Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s hero, but under-pressure Aaron Ramsdale fails to impress
Kai Havertz stole the headlines with a late winner to lift Arsenal to the summit of the Premier League, but Aaron Ramsdale will be left relieved to walk away with a clean sheet after an unconvincing performance at Brentford. Brentford remained determined in their tactics and press, forcing the game to almost grind to a halt at times. It looked to be heading for a goalless draw before Havertz headed into the back of the net from close range to secure all three points for the Gunners in the 89th minute and ensure they finish the weekend top of the table for the first time this season. Lengthy stoppages accompanied every set piece and neither side imposed themselves on the match until the inspired decision to swap Gabriel Martinelli with Havertz paid off in the final minutes. Before the winner, much of the focus surrounded Ramsdale who had not started in goal since 7 September, but with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club, was handed a rare opportunity to impress. However, it was clear throughout the game that the pressure has been mounting on the shot-stopper, especially after Gareth Southgate’s statement saying that should he not establish himself for the Gunners, he may find himself out of the Euro 2024 squad. With less than 15 minutes on the clock, Ramsdale almost gifted Brentford their opening goal. He paused taking a goal kick, tried to let Gabriel Magalhaes take his place, but the defender fed it back to the goalkeeper who made an error. With Yoane Wissa closing him down and blocking the clearance it was only Declan Rice’s quick-thinking to race to the line and make a crucial block that kept the score level. Arguably Brentford should have pounced, but Bryan Mbeumo took slightly too much time setting up his curled effort and the follow-up from Wissa was wide of the target. Ramsdale had already been under pressure since the start of the match and made a slightly risky clearance early on that only spurred on the fans, who taunted him from the outset, comparing him unfavourably to Raya. That only increased pressure on the goalkeeper, who looked nervous every time he was called on to do something as straightforward as clear the ball. He made another error inside the first half, when he failed to release a throw, hurling the ball down at his toes and having to track backwards immediately as Brentford looked to capitalise. They consistently put up to six players surrounding Ramsdale any chance there was a corner which only put more stress on the 25 year old. Arsenal thought they had released the pressure on their goalkeeper when Leandro Trossard was on hand to nod the ball over the line, only for it to be ruled offside following a lengthy VAR debate. Trossard had squandered a couple of opportunities already but was in the right spot when Gabriel Jesus’s header was palmed upwards rather than away by Mark Flekken, but the fourth official ruled the Belgian offside and the scores were level at the break. In the second half, it was clear even Mikel Arteta was at least slightly concerned when his former number one was called upon, like making hand gestures for Ramsdale to calm down when he had to take a goal kick. But he looked to have settled down, at least slightly, while the game meandered along without any significant chances for either side, coming off his line to clear the ball in a decisive manner. Ramsdale’s opposite number almost repeated his first-half error, when he was almost caught in possession by Eddie Nketiah, but was just able to play a risky pass across the face of goal and the score remained goalless. The game which had been a drab affair, sparked into life in the final 15 minutes. Oleksandr Zinchenko had to repeat Rice’s first half effort, making a key block to deny substitute Neal Maupay’s header from crossing the line before Havertz’s winner. Arsenal will walk away at the top of the Premier League, but it was far from a complete performance. Read More Jurgen Klopp happy Liverpool ‘passed a test’ with comeback point at Man City Mauricio Pochettino angry as ‘soft’ Chelsea fall apart at Newcastle Brighton boss explains ‘big, big celebration’ and says no disrespect was meant Erik ten Hag: Schedule has already crossed limits of what players can handle Mikel Arteta hails Aaron Ramsdale despite errors in Arsenal’s win over Brentford Mauricio Pochettino angry as ‘soft’ Chelsea fall apart at Newcastle
2023-11-26 09:51
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron LIVE: Boxing fight updates and results tonight
Katie Taylor faces a stern test tonight, as she seeks revenge against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin. Six months ago, Taylor suffered the first loss of her professional career when she was outpointed by Cameron in the Irish capital. With that result, England’s Cameron spoiled Taylor’s homecoming and retained the undisputed super-lightweight titles. Cameron, 32, will defend the belts again this evening, as she and Taylor, 37, return to the scene of their first clash: the 3Arena. Taylor, a pioneer of women’s boxing, has promised a different performance tonight, as the undisputed lightweight champion bids to rule a second weight class and hand Cameron her first ever pro defeat. Some fans believe, however, that a defeat could signal the end of Taylor’s historic career... Follow live updates and results from Cameron vs Taylor 2, below. The Independent’s betting tips for Taylor vs Cameron 2
2023-11-26 05:47
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV tonight
Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron will clash in a rematch this evening, as Taylor once again aims to take the super-lightweight titles from the undisputed champion. Taylor’s Dublin homecoming was spoiled by Cameron in May, as the Englishwoman beat the Irish icon on points to retain all the belts. • Follow Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron LIVE • The Independent’s betting tips for Taylor vs Cameron 2 In doing so, Cameron stayed unbeaten and handed Taylor the first loss of her professional career. Now, 37-year-old Taylor bids for revenge, with some fans believing that the undisputed lightweight champion may walk away from boxing, whatever the result. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Cameron vs Taylor 2 is set to take place on Saturday 25 November at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The main card is due to begin at 7pm GMT (12pm PT, 2pm CT, 3pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then due at around 10.30pm GMT (3.30pm PT, 5.30pm CT, 6.30pm ET). How can I watch it? The fight will stream live on Dazn in the UK. A subscription to the streaming service is available here at a cost of £9.99 per month. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Taylor – 6/4 Cameron – 4/7 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. • The Independent’s betting tips for Taylor vs Cameron 2 Full card (subject to change) Chantelle Cameron (C) vs Katie Taylor (undisputed women’s super-lightweight titles) Paddy Donovan vs Danny Ball (welterweight) Gary Cully vs Reece Mould (lightweight) Skye Nicolson (C) vs Lucy Wildheart (WBC women’s interim featherweight title) John Cooney vs Liam Gaynor (Celtic super-featherweight title) Zelfa Barrett vs Costin Ion (super-featherweight) Thomas Carty vs Dan Garber (heavyweight) Emmet Brennan Jamie Morrissey (Celtic light-heavyweight title) Giorgio Visioli vs Lee Anthony Sibley (lightweight) Read More Who is fighting on the Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron undercard tonight? What time does Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron start tonight? Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron LIVE: Fight updates and results tonight Katie Taylor and Conor McGregor’s relationship: ‘We are very different’ Katie Taylor: ‘I hate these press conferences, there’s nothing to say!’ ‘She’s not an athlete, she’s a deity’: Katie Taylor and a nation in awe
2023-11-26 03:24
Newcastle show the value of a gameplan as Chelsea go back to square one
Well that Chelsea renaissance did not last long. Losing at St James’ Park, especially since the Saudi money rolled in, is nothing to be ashamed of, but Newcastle United did not earn victory against Chelsea through any blistering display, roared on by 50,000 blood-hungry Geordies – Mauricio Pochettino’s team lost this encounter of their own accord. They had done all the hard work in battling back from a goal down to turn the tide in their favour. At the start of the second half, there really only looked likely to be one winner. Raheem Sterling had hit top form and was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch, Enzo Fernandez was controlling the ebb and flow on his terms, while Thiago Silva cruised around in his effervescent manner at the back. Two very early Christmas presents – Newcastle’s game-clinching third particularly gifted by Silva – in 90 second-half seconds reminded everyone just how far this Chelsea team still have to go. Four goals conceded and a man sent off, in a game that was so evenly poised – the inquiry into capitulations like this will take some time and will provide Pochettino with arguably his biggest challenge yet. One look at the benches ahead of kick-off should have given every indication as to which way the result was going to go. While Chelsea could boast £300m worth of talent in reserve, with international superstars galore in the dugout, Newcastle had to name three goalkeepers and four academy players on the sidelines, Matt Ritchie being the most recognisable name, and he has not started a league match all season. The home side’s first 11, however, had a much more formidable look to them. Several of the big-money signings since the takeover at St James’ have certainly made a real impact in their short time at the club, but the one with the real standout star quality, when fit, remains Alexander Isak. He just has that natural, God-given talent that mere mortals can only envy. His fitness problems deprived him of a move to a European giant before Newcastle took the risk on him last summer – a move that has paid off handsomely, even with the Swede’s injuries persisting. The finish, his seventh goal in seven league starts, that edged the hosts in front belied a player who had not seen any match action in a month. The pass from Lewis Miley, a 17-year-old thrown in at the deep end given the Newcastle injury situation, was sublime in the extreme. Yet, after Sterling had found the net for the third time in four games from a free-kick 23 minutes in, Chelsea assumed control. Conor Gallagher should have scored after a mistake from Nick Pope in the home goal, before Fernandez almost finished off a sweeping move late in the first half only to be denied by a recovered Pope. The football was being played by the Blues. In the blink of an eye, however, the game was inexplicably taken away from Chelsea. Firstly, Jamaal Lascelles was allowed to steal into the box and head a simple Anthony Gordon cross home before, 90 seconds later, on the day he became Chelsea’s oldest-ever outfield player, Silva seemed to stub his foot into the ground, allowing fellow countryman Joelinton in to latch onto the ball and stroke it into the net. Reece James’s dismissal for two bookable offences and Gordon’s late fourth ensured a miserable trip north became a potentially damaging one. Chelsea still remain a team of individuals. Pochettino is making strides and is finally starting to settle on a starting 11 at least. There remains, however, too many gaps in the game plan. Newcastle have a blueprint that they adhere to by the letter. Just watch one of the set pieces, which would not look out of place in the NFL, where most of the players are in there as blockers, creating space for their aerial dangermen, tells you all you need to know about the thorough preparations from Eddie Howe and his staff. It is of course far too early to be judging Pochettino yet, but if they resembled his Tottenham side in their pomp against Manchester City last time out, they reverted back to the Frank Lampard days on Tyneside. Back very much to square one. Read More Chelsea vs Manchester City LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Luton clinch huge win as Jacob Brown scores decisive goal against Crystal Palace Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Luton clinch huge win as Jacob Brown scores decisive goal against Crystal Palace Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Brighton return to winning ways by edging Forest in thriller
2023-11-26 02:26
Luton Town vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result and reaction Hatters clinch huge win
Everton’s 10-point deduction has given Luton Town a real chance of staying in the Premier League this year as they are now one point clear of the relegation zone. They are not safe by any means but two draws in their last four matches, so they are starting to adapt to the rigours of the top-flight. They host Crystal Palace this afternoon hoping to pick up a second win of the season against the Eagles who only have one victory from their last five. However, Roy Hodgson’s men have won three of their six Premier League away games this season and have the bonus of Jordan Ayew and Jefferson Lerma returning from international duty yesterday. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
2023-11-26 01:25
Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as Martin Odegaard starts for Gunners
Arsenal travel to Brentford for a tricky outing as the Premier League resumes following the international break. Mikel Arteta’s men started the day one point off the lead but behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the table and will keep the pressure on the champions with a victory this evening. Brentford, having another stellar season, have already been successful against some of the top sides this year by drawing against Tottenham and beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Frank will be targeting a spot in the top 10 and potentially a place in Europe following the Bees’ great start and to achieve that they’ll need to continue taking points away from the bigger clubs. Aaron Ramsdale has another chance to impress his manager as he is confirmed to be starting in goal. David Raya, Arteta’s seeming first choice keeper, is unable to play against his parent club and a strong performance from Ramsdale will keep him in the thoughts of the Spaniard. The match is also Arteta’s 200th in charge in all competitions, and he has the most wins compared to all previous Arsenal managers to reach that milestone. Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:
2023-11-26 00:54
Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League score updates as James sent off after Lascelles and Joelinton goals
Newcastle take on Chelsea in the big clash of the 3pm kick offs. Eddie Howe’s injury-stricken side hope to close the gap on the top four as they kick off a busy schedule that involves Champions League action during the week. A 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last time out shocked the system but Howe will be hoping to respond positively and draw on the crowd at St. James’ Park to upset the Blues this afternoon. For their part, Chelsea are starting to gel under Mauricio Pochettino. That was evident in their 4-4 draw against Man City just before the international break. The London side are starting to click in front of goal with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling providing the threat up top. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
2023-11-26 00:45
Micah Richards labels Man City’s performance ‘very disappointing’ after draw with Liverpool
Micah Richard’s labelled Manchester City’s performance against Liverpool ‘very disappointing’ after the Premier League champions let a one goal lead slip at the Etihad Stadium and had to settle of a share of the points in Saturday’s early kick off. City started the match on the front foot with Nathan Ake bringing a scuffed clearance from Alisson under control before driving past Trent Alexander-Arnold and slipping a fine pass into the box for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker brought up his 50th Premier League goal with a quick touch and spin before slotting the ball past Alisson. The hosts had a second goal disallowed after Manuel Akanji was judged to have fouled Alisson before Ruben Dias tapped home from close range but City never fully took control of the game. Alexander-Arnold finished off a fine move in the 80th minute to equalise for the Reds and earn them a well-earned point. “I think City will be frustrated,” said Richards on Sky Sports after the match, “After Haaland scored that goal, you’re thinking can they kick on and go up a gear but that never happened. “Man City will be disappointed that they couldn’t go up another gear. Very disappointing.” Fellow Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge, agreed adding that Liverpool will be ‘delighted’ with securing a point against the league leaders. “[Liverpool] will be delighted with the result to be honest,” he said, “I thought that Manchester City were very good today but Liverpool continued to press on. In the second half they changed their mentality and there was an emphasis on pressing.” Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, believed that neither side did enough to win and claimed Liverpool were fortunate to secure a point following a couple of mistakes from their goalkeeper. He said: “They would have lost [the match] last year. We saw the performance [from Liverpool] last season and there’s no doubt that something is building. “I think both teams still lacked something, maybe on the back of the international break, it didn’t feel like either team really deserved to win the game. “Alisson didn’t have his best game on the ball today and could have cost Liverpool a couple of times with his clearances.” The 1-1 draw means Pep Guardiola’s side stay top of the table and lead Liverpool by a point. Read More Banner calling for release of activist in UAE flown over Etihad Stadium Erling Haaland makes history before Trent Alexander-Arnold earns a point Burnley vs West Ham LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Luton Town vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Nottingham Forest vs Brighton LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
2023-11-26 00:29
Is Brentford vs Arsenal on TV? Kick off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Arsenal face a difficult first challenge as the Premier League returns following the international break, and a trip to Brentford awaits Mikel Arteta’s side. Brentford have already got the better of some of the top teams this season, drawing against Tottenham, and beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal will not want to drop any points in the title race and went into the weekend one point behind top-placed Manchester City. Follow Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE Arsenal will have a chance to overtake Pep Guardiola’s men, should they drop points against Liverpool in the early kick off on Saturday, but Brentford will not be a straightforward opposition. Saturday’s game will also be Arteta’s 200th in charge in all competitions, and he has the most wins compared to all previous Arsenal managers in that time period. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game; get the latest Brentford vs Arsenal odds and tips here. When is Brentford vs Arsenal? The match will take place at 5.30 pm GMT on Saturday 25 November at the Gtech Community Stadium in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports streamed through the Discovery + app, with coverage starting at 4.45 pm GMT. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and with the terms of their service provider. Team news Aaron Ramsdale will start with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club, while Arteta remains optimistic that both Martin Odegaard and Ben White can feature, although a late decision might be made following Friday training. Arteta also confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is fit and available for the match. Brentford defender Nathan Collins is ruled out after injuring ankle ligaments playing for the Republic of Ireland but Keane Lewis-Potter and Shandon Baptiste return after respective calf and shoulder injuries. Josh Dasilva and Mikkel Damsgaard remain out though. Predicted line-ups Brentford XI: Flekken, Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Mee, Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Mbeumo, Wissa Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Havertz, Jorginho, Rice, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli Odds Brentford 10/3 Draw 21/10 Arsenal 4/6 Full odds here. Prediction It might not be straightforward, but Arsenal will manage to win. Brentford 1-2 Arsenal
2023-11-26 00:23
Ten Hag urges Man Utd to match ‘fuel’ of Everton’s anger after 10-point penalty
Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to match Everton’s energy ahead of Sunday’s (26 November) game, as he says players and fans will be “mad” about the 10-point penalty imposed on the club. United travel to Goodison Park this weekend to face a team fuelled by a sense of injustice after an independent commission imposed the sanction on the club for a breach of Premier League profitability and sustainability rules. “If they are mad and that’s their fuel, we have to match those standards. When we match the standards we have a very good chance to win the game,” Ten Hag said.
2023-11-25 23:54
Everton fans fly plane over Etihad Stadium protesting the Premier League
Everton supporters have protested against the Premier League by flying a plane over the Etihad Stadium during Manchester City’s clash against Liverpool with a banner reading: “Premier League = Corrupt #UTFT #EFC” The protest comes on the back of an independent commission docking Everton 10-points for breaking the league’s profit and sustainability rules, a move which Toffees manager Sean Dyche described as ‘disproportionate’. There is a lot of unrest on Merseyside towards the Premier League for the sanction, which has sent Everton into the relegation zone, and today’s protest is the latest part of the ongoing saga. At his press conference ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, Dyche addressed the points deduction saying: “I think like everyone I was shocked and seemingly from the wave of noise after that, most people in football are shocked by the enormity of it. “Disproportionate is a word used by the club. Obviously we feel a bit aggrieved by that, but on the other hand it doesn’t change the focus. The focus since I got there is sorting things out on the pitch, getting the team to win. “This has just given us a push backwards to come forwards again. The job hasn’t changed. It’s just made it more difficult under the current circumstances until the appeal. “I don’t know every inch of the past, I don’t know why the commission have come out with what they have but I certainly believe in what the club put forward. It feels disproportionate, it feels unjust and plenty of voices out there feel the same. “What is done is done for now, appeal pending, and we have to get on with it.” While Everton don’t face Manchester United until tomorrow, the protestors potentially chose this game to fly their banner as a separate independent commission is looking over 115 charges brought against Man City for similar financial breaches, though theirs is an ongoing case of greater complexity. Additionally, Everton’s match on Sunday takes place in the late afternoon through evening, by which time the banner may not have been visible. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also under investigation for a range of potential breaches from the Roman Abramovich era, including allegations of secret payments possibly relating to transfers and managerial appointments. Read More Erling Haaland makes history before Trent Alexander-Arnold earns a point Man Utd have reached ‘turning point’ ahead of crucial week – Erik ten Hag Sean Dyche reacts to Everton points deduction: ‘Feels disproportionate’
2023-11-25 23:29
Man City vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as Erling Haaland starts
Manchester City host Liverpool in the first match of the Premier League‘s return following the international break. The two old rivals clash at the Etihad Stadium in what should be a fantastic contest between the teams sitting first and second in the table. It’s no surprise that Pep Guardiola’s side sit top of the tree but they only have a one point lead over the Reds and could finish the day as low as third should Arsenal prove victorious against Brentford in the late kick off. Defeat is not on Guardiola’s mind though. His City team have a strong record at home against Liverpool and beat them 4-1 here last season. Liverpool, meanwhile, are on the rise following a poor season in 2022/23. They’re unbeaten in five league games since a 2-1 defeat to Spurs in September. Though the Reds have not won at the Etihad in the league since 2015, Jurgen Klopp is hoping to make things ‘uncomfortable’ for City in the hopes of grinding out a positive result. Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:
2023-11-25 19:45