List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Crystal Palace and Fulham walked away with a point apiece after their Selhurst Park encounter ended in a goalless draw. Eagles boss Roy Hodgson was back in the dugout after missing last weekend’s loss to Aston with Villa due to illness. The evenly-matched contest saw Eberechi Eze fire just wide late in the first half, while the visitors were unable to capitalise on their best chance after the restart. The result ensures the London rivals will share almost identical Premier League records for another week, with Palace only ahead on goal difference. Sam Johnstone did well to parry away Andreas Pereira’s early effort from the left corner of the penalty area, later diving to deny Willian as the first period ticked past the 10-minute mark. Fulham picked up two bookings in quick succession before Eze floated in a dangerous free-kick which the visitors were able to clear, and boss Marco Silva breathed a sigh of relief after Joao Palhinha was deemed fit to continue after knocking heads with Jordan Ayew in an aerial challenge – for which the Palace man was booked. The hosts earned another free-kick and this time Eze aimed straight for the visiting net, where Bernd Leno was alert to grab the ball. At the other end, Johnstone stooped to first collect Timothy Castagne’s close-range effort at his near post, then was called in to action soon after to turn away Raul Jimenez’s good opportunity to break the deadlock of an increasingly physical contest. Eze looked to do the same when he patiently swerved his way through a cluster of white shirts, unleashing a strike that sailed just wide of the right post, while Leno picked Ayew’s cross out of the air to ensure it remained level at the break. Will Hughes, who was involved throughout the first half, started off the second by forcing Leno into a simple save with an attempt from his preferred left foot. Eze, who had just slipped a fine pass to the Odsonne Edouard, who was caught offside, then saw an effort of his own saved, while Jimenez could only nod Antonee Robinson’s cross wide of Johnstone’s right post. The Cottagers should have taken the lead when Bobby De Cordova-Reid dispossessed Hughes in midfield and worked his way down the pitch. The opportunity was wasted when the Jamaica international slipped in Jimenez, who overcooked his pass to the awaiting Pereira and the chance skipped past his foot. Hodgson made a 70th-minute substitution, replacing Jeffrey Schlupp with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has so far this season proven a productive partner with the in-form Edouard. Joachim Andersen headed Eze’s corner over and Silva made his first change, swapping Pereira with Alex Iwobi and Fulham enjoyed one of their longest spells inside Palace’s final third, Willian forcing Johnstone into another good save with a sharp effort. Palace had a late chance of their own through Mateta, who saw his weak left-footed shot stopped shortly before four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. Hodgson elected to bring on 20-year-old Jesurun Rak-Sakyi for Edouard to see out the final few minutes, where Fulham staged a late rally but were not able to find the finishing touch. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves Man City march on despite Rodri red card Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses

On Tuesday, Pep Guardiola had been happy to eulogise about Rodri, quick to agree when it was suggested his fellow Spaniard was the best midfielder in Europe at the moment. Yet as the man who earned Manchester City their first Champions League trudged past him, Guardiola stood and stared. There were no consoling words, no arm around the shoulder, no superlatives and no celebration. The City manager may have already been counting the cost of a red card. Not against Nottingham Forest, who were beaten anyway, but for the three occasions when he will be without a talisman. Rodri will be banned against Newcastle, in the Carabao Cup, plus Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League. The loss of a big-game player for the biggest match of City’s season so far could be telling. A couple of seasons ago, Rodri was City’s match-winner against Arsenal. There will be no repeat in October and the chances are that Mikel Arteta will welcome his suspension. Certainly, if anything halts City, who equalled their longest winning start to a Premier League campaign, it could be a loss of key players. Suddenly Guardiola, the manager who collects midfielders, looks short of them. Ilkay Gundogan is gone, Kevin de Bruyne is injured for the long term, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva for the short term. City will study the fitness bulletins for the Croatian and the Portuguese, particularly ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium. A rare sighting of Kalvin Phillips on the pitch, and not merely for the last couple of minutes in a token cameo, counted as a desperate measure, by Guardiola’s standards. If Rodri has acquired a ubiquity of late at City, this was an illustration it is not always a benefit. He has been a scorer more than before and turned creator, with a wonderful pass that led to Phil Foden’s opener. But when there was a flashpoint immediately after half-time, it involved him. After they had bumped chests, he grabbed Morgan Gibbs-White by the throat; the hysterical reaction of the Englishman scarcely helped his cause, but the Spaniard’s reaction was needless. It seemed out of character, too: Rodri is no stranger to yellow cards but this was the first red of his City career. As VAR upheld referee Anthony Taylor’s decision, it is hard to imagine it will be overturned should City appeal. It came in the context of a match that felt unnecessarily fractious. Guardiola got a first-half yellow card for dissent and Ederson a caution for going head-to-head with Taiwo Awoniyi, while Forest amassed seven bookings. Yet Rodri’s exit also meant that from the most comfortable of starts – City had two goals within a quarter of an hour, 90 percent of possession after 27 minutes – they had to offer an illustration of their grit. Plan B for Guardiola was to withdraw two of his attack-minded players, Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez, and overload on defenders, with substitute Nathan Ake making it five at the back. Amid a role reversal – Forest, initially defensive, sent on Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood and Divock Origi - a clean sheet was secured with the aid of a 5-3-1 formation that Guardiola rarely deploys. It was a testament to their defending that there were few alarms. But it made a break from the norm whereas, until Rodri’s sending off, there was a familiar feel. The bare facts are that City have played 20 games at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 and won all 20; it is still the case that the last team to emerge with a draw here were Frank Lampard’s Everton. There was another recurring theme. After scoring once, but mustering several glaring misses, from 15 shots across the games to West Ham and Crvena Zvezda, Erling Haaland converted his first chance. The 6.66 percent conversion rate from those two games was consigned to the past, aided by poor marking by Forest, when Matheus Nunes stood up a cross and the Norwegian supplied an emphatic header. It was a first assist in City colours for Nunes, the summer signing from Wolves, and a second City goal. Haaland should have had a second of the day, volleying over from Ake’s late cross, but by then he was isolated in attack. Forest had begun by dropping captain Joe Worrall, despite fielding a back five. They still conceded inside seven minutes, twice within 14. The opener at least offered Rodri something to savour. He provided the kind of pass more associated with the injured De Bruyne, a diagonal ball behind the Forest defence for the on-rushing Kyle Walker to cushion a cut-back. Foden hooked in a half-volley. It seemed to set the tone for a stroll, but the side-effect of victory – with Rodri’s dismissal – means it may yet prove an afternoon City rue. Read More Pep Guardiola provides positive Jack Grealish update ahead of Man City return Kyle Walker to continue as Manchester City skipper ‘until the time is right’ Julian Alvarez relishing Erling Haaland link-up as Man City launch CL defence

Luton claimed their first point of the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against 10-men Wolves at Kenilworth Road. Carlton Morris’ penalty cancelled out Pedro Neto’s earlier strike to share the spoils in a positive Hatters performance. Rob Edwards will be proud of his side’s display but will leave thinking his side should have used the extra-man more effectively after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was sent off in the 39th minute. Edwards experimented with a 4-4-2 and the change in shape worked in the early stages as the Hatters enjoyed possession and space out wide through Chiedozie Ogbene and Jacob Brown, who nearly got on the end of a dangerous cross in the fifth minute. Kenilworth Road’s vocal support set the tone and striker Morris nearly rewarded it in the 10th minute when his thunderous long-range effort cannoned off one of Jose Sa’s posts. Edwards would have wanted a response after a poor second half against Fulham last week and he got that through midfield duo Marvelous Nakamba and Albert Sambi Lokonga who relentlessly pressed, tackled and played dangerous passes as the hosts began to ramp up the pressure. Wolves began to work their way into the game after 30 minutes and strung neat passages together before the creative Bellegarde produced a stunning through ball in behind, but there was no one there to get on the end of it. But the Frenchman undid his positive work when he was shown a straight red card. The midfielder was dispossessed by Tom Lockyer and he kicked out at the Luton captain before he was given his marching orders by referee Josh Smith. Wolves held on during added time but the home side were hot out the traps in the second half when Morris got on the end of strike partner’s Ogbene’s cross in the 48th minute but his effort was saved by Sa. Luton were on top but it was Wolves who took a 1-0 lead against the run of play in the 50th minute. Neto gambled on a long ball and beat Lockyer in a foot race before he shrugged the defender off, cut in on his left foot and produced a thumping strike past Thomas Kaminski. The Premier League newcomers paid the price yet again for a simple lapse of concentration. Kenilworth Road cried out for a response and in the 65th minute Luton levelled the contest. Joao Gomes handled the ball in the box and after a VAR check Morris stepped up, stuttered in his run up and finished calmy past Sa into the bottom left corner. Target man Elijah Adebayo was brought on by Edwards and orange shirts marauded down the flanks and whipped in crosses in search of the striker but they were denied by Wolves’ tight defence. Nakamba’s shot was deflected into the path of Ogbene who finished his effort but it was ruled offside and Luton could not get the goal they searched for in six minutes of added time. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland Josh Adams wants Wales to wrap up quarter-final place with time to spare

Manchester City had Rodri sent off as they extended their winning start in the Premier League with an unnecessarily complicated 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The champions looked to be cruising to victory after early goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland put them in complete control at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The mood changed dramatically early in the second half when Rodri was dismissed for violent conduct after raising his hands towards the neck of Morgan Gibbs-White. The game became fractious and City lost some of their discipline before manager Pep Guardiola switched to a defensive shape to secure the three points. It was City’s sixth win in succession at the start of their latest title defence but the price of Rodri’s indiscretion is yet to be seen. The influential Spaniard now faces a three-game ban which will include a trip to Arsenal next month. That City made such hard work of victory was extraordinary given their dominant and untroubled start. Julian Alvarez had already forced a good save from Matt Turner from a free-kick when they pieced together a remarkable 46-pass move that led to the opening goal inside seven minutes. The hosts built patiently before Rodri caught out the Forest defence with a superb crossfield ball to pick out Kyle Walker’s run into the box. The England full-back’s touch was equally brilliant as he laid off to Foden with a cushioned volley. Foden then did the rest with a clinical strike. City doubled their lead seven minutes later, this time after a Matheus Nunes run down the right. The Portuguese reached the byline and then centred perfectly for Haaland, scorer of a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season, to head home from close range. In spite of some rumblings about the high volume of chances the Norwegian had missed in his previous two games, it was his eighth goal in nine appearances. Forest’s first serious attack ended when Taiwo Awoniyi was tripped on the edge of the area by Manuel Akanji. Both the Swiss and Guardiola – for his protestations – were booked but Gibbs-White’s free-kick came to nothing. Alvarez twice went close to adding to City’s lead before the break as he forced another save from Turner before being denied by a good block from Willy Boly. City’s control temporarily evaporated within minutes of the restart when Rodri got involved in a tussle with Gibbs-White by the corner flag. The pair came face to face as the situation escalated and, amid the pushing and shoving, Rodri placed his hands close to Gibbs-White’s neck. The Forest midfielder ended up on the ground and referee Anthony Taylor showed the red card in Rodri’s direction. City were unsettled and moments later Ederson and Awoniyi were booked after clashing in the area. Guardiola settled his side by sacrificing Jeremy Doku and Alvarez for Kalvin Phillips and Nathan Ake. Forest battled on but did not look like scoring until Anthony Elanga and Boly tested Ederson in injury time. Haaland could have added a third for City but volleyed over after a good run by Ake. There were further scuffles in the closing minutes with Jack Grealish – returning from injury as a late substitute – involved but City saw it out. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Luton off the mark after come-from-behind draw against 10-man Wolves Harvey Elliott hails team spirit after Liverpool’s new look midfield impresses Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland

Harvey Elliott believes the family feel which surrounds Jurgen Klopp’s squad is making the transition to Liverpool 2.0 as smooth as possible. Summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have slotted seamlessly into their roles as first-choice midfielders after an unexpectedly larger-than-expected overhaul of the engine room. It was evident new blood was required after last season’s disappointing performance but while the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were anticipated those of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were not. The arrival of four replacements, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch the two others, could have led to a difficult settling in period but instead the team has displayed remarkable resilience so far this season as they have had to come from behind in four of their six fixtures. Elliott, himself trying to gain a foothold in midfield, believes the way the squad has gelled together has played a big part. “It is a team at the end of the day and the quicker we become a team and have those relationships with one another and become a family then the better and more successful we will be,” he said ahead of Sunday’s visit of West Ham, where Liverpool will look to make it five successive Premier League victories. “We just need to keep being a team, keep mixing among each other, keep learning off each other and have those relationships we want because it helps on the pitch and it works on the pitch. “The quicker and earlier we can do that the best possible outcome we will have. Everyone takes responsibility: if someone is feeling left out you go sit with them or call them over. “It’s part of our policy: no-one eats alone, no-one is alone in the changing room or when we go for walks. We do everything as a team and it reflects on the pitch. We just need to keep being a team, keep mixing among each other, keep learning off each other and have those relationships we want because it helps on the pitch and it works on the pitch Harvey Elliott “This season feels different, the hunger and desire, and we just need to keep putting in these performances and keep coming away with three points.” Incredibly, the 20-year-old was Liverpool’s senior midfielder in terms of club appearances in the Europa League victory over LASK as he lined up alongside Endo and Gravenberch. But he admits he is still learning his trade and knows he can only benefit from the atmosphere which has been generated and playing alongside the likes of World Cup-winner Mac Allister. “It’s a tough one to get my head around still being so young but we all need to play our part,” Elliott said. “We want to step up this season and that’s exactly what I’m trying to do each and every game. I’m trying to put in the performances and put the hard work in for the team and help others around me. “I am just happy to play anywhere and give it my best shot. (Against LASK) I was right mid, left mid and right centre mid as well so I definitely need to work on that versatility in my game. “Each and every game I play I need to accept the challenge and accept where I am going to be playing and just go out and enjoy my football. “Everyone in the team has achieved great things and you want to play a part and to have these world-class players around me and high-profile players that have won loads of trophies and competitions is a dream come true to be learning off them. “I try to allow them to learn off me if there is anything they need to learn but at the end of the day to be playing among them and be around them is unbelievable and I’m so happy to be here and to put on a shirt and go out and play.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland Josh Adams wants Wales to wrap up quarter-final place with time to spare Sione Tuipulotu has ‘lot of love’ for Tonga but focus is on getting Scotland win

Katie McCabe inspired Republic of Ireland to a comfortable 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in their opening Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Arsenal midfielder had a hand in all three goals as the Republic began life under interim manager Eileen Gleeson in style. Kyra Carusa had Ireland’s best chance when her low header from a McCabe corner was well saved by Shannon Turner in the Northern Ireland goal. But the hosts moved ahead on the half-hour when another McCabe set-piece was only partially cleared, falling to Lucy Quinn whose shot was deflected and flashed into the bottom corner. Northern Ireland were fortunate to reach half-time just one behind as Quinn came close again from a similar effort, Carusa was off target with a header, and another Quinn effort was cleared off the line by Sarah McFadden. Republic keeper Courtney Brosnan was called into action early in the second half to deny Marissa Callaghan as Northern Ireland threatened to wrestle their way back into the match. But their good work was undone after 70 minutes when Turner raced out of her goal to try to reach a McCabe through pass, only for a mix-up with defender Rebecca Holloway allowing Carusa to direct the ball into an empty net. The visitors wilted and the Republic wrapped up an impressive win five minutes from time when Lily Agg, recently on as a substitute, rose highest to direct home a McCabe set-piece off the underside of the bar. Read More What is the Women’s Nations League and how does Olympics qualification work? England find another blueprint for success to beat Scotland in inaugural Women’s Nations League clash

Harry Kane bagged a hat-trick as Bayern Munich maintained their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga after hammering Bochum 7-0. The hosts ran riot with the England captain scoring just minutes after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s opener and goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Leroy Sane gave them a 4-0 lead at half-time. Their dominance continued after the break as Kane scored from the spot and assisted Mathys Tel before earning his first hat-trick for Bayern with minutes to go. Kane’s excellent start with Bayern means he has now scored seven goals in five league matches as the defending Bundesliga champions sit top of the table. The hosts threatened early as Manuel Riemann saved from Choupo-Moting in the first minute, but the forward made no mistake the second time after Kingsley Coman squared the ball to him for an easy tap-in just four minutes into the match. Kane doubled their lead in the 13th minute with a neat finish into the bottom corner and soon had a chance to earn his second but blasted the ball over the bar. Sven Ulreich was called into action to make a diving save from Christopher Antwi-Adjei, but Bayern quickly had their third in the 29th minute after Joshua Kimmich’s corner found De Ligt, who thumped a header into the corner. Another great chance saw Kane thread the ball through to Choupo-Moting, who was denied by Riemann, but the England captain then hit a great pass for Sane, who burst down the centre of the pitch to tuck the ball into the far bottom corner seven minutes before half-time. Riemann made two crucial saves late in the first half to deny Kane and Coman in quick succession, but the goals kept flowing for Bayern after the break. Ivan Ordets conceded a penalty after handling the ball in the box and Kane earned his brace in the 54th minute with a low spot-kick beating Riemann. Coman kept the pressure on, going close a few minutes later with a curling effort clipping the post and Frans Kratzig smashed an effort towards goal forcing Riemann to tip the ball over the bar, but Bayern extended their lead in the 81st minute when Kane found Tel who fired the ball into the far corner. The former Tottenham man then earned his hat-trick with two minutes of normal time left, getting on the end of a ball from Sane to slot the ball in at the near post. PA Read More Harry Kane happy with Bayern Munich start in Europe – Thursday’s sporting social Classy Kane and brilliant Bellingham – England duo making waves in Europe Bruno Fernandes tells Andre Onana to stop blaming himself for Man Utd defeat Devastated Andre Onana takes responsibility for Man Utd’s defeat in Munich Football transfer news: Tottenham have first refusal when Harry Kane leaves Bayern How Harry Kane unshackled Bayern Munich with a classic move from his Tottenham days

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Deion Sanders has the Colorado Buffaloes off to a hot start at 3-0, but what time and channel are they playing today in their biggest test yet against Oregon?

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