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Transfer deadline day LIVE: Ryan Gravenberch on brink of Liverpool move as Man Utd sign Turkish goalkeeper
Transfer deadline day LIVE: Ryan Gravenberch on brink of Liverpool move as Man Utd sign Turkish goalkeeper
Transfer deadline day is upon us as Premier League clubs have until 11pm BST this evening to wrap up their deals, with some frantic last-minute buying and selling guaranteed. Liverpool look set to give their midfield a further boost with the signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich, while Tottenham Hotspur are chasing Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson as a potential Harry Kane replacement. Elsewhere, Man City could be set to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea, while the latter could offload Callum Hudson-Odoi after his return from loan. Manchester United, meanwhile, are still looking for at least two more additions – including Spurs left-back Sergio Reguilon – but did sell goalkeeper Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace on Thursday evening, with a potential replacement lined up. Brighton look set to sign Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona, while several other Premier League teams could also conclude deals late on before the window shuts. Follow all the latest news and transfer rumour updates below; get all the latest football betting sites offers here and the latest odds on transfer deadline day deals here.
2023-09-01 16:18
What time is the Europa League group stage draw today?
What time is the Europa League group stage draw today?
The Europa League is nearly upon us for the new 2023/24 season, with the group stage draw set to take place in Monaco on Friday. Four British sides will be in the hat: Liverpool and Brighton finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League to qualify for the Europa League, while West Ham won the Europa Conference League to book their spot. Rangers finished runners-up in the Scottish Premiership to reach the Champions League play-offs, but they lost to PSV Eindhoven. For the final time before the competition takes on the new Swiss-system format next season, 32 teams will be split into eight groups of four. Each group will contain one team from each of the four seeded pots, and clubs from the same national league will not be drawn together in the same group. The final will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 22 May 2024. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here or sign up to bet365 using The Independent’s unique bonus code by clicking here. When is the Europa League draw? The draw for the group stage will take place in Monaco on Friday 1 September, at 12pm BST. Which clubs have qualified? There were 22 clubs qualified directly for the Europa League group stage, with ten play-offs deciding the remaining places. England: Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham Spain: Real Betis, Villarreal France: Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse Italy: Atalanta, Roma Germany: Freiburg, Leverkusen Austria: Sturm Graz, LASK Azerbaijan: Qarabag Belgium: Union Saint Gilloise Czechia: Sparta Prague, Slavia Prague Cyprus: Aris Limassol Greece: AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos Israel: Maccabi Haifa Moldova: Sheriff Netherlands: Ajax Norway: Molde Poland: Rakow CzÄ™stochowa Portugal: Sporting CP Scotland: Rangers Serbia: TSC Sweden: Hacken Switzerland: Servette What are the Europa League group stage dates? Matchday 1: 21 September Matchday 2: 5 October Matchday 3: 26 October Matchday 4: 9 November Matchday 5: 30 November Matchday 6: 14 December Read More Unai Emery keen for extended European run with Aston Villa How to watch the Europa League group stage draw on TV and online On This Day in 2016: David Luiz returns to Chelsea Rangers fail to qualify for Champions League after thrashing by PSV Eindhoven Football rumours: Tottenham take pursuit of Brennan Johnson to deadline day Premier League leads the way as global transfer spending record smashed
2023-09-01 14:59
Football rumours: Tottenham take pursuit of Brennan Johnson to deadline day
Football rumours: Tottenham take pursuit of Brennan Johnson to deadline day
What the papers say Tottenham head into transfer deadline with their pursuit of Wales forward Brennan Johnson, 22, from Nottingham Forest continuing, according to the Evening Standard. The Daily Telegraph reports Chelsea’s England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, could also be a late target for Spurs. Fulham have emerged as suitors for Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg according to the Evening Standard. With Joao Palhinha a possible deadline day departure, Fulham are also being linked with a move for Manchester United’s Scott McTominay. Wolves are looking to strengthen their striking options with the Daily Mail reporting they are interested in Scotland forward Che Adams from Southampton. Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho is another option for a move to Molineux. Nottingham Forest are keen on bringing Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare to the City Ground. The Daily Mail reports Forest have revived talks with PSV Eindhoven over a deal. Social media round-up Players to watch Hannibal Mejbri: Sevilla and Anderlecht are keen on the 20-year-old midfielder, who has been told he has a role at Manchester United if he stays at Old Trafford. Johan Bakayoko: Brentford are believed to have lodged a club-record bid to bring the striker, 20, from PSV Eindhoven. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-01 14:57
Raheem Sterling may have no way back as Gareth Southgate shows his hard edge
Raheem Sterling may have no way back as Gareth Southgate shows his hard edge
Gareth Southgate made his reputation as England’s mild-mannered assassin. He ended the international careers of Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart. He showed a willingness to move on to the next generation. But then, having forged a team, he has been transformed into a loyalist. Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips – combined total of minutes this season: 0 – were included in the squad to face Ukraine and Scotland and few should be surprised. There were reasons for each; a lack of fit centre-backs with international experience, a shortage of specialist defensive midfielders. Yet there was a notable absentee, a player with more football and in better form than Maguire and Phillips, a face of Southgate’s England. But, once again, a squad did not contain Raheem Sterling’s name. In March, fitness accounted for his absence. In June, it was the forward’s preference, Sterling asking for a break to work on his conditioning. In September, it will be managerial preference. Southgate’s explanation focused on loyalty: to the players who beat Malta 4-0 and North Macedonia 7-0 in June, to ones who have begun the season as well as Sterling. It was, though: “A difficult call and Raheem was not particularly happy about it.” A quarter of a century earlier, when Southgate made Glenn Hoddle’s World Cup squad and Paul Gascoigne did not, the midfielder responded with a tantrum. Sterling’s response was more polite, but his disappointment evident. “Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds, and deals [with things], he will always say ‘I respect your decision’ but of course he wants to get back in the group,” Southgate said. “I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.” But the expectation was that he would be back in a squad that instead contained Eberechi Eze. Sterling has looked rejuvenated for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea; he was arguably man of the match even in defeat to West Ham, he scored twice against Luton. “It’s not a decision I have based on the three games he has played,” Southgate said. “What I am hearing him say, he’s very focused and I am under no doubt that he’s going to have a really good season with Chelsea, I think they are going to go well. He looks like he’s back in the groove to score a lot of goals.” Which he has done for Southgate’s England: only Harry Kane has scored more in the manager’s reign. For a long time, he and Kane seemed the two certainties in the forward line, with everyone else competing to accompany them. Southgate does not call every player omitted from his squads: that he rang Sterling was a reflection of the importance he used to have. “Firstly he’s a player who has been a really big player for us, an important part of our team, and I wanted to address the fact that he’s playing really well,” he said. He painted it as a continuity choice from June, waiting for the season to unfold. “By next month we will have had another seven, 10 games and there will be a lot more evidence right across the board, of all the players and where they are at.” And yet the reality is that the wings are the area where England boast the most strength in depth. Southgate listed his rivals’ credentials: Marcus Rashford was involved in three goals against Nottingham Forest, Phil Foden was exceptional against Newcastle, Jack Grealish set up Erling Haaland’s opener at Sheffield United and Bukayo Saka has carried on where he left off last year. “We have got Foden, Grealish, Rashford, Saka, so there’s four for two positions,” Southgate reflected. “Maddison also played there. Whichever one I didn’t pick was going to be the story.” But Sterling is: a player with 55 caps in his reign, England’s outstanding attacker at Euro 2020, the talisman who realised his potential under sympathetic management, the prodigy who had looked on course to break Peter Shilton’s caps record. Then Sterling lost his place at the World Cup, albeit in a tournament when he returned to England after a burglary at his house, and amid a car-crash of a Chelsea season. He felt collateral damage in the chaos Todd Boehly brought to Stamford Bridge, a player who had arguably his worst campaign in senior football. “I understood why he wanted to focus on the fitness in June and we are seeing the benefits of that now,” Southgate said. “Of course, when you are not in, other people have the shirt.” All of which was rational and fair. But it showed a hard edge that he often conceals. Injuries could alter the equation and allow a route back in, yet Sterling will have to displace a high-class player. And for the meantime, it leaves him looking the odd man out, the player whose exclusion is not a one-off as much as a regular occurrence. If it long looked inconceivable that England could enter Euro 2024 without a fit and in-form Raheem Sterling, perhaps it is not now. Read More Jordan Henderson has given Gareth Southgate a Saudi Arabia problem Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling ‘not particularly happy’ at England snub Raheem Sterling misses out as Eddie Nketiah handed debut England squad call-up LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub Southgate explains ‘difficult’ decision to leave Sterling out of England squad
2023-09-01 14:56
Jordan Henderson has given Gareth Southgate a Saudi Arabia problem
Jordan Henderson has given Gareth Southgate a Saudi Arabia problem
Gareth Southgate is not doing a Don Revie, but he stopped short of saying he would never do a Jordan Henderson. The England manager is aware that the popular move would be to say that he would never take the Saudi Arabian money but is conscious, too, that such a statement could make him look like a hypocrite later. Whereas perhaps the most reviled of his predecessors, Revie, walked out for a lucrative offer from the United Arab Emirates and the manager who overcame him in the Euro 2020 final, Roberto Mancini, quit Italy for Saudi Arabia, Southgate stated: “I’m not looking to leave the job I’m in. I’m very happy. I certainly wouldn’t leave managing my country during my contract.” And yet, were he out of work, would he still reject a supersized offer? “I can easily say no and look like the big guy. But can you answer that question until it is there in front of you?” he countered. It was the question Henderson faced. Many feel let down by the choice he made. Often eloquent, the former Liverpool captain is yet to explain himself, leaving Southgate, after calling his vice-captain up for England, in the uncomfortable position of trying to do so. “It’s for him to decide when he’s going to speak and how he speaks,” Southgate said. “I’d be pretty certain that his views on life haven’t changed at all. I think he realises that by making the decision he has made, that is going to bring a certain level of scrutiny and criticism. He’s not naïve. “I did have that discussion with him. But any career decision has got a lot of different factors within it. Obviously there is a lot of money within Saudi Arabia that is being paid, none of us are going to avoid that. But his prospects of playing at Liverpool were probably a big factor in that becoming more attractive than it might have been in the past. That’s a big factor in the decision to go. Liverpool as a club will have presumably got a good fee for an older player. All of those things are complex.” That hinted at the various issues: how do you balance the moral, the footballing and the financial? Henderson’s priorities can seem skewed. Southgate argued his situation bears similarities with those of many people in other walks of life. “Given the situation with Russia, we are reliant on Saudi Arabia for a lot of our oil,” he said. “I don’t really know what the morality argument is because so many of our industries are wrapped up with Saudi investment but I don’t hear any noises about that. It’s only the football that’s highlighted. The LGBT+ stance is a religious belief in that country.” Perhaps Southgate struck a duff note in that sentence but a former ally of the LGBTQ+ community has been left looking like a man who sacrificed his principles for money. What remains to be seen is whether Henderson sacrificed his England career, too: he had long been adamant he would not retire from international football. But if Southgate is adamant he will not exclude a player because of the league he plays in, he remains unsure if it will prepare Henderson for the rigours of international football. “There was the honest conversation we had: ‘We’re going to have to map you against players playing in a different league and in a different level of competition and we’re just going to have to see how that goes’,” he said. “What I have got to do is pick a team based on the technical, tactical, physical capabilities and the question about that league at the moment from our perspective is, ‘Is the intensity going to be enough to be physically in the right condition for the level of games we are going to have?’ We can only find out over a period of time.” Henderson’s game has been built on his running power; if he wilts in the Saudi heat, he becomes a lesser force. And then there could be footballing grounds to exclude a midfielder who played well in England’s June games. Southgate does not think there are yet, though Henderson was slipping down the pecking order at Anfield. His research may have to take him to the Middle East. It could become a regular trip. Southgate suspects the Saudi investment in football is not confined to one summer. There may yet be other England players joining Henderson there; Southgate noted that Saudi clubs are not just targeting the thirty-something footballers. At some stage, he plans to scout Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in person. “We haven’t felt that was the best use of our time during the first weeks of the season,” he said. “Logistically it was important to get around the Premier League.” Yet the presence of the England manager in Saudi Arabia would be more controversial than in Spain and Germany. If Henderson has made Saudi Arabia a problem for Southgate, it is one that is unlikely to go away. Read More Jordan Henderson risks tarnishing Liverpool legacy after career built on triumph of character Gareth Southgate understands criticism of Jordan Henderson following Saudi move Jordan Henderson could be shunned by LGBT+ England fans after Saudi Arabia move LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub Liverpool agree £35million deal with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch
2023-09-01 14:49
Is Europa League group stage draw on TV today? Channel, start time and how to watch online
Is Europa League group stage draw on TV today? Channel, start time and how to watch online
The Europa League is nearly upon us for the new 2023/24 season, with the group stage draw taking place today in Monaco. Three English clubs and one Scottish team will be in the draw: Liverpool and Brighton finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League to qualify for the Europa League, while West Ham won the Europa Conference League to book their spot. Rangers finished runners-up in the Scottish Premiership to reach the Champions League play-offs, but they lost to PSV Eindhoven. For the final time before the competition takes on the new Swiss-system format next season, 32 teams will be split into eight groups of four. Each group will contain one team from each of the four seeded pots, and clubs from the same national league will not be drawn together in the same group. The final will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 22 May 2024. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here or sign up to bet365 using The Independent’s unique bonus code by clicking here. When is the Europa League draw? The draw for the group stage will take place in Monaco on Friday 1 September, at 12pm BST. How to watch on TV and online The Europa League draw will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) for subscribing customers, and will be available on the TNT Sports app. You can also live stream the draw for free on the Uefa website and YouTube channel. Which clubs have qualified? There are 32 clubs qualified for the Europa League group stage. England: Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham Spain: Real Betis, Villarreal France: Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse Italy: Atalanta, Roma Germany: Freiburg, Leverkusen Austria: Sturm Graz, LASK Azerbaijan: Qarabag Belgium: Union Saint Gilloise Czechia: Sparta Prague, Slavia Prague Cyprus: Aris Limassol Greece: AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos Israel: Maccabi Haifa Moldova: Sheriff Netherlands: Ajax Norway: Molde Poland: Rakow CzÄ™stochowa Portugal: Sporting CP Scotland: Rangers Serbia: TSC Sweden: Hacken Switzerland: Servette What are the Europa League group stage dates? Matchday 1: 21 September Matchday 2: 5 October Matchday 3: 26 October Matchday 4: 9 November Matchday 5: 30 November Matchday 6: 14 December Read More What time is the Europa League group stage draw today? Unai Emery keen for extended European run with Aston Villa On This Day in 2016: David Luiz returns to Chelsea Rangers fail to qualify for Champions League after thrashing by PSV Eindhoven Football rumours: Tottenham take pursuit of Brennan Johnson to deadline day Premier League leads the way as global transfer spending record smashed
2023-09-01 14:45
Deadline day live – Salah, Nunes and Amrabat in spotlight on final day of window
Deadline day live – Salah, Nunes and Amrabat in spotlight on final day of window
Mohamed Salah linked with a big-money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad Liverpool looking to complete £34million Ryan Gravenberch signing from Bayern Munich. Manchester United seeking to bolster injury-hit squad. Manchester City expected to finalise £53million signing of Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes. Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Clement Lenglet could be heading to the Premier League. 0700 Welcome to the PA news agency’s live transfer deadline day blog . The 2023 summer transfer window closes this evening at 11pm for Premier League and EFL clubs while it is midnight for teams in Scotland. In the major European leagues there are various different deadlines today, from 1700 BST in Germany to 2300 BST in Spain, while the big-spending Saudi Pro League can continue buying players until September 7. The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte have already swapped Europe for the Middle East this summer and it remains to be seen if they will be joined by any other big names in the coming week. Clubs in the Women’s Super League, which does not kick-off until October, still have a few more weeks until their transfer window closes. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-01 14:21
Who is the heaviest college football player in 2023?
Who is the heaviest college football player in 2023?
In a sport that values size, being the heaviest college football player certainly gives you an edge in the trenches.
2023-09-01 10:28
College football Week 1 picks, predictions for every Top 25 game
College football Week 1 picks, predictions for every Top 25 game
College football Week 1 picks for Florida State vs. LSU, Utah vs. Florida, UNC vs. South Carolina and every Top 25 game on the schedule.
2023-09-01 06:59
Unai Emery keen for extended European run with Aston Villa
Unai Emery keen for extended European run with Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said it was mission accomplished after his side cruised into the European Conference League group stage with an 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian. Villa were 5-0 up from a resounding win in Edinburgh last week and completed formalities in the second leg as first-half goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey put them out of sight. Substitute Matty Cash sealed a 3-0 win on the night as Villa hosted European football for the first time since 2010 and they now await Friday’s group-stage draw in Monaco to learn who they will face. Four-time Europa League winner Emery said: “Yes of course (I’m happy). We finished it tonight. “We needed to be in the group stage and we have to be happy and enjoy it with our supporters. “Today it was a full stadium and to finish and qualify was fantastic. I’m really happy because I really enjoy it in Europe and I want to enjoy it now with Aston Villa.” The Spaniard is expecting Villa to complete the loan signing of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes on Friday. “He’s not completely signed, but he’s close to signing with us,” Emery said. “He’s a player who can help us. With the injury to Tyrone Mings, he can replace him in the squad.” Emery said it “was possible” that Philippe Coutinho could leave Villa Park on deadline day and added: “I’m very happy with our squad. “The club made a big effort to complete our squad. There’s still one day to go and we’re going to be ready.” Hibs are going through a difficult spell having sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston had left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point. They were outclassed for large periods in both legs against Villa, but were given a rapturous send-off by their noisy 2,200 travelling fans and caretaker boss David Gray said he was proud of them and his players. Former Hibs defender Gray, appointed caretaker for a third time after Johnson’s departure, said: “I’m proud of the players. “They worked right to the very end in difficult circumstances all round at the football club at the moment, but I can’t fault the effort or commitment from the players. “Playing against this level of opposition, if you switch off for a split second or make a slight mistake, you get punished. They’re a top, top team with fantastic players.” On Hibs’ impressive following, Gray added: “I’ve been at the club nearly 10 years now and they’ve always been fantastic. “You say there was 2,000, I’m sure there was a lot more that came down. Fantastic support as always.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katie Boulter relieved not to be defaulted after reaching US Open third round LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub
2023-09-01 06:47
Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub
Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub
Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling was “not particularly happy” after being snubbed for an England recall. The 28-year-old is one of the national team’s most experienced players but has not added to his 82 caps since December’s World Cup quarter-final exit to France. Sterling missed England’s March meet-up through injury and a nagging hamstring issue led to what his camp described as a “mutual decision” to focus on recuperating his body after a rocky first season at Chelsea. But the forward did not receive the recall he hoped for after a strong start to the campaign, with Southgate overlooking him for September’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly in Scotland. “We were really pleased with the group (in June),” the England manager said. “To bring Raheem back in we have to leave someone else out and on the back of three games I didn’t think anybody in this group of attacking players warrants being left out. “It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry. “He’s obviously an important player for us and has been an important player for us. “But we have in those attacking areas just behind the nine a lot of competition for places. “I think all of those players have started the season well and certainly the group that are with us has done really well for us in the in the recent games.” Put to the England boss that Sterling has missed three squads in a row, he said: “He was not available for the last two and of course that’s given other people the opportunity to play well and to establish themselves in the group. “It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he’s an important player for us. “I’m convinced he’s going to have an excellent season with Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that.” Southgate made a point of calling Sterling about his decision as he was conscious that he has been “a really big player for us” and wanted to acknowledge how well he has been playing. “Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds and deals (with things),” the England boss said. “He will always say ‘look, I respect your decision’ but of course he wants to get back in the group. And I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.” A statement from the player’s camp reinforced that Southgate’s “decision has been respected”, adding that “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form”. The forward has started Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches of the season, scoring twice and providing an assist in Friday’s 3-0 win against Luton. While Sterling was overlooked, Southgate kept the faith with England vice-captain Jordan Henderson despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. There was also a place for former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite neither having played a minute of club football this term. Southgate highlighted that “I haven’t always said we just pick on form because clearly that hasn’t been the case in a number of positions”. England’s absentee-hit central defence and lack of single pivot midfield options help explain the involvement of Maguire and Phillips, but they are not guaranteed to keep their places if club issues remain. “I think with Harry, the injuries to (Raphael) Varane and (Luke) Shaw probably mean that there is unlikely to be any change there in terms of a change of clubs,” Southgate said ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. “So, no, I can’t sit here and say it’s an ideal situation with either. “With the centre-backs, we have got a chance for others to come in (due to absences) and there are others playing in the role. “In midfield it’s more of a concern because of the specifics of the position. “I know I’ve talked about the low numbers of English players playing and people say: ‘What are you moaning about? You’ve got a great squad to pick from’. “But it’s the positional specifics. There is a lack of depth in certain areas – left-back is one and midfield pivot is definitely another.” Southgate largely stuck with the tried and tested for September’s double-header, but there was a place for uncapped Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. “Two young players who are doing very well, who have done well with our junior teams,” Southgate said. “Levi, of course, had some time with us in the summer anyway. “Eddie is coming in because it’s an area where we’d like to have a look at him. “He’s a young player with a really good pedigree, very good finisher and it’s good for him to have some time with us. “I think he’s record goalscorer with the Under-21s as well. “He’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point but he’s a player that we’re really interested in.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Aston Villa ease into Conference League group stage with win over Hibernian Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat
2023-09-01 06:26
Aston Villa ease into Conference League group stage with win over Hibernian
Aston Villa ease into Conference League group stage with win over Hibernian
Aston Villa booked a place in the Europa Conference League group stage by sweeping aside Hibernian 3-0 on the night and 8-0 on aggregate. Villa, who won the first leg of their qualifying play-off 5-0 last week in Edinburgh, underlined their superiority over managerless Hibs with goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey before the interval. Substitute Matty Cash struck his third goal in two games just after the hour-mark as Villa, hosting a European tie for the first time in 13 years, made it four straight wins in all competitions. Unai Emery’s side will learn who they face in the Europa Conference League group stage on Friday when the draw is made in Monaco. Hibs, who sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point, were backed throughout by their noisy band of 2,200 travelling supporters. But the visitors were reminded of the gulf in class between the two sides in the 12th minute when Duran opened the scoring. The Colombia forward burst between Hibs’ centre-backs Rocky Bushiri and Paul Hanlon on to Pau Torres’ excellent pass and swept the ball home. Hibs have put former defender David Gray in temporary charge for a third time and they responded through Jordan Obita’s effort, which forced Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen into a flying save. But Villa made it 7-0 on aggregate when teenage debutant Omari Kellyman laid on their second goal in the 34th minute. The 17-year-old skipped past a tackle and slid in Bailey, who cut back on to his left foot on the right edge of the area to fire beyond Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall. Emery, who made six changes from the side which won 3-1 at Burnley last weekend, sent on Cash and captain John McGinn – against his former club – for the start of the second half. Cash, who fired a double at Turf Moor on Sunday, made it 3-0 on the night just after the hour-mark, burying a rebound after Marshall had failed to hold on to Bailey’s fierce free-kick. McGinn was denied a goal after more neat interplay from Villa by a last-ditch block before the home side took their foot off the gas. Hibs, given a rousing send off by their impressive fans at the final whistle, will now focus on Sunday’s league game at Aberdeen, where they will bid to kick-start their domestic season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat Liverpool agree £35million deal with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch Jack Draper overcomes injury worries to reach US Open third round
2023-09-01 05:46
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