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Rodri strikes late on to send Man City top and break Sheffield United hearts
Rodri strikes late on to send Man City top and break Sheffield United hearts
Rodri’s late winner clinched Manchester City a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sheffield United and lifted them top of the Premier League. The City midfielder crashed home a shot from inside the area less than three minutes after Blades substitute Jayden Bogle had cancelled out Erling Haaland’s second-half header with an 85th-minute equaliser. It was a breathless finish to a game City had dominated – Haaland missed a first-half penalty – but Rodri’s strike finally ended the Blades’ brave resistance and sealed absent manager Pep Guardiola’s 200th win in the English top flight. With City assistant coach Juanma Lillo in charge of the visitors’ dugout as Guardiola recovers from back surgery in Barcelona, it took 12 minutes for his side to carve out their first chance as Haaland headed straight at Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. The home side, forced to replace Ben Osborn with summer signing Yasser Larouci in the 17th minute, stuck resolutely to their task as City hogged the ball and patiently probed for an opening. Foderingham denied the visitors again in the 26th minute by deflecting Alvarez’s shot for a corner. City were gifted the chance to take a first-half lead when Alvarez’s cross struck John Egan on the arm as the Blades skipper slid in to block and referee Jarred Gillett pointed straight to the spot. But Haaland failed to convert as his low, left-footed penalty struck Foderingham’s left-hand post. Blades defender George Baldock was booked for his juddering challenge on Jack Grealish before the interval and the home fans gave their side a standing ovation at the half-time whistle with the score at 0-0. Lillo stepped out into the technical area for the first time shortly after the restart to see Haaland shank Kyle Walker’s cross inches wide. There was now more urgency to City’s approach play. Rodri pulled a low effort wide, Foderingham rescued the Blades again by palming Haaland’s dinked effort for a corner and Alvarez lashed Grealish’s lay-off just wide. Walker then blazed over before City made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Grealish was marshalled by Baldock on the left edge of the area, but made space to clip the ball to the far post and Haaland powered home his third league goal of the season with a towering header. The Blades responded as substitute Oli McBurnie headed wide from a corner and at the other end Foderingham kept out Mateo Kovacic’s free-kick. Bramall Lane erupted in the 85th minute when substitute Bogle arrowed a shot inside the far post to haul his side level following an earlier error by former Blade Walker. But before a crowd of 31,336 could catch breath, Walker made amends by out-muscling Larouci out wide and his cross was lashed home by Rodri after Phil Foden had mis-controlled. The Blades almost snatched another equaliser when Anel Ahmedhodzic just failed to latch on to McBurnie’s cross, but City held firm to maintain their 100 per cent start. Read More Juanma Lillo says Pep Guardiola’s drive improves ‘everyone that is around him’ Juanma Lillo in ‘continuous contact’ with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola Premier League clubs take summer spending to nearly £2billion with week to go Eddie Howe urges Bruno Guimaraes to learn from social media criticism Football rumours: Arsenal and Tottenham eye Ivan Toney once betting ban ends Manchester City sign Jeremy Doku from Rennes for more than £50m
2023-08-27 23:56
Raphael Varane reveals how Real Madrid lessons can help Man Utd
Raphael Varane reveals how Real Madrid lessons can help Man Utd
Raphael Varane has discussed the lessons he learned from playing against Pep Guardiola's Barcelona while at Real Madrid ahead of the FA Cup final between Man Utd and Man City.
2023-06-02 16:17
Sarina Wiegman unwilling to take risks with Beth Mead’s fitness for World Cup
Sarina Wiegman unwilling to take risks with Beth Mead’s fitness for World Cup
England boss Sarina Wiegman says she was not prepared to take the risks with Beth Mead’s fitness after leaving her out of her squad for this summer’s World Cup. Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot and player of the tournament award when the Lionesses won the Euros last summer, misses out after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in November. Asked if there was ever a chance the Arsenal winger could have been in the squad, Wiegman told a press conference: “No, I don’t think so. “Beth is so positive and she’s going really well, but we said the time schedule she had, we would have taken so many risks to try to get her to the World Cup. “Very early we said we’re not going to take that risk, I’m not willing to take that risk, to push her too much and then she gets injured again. We have to take care of players and do what’s smart, and not do what’s a little bit naive.” There is a recall for in-form Bethany England, back involved for the first time since last September. The forward has scored 12 Women’s Super League goals for Tottenham after joining from Chelsea in January, and Wiegman said: “She was at Chelsea, she didn’t get the minutes. “Then she made a move and started playing. Tottenham was having a hard time, but how she performed and how much resilience she showed – I think that’s what made us make the decision to get her in the squad.” Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, also sidelined of late, do feature in a 23-player list from which skipper Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby had already been ruled out due to injury. Wiegman confirmed Bright is set to captain the side, and regarding her and Bronze’s recoveries from knee surgery, she said: “Lucy is fit and fully in training, and Millie is in a good place, so we’re positive. “She’s still building but we have some time. We need to build a little more but it looks good.” On Williamson’s absence after suffering an ACL injury of her own in April, Wiegman said: “Of course, most of all for her it’s very disappointing and sad, and that’s the same for Fran and for Beth Mead. “But you have to move on too. This is unfortunately part of top sports, that you can get injured. You hope to make that risk as small as possible but it can happen and someone else steps up and it gives an opportunity.” Jordan Nobbs is included despite sustaining an injury in Aston Villa’s penultimate game of the season, Katie Zelem has been brought back after not making the last squad in April, and there is no recall for Williamson’s predecessor as captain Steph Houghton. Jess Park, Maya Le Tissier – who Wiegman said was “really close” to making the 23 – and Emily Ramsey have been named on standby. Wiegman said there had been “hard decisions” and that while some players were missing through injury, she still feels “we have a very good squad, very good depth in the squad.” England get their campaign at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand under way by facing Haiti in Brisbane on July 22, and will also take on Denmark and China in Group D. Wiegman was also asked about the diversity of the squad in terms of there being 22 white players out of 23, and said: “Of course I understand that people look at it like that, and I really hope that will change, but that won’t change overnight. “I know the FA is doing lots of things, with ‘Discover My Talent’, ‘Let Girls Play’, to get everyone who wants to play football, whatever background you have, or wherever you come from, that you have access to it. “I think what our players did after the Euros, (asking to) have access in schools, which now had a big result, hopefully that brings more girls with different backgrounds into the game, so in the future we have more players from different backgrounds in the national team too. But for now I think that takes a little more time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Home favourite Caroline Garcia suffers shock second-round exit at Roland Garros Southend secure court order over player payments to help ensure survival Taking a look at the financial crisis gripping the Gallagher Premiership
2023-05-31 23:54
USMNT news: Marsch to Monaco, Aaronson's Leeds exit, Reynolds to West Ham
USMNT news: Marsch to Monaco, Aaronson's Leeds exit, Reynolds to West Ham
Today's USMNT news includes Jesse Marsch being linked with Monaco, there is speculation about Brenden Aaronson's future at Leeds United and West Ham have a plan for Bryan Reynolds.USMNT news: Jesse Marsch to MonacoJesse Marsch has been available since he was sacked by Leeds United earl...
2023-05-30 20:56
Chicago Fire part with coach Hendrickson, return to Klopas
Chicago Fire part with coach Hendrickson, return to Klopas
The struggling Chicago Fire have fired coach Ezra Hendrickson and replaced him with Frank Klopas for the remainder of the season
2023-05-09 02:58
Barcelona target plays down talk of summer transfer
Barcelona target plays down talk of summer transfer
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi discusses his future amid Barcelona transfer links as a Sergio Busquets replacement.
2023-05-11 23:23
NFL Rumors: Chris Jones contract holds ace-in-the-hole for Chiefs
NFL Rumors: Chris Jones contract holds ace-in-the-hole for Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs hold crucial leverage over Chris Jones in potential future contract negotiations.
2023-09-13 07:47
Jordan Henderson says he has ‘no regrets’ over Saudi move despite being booed
Jordan Henderson says he has ‘no regrets’ over Saudi move despite being booed
Jordan Henderson insists he has “no regrets” about moving to Saudi Arabia despite the public backlash. The England midfielder was heavily criticised after his summer transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq and then was booed off the Wembley pitch by England fans during the friendly win over Australia on Friday night. The midfielder had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal. He says his beliefs have not changed and he can do good while playing there. Asked in an interview with Channel 4 whether he had regrets about moving to Saudi Arabia, he said: “No regrets. “I think having someone like myself, with the values that I have, in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing. Before I went to Saudi people knew the groups I supported and helped in the past. “My values haven’t changed as a person just because I’m going to a different country to play football.” Henderson says the booing may have been in part due to an interview he conducted shortly after his move where he claimed the eye-watering wages were not a factor. “After the game I got told there was a little bit going on,” the 33-year-old added. “Of course it hurts because every time you pull on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I’m playing for my team-mates, for my country and for the fans. “So of course it hurts but at the end of the day that’s part and parcel – I’ve had enough criticism over my career so far to be able to deal with stuff like that I’m not the first player to get booed and probably not the last. “I asked that question (why he was booed after the Australia game) and a journalist said it was because I play in Saudi Arabia. It was a decision I made months ago now that doesn’t change who I am as a person. “I did an interview a couple of months ago and maybe some of the stuff that came out didn’t come out in the way that I thought I said it. “An example of that would be when I said I didn’t go out there solely for the money. I think that’s a big difference – it’s not a sole reason going out there for the money.” Asked whether his international chances are harmed by playing in the Saudi Pro League, he added: “There’s no getting away from that. The fitness coaches, sport science coaches are on that and if they see a drop-off I’m sure the manager will tell me. “It hasn’t been an issue so far, I just have to keep an eye on it.” Read More Rassie Erasmus expects England to have ‘some beef’ with South Africa Netherlands stun South Africa in massive Cricket World Cup shock Marcus Smith on ‘modified training’ as England prepare for South Africa semi-final Beth Mead ‘not close’ to England recall, Sarina Wiegman admits Matthew Mott says Ben Stokes ‘spoke really well’ after shock England loss ‘Middle of 2024’ predicted for Savannah Marshall’s rematch with Claressa Shields
2023-10-18 03:51
Ross County stage incredible comeback to win Scottish Premiership play-off final
Ross County stage incredible comeback to win Scottish Premiership play-off final
Ross County came from three goals down against Partick Thistle to dramatically retain their Scottish Premiership status with a sudden-death penalty shoot-out victory following an epic play-off final. Aidan Fitzpatrick put Thistle three ahead on aggregate two minutes before half-time in the second leg in Dingwall and they were in control until the 71st minute when Yan Dhanda’s penalty and Simon Murray’s close-range finish turned the game on its head inside 80 seconds. County completed their comeback just after the 90-minute mark when George Harmon netted to send the game into extra time. There were chances and VAR controversy throughout and the penalty shoot-out was just as dramatic as the game before Josh Sims finally settled matters three hours after kick-off to seal a 5-4 shoot-out victory. Malky Mackay’s side extended their four-year stay in the top flight while Thistle, who went down through the play-offs in 2018 and have been to League One and back to the Championship since, will eventually find encouragement from their form under Kris Doolan once their shock subsides. It was only a second defeat in 19 games under their manager, who suffered the loss of his father during a play-off campaign which saw Thistle win five matches and score 19 goals. County made four changes, two of them enforced through suspension, as Ben Purrington came in for his first start since suffering a serious ankle injury in October. Doolan named the same team for a fifth game in a row. County’s only real first-half pressure came courtesy of Thistle goalkeeper David Mitchell failing to deal with two high balls, Purrington seeing a header cleared off the line after the second blunder. The home side survived a lengthy VAR review after Greg Aitken called referee Nick Walsh to his monitor after Ross Docherty went down under Nohan Kenneh’s challenge as he ran into the box. Walsh had a long look while County boss Mackay told him “it’s a dive”, and the referee decided against awarding the penalty despite definite contact. The visitors soon took the lead after Tiffoney reacted quickest to a loose ball and drove it across the box. Fitzpatrick took a touch as David Cancola dived in, and the Thistle wide man reversed a finish past Ross Laidlaw. The noisy visiting fans chanted “Thistle are back” and Alex Samuel missed an excellent chance to give the home support hope just after the break following a slip in the Jags defence. Mitchell made a good stop and a grounded Aaron Muirhead completed the clearance. Thistle looked comfortable and Connor Randall cleared off the line from Steven Lawless as they looked to put the game out of sight. But the complexion of the tie was transformed with 19 minutes of the 90 remaining when Aitken alerted Walsh to the ball hitting Graham’s arm in the Thistle box and Dhanda converted the resulting spot-kick. Thistle then conceded a throw-in from the restart and Samuel capitalised on some hesitation from Darren Brownlie and drove in a cross which substitute Murray converted. Jordan White and Brian Graham missed chances at either end before more VAR drama when County captain Keith Watson was shown a straight red card for hacking down Tiffoney from behind as the forward was about to thread a team-mate through. Walsh downgraded to a yellow after being called to the monitor. The fourth official signalled for nine minutes of stoppage time just as Dhanda crossed for substitute Harmon to volley in off the post to make it 3-3 on aggregate. A VAR check for offside prolonged the tension. There were further opportunities at either end and Murray missed a glorious chance with the last kick of normal time when he volleyed over from seven yards. Samuel headed against the bar but Thistle had the better of extra time and Stuart Bannigan blazed over the best chance after being set up by Graham inside the six-yard box. The shoot-out was just as tense. Kevin Holt and Jack Baldwin saw penalties saved for either team before Harmon’s pressure kick took it into sudden death. Bannigan hit the post before Watson blazed over, and Laidlaw saved from Docherty before Sims netted to spark a pitch invasion from the home fans. Read More 5 things we learned from the final round of Scottish Premiership action How Ange Postecoglou restored Celtic’s dominance and became Tottenham’s first choice Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs – Scotland’s five European qualifiers
2023-06-05 03:27
Giants' Barkley to miss game against the Seahawks with sprained right ankle
Giants' Barkley to miss game against the Seahawks with sprained right ankle
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley missed his second straight game because of a right high ankle sprain
2023-10-03 07:57
Wembanyama has a rough debut at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks rout the Spurs 126-105
Wembanyama has a rough debut at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks rout the Spurs 126-105
Victor Wembanyama’s first game at Madison Square Garden was one of the worst of his young career, as the No. 1 draft pick managed just one basket in the first three quarters of the New York Knicks’ 126-105 victory over the San Antonio Spurs
2023-11-09 12:54
Springe'r's inside-the-park homer, diving catch and throw lead Blue Jays over Rays 9-5
Springe'r's inside-the-park homer, diving catch and throw lead Blue Jays over Rays 9-5
George Springer hit an inside-the-park, three-run homer
2023-09-25 04:56