds roughly correct. I guess if someone comes for him, we are going to have to replace him.

"We have two or three candidates that we have lined up. But I believe Dom will be here next year and I believe he is going to score 21 or 22 goals."

Source: BBC
 

West Ham set to sign Bayern defender Mazraoui​


West Ham have agreed a fee with Bayern Munich for Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

Sources say if the deal goes through, the Hammers will play an initial €16m (£13.47m) for the 26-year-old, with a potential further €3.5m (£2.95m) in add-ons.

Talks over personal terms are continuing for a player who has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, including Manchester United.

Mazraoui was born in the Netherlands and joined Ajax as a youngster.

He joined Bayern on a free transfer in 2022 and made 29 appearances for the Bundesliga giants in all competitions last season.

www.bbc.com

Noussair Mazraoui: West Ham agree to sign Moroccan full-back from Bayern Munich

West Ham agree a fee with Bayern Munich for Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
www.bbc.com
 

What next for Everton after latest takeover collapse?​


Everton are back to square one on the takeover front after the latest proposed acquisition of the club fell through.

The Friedkin Group, who also own Serie A side Roma, had undertaken four weeks of due diligence on the Toffees during their period of exclusivity but decided not to go ahead with their purchase.

The club has been left in limbo again but sources insist Everton as a business is "absolutely not in a precarious position".

So what happened with the latest takeover bid and what does the future hold?

Everton were preparing for their first pre-season friendly of the summer against Sligo Rovers in Ireland when the news broke on Friday morning that the Friedkin Group had called off the deal.

BBC Sport understands the major stumbling block was a situation involving previous prospective buyer 777 Partners, whose proposed takeover plan had been backed by funding from financial insurers A-Cap.

The 777 group loaned Everton £200m during their takeover attempt and the issue was not paying that off, but the legal action that 777 faces in the US.

In May, 777 and the firm's co-owner Josh Wander were accused of a "fraudulent scheme" by a lender in a civil court filing in New York.

Friedkin Group did not know how long this would last for, was unclear about who was in charge of the loan, and was wary of any potential risk, so decided to walk away rather than wait for the issues to be resolved.

It is understood the loan from the Friedkin Group is a 'stable' one which means the group is not looking to call it in immediately.

The group could return for talks in the unlikely scenario that 777's litigation case is settled quickly and without further issues or delays such as an appeal.

www.bbc.com

Everton takeover: What next for Toffees after latest collapse?

Everton are back to square one on the takeover front after the latest proposed acquisition of the club fell through, so what next for the Toffees?
www.bbc.com
 
Southampton have agreed deals to sign Brazilian duo Welington and Juan when their contracts at Sao Paulo expire

Both players have settled on personal terms, signing pre-contracts, and will move to St Mary's in January.

Left-back Welington, 23, has made 150 appearances for the Brazilian Serie A side, also being a part of winning teams in the 2023 Copa do Brasil final and the 2024 Supercopa do Brasil.

He has represented Brazil at under-23 level.

Forward Juan, 22, has scored eight goals in 80 appearances for Sao Paulo and has played for Brazil Under-19s.

Southampton, who were promoted through the play-offs, begin their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on Saturday, 17 August.

Source: BBC
 
Arsenal 2-1 Man Utd: Gunners come from behind as United suffer double injury blow

Striker Rasmus Hojlund and £52m new-boy Leny Yoro both suffered first-half injuries as Manchester United lost their opening US tour game against Premier League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles.

Hojlund had given his side a 10th-minute lead when he burst onto Marcus Rashford’s first-time pass, outmuscled young defender Ayden Heaven, then beat Karl Hein with a shot through his legs.

The Dane then turned a low Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross wide from close range before seeming to experience a muscle injury after 15 minutes that meant he could not continue.

Yoro’s exit was equally innocuous. The 18-year-old, who only joined United from Lille 10 days ago, went down and needed lengthy treatment, before he too, called it a day.

Given the huge number of injuries that wrecked last season for manager Erik ten Hag, to lose two senior players in such a manner less than three weeks before United open their new Premier League campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford on 16 August is not ideal.

And, despite the bright start, the result was not to the Dutchman’s satisfaction either.

Gabriel Jesus levelled with a close range finish after 25 minutes before substitute Gabriel Martinelli cut inside 17-year-old rookie full-back James Scanlon before applying the decisive finish.

United did win the pre-arranged penalty shoot-out that followed, with Jadon Sancho scoring the decisive spot-kick to seal a 4-3 win.

Injury woe for Ten Hag

Ten Hag made the demands being placed on players this season a theme of his pre-match news conference, stating the campaign itself would be a 'survival of the fittest' and that 'it will happen' when talking of injuries.

The reality must have exceeded his worst fears as first Hojlund, then Yoro went down of their own accord.

Hojlund appeared to feel his groin before making his way straight down the tunnel in the corner of the stadium. Yoro took the longer route after lengthy treatment but was walking exceptionally slowly and seemed to be in a lot of discomfort.

It was not quite what United were looking for as they have been championing new appointments on the sports science side as part of their overall restructuring.

Victor Lindelof had also been ruled out with an injury 'niggle', so 20-year-old Rhys Bennett, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Stockport, took over as Harry Maguire’s defensive partner.

If injuries were the negative, the positive from the performance for Ten Hag was the performance of midfielder Mason Mount.

The former Chelsea man was one of the players who spent as much time on the treatment table as the pitch but in front of over 60,000, Mount probed in the manner of old and looked a genuine threat at times.

Arsenal in the groove

As was the case against Bournemouth four days ago, Emile Smith-Rowe was left out of the Arsenal matchday squad as negotiations continue over a proposed move to Fulham.

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be confirmed as a new signing in the next 48 hours and with the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka to join up once Arteta’s side return to London, evidently, they will eventually look a lot different to how they did here.

Yet, in patches, they showed a fluidity in possession their opponents could not match.

Much to his manager’s frustration, one move came to an abrupt end when skipper Martin Odegaard appeared to be taken out by Bennett without a free-kick being awarded.

Jesus looked particularly lively for Arsenal and Martinelli was a threat from the moment he came on, with 19 minutes left.

By that time Jonny Evans was the only experienced player in United’s defence and the Brazilian took advantage to win the game.

What kind of pitch was Arsenal v Man Utd played on?

The game was played on a grass pitch grown especially for the game and will be taken out on Monday to prepare it for other events due to be held.

Whilst stadium officials said the move was cost effective, when asked about the environmental impact, they said attempts to find another party to take the pitch had so far proved unsuccessful.

BBC
 

Man City, Aston Villa and West Ham lose as Wolves win​


Manchester City suffered a 3-2 defeat by AC Milan as the Premier League champions were beaten in a pre-season friendly in New York.

Erling Haaland put City in front at the Yankee Stadium when he steered in a left-foot shot from an Oscar Bobb pull-back.

Lorenzo Colombo equalised and quickly added a second for the Italian side as they went into half-time in the the lead.

James McAtee headed in for City to level the game at 2-2 before Marco Nasti scored a winner with a first-time shot from the edge of the box to give AC Milan victory.

"We were better than the first game," said City boss Pep Guardiola, whose side were beaten 4-3 by Celtic in their first pre-season outing.

"It was a step forward - no injuries, minutes in our legs, another test - and now we fly to another game in a few days."

Buendia makes Villa return

Aston Villa were also beaten on their pre-season tour in the United States as they lost 4-1 to Columbus Crew during a game in which midfielder Emi Buendia made his return from a long-term knee injury.

Buendia, who had been sidelined since sustaining a knee ligament injury last August, came on with Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen, who were making their first Villa appearances after signing for the club in the summer, after 63 minutes with their side already 4-1 down.

"The best news is his comeback," said Villa boss Unai Emery. "Emiliano Buendia’s comeback after one year.

"We are happy with his return and we have to work now with him trying to get the best of him progressively.

"The first 30 minutes he played, really, is fantastic for us and for the team."

Cucho Hernandez scored twice for Columbus before Cameron Archer pulled one back.

Hernandez completed his hat-trick and Dylan Chambost put the Major League Soccer side side 4-1 up.

"Of course, the result is not good but, for us, now the result is not the most important," added Emery.

"Most important is to build a team, get information about the players, and this was the first match for some players, and they played well. Even losing, they played well."

Lopetegui beaten by former side

New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui's side suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of former club Wolves in their pre-season friendly in Jacksonville, Florida.

In a match that was delayed because of stormy weather, Matheus Cunha put Wolves in front before having to go off injured.

Mohammed Kudus equalised for the Hammers just before half-time, but two goals from Rodrigo Gomes after the break gave Wolves the win.

"He [Cunha] felt a slight pain behind his knee," said Wolves manager Gary O'Neil.

"It’s disappointing. With the game being delayed and the wet pitch, they work so hard and are finely tuned, so it doesn’t take much to throw them.

"Matheus is incredibly important to us, but the early signs don’t look bad. He won’t be risked again until he’s completely fine, so the next few days I can provide an update."

Lopetgui has replaced David Moyes as West Ham boss, and said the Hammers "have to improve in a lot of things with and without the ball".

He added: "We have a lot of work to do in front of us."

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Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham lose as Wolves win in pre-season friendlies

Manchester City and Aston Villa suffer defeats and Wolves beat West Ham during pre-season friendlies in the US.
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​

 

Chelsea agree deals for Jorgensen and Anselmino​


Chelsea have agreed deals in principle to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.

Jorgensen, 22, is set for a medical after a £20.7m fee was agreed and expected to sign a seven-year contract until 2031.

The Denmark Under-21s international was a major target of new manager Enzo Maresca, who wants an additional goalkeeper capable of using the ball well with his feet.

Jorgensen will compete to be the club's number one, but his move puts Djordje Petrovic's future in doubt after the Serbian stopper filled in for the injured Robert Sanchez last season as first choice.

Spaniard Sanchez spoke about facing renewed competition after he started in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Wrexham in their first pre-season match.

"You never know, but at the moment I am training hard," said the former Brighton keeper, 26. "Another goalkeeper? I know what I can bring to the team, what I can do and I am positive in myself."

Jorgensen is expected to join up with Chelsea for their US tour, with matches against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid to come.

Meanwhile, centre-back Anselmino will cost 15.6m but will go back on loan to Boca Juniors until at least January.

The 19-year-old is regarded as an option for the future in the same vein as their other young signings from South America, like Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez and Brazilian Estevao Willian.

Anselmino will also sign a seven-year contract until 2031, but Chelsea can only spread the transfer fee for both players over five years in their accounts, as per Premier League rules.

Both signings will take their summer spending to around £110m, though they have brought in around £85m in sales.

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Chelsea: Premier League club agrees deals to sign Filip Jorgensen and Aaron Anselmino

The Blues agree a deal for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.
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Man City draw friendly with Barcelona delayed by storm

Manchester City drew 2-2 with Barcelona before losing a penalty shootout 4-1 in a friendly after a storm delayed the start in Orlando, USA, by 80 minutes.

Fans in the sell-out crowd of 63,237 were forced to take shelter under the stands at the Camping World Stadium before the game eventually started.

Both sides were missing key players although City's line-up included Erling Haaland, leading Premier League scorer in 2023-24 with 27 goals, and Jack Grealish, with the latter, who failed to make England's Euro 2024 squad, scoring for Pep Guardiola's City.

Pau Victor put Barcelona ahead before England youth midfielder Nico O'Reilly, 19, equalised. Grealish found the top corner after Pablo Torre had restored Barcelona's lead.

The match went to penalties, with Barcelona triumphing 4-1 after Kalvin Phillips and Jacob Wright saw their attempts from the spot saved.

City have yet to win in pre-season but Guardiola opted to focus on the positives and said he was pleased with the "aggressive" performance of Grealish.

“I know in controlling the ball he is good, but he made four or five shots," said the City boss.

“He has to prove himself but I am really pleased with the game he played.”

City's final game of their USA tour is against Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday (22:30 BST). They face Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August (15:00).

BBC
 
Salah and Carvalho give Liverpool win over Arsenal

Arne Slot's new-look Liverpool beat Premier League rivals Arsenal 2-1 with goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho in Philadelphia.

Salah's 13th-minute strike and Carvalho's finish in the 34th minute capped excellent Liverpool moves, before Arsenal's Kai Havertz swept in a close-range shot in the 40th minute of an exciting first half.

Both teams made changes during the second half of the friendly as the tempo dropped at Lincoln Financial Field, where the crowd of 69,679 marked a record at the stadium for a football match.

Liverpool have a final fixture in their US pre-season tour against Manchester United in Columbia on Saturday (00:45 BST Sunday).

Arsenal flew straight home after Wednesday's match and will play in a friendly tournament against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon at Emirates Stadium.

Elliott to have his breakthrough season?

Several of Harvey Elliott's former England Under-21 colleagues have broken through into the senior squad in the last year and, before kick-off, the Liverpool player admitted that it is on him to do the same.

The 21-year-old had a competent showing in an drab 1-0 friendly win against Real Betis, but he excelled in an attacking midfield role against Arsenal.

If Diogo Jota had not missed a gilt-edged chance, Elliott would have claimed a hat-trick of excellent first-half assists, after a wonderful first-time through ball for Salah's goal and an instinctive lobbed pass for Carvalho.

New manager Slot's football and his vision for a number 10 role looks to be a perfect fit for Elliott, a versatile player looking to build some identity at the highest level.

If he can go from being Jurgen Klopp's utility man to a regular in Slot's new system, an England debut could follow.

When asked about Elliott, Slot said: "Two great assists, but what I believe is that the team created this for him as well - playing out from the back, getting him in the right positions or another number 10, and then it is up to him to bring the most out of those situations and he did that today with two assists.

"If I am a bit hard on him, I think there are maybe two other situations where he could have done better, but that is what the team is doing for him."

More evidence Arsenal need a striker?

Arsenal bombarded Liverpool's goal early on but missed chances. Gabriel Jesus put a one-on-one chance straight at Caoimhin Kelleher and Gabriel Martinelli blasted high from the edge of the box.

The Gunners also missed chances to equalise at 2-1, with Havertz, Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah spurning decent opportunities.

Arsenal must decide whether to bring in additional firepower or try to elevate their capable - but not world class - forward line to deliver that little bit extra to win a Premier League title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "We have to punish teams. It's an area where we can obviously improve. The first chance they had, they scored, and that's what makes the difference as well - when you're in those spaces in the box, putting the ball in the net.

"We created the situations. We had two or three more big situations as well. We have to improve."

Slot measures his team against one of the best

Reds boss Slot has demonstrated so far on this tour of the United States that his side will take more risks in possession, which will mean some mistakes.

They are playing more fluid football and moving away from former boss Jurgen Klopp's 'heavy metal football' approach.

Liverpool went toe to toe with Arsenal, but they saw mistakes in possession from Kelleher (twice) and Curtis Jones lead to shooting chances.

Arsenal, meanwhile, look physically strong and sharp in their familiar style which Arteta hopes to evolve again after adding Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori this week.

BBC
 

Nottingham Forest sign Portugal forward Silva​


Nottingham Forest have signed Portugal international Jota Silva from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old forward scored 15 goals in 42 matches for Vitoria last season, earning him an international call-up from Portugal boss Roberto Martinez in March for the first of his two caps.

"We can see how excited Jota is to continue his career journey beyond Portugal where he has enjoyed such a strong period in the Primeira Liga with Vitoria," Forest football officer Ross Wilson said.

Forest finished 17th in the Premier League last season, six points above the relegation places.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side scored 49 goals in the league but the Portuguese coach was keen to add extra firepower to his frontline.

Forest have also signed Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic and Newcastle United's Elliot Anderson so far this summer to bolster their midfield.

Marko Stamenic, a defender from Partizan Belgrade, has signed and been sent on loan to Olympiacos while goalkeeper Carlos Miguel has joined from Brazilian club Corinthians.

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Nottingham Forest sign Portugal forward Jota Silva

Portugal and Vitoria forward Jota Silva has signed a four-year deal with Nottingham Forest.
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Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Ismaïla Sarr who will join on a five-year deal
 
West Ham agree £27m fee to sign Germany's Fullkrug

West Ham have agreed a fee worth £27m to sign Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old scored 15 goals in 46 appearances in his debut season for the Bundesliga club, in which he finished as a runner-up in the Champions League, after moving from Werder Bremen in a £12.6m deal last summer.

Fullkrug also scored two goals in hosts Germany's run to the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 despite not starting a game.

The Hammers are in the market for a striker and have also held negotiations for Aston Villa's Colombia forward Jhon Duran.

New boss Julen Lopetegui has already signed Wolves captain Max Kilman for £40m, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme for £25.5 from Palmeiras.

The Hammers are also interested in signing full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United and Leeds United's Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville.

BBC
 
Liverpool cruise past Man Utd in friendly

Liverpool completed their three-match US tour with a 100% record as Arne Slot’s side eased to an impressive 3-0 win against Manchester United in Columbia.

In front of a 77,559 – the biggest non-US football crowd at the Williams-Brice Stadium - Fabio Carvalho put Liverpool ahead after 10 minutes when he took advantage of some slack defending inside the area from Casemiro.

The lead was doubled on 36 minutes when Mohamed Salah's excellent close control beat United youngster Toby Collyer on the touchline, with the Egypt forward bursting to the byline to set up Curtis Jones with a low cross.

A third came when Konstantinos Tsimikas seized on a loose ball in the 61st minute, scoring after Andre Onana failed to hold Diogo Jota’s instinctive first-time effort.

New manager Slot will know judgement on how he succeeds as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement will not be based around pre-season games, but the former Feyenoord man will be delighted at the outcome of his side’s Stateside trip before their Premier League opener against newly promoted Ipswich on 17 August.

In contrast, a difficult night for United was made even worse by what appeared to be a serious injury to young defender Will Fish, who left the field on a stretcher after coming off worst when he fouled Harvey Blair.

The trip for United ends with them having lost to both Premier League opponents faced after defeat against Arsenal seven days earlier, although they did beat Real Betis in between.

Like Liverpool, they have a number of key men to welcome back into the fold after Euro 2024 and Copa America commitments when they return to training next week.

Perfect US trip for new boss Slot

In phases Liverpool were exceptional and moved the ball around quickly.

They pressed high and fast at the start of the game and committed plenty of men forward, which allowed them to take advantage of United’s unforced errors.

Salah appears to have a spring in his step, Jones was a busy presence in midfield and both Caoimhin Kelleher and his replacement Vitezslav Jaros made excellent saves as required.

With talk of Kelleher potentially leaving Anfield before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, Jaros’ instinctive efforts to repel Ethan Wheatley and Scott McTominay would have been heartening for his manager.

The results on tour, with Liverpool having also beaten Arsenal and Betis, mean Slot can approach the final two weeks of pre-season from a position of strength, which is all he could have hoped for when he was named as Klopp’s successor in May.

"We are very happy with the result. We scored some really nice goals but I don't think we had enough control over the game because United were threatening us more than a few times," Slot said.

"It's a 3-0 win but the score could have been different tonight as well."

United pay for wasted chances

At half-time United must have wondered how they were behind.

They carried a genuine goal threat as Mason Mount took up intelligent positions in the number 10 role, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford attacked from wide areas and 20-year-old Collyer burst into the box when his workload allowed.

The problem was that Erik Ten Hag’s side were found wanting at crucial times in both penalty areas.

Casemiro and Collyer were culpable for the Liverpool goals, while United’s attacking players took it in turns to waste clear chances. Diallo flicked a close-range header wide from Mount’s cross and the Ivorian also blazed over when presented with a chance to shoot by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end as West Ham try to tie up a deal.

Kelleher twice denied Mount before tipping a mishit Rashford effort over.

The wasted opportunities continued to pile up after the break, although the momentum started to ebb from their game as the substitutions came.

Ten Hag may have a new contract, but United will need to do more than this to convince anyone that last season’s eighth-place finish was the aberration it was claimed to be.

And they have Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday.

"There were mixed feelings," Ten Hag said. "I have seen positive bits, but the way we concede goals, we are, of course, not happy with it."

BBC
 
‘Great professional’ – Celtic star targeted by Chelsea as Blues search for Conor Gallagher replacement

Chelsea have joined the list of suitors interested in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.

The Blues have identified O'Riley as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, and talkSPORT understands he remains open to signing a new deal despite a £33million bid from Atletico Madrid being accepted.

If the Chelsea academy product leaves, his transfer fee could be used to bring in O’Riley - who is valued at £20million.

Celtic have already snubbed offers for the London-born star.

That includes a £14million bid from Southampton ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Brighton are also keen on the 23-year-old, as well as Serie A side Atalanta.

He is only keen on accepting a move that guarantees regular game time.

Chelsea may have to offer more than £20milion plus extras to persuade Celtic.

Speaking to Sky Sports about O’Riley, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “It's been actually straight forward with Matt because he's such a great professional. The challenge for teams coming to a club like Celtic is they sometimes can place their value on the league and not the player.

"Obviously, there are riches in other leagues much greater than ours that allows players to go and improve their conditions for their life, we all understand that

"What's important for me is if a player does leave here they pay the value for the player and that isn't something that always happens.

“No player will leave here unless it's for the right valuation and at this moment in time there's been no team that's been anywhere near that."

O’Riley made appearances for England at youth level, but has since represented Denmark due to his Danish mum.

He began his senior career with Fulham before moving to MK Dons in 2021.

A year later he joined Celtic for £1.5million after the Hoops met his release clause.

He’s earned experience in the Champions League, making 121 appearances in total.

O’Riley has scored 27 goals and bagged 34 assists in that time.

He’s also won three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and the Scottish League Cup.

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Celtic star targeted by Chelsea as Blues search for Conor Gallagher replacement

Chelsea have joined the list of suitors interested in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley. The Blues have identified O’Riley as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, and talkSPORT understan…
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Caballos and Diaz score as Real Madrid beat Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he "trying to solve" his side's "habit" of conceding too many goals after a 2-1 defeat by a young Real Madrid side in Charlotte, in the final match of their United States tour.

First-half goals from Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz were enough for Madrid despite Noni Madueke's header as the Blues again looked vulnerable at the back.

They have conceded 12 goals across five pre-season games in America, going 4-0 down in two of those matches and winning just one.

Maresca said he addressed the "very high" defensive line with his players in one of his first meetings, which he said is a habit "from last season".

Ceballos followed in a deflected Lucas Vazquez shot to finish in the 19th minute.

And in the 27th minute Diaz rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to score from a tight angle past the Dane, who made his first start at the Bank of America Stadium.

Chelsea pulled one back as Madueke headed in Enzo Fernandez's cross at the far post in the 39th minute.

Maresca made no substitutes at half-time but his tweaked team looked more solid as they played out a drab goalless second half where the best opportunity was a spurned one-on-one chance for Christopher Nkunku.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were still without a host of star players, but wide attacker Vinicius Jr excelled in the absence of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who are expected to train as early as tomorrow as both sides flew back to Europe immediately after the match.

Chelsea next face Inter Milan in their final friendly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday before their Premier League opener at home against champions Manchester City on 18 August.

Madrid next face Atalanta in the Uefa Super Cup in Warsaw on Wednesday 14 August, which pits the Champions League winners against the Europa League winners, as a curtain-raiser for European competitions.

Maresca concerned about leaky backline

Chelsea conceded 63 goals under Mauricio Pochettino in the league last season, an unwanted club record during the Premier League era.

That tendency not to press with intensity and allow quality players - like those at Celtic, Manchester City and Madrid on this tour - time on the ball to pick them off has continued.

Maresca said: "One of my first meetings with the squad was about the amount of goals we conceded last year with the defensive line very high.

"We are not working on defensive lines so high. It's a habit from last year, or years ago, I don't know.

"We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five metres, just to have some advantage.

"Last year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully we can solve it very soon."

The former Leicester manager continued by explaining it is not an issue with his defence, which featured Reece James, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto, but the team as a whole.

The Italian has also been attempting to implement his new system and style which has seen several individual mistakes leading directly to goals conceded in the United States.

Maresca has previously admitted to using his matches as "training sessions", without time to do tactical work in between all the travel and the five matches in 14 days in the high heat of the United States.

That instability must be resolved, he says, before Chelsea face Manchester City in their Premier League opener.

Vinicius Jr shows importance before Mbappe arrival

Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr reminded the 55,000 crowd of mainly Madrid supporters of his class before Mbappe's imminent arrival.

This was Vinicius' first start in pre-season after his involvement in the Copa America and he put on a show for those in attendance, creating several chances alongside his typical work rate in pressing and making runs behind to test that high Chelsea defensive line.

He curled his first effort just wide, then forced a mistake in the box which led to a huge missed Diaz chance. His through ball assist gave another opportunity for the 25-year-old Morocco midfielder, which he dispatched.

Mbappe may soon become the focus, with England's star midfielder Bellingham also in the squad, but Vinicius remains one of the most exciting attackers in the world and a contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Huge squad, but limited striker options

Hardworking striker Marc Guiu, 18, who was signed from Barcelona for £5m, has started all but one of Chelsea's pre-season matches.

Guiu showed promising signs in other matches, but was quiet against the highest level of opposition in European champions Madrid.

Alternative option Nicolas Jackson only did his first training session yesterday and Chelsea look short of options despite boasting a huge squad of 45 players.

Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja, who was left out of the matchday squad despite being fit, look set to leave.

It leaves Nkunku, who finished the match up front, as the most likely option to start against Manchester City.

But the Frenchman has looked good in a midfield role in parts of Maresca's pre-season.

It's clear why Chelsea are looking to add to their options amid active talks to sign Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion, with interest alive in Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

BBC
 
Fulham have confirmed that Tim Ream is leaving after nine years at the club to join MLS side Charlotte
 
Arsenal cruise past Leverkusen; Villa beat Bilbao

Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with an impressive 4-1 win over German champions Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, playing their first home game since the final day of last season, raced into an early 2-0 lead through goals by Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard.

Gabriel Jesus capitalised on a loose Leverkusen throw-in to run clear and make it 3-0 before the interval.

Bukayo Saka came off the bench to create the fourth with a clever cut-back, which former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka helplessly prodded towards Germany forward Kai Havertz who reacted quickly to score.

Leverkusen, who finished unbeaten in last season's Bundesliga, claimed a late consolation through Adam Hlozek.

Arsenal are at home again on Sunday when they face Lyon in the Emirates Cup.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Cameron Archer scored a late solo winner as Aston Villa edged past Athletic Bilbao 3-2 at Walsall's Bescot Stadium.

Villa had been pegged back twice before Archer raced onto a long ball and rounded the goalkeeper to seal victory.

Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring after a neat team move but Bilbao drew level through Yeray Alvarez.

Jaden Philogene handed Unai Emery's side the advantage once again on the hour mark but Bilbao equalised for a second time through Gorka Guruzeta's smart finish.

Villa end their pre-season campaign against Borussia Dortmund at the German team's Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.

BBC
 

Saka and James nominated for PFA young player awards​


Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea's Cole Palmer have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's young player of the year award - with Blues playmaker Lauren James and Manchester City's Khiara Keating contenders for the women's honour.

Saka, who won the award in 2022-23, is on the men's six-player shortlist after the England international scored 16 goals and provided nine assists from the wing in the Premier League last season.

Chelsea's James put herself in the frame for back-to-back PFA women's young player awards by scoring 13 goals in 16 games to help her team win the Women's Super League.

The award winners will be announced on Tuesday, 20 August.

England forward Palmer, 22, joined Chelsea from Manchester City on 1 September last year and enjoyed an excellent Premier League season as he contributed to 33 goals, scoring 22 times.

He and Saka, who is also 22 years old, then provided a youthful spark for England during their run to the Euro 2024 final.

Representing Manchester United on the PFA men's shortlist are Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, the team's FA Cup final goalscorers.

Midfielder Mainoo, 19, developed into an important part of Erik ten Hag's first team and went on to feature in England's Euros campaign.

Mainoo also scored the second goal against Manchester City as United won the FA Cup final 2-1 at Wembley in May.

Winger Garnacho, who got the first goal in the cup final, was a threat on both flanks for United last season as the 20-year-old Argentine forward scored 10 goals in all competitions.

Michael Olise, who moved from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich in the summer, is also on the PFA list.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 league appearances during 2023-24 before moving to Germany.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Joao Pedro completes the nominees.

The Seagulls' 22-year-old Brazilian forward scored 20 goals in all competitions.

James, 22, may appear an outstanding candidate for the women's young player prize, but her fellow nominees also had outstanding years.

Goalkeeper Keating, 20, won the WSL's Golden Glove prize after keeping nine clean sheets for City and conceding the fewest goals in the league.

Also nominated is James' Chelsea team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones, 21, who scored 11 league goals in a breakthrough season and has gone on to make her England debut.

Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier, who was an ever-present in the league, makes the top six. The 22-year-old also helped United beat Tottenham 4-0 in the Women's FA Cup final.

A second Manchester City player makes the list as 22-year-old attacking midfielder Jess Park is recognised, having been a key player for Gareth Taylor’s side in their title run-in with Chelsea.

Midfielder Grace Clinton is a nominee after her impressive season on loan at Tottenham from Manchester United.

She scored four goals and added four assists last term, with the 21-year-old earning her first England caps as a result of her form.

Indeed, all six nominees have become a part of Sarina Wiegman's England squad.

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PFA awards: Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Lauren James nominated for young player of the year prizes

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Lauren James are nominees for the PFA's young player of the year honours.
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Premier League sends warning that will affect Manchester United and Man City

Premier League bosses have asked club managers and executives to tone down their criticism of VAR this season as they believe it helps foster an environment of negativity around the system.

All 20 clubs have had a visit from the Premier League during pre-season to discuss VAR, with changes to how the system will work explained to players and managers, as well as video examples to show how subjective some calls can be.

A survey of some decisions found players split down the middle of whether a decision was right and whether it should have been referred, which Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) believe shows how difficult the job can sometimes be for referees.

This season VAR will put a renewed focus on what is being termed 'referee's call' in an effort to get the Video Assistant Referee to only become involved if a decision reaches a high bar for review and is considered 'clear and obvious'.

The technology came in for widespread criticism last season and Wolves put forward a motion to scrap it, which was defeated by 19 votes to one at the Premier League's AGM.

But officials are aware some tinkering was required and changes will be made this season, with fans in the stadium getting more access to replays while semi-automated offsides will be introduced at some point this season. There is also a desire to trial referee announcements at some point during the campaign.

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Premier League sends warning that will affect Manchester United and Man City

The Premier League season resumes on Friday and Man Utd and Manchester City managers and executives have been spoken to about VAR.
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FA fines Forest manager Nuno and defender Williams​


Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and defender Neco Williams have been fined for misconduct by the Football Association after last season's defeat by Everton.

Nuno has been fined £40,000 and handed a one-game touchline ban, which is suspended until 31 May 2026, while Williams has been fined £24,000.

It follows their comments after Forest had three penalty decisions go against them in their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Goodison Park in April.

Nuno said the officials had "bad" games while Williams told Sky Sports: "Every single week this happens now. We are getting decisions against us, I don’t know why. Is it because we are a lower, bottom half of the table team?"

Both men have also been warned about their future conduct.

"Nuno Espirito Santo and Neco Williams have been sanctioned for misconduct in relation to media comments made after their game against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, 21 April 2024," the FA said in a statement.

"It was alleged that the manager and player's comments constitute improper conduct in that they implied bias and/or questioned the integrity of the match officials and/or bring the game into disrepute."

A decision by the FA against the club is still to be made, however, after Forest released an angry statement on X - seen over 45m times - just minutes after the final whistle.

The club claimed they told referees body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) that the game's video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell was allegedly a fan of relegation rivals Luton.

The fallout from the game also led to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg leaving his role as a referee analyst at Forest.

Clattenburg, in the Mail on Sunday, called the decisions a "joke" and said Forest were "feeling victimised".

www.bbc.com

Nottingham Forest: FA fines Nuno Espirito Santo and Neco Williams for misconduct

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and defender Neco Williams are fined for misconduct by the Football Association after last season's defeat by Everton.
www.bbc.com
 

Textor granted exclusivity in Everton takeover bid​


Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has granted a period of exclusivity to John Textor as the American businessman aims to purchase a majority stake in the Premier League club.

BBC Sport understands discussions have taken place around the feasibility of an agreement, but a deal is not close at this stage.

Textor is the latest party in the frame to take over the Toffees after talks broke down with both 777 Partners and the Friedkin Group this summer.

However, any deal is dependent on Textor selling his 45% stake in Crystal Palace, as Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.

Everton declined to comment when contact by BBC Sport.

Speaking earlier on Thursday when previewing his side's Premier League opener against Brighton, Everton manager Sean Dyche said: "We can't affect the business model of the club in terms of someone buying it.

"Just fingers crossed it [a resolution] gets found. It's been here since I got here. It goes higher volume and lower volume depending on results and the bigger picture of the club.

"I always believe in controlling the controllables and I can't decide when the club gets sold and who buys it. We've just got to wait for that period when it happens and if it doesn't, just keep working hard."

Asked if he had spoken to Moshiri, Dyche said: "Nothing of any depth. Just messages and stuff like that.

"I will probably see or speak to him soon, but there has been nothing too much to report from him to me or me to him."

www.bbc.com

Everton takeover: John Textor granted exclusivity by Farhad Moshiri

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has granted a period of exclusivity to John Textor as the American businessman aims to purchase a majority stake in the Premier League club.
www.bbc.com
 
Bournemouth have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Evanilson from Porto in a club record £40.2m deal

Evanilson, 24, scored 60 goals in 154 appearances for Porto during his four years in Portugal.

The Cherries will pay an initial fee of £31.7m with the potential for another £8.5m on top, should certain clauses be met, making him their most expensive buy.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: "Evanilson is a hugely sought-after striker and for us to bring him to the club in a record-breaking deal shows our ambition and intent.

"Having scored 25 goals last season, including goals in the Champions League, we feel that his experience and ability despite only being 24 will help us to match our ambitions moving forward.

"It's well known that we were keen on bringing a striker to the football club and for us to complete this deal so quickly is a testament to our recruitment team."

Evanilson is a two-time Brazil international, having won his first senior international cap earlier this year.

He was part of Brazil's squad at the Copa America, featuring as a late substitute in their quarter-final exit to Uruguay.

The new recruit will wear the number nine shirt vacated by Dominic Solanke, who signed for Tottenham in a deal worth up to £65m earlier this month.

Source: BBC
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Full Time

Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Click to expand...
Manchester United's £36m new-boy Joshua Zirkzee became an instant Old Trafford hero as he scored the 87th-minute winner against Fulham.

The former Bologna man came on with Alejandro Garnacho after an hour as United struggled to find a breakthrough against Marco Silva's side.

And the pair combined in the nick of time as the Argentina winger crossed from the right and Zirkzee calmly steered the ball into the bottom corner in a hammer blow for Fulham.

After a slow start, during which Andre Onana tipped an early Kenny Tete effort over, it was United who carried the greater threat.

But three times they were denied by superb saves from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Twice United skipper Bruno Fernandes was repelled, the second stop bringing yells of frustration from the Portuguese midfielder. The third time it was Mason Mount who only had Leno to beat as Marcus Rashford crossed from the left.

In front of co-chair Avie Glazer, who was making a rare visit to this stadium, and new chief executive Omar Berrada, Fernandes curled another effort straight at Leno.

United were not to be denied though. Erik ten Hag might have said his side were not ready for the game. But they still managed to win it.

Source: BBC
 
Excellent win for the Mighty Reds. Fulham are a VERY tricky outfit, so three points on the board will only build confidence and build momentum.
 
FearlessRoar said:

Half Time​

​

First Half ends, Ipswich Town 0, Liverpool 0.
Click to expand...
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Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scored the goals as Arne Slot's reign as Liverpool head coach began with a hard-fought victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town at a boisterous Portman Road

Portuguese forward Jota finished off a flowing Liverpool move involving Salah and the impressive Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly after the hour mark, side-footing the Egyptian's low cross past Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton.

And it was 2-0 just five minutes later, Salah finishing Dominik Szoboszlai's pass for his ninth opening-day goal - a Premier League record.

Playing their first top-flight game in 22 years, Ipswich were more than a match for Slot's team in the first half and went closest to opening the scoring before half-time, first through Jacob Greaves' downward header and then Omar Hutchinson's low drive.

But Liverpool were much improved after the restart and should have taken the lead when Jota nodded Alexander-Arnold's inch-perfect cross narrowly wide of the far post early in the second half.

The 27-year-old made amends for that miss moments later, before Salah put the seal on a narrow win and condemned Ipswich to their first home defeat in nearly 12 months.

BBC Sport
 
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Arsenal got their Premier League campaign under way with a comfortable victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium

Kai Havertz headed in a first-half opener for the Gunners from Bukayo Saka's cross from the right, with the England forward adding their second after the break with a powerful left-foot shot into the right corner after the visitors were caught out by a quickly taken free-kick.

While Arsenal were far from at their best, they always looked in control of the contest and more than merited their win against determined opponents.

Wolves debutant Jorgen Strand Larsen saw his first-half header well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

And substitute Matheus Cunha should have done better with a tame effort straight at Raya in a period when Wolves were chasing an equaliser.

However, Wolves boss Gary O'Neil can have little complaint at the outcome, with his side fashioning few clear-cut opportunities over the course of the afternoon.

BBC Sport
 
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Brighton's young manager Fabian Hurzeler started his Premier League career with an impressive win that meant Everton began their final season at Goodison Park in miserable fashion

The venue has been Everton's home ground since 1892, but they will move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season.

Hurzeler, the Premier League's youngest ever permanent manager, and his Brighton side were in no mood to provide any sentiment towards the opposition.

Tackles flew in during a thunderous first half in which Everton's Jack Harrison had an early goal ruled out for offside, while at the other end Joao Pedro rattled the post with a stinging low drive.

The visitors took the lead courtesy of Kaoru Mitoma's easy finish at the back post following fine work from debutant Yankuba Minteh, who was heavily linked with a move to Everton before joining Brighton this summer.

Everton had a penalty award overturned at the start of the second half despite Lewis Dunk appearing to catch Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as referee Simon Hooper reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Feeling hard done by, Everton were then punished further as Idrissa Gueye misplaced a pass in midfield, allowing the Seagulls to counter, and Danny Welbeck stroked in a lovely finish from the edge of the box.

Everton's Ashley Young was sent off as the last man for pulling back Japan international Mitoma, and Simon Adingra slid home a third goal late on to inflict a thoroughly desperate opening defeat on the home side.

BBC Sport
 
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Joelinton's goal secured a hard-fought opening-day victory for 10-man Newcastle over newly promoted Southampton in an ill-tempered match at St James' Park

A dreadful pass from Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy gifted the ball to striker Alexander Isak, who set up Brazil midfielder Joelinton to score with Newcastle's only shot on target just before half-time.

That goal came 17 minutes after home defender Fabian Schar had been shown a red card for going head-to-head with Ben Brereton Diaz, after he had been shoved in the back by the Southampton forward.

Brereton Diaz dropped to the ground after minimal contact from Schar and referee Craig Pawson sent off the Swiss defender.

Schar's red card galvanised St James' Park as the noise levels rose and Eddie Howe's side dug deep to defend waves of Southampton attacks.

Tempers flared even further at half-time with both sets of players pushing and shoving in the tunnel.

In a more subdued second half, Southampton came agonisingly close to equalising through Brereton Diaz but Lewis Hall's sublime clearance off the line kept the Magpies' clean sheet intact.

Southampton had 19 shots to Newcastle's three but failed to find an equaliser.

BBC Sport
 
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Antoine Semenyo's late goal snatched a point for Bournemouth as they came from behind to hold Nottingham Forest on the opening day

Chris Wood swept home the Forest opener in the 23rd minute after Cherries goalkeeper Neto parried a Ryan Yates shot to his feet.

It followed a sickening early leg injury to their Brazilian midfielder Danilo, who was taken off on a stretcher after a clash with Semenyo.

Bournemouth - who had a goal disallowed in the first half - were much improved in the second half and levelled as Semenyo bundled home from close range when Forest failed to properly clear a cross.

BBC Sport
 
‘Unfinished business’ – Jobe Bellingham set to stay at Sunderland amid Premier League interest

Jobe Bellingham says that he has 'unfinished business' at Sunderland after committing to a new contract.

The midfielder was the subject of intense Premier League interest earlier in the summer with Crystal Palace, Brentford and Southampton all eyeing a move for the player.

However Bellingham opted to turn down the prospect of a move, instead choosing to stay at the Stadium Of Light.

Having joined from Birmingham City last summer, the brother of Real Madrid star Jude has now extended his stay on Wearside until the summer of 2028.

Speaking to Sunderland's website, Bellingham said: “I’m buzzing to sign this contract and extend my stay at Sunderland.

"I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business and I believe we can achieve some great things this season.

"This is such an amazing city and I’m so proud to represent the people within it. Everyone has made me feel right at home and I couldn’t imagine playing for a club where it didn’t mean as much as it does to our fans.

"I enjoy playing for Sunderland and I can’t wait to get back to the Stadium of Light this weekend.”

The club's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman added: “Jobe has fully immersed himself in Sunderland since day one and he has a clear affection for the area and the supporters.

"We always planned to extend his initial contract, but when a player performs so well in their breakthrough season, it is only natural for other opportunities to arise.

"Despite this, Jobe has been consistent that Sunderland is where he wants to be and his desire to remain at the club is a big boost for us heading into our first home game.”

Since joining from Birmingham, the 18-year-old scored seven goals in 45 appearances last term.

He then spent the summer watching his brother, Jude, in action for England at Euro 2024.

But all the while, he was seemingly preparing himself for a big season at the Stadium Of Light.

Bellingham got off to a flying start to this season, grabbing an assist in Sunderland's opening day victory over Cardiff at the weekend.

He'll now be hoping to be a key man for Regis Le Bris as the Black Cats target a top six finish this term.

talksport.com

Jobe Bellingham set to stay at Sunderland amid Premier League interest

Jobe Bellingham says that he has ‘unfinished business’ at Sunderland after committing to a new contract. The midfielder was the subject of intense Premier League interest earlier in the…
talksport.com talksport.com
 
Substitute Jhon Duran scored a late winner as Aston Villa opened their Premier League campaign with victory at West Ham

Duran latched on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining, a few weeks after the striker was reportedly the subject of two failed transfer bids from the Hammers.

Andre Onana had opened the scoring minutes into his Aston Villa debut when the Belgium midfielder was left unmarked in the box to head home Youri Tielemans' corner after four minutes.

West Ham got back into the contest before the break when Matty Cash was adjudged to have fouled Tomas Soucek after a tangle in the box.

Lucas Paqueta stepped up and slotted the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner with his stuttering run-up causing Emiliano Martinez to dive the wrong way.

However, Duran had the final say as Villa eventually made their dominance pay.

Source: BBC
 

‘We showed we hate 12.30pm’: Slot makes light of Liverpool’s slow start against Ipswich​


After Liverpool won his first Premier League game in charge, Saturday lunchtime’s 2-0 victory at Ipswich, Arne Slot saw no problem in namechecking Jürgen Klopp. “When I started here there were many things and one of them was that Jürgen hated 12.30pm kick-offs,” said the former Feyenoord manager. “And we showed we hate the 12.30pm kick-offs. The first half was not good enough, second half was a real good performance.”

Ipswich, back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, had been much the better team in the first 45 minutes. The second half was a rather different story, a far more aggressive Liverpool picking off the newly promoted team and scoring goals through Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.

“We as a team made a big change at half-time because we came out totally different,” said Slot. The centre-half Jarell Quansah was replaced at the break by Ibrahima Konaté for what Liverpool’s manager confirmed as tactical reasons. “But I have to give credit to Ipswich because they were aggressive. They were not afraid, they went one versus one, but second half we won more duels, more second balls and played more balls in behind. If a team takes the risk of one versus one and you have Jota, Salah and [Luis] Díaz, then use them.”

Kieran McKenna was not downhearted. “It was a really positive first-half performance,” the Ipswich manager said, “and we’ve shown all the ingredients we need to have a good season. The challenge is to do it longer and to do it for 90 minutes.”

Only Axel Tuanzebe had previously started a Premier League game. “For 10 players to make first Premier League start, it is climbing the mountain,” said McKenna. “I am very proud of them, they should be proud.”

Salah’s goal saw him establish a record with a ninth goal on Premier League opening weekends but he admitted to teething troubles under the new coach. “We just need to know his way of playing and enjoy the football,” the Egyptian said of Slot. “We don’t need to put more pressure on him, we just need to play football and enjoy our games. Let’s see in the end.”

The forward’s contract situation, along with those of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, remains unresolved despite his continuing prowess in front of goal. Slot said: “If I see what he does to keep his body and be ready, there are many more years. But I am looking now at Brentford [next week] and not the end of the season.”

www.theguardian.com

‘We showed we hate 12.30pm’: Slot makes light of Liverpool’s slow start against Ipswich

Arne Slot praised Liverpool’s much-improved second-half performance after his side beat promoted Ipswich 2-0
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Crystal Palace had the ball in the net through Eberechi Eze's freekick but it was disallowed for a foul in the build up

Three minutes later... Brentford take the lead through Bryan Mbeumo
 
FearlessRoar said:
Half Time

First Half ends, Brentford 1, Crystal Palace 0.
Click to expand...
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Brentford started their season with a narrow win over Crystal Palace, despite leaving out striker Ivan Toney over "transfer interest"

Bryan Mbeumo scored Brentford's opener in the 29th minute, shortly after Crystal Palace had their own strike controversially ruled out.

Eberechi Eze had found the net direct from a wide free-kick, but referee Sam Barrott had already blown his whistle for a foul before the ball crossed the line.

Moments later, Mbeumo put Brentford in front by squeezing the ball beyond Palace keeper Dean Henderson following a mazy run.

Palace got a deserved equaliser in the 56th minute when Ethan Pinnock poked Daniel Munoz's header into his own net with Odsonne Edouard lurking behind him.

But Brentford scored a 78th-minute winner through Yoane Wissa's tap-in after Henderson had kept out Nathan Collins.

BBC Sport
 

Sterling representatives want 'clarity' on Chelsea future​


Raheem Sterling's representatives want "clarity" about the forward's future at Chelsea after he was left out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Manchester City.

In a statement his representatives said Sterling has a "good working relationship" with new Blues manager Enzo Maresca but there was an "expectation" he would be involved in Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have spent about £185m on 11 signings this summer, leaving Maresca with a squad of more than 40 senior players.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with," said the statement.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

Asked about his decision to leave out Sterling, Maresca told Sky Sports: "The manager has to make some decisions. Sometimes players don't like it, that's normal.

"Just a technical decision, no more than that."

Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022.

He was one of the first players to join the club following the takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

About £1.5bn has been spent on transfers since, with a focus on younger players with high resale value.

www.bbc.com

Raheem Sterling's representatives want 'clarity' on forward's Chelsea future

Raheem Sterling's representatives want "clarity" about the forward's future at Chelsea after he is left out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Manchester City.
www.bbc.com
 
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Erling Haaland scored on his 100th Manchester City appearance as the Premier League champions began their title defence with a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Haaland opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a dinked finish over Robert Sanchez for his 91st City goal since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made the game safe late on with a curling shot from just outside the penalty area.

A low-key match only fleetingly burst into life, with Kevin de Bruyne curling just wide from the edge of the box shortly after Haaland's opener, before Sanchez made a fine save from Jeremy Doku’s deflected drive.

Nicolas Jackson thought he had equalised after City goalkeeper Ederson fumbled Cole Palmer’s shot into his path, but the forward had just strayed offside.

Senegal striker Jackson fired a first-time volley straight at Ederson as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser after the break.

City also went close through Haaland, while Rico Lewis had a goal disallowed, before Kovacic sealed the points.
 
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The evergreen Jamie Vardy marked his return to the Premier League with a goal as promoted Leicester held Tottenham to a draw at King Power Stadium.

Vardy, 37, scored with the hosts first shot on target, nodding in Abdul Fatawu's cross from close range just before the hour mark.

The goal cancelled out Pedro Porro's first-half opener for a Spurs side who had been utterly dominant in the opening 45 minutes and should have been comfortably clear before Vardy struck.

Summer signing Dominic Solanke, who moved to Tottenham for a fee that could rise to £65m, missed a number of early opportunities to score on his debut, twice directing tame headers at Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Instead, Vardy's equaliser brought Leicester to life and they could have taken all three points themselves as Tottenham struggled to deal with their energy and enthusiasm.

The former England striker could have secured the win himself as he was sent through on goal but his low strike was kept out by Guglielmo Vicario.

Neither side could find a winner and while Leicester will see it as an important point in what is likely to be a bid to stay up this season, it will be a frustrating result for Spurs after their first-half dominance.
 
Last edited:

Maresca 'honest, not brutal' to Sterling and Chilwell​


Enzo Maresca said he has been "honest" rather than brutal with Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell as both continue to train away from Chelsea's first-team squad.

The Chelsea manager believes he has been clear with the "more than 15 players" - including forward Sterling and left-back Chilwell - who are being asked to train apart from his main group.

Maresca said Chelsea look like "a mess... from outside" as they attempt to trim a bloated squad, but he insisted that was far from being the reality.

He also denied there is any further need for "clarity" about Sterling's status, as the 82-cap England international's representatives have claimed.

Maresca stated he spoke to Sterling before leaving him out of the squad for Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

He does not expect to have further conversations with Sterling prior to the play-off match against Servette in the Conference League on Thursday.

The player's representatives said Sterling had expected to be involved against City, which led Maresca to be asked in a news conference on Wednesday whether his handling of the situation had been "brutal".

Maresca said: "Brutal? I don't think so. I try to be honest. I can repeat again if it's not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason why he is out of the squad.

"With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it's up to you to decide. For me, it's not brutal, it's just honest."

Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022.

"I spoke with Raheem one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game," Maresca said.

"He is training apart, as I said, but in case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don't have anything new to tell him because I was quite clear."

Sterling and Chilwell are among a host of players now deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and could be sold before deadline day.

Maresca is frustrated by persistent accusations that he is working with a 42-man squad.

"I'm not working with 42 or 43 players. You like to say we have 42 or 43 players but more than 15 players are training apart, they are not with the team," said the former Leicester City manager.

"I don't see them, so it's not a mess like it looks from outside. Absolutely not."

The English summer transfer window closes on August 30 and Chelsea could allow several players to depart as they seek a more manageable squad size.

"As I said many times, many things can happen in the last 10 days, the last week, so we'll see," Maresca said.

Reece James will miss the Servette game because of injury, and Joao Felix has not been registered in time to be involved following his £45m move from Ateltico Madrid.

www.bbc.com

Enzo Maresca: Chelsea manager denies Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have had brutal treatment

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has cut England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell from his training squad, casting doubt on their Blues future.
www.bbc.com
 
HALF-TIME

Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

Advantage Brighton. Manchester United's mood is about the same as the weather.
 
Team news - Unchanged sides for Fulham and Leicester

Fulham v Leicester (15:00 BST)

Fulham boss Marco Silva names an unchanged side to the one that fell to a late 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford last week.

Neither of the Cottagers new big signings from this week - Sander Berge or Joachim Andersen - make the bench.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Muniz, Adama, Iwobi, Pereira, Lukic, Diop, Smith Rowe, Robinson.

Subs: Benda, Jimenez, Wilson, Cairney, Cuenca, Castagne, Stansfield, Sessegnon.

Steve Cooper also goes with the same Leicester team that clinched a 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Monday.

Jordan Ayew, who joined the Foxes on Friday, is named among the substitutes.

Leicester XI: Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Ndidi, Fatawu, Winks, Vardy, Decordova-Reid, Kristiansen, Vestergaard, Buonanotte.

Subs: Ward, Okoli, Mavididi, Choudhury, Ayew, Pereira, Skipp, Soumare, McAteer.
 
Team news - Three changes for Palace; Hammers unchanged

Crystal Palace v West Ham (15:00 BST)

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner makes three changes to the Eagles side that started last weekend’s defeat at Brentford.

Debutant Chadi Riad, Jefferson Lerma and Odsonne Edouard come in, replacing Daichi Kamada, Will Hughes and Joachim Andersen, who joined Fulham on Friday.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Riad, Guehi, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell, Edouard, Eze, Mateta

Subs: Johnstone, Ward, Holding, Sarr, Schlupp, Clyne, Kamada, Doucoure, Ahamada

Julen Lopetegui keeps faith with the West Ham team that lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa last Saturday.

Fit-again Edson Alvarez is on the bench, as are summer signings Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

West Ham XI: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson, Rodriguez, Bowen, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Antonio

Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Summerville, Ward-Prowse, Fullkrug, Ings, Alvarez, Todibo, Wan-Bissaka
 
Gundogan on bench for City return

Man City v Ipswich (15:00 BST)

Ilkay Gundogan is named on the Manchester City bench following his return to the club from Barcelona.

Savinho is fit enough to start for Pep Guardiola's side, making his home debut for the champions.

Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Ake, Grealish, Gundogan, Nunes, Kabore, McAtee

For Ipswich, summer signing Sammie Szmodics makes his full debut, while Liam Delap starts against his former club.

Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is fit enough to start after missing the opening defeat to Liverpool because of a calf injury.

Ipswich XI: Muric, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Luongo, Johnson, Szmodics, Hutchinson, Delap.

Subs: Walton, Walton, Edmundson, Burgess, Townsend, Cajuste, Taylor, Harness, Chaplin, Al-Hamadi
 
Wowser!

FULL-TIME

Brighton 2-1 Man Utd

Played two. Won two. Brighton are flying! Manchester United cannot believe what has just happened.
 
MenInG said:
Wowser!

FULL-TIME

Brighton 2-1 Man Utd

Played two. Won two. Brighton are flying! Manchester United cannot believe what has just happened.
Click to expand...
Joao Pedro headed home a dramatic 95th-minute winner for Brighton who extended their 100% start of the season at the expense of Manchester United

United thought they had won the game themselves when Alejandro Garnacho turned home Bruno Fernandes' low cross 18 minutes from time.

However, that effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check as the ball struck fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee just before it crossed the line.

So Pedro was able to win it and give Fabian Hurzeler a dream start as Brighton manager after being left on his own to convert Simon Adingra's far-post cross.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck had given the hosts a first-half lead with his fifth Premier League goal against his old club, then hit the crossbar with a second half header as Brighton scented blood.

United briefly took control after Amad Diallo had levelled on the hour but once Garnacho's effort had been ruled out, the nearest they came was long-distance efforts from Scott McTominay and Casemiro, neither of which found their target.

The winner created a party atmosphere at the final whistle, with Hurzeler, about whom there has been so much doubt following his appointment at the age of just 31, clearly elated and Billy Gilmour, who has been linked with Napoli, named man of the match, to more cheers from the home fans, who want the Scot to stay.

Have your say on Brighton’s performance, external

What did you make of Man Utd's display?, external

Every time Brighton change managers, it seems some feel it will be the trigger for a fall from grace.

The critics were wrong when Graham Potter replaced Chris Hughton, incorrect when Roberto de Zerbi took over after Potter left for Chelsea and they were out again when De Zerbi quit and Hurzeler came in.

Each time, the Brighton model proves durable enough to cope.

Clearly, it is far too early to make a judgement on Hurzeler. But after hammering Everton on the opening day, the German could not have had a better start.

There was an element of luck involved in this success given Zirkzee only got in the way of Garnacho's effort because he was unable to halt his slide towards goal after he had missed Fernandes’ cross.

But there was plenty to like about Brighton and with Rutter and Denmark midfielder Matt O'Reilly, who should complete his £25m move from Celtic this weekend, to fully integrate, there is plenty of improvement expected.

Welbeck remains a key element though. The 33-year-old signed a new contract in May that will keep him at Brighton until 2026.

He remains a potent threat and still has the speed and physicality to cause most defences problems.

Welbeck clearly likes playing against his boyhood club judging by the number of times he has scored against them.

His latest effort owed much to Harry Maguire opting against taking the risk of turning a low cross into his own goal, which allowed Kaoru Mitoma to collect a loose ball at the far post and deliver a return pass between a gap in defenders to give Welbeck a tap-in.

BBC Sport
 
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Second-half goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen earned West Ham a first Premier League win under new manager Julen Lopetegui and condemned Crystal Palace to their first home defeat since early April

Soucek converted a loose ball inside the Palace area to give the Hammers the lead with their first effort on target, after fine work from substitute Aaron Wan-Bissaka down the right flank.

And Bowen netted his first-ever goal against Palace five minutes later, firing a left-footed drive inside the near post before celebrating in front of the jubilant Hammers supporters.

There were chances at both ends in an entertaining opening 20 minutes at Selhurst Park, with Michail Antonio and Mohammed Kudus going close for West Ham and Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard missing golden opportunities for Palace.

Eze was denied by the woodwork late in the first half, his sweetly struck effort from a short-corner routine coming back off the crossbar with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola well beaten.

The second period was a less entertaining affair until Soucek broke the deadlock midway through the half, with Bowen all but ending Palace's hopes of a route back into the game with his well-taken effort.

West Ham were perhaps a little unfortunate to come away empty handed from last weekend's game against Crystal Palace, but they rode their luck at Selhurst Park - particularly in the first half - to claim a confidence-boosting three points.

Antonio nodded Soucek's flick-on wide of the near post and Kudus struck the side-netting as the visitors started brightly, but they failed to register a shot on target in the first half and were lucky to go into half-time on level terms after Eze and Edouard fluffed their lines with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, with neither side looking particularly likely to break the deadlock until Soucek sent a left-footed shot beyond Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Former Palace defender Wan-Bissaka played a crucial role in the opening goal, collecting the ball deep inside his own half before laying it off to Bowen, who fed Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian's shot was blocked but Palace failed to clear the loose ball, allowing Soucek to side-foot home.

Bowen's effort was a little more pleasing on the eye, the winger sending a powerful shot low into Henderson’s bottom left corner after running onto Max Kilman's precise pass and sidestepping Palace defender Chadi Riad.

Not only was this the Hammers' first triumph over Palace since January 2022, it was also their first top-flight clean sheet in 20 matches, the last coming in a goalless draw with Brighton in January this year.

Following the departures of Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew this week - and with the future of Marc Guehi still unresolved - Palace manager Oliver Glasner will be looking to add one or two reinforcements to his squad before the summer transfer window closes on 30 August.

This result highlighted Palace's need to strengthen in attacking areas, with Eze and Edouard particularly wasteful in the first half.

Eze shot straight at Areola with only the Hammers goalkeeper to beat, before Edouard dragged a right-footed shot well wide of the far post from an equally promising position.

England international Eze was inches away from giving Palace the lead shortly before the interval, his brilliant curling effort from the corner of the penalty area failing to dip under the crossbar.

Second-half substitute Ismaila Sarr was also denied by the bar late on as the Eagles slumped to a second consecutive Premier League defeat.

The reverse brings an end to the Eagles' run of four consecutive home league victories, while this was also the first time striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has failed to find the net at Selhurst Park since Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in the hot seat.

BBC Sport
 
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Alex Iwobi's 70th-minute winner gave Fulham victory over Leicester in their first Premier League home game of the season

The Nigeria winger fired through the legs of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to restore Fulham's lead after Wout Faes had levelled for the Foxes before the break.

The Cottagers, who were dominant throughout, opened the scoring when club record signing Emile Smith Rowe slotted in.

Smith Rowe joined Fulham in a £34m deal from Arsenal earlier this month after falling out of favour with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta - making just 13 Premier League appearances last season.

But he hit the ground running at Craven Cottage, picking up the ball from Adama Traore on the left before driving towards Hermansen and firing into the far corner.

Faes' equaliser 20 minutes later was initially ruled out by referee Darren Bond, who judged Jamie Vardy to have been interfering with Bernd Leno in an offside position.

But the video assistant referee sent Bond to the pitchside monitor and he overturned the decision after seeing replays of the Fulham goalkeeper pushing Vardy out his way.

The visitors struggled for possession after Iwobi’s goal and lacked a clinical edge as they pushed for a late equaliser with Wilfred Ndidi coming closest, only to slam his shot straight at Leno in the final moments of injury time.

It is a first win of the season for Marco Silva's side, who came away from their opener at Manchester United empty handed, losing 1-0 to a late goal.

BBC Sport
 
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Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City showed Ipswich just how tough life in the Premier League can be with a comfortable victory at Etihad Stadium

The Tractor Boys are back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years and they had a dream start at the defending champions as Sammie Szmodics scored on his full debut, squeezing a shot through the legs of Ederson after seven minutes.

But the joy was very short-lived as Manchester City hit back with three goals in four minutes.

First, Haaland equalised with a well-taken penalty, given following a review by the video assistant referee after Sam Allison had initially deemed Savinho had dived.

Kevin de Bruyne then capitalised on hesitation by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to drive home before Haaland made it 3-1 after just 16 minutes when he rounded Muric to fire in.

Manchester City could have been even further ahead as they hit the woodwork twice, although Ipswich had a strong shout for a penalty denied when Leif Davis appeared to be brought down by Brazil winger Savinho inside the box.

The second half saw arguably the biggest cheer of the game as Ilkay Gundogan - who completed his move from Barcelona back to City on a one-year deal on Friday - came on to mark his return to the club.

Just as Ipswich looked to have limited Manchester City to three goals, Haaland struck with a low drive from distance late on to complete his hat-trick.

Victory means Manchester City have a 100% record from their two games so far while Ipswich, who faced Liverpool in their Premier League opener, are waiting for their first points after the most difficult of starts.

BBC Sport
 
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Morgan Gibbs-White scored the only goal of the game to give Nottingham Forest their first win of the new Premier League season at Southampton

His initial header was cleared by Yukinari Sugawara on the goalline but the Forest captain reacted quickly to tap in the rebound in the 70th minute.

Forest could have taken the lead in the first half but debutant Nikola Milenkovic shinned an effort wide from four yards.

Cameron Archer came within inches of equalising on his home debut for the Saints but he could not make contact on Charlie Taylor's ball across the face of goal.

Like in their opening day defeat to Newcastle, Southampton controlled the majority of the ball but failed to create many meaningful openings on goal.

Left wing-back Kyle Walker-Peters had one of the better opportunities. He was a constant threat in the second half and forced a save from Forest keeper Matz Sels after cutting inside on to his right foot.

Russell Martin's side remain winless in their previous 15 Premier League matches and without a goal in their past two.

BBC Sport
 
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Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham comfortably brushed aside a lacklustre Everton side to notch up their first Premier League win of the season

Tottenham peppered the Everton goal straight from kick-off and their early intensity was quickly rewarded.

A stylish move on the edge of the box culminated in Dejan Kulusevski cutting inside to tee up Yves Bissouma, whose crisp shot struck the underside of the crossbar on its way into the net.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was punished for dawdling on the ball shortly afterwards when Son stole it off the England number one and slotted into a vacant goal.

Cristian Romero headed in Tottenham's third from a corner after the break when he outmuscled James Tarkowski and Michael Keane to head in James Maddison's pinpoint inswinger.

Spurs skipper Son put the gloss on the result 13 minutes from time with a low angled finish through Pickford's legs after Micky van de Ven's enterprising run from one penalty box to the other.

Everton rarely threatened with a shot from Jesper Lindstrom, well saved by Guglielmo Vicario, a fleeting moment of attacking intent.

BBC Sport
 
Full Time

Aston Villa 0- 2 Arsenal

Arsenal survived their latest severe examination from bogey side Aston Villa to emerge with a statement victory after a thunderous encounter at Villa Park.

In a tale of two goalkeepers, Arsenal’s David Raya produced a miraculous second-half save from Ollie Watkins with the scoreline goalless before opposite number Emi Martinez blundered to allow Thomas Partey’s shot to squirm through his hands to gift the Gunners a vital two-goal cushion.

Arsenal were hanging on after Watkins missed a golden chance in the first half to put Villa ahead but the pivotal moment came after the break when Raya somehow recovered his ground to make a stunning one-handed stop from the England striker after Amadou Onana’s shot bounced back off the bar.

Mikel Arteta’s side took full advantage to go ahead after 67 minutes, substitute Leandro Trossard scoring with his first touch after replacing Gabriel Martinelli, with a smooth finish low past Martinez’s outstretched left hand.

Partey increased Arsenal’s lead 10 minutes later to seal a triumph that will taste particularly sweet after Villa inflicted damage on their title charge last season by completing a league double.

Source: BBC
 
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