Sportorn is Designed to Keep You Up-to-Date with Everything You Need to Know About the World of Sport.
⎯ 《 Sportorn • Com 》

List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

Darwin Nunez on target again as Liverpool topple West Ham at Anfield
Darwin Nunez on target again as Liverpool topple West Ham at Anfield
Darwin Nunez’s evolution into a genuine number nine for Liverpool continues as his brilliant fourth goal of the season proved vital in securing a 3-1 home victory over West Ham. The Uruguay international scored in back-to-back games for the first time since February as Jurgen Klopp’s side made it five successive Premier League wins to move into outright second spot, behind champions Manchester City, with Arsenal and Tottenham drawing at the Emirates. Captain Virgil van Dijk had spoken of the 24-year-old turning his potential into quality after the midweek Europa League win over LASK, in which Nunez scored a penalty but could have had a couple of others. His rasping 60th-minute volley from an exquisite Alexis Mac Allister lofted pass restored their lead after Jarrod Bowen’s diving header in the first half had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s penalty, his 12 goal in his last 13 appearances at Anfield. Substitute Diogo Jota made the points safe late on as Liverpool scored at least three goals in their opening three home league games for only the second time in the last 43 years. But it was Nunez who caught the eye with his improving integration into a team which for so long played with a false nine in Roberto Firmino. His hold-up play gets better and, after that helped Liverpool take the lead in Austria in midweek, he was at it again in the build-up to Salah’s penalty. He launched a rapid counter-attack on the left after holding up the ball on the halfway line before releasing Luis Diaz and then charging 60 yards into the area in an attempt to get on the end of the return pass. He failed to do so but Salah was following up behind him and, having nicked it past Nayef Aguerd, he was tripped by the West Ham centre-back, who looked suitably sheepish having given away such a soft spot-kick. West Ham could have been two goals up by that point as Alisson had to scramble low to his right to keep out a Tomas Soucek header and was then relieved to see Michail Antonio wastefully direct a header wide from 10 yards. From another counter-attack Mac Allister dragged a shot wide and Salah miscued a shot from Van Dijk’s diagonal pass but almost inadvertently found Nunez. Liverpool were threatening to take the game away from the visitors, who have won only once at Anfield in 50 visits, and, had Salah slotted home after Mac Allister, Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai combined, it would have been their goal of the season so far. But David Moyes’ side are made of stern stuff, with their physical approach often infuriating the majority of those at Anfield, and when Soucek’s scuffed shot was deflected wide it showed danger was still present. They equalised three minutes from half-time from a goal which came almost out of nothing. Bowen won the initial header from an aimless aerial ball and Vladimir Coufal swung in a cross which the Hammers forward dived low in front of Van Dijk to direct inside the far post. A delightful Szoboszlai chip over the top saw Curtis Jones volley home only to be denied by the offside flag while another counter-attack saw Salah slide in Nunez, whose angled shot was claimed at the second attempt by Alphonse Areola. After the break West Ham reduced the game to a level Liverpool were uncomfortable with but the hosts still created chances, Nunez’s snap-shot going wide after Salah managed to find space between two markers to pick him out 12 yards out. It was the sighter the Kop’s new cult hero needed as he then lashed home Mac Allister’s delicate 15-yard chip which dropped invitingly somewhere near the penalty spot. Jones’ deflected shot was acrobatically tipped over by Areola, who then saved at the feet of Diaz, before Jota extended Moyes’ win-less career run at Anfield to 20 visits by stabbing home from close range after Van Dijk’s knockdown from an 85th-minute corner. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ollie Watkins winner sees Aston Villa down 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Brighton secure comeback win over Bournemouth thanks to substitute Kaoru Mitoma Ireland report clean bill of health after bruising South Africa showdown
2023-09-24 23:51
Ollie Watkins winner sees Aston Villa down 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Ollie Watkins winner sees Aston Villa down 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea went down to a third Premier League defeat of the season as Aston Villa won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge after Malo Gusto was shown a second-half red card. Villa broke away and scored through Ollie Watkins 17 minutes from the end, and though the 10 men laboured gainfully to get back into the game their goalless run in the league under Mauricio Pochettino stretched to three matches as they remained 14th. Chelsea were on top and looking far the likelier to score when a pitchside VAR decision just before the hour mark turned proceedings against them. Gusto had slid in on Lucas Digne and caught the defender on the ankle, and a yellow card was quickly upgraded to red for dangerous play. Pochettino’s side continued to attack in numbers and it would prove their undoing, Watkins outfoxing Levi Colwill to score on the rebound after the 10 men had poured forward, as Villa won for the second season running in front of an audibly frustrated home support in west London. Chelsea opened with a greater attacking purpose than they had shown in recent scoreless outings against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. After four minutes, Moises Caicedo took a chance and drilled low and hard from distance into the gloves of Emiliano Martinez, a comfortable enough save for Villa’s goalkeeper but an early show of intent from the home side. Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk were heavily involved during the opening 15 minutes, finding space without the ball and attacking Villa down either flank when in possession. Nicolas Jackson too showed pace and power through the middle as Chelsea threatened from all angles. But it was Villa, increasingly stretched at the back, who nearly took the lead and in the most spectacular fashion after 20 minutes. Douglas Luiz’s corner was only partially cleared, and the ball dropped out of the air to the waiting Digne who whacked an audacious looping volley from all of 35 yards that Robert Sanchez brilliantly tipped over the bar. Chelsea had not scored in the league since August but here they played through Villa with a confidence that belied their modest goal return of five under Pochettino. Mudryk tucked a superb ball in behind the defence for Jackson to run on to, the striker’s cunning to find space matching the brilliance of his teammate’s vision. Jackson went for the near post and Martinez turned it behind, but it was as fine an attacking move as Stamford Bridge had witnessed this season. Enzo Fernandez should have broken the deadlock when he shot first time from Gusto’s pull-back, the Argentinian failing to make the best of a good opening after Gusto had stretched every sinew keeping the ball in play. Sanchez saved acrobatically from Nicolo Zaniolo’s volley as Villa came on strong late in the half. At the other end Mudryk capped a lively first period when he raced away from Matty Cash and zipped the ball low across goal only to find that nobody in blue had gambled. Sterling began the second period as he had ended the first, racing away from Villa down the right and trying to tuck the ball inside Martinez’s near post. The goalkeeper spread himself well to smother, but Chelsea’s threat was growing. Then came a moment to turn to the tide of that pressure. Gusto’s challenge on Digne was late and caught the Villa defender on the ankle. The initial decision was yellow card, but a pitchside VAR review saw it upgraded to a red as boos rained down on the referee from home fans. The sending off did not drastically alter the course of things at first, Chelsea’s pressure on Villa’s defence remained. Yet it was ultimately to be their undoing. There seemed to be little on when Villa won the ball back high in the Chelsea half. One ball released Moussa Diaby who dashed into the space left by Gusto’s departure, and in a flash he fed Watkins. Colwill seemed to have things under control when he slid to block Watkins’ initial shot, but before he could recover and clear the Villa striker had taken up the ball and lashed his second effort past Sanchez from an angle and in off the far post. Ben Chilwell on as a substitute missed when one-on-one with Martinez, then moments later Axel Disasi, now moved out to right-back, burst into the box and skewed horribly wide as he lashed at his shot. Jacob Ramsey tested Sanchez when he stepped inside and curled towards the bottom corner, this time the goalkeeper finger-tipped the ball to safety. By then, Chelsea’s attacking rhythm had been critically disrupted, and Villa saw the win out amid a chorus of discontent around Stamford Bridge. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Darwin Nunez on target again as Liverpool topple West Ham at Anfield Son Heung-min brace earns Tottenham a point at Arsenal Brighton secure comeback win over Bournemouth thanks to substitute Kaoru Mitoma
2023-09-24 23:49
Brighton secure comeback win over Bournemouth thanks to substitute Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton secure comeback win over Bournemouth thanks to substitute Kaoru Mitoma
Roberto De Zerbi’s inspired double substitution helped Brighton come from behind to sink Bournemouth 3-1. The Seagulls trailed to Dominic Solanke’s opportunist strike but went in level at half-time thanks to a Milos Kerkez own goal. Boss De Zerbi, who had made nine changes to his starting line-up from Thursday’s Europe League defeat by AEK Athens, sent on Ansu Fati and Kaoru Mitoma at half-time. And the pair had an instant impact, combining for an exquisite goal just 15 seconds into the second half, with Mitoma applying the finishing touch. Japan winger Mitoma then wrapped up the victory with a late header to leave the Cherries still winless from their first six league matches. De Zerbi also opted to rotate his goalkeepers, replacing Jason Steele with Bart Verbruggen, but that was a move which backfired after 25 minutes. The Dutchman hesitated on the edge of the area as he attempted to play the ball out. Ryan Christie charged down the clearance and the ball rolled to Solanke, who chipped the stranded keeper into an empty net from 20 yards. Brighton offered precious little for the majority of an uncharacteristically lacklustre first half until three minutes of stoppage time. A goalmouth scramble saw Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster have efforts cleared off the line before Billy Gilmour swung the ball back into the box. Kerkez climbed at the near post in a bid to clear the danger, only to glance the ball past goalkeeper Neto and into his own net. De Zerbi made his double change at the break, but not even the shrewd Italian could have foreseen quite the impact the pair would have. Bournemouth lost possession from the kick-off and Mitoma played the ball out to Barcelona loanee Fati on the left before continuing his run into the area. Fati’s ball back in was helped on by Mahmoud Dahoud into the path of Mitoma, who sidefooted it past Neto to cap a glorious Albion move. With Brighton now in firmly the ascendancy, Dunk headed narrowly wide from a corner before Fati failed to convert a cross from Simon Adingra. Bournemouth went in search of an equaliser and Antoine Semenyo had a low shot well kept out by Verbruggen. But Mitoma put Brighton further ahead when he nodded in Pervis Estupinan’s cross with 13 minutes left. Solanke almost scrambled one back for the Cherries from close range late on but his effort was cleared off the line by Albion skipper Dunk.
2023-09-24 23:24
Gonzalo Pineda hails Atlanta United defenders in 4-1 triumph over CF Montreal
Gonzalo Pineda hails Atlanta United defenders in 4-1 triumph over CF Montreal
Gonzalo Pineda hails Atlanta United defenders in 4-1 triumph over CF Montreal
2023-09-24 23:17
Bruno Guimaraes agrees Newcastle contract as teammate set for talks
Bruno Guimaraes agrees Newcastle contract as teammate set for talks
Newcastle have agreed a new contract in principle with midfield star Bruno Guimaraes and are set to begin talks with teammate Joelinton.
2023-09-24 22:56
Liverpool vs West Ham United LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
Liverpool vs West Ham United LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
Liverpool host West Ham in the Premier League as the Reds look to continue their unbeaten start. Trent Alexander-Arnold was not fit enough to make the squad for the visit of West Ham as manager Jurgen Klopp made three changes from last week’s win at Wolves. After switching the entire XI for the Europa League win over LASK Klopp went back to his strongest line-up with the previously suspended Virgil van Dijk returning for Jarrell Quansah and Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, who impressed in Austria, coming in for Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota. West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen returned after missing their Europa League win over TSC Backa Topola through illness, allowing David Moyes to name the same side which lost to Manchester City last weekend. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
2023-09-24 21:21
Bernd Leno criticises Mikel Arteta's goalkeeper philsophy after Aaron Ramsdale decision
Bernd Leno criticises Mikel Arteta's goalkeeper philsophy after Aaron Ramsdale decision
Bernd Leno hits out at Arsenal decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale & Mikel Arteta suggesting that goalkeepers could be substituted like any other position.
2023-09-24 20:57
Who is playing Sunday Night Football in Week 3 of the NFL schedule?
Who is playing Sunday Night Football in Week 3 of the NFL schedule?
After two straight weeks of divisional showdowns on Sunday Night Football, who will be playing under the bright lights in Week 3?
2023-09-24 20:27
Eduardo Camavinga reveals the reason behind his rise at Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga reveals the reason behind his rise at Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga discusses what is behind his rose in importance for Real Madrid & France.
2023-09-24 20:17
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups ahead of north London derby
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups ahead of north London derby
Arsenal and Tottenham put their unbeaten Premier League records on the line as the two in-form rivals meet in the north London derby at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have both mode fast starts to the season, and sit just off the top with four wins and a draw out of their first five matches. Postecoglou has made an impressive impact at Tottenham and has lifted the mood around the club ahead of his first taste of the derby. But new-look Tottenham face their biggest test of the season yet against a dangerous Arsenal attack, which thrashed PSV in their Champions League return in midweek. Follow live updates as Arsenal host Tottenham in the north London derby and get all the latest match odds here. Read More Is Arsenal vs Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture Tottenham once again have hope – but Ange Postecoglou must learn from Arsenal lesson Ange Postecoglou points out the differences between himself and Mikel Arteta
2023-09-24 19:58
Diogo Dalot: Last fortnight another normal killing machine against Man United
Diogo Dalot: Last fortnight another normal killing machine against Man United
Diogo Dalot described the recent external scrutiny and criticism of Manchester United as a “killing machine” after Erik ten Hag’s side secured a return to winning ways at Burnley. The Red Devils have been under the microscope off the field as well as on it at the start of the campaign, having lost four of their opening six matches in all competitions for the first time since 1986. The heat was on as absentee-hit United headed to promoted Burnley on Saturday evening, when Bruno Fernandes’ fantastic volley on the stroke of half-time secured a much-needed 1-0 victory. “We are playing for Man United,” right-back Dalot said. “We have to be consistent in every game because they will kill you in every direction that they can if you don’t win games. “And you could see this last couple of weeks, it was another normal killing machine against us, but we fought hard. “When we get into Carrington (training ground), the noise stays outside and we work hard. “And I think we were rewarded with these three points, but we want to keep going.” United were not entirely convincing against the winless Clarets, but it was a solid showing underpinned by clear togetherness and focus. “I think this was massively important,” Dalot told MUTV. “Apart from the three points, I think the clean sheet brings us a little bit of extra confidence to go to the next games. “We needed it after these last couple of games when we conceded a lot of goals and this has to build a foundation now for the next game. “I think today we showed a proper compact team, aggressively defending the box, everybody (supporting) each other. “Collectively we were very good. Everybody was speaking with each other, communication, aggressive on the front foot. “And I think that brings you confidence when you look to your mate and he’s giving everything for you. “You want to give everything for him as well. Today we came out to the pitch with that mentality. “I think this is the standard that we need to have for the rest of the season.” As for Burnley, their wait for a first win since returning to the Premier League continues. Vincent Kompany’s outfit showed flashes of quality during the narrow home loss and summer signing Aaron Ramsey is keen to build on that display. “We didn’t come out with three points, but I think that everyone can see a lot of positives that we can take from that, that we can take into the next game,” the 20-year-old said after making his Premier League start. “Hopefully the three points come soon but in the changing room all of us are taking as many positives as we can from it – and there’s quite a few. “It’s Manchester United and I think that we more than competed and hopefully next time we get the three points, but like I said loads and loads of positives from the game, and we can just build from that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Johnny Sexton demands Ireland ‘make it count’ after win over South Africa Phil Foden admits Rodri will be a ‘big miss’ during his three-match suspension On This Day in 2014 – Sir Bradley Wiggins wins time-trial gold in Spain
2023-09-24 19:50
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford unhurt after car crash
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford unhurt after car crash
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford escaped unhurt after being involved in a car crash on Saturday night. The PA news agency understands the crash happened after Manchester United had returned to their Carrington training base following their Premier League victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. The players returned to the training ground by team bus to collect their own cars before setting off home. Pictures and footage posted online in the aftermath of the incident showed the damage suffered by Rashford’s Rolls Royce. It is understood emergency services attended the scene, but Rashford did not require medical attention and no arrests were made. The England international, 25, played the whole game at Turf Moor as United won 1-0. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-24 18:51
«289290291292»