LONDON — Xabi Alonso said Chelsea must resolve their defensive frailties after a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal took their goals conceded tally to seven in just three games this season. Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard sent Chelsea to their first defeat of the campaign after Morgan Rogers had put the Blues ahead after just 78 seconds. But after conceding twice against Fulham and three times against Brighton last…
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick lauded a “nearly perfect” performance but warned the Spanish champions can still get better after thrashing Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla on Sunday. Lamine Yamal scored twice, with Raphinha, Fermín López and Pedri also on target as Barça made it four wins from four to move clear at the top of the table after Real Madrid lost to Real Betis on Friday. “It’s all about the quality…
Arsenal came from behind to record a statement 2-1 win in their London derby against Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday. The result takes the defending champions up to second in the Premier League table, level on points with league leaders Manchester City after their win over Coventry City on Saturday. Morgan Rogers got the visitors off to a dream start when he put Chelsea in front after just two…
Michael Carrick has said that Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Everton “feels like a defeat” after his team conceded a 96th-minute equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in stoppage time for the hosts after United had twice taken the lead on Merseyside. Substitute Benjamin Sesko thought he had won it for the visitors in the 88th minute before a stunner from Everton debutant Maitland-Niles denied Carrick’s side all…
Everton struck late to break Manchester United hearts on Merseyside, as Ainsley Maitland-Niles equalised in the 96th minute and the match ended 2-2 after a frantic finish. United may have thought they’d won it in the 88th minute, when Benjamin Šeško scored soon after coming on as a substitute to make it 2-1 following Tyrique George‘s goal just five minutes earlier that had levelled the match. But United’s ecstasy turned…
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his desire to stand for re-election despite the continuing controversy surrounding his leadership. Infantino refused to answer questions about his future when asked by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday. He is under severe pressure to resign after trying to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. European governing body UEFA has led calls…
Mikel Arteta has praised Bukayo Saka’s determination to take his game to a new level during Arsenal’s Premier League title defence. Saka was affected by an Achilles injury last season that also lingered into England’s World Cup campaign, limiting him to only three starts in their eight games. The 25-year-old winger cut short his summer break to report early for club duty and that intent has been rewarded with goals…
A new-look Manchester City. Same old Erling Haaland. The Norway striker scored the 300th goal of his club career as City extended their 100% start by beating Coventry 1-0 to stay at the top of the Premier League on Saturday. Haaland’s 300 goals have come across spells at Molde, Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, as well as City. It has taken him just 384 appearances to reach that milestone,…
Michael Carrick insists Manchester United can compete with their Premier League rivals this season despite being out-spent in the transfer market. United brought in three midfielders over the summer at a cost of around £150 million ($202m). Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all invested more in transfer fees. But Carrick believes that despite the gulf his team can still match the traditional top six on the pitch. “I…