List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Chelsea fell to a third home defeat of the season as Brentford maintained their 100% winning record at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League with a deserved 2-0 victory. Ethan Pinnock took advantage of non-existent marking to head the visitors in front shortly before the half-hour mark after Mauricio Pochettino’s side had failed to take advantage of a first half in which they dominated. Thereafter there was little genuine attacking threat nor hope of salvation, as the hosts took a worrying backwards step towards the goal-shy, hesitant play that characterised the manager’s early games. Robert Sanchez was embarrassed in added time after joining his team’s attack for a corner, failing to catch Neal Maupay in a foot race as he broke with the ball, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to score in an empty net to compound home fans’ woes. Chelsea’s dire form at Stamford Bridge now stands at one win in their last 13 games in the league, with August’s victory over Luton their only success here in seven months. They were without Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk, key components in their recent uptick in form, with neither player risked after picking up knocks in training on Friday. In place of Mudryk came Noni Madueke, in for his first start under Pochettino, and he wasted little time in staking a case to his manager, standing up Vitaly Janelt on the right of the penalty area and opening his body to unleash a wicked, bending effort that thumped the crossbar. It was a busy start from Chelsea. Conor Gallagher, captain again with Reece James fit only for the bench, stung the palms of Mark Flekken when he shot low at goal from 30 yards. Marc Cucurella found space from a wonderful ball into the box from Cole Palmer, but the defender could summon neither power not placement with his right foot. Raheem Sterling looked in electric mood. His dazzling burst through the middle saw the ball break to Madueke, who shepherded it inside for Palmer to return for Sterling who had continued his run. The move deserved a goal; instead the England forward ballooned his shot into the Matthew Harding Stand. As the half wore on Chelsea became increasingly camped in the visitors’ half, shifting focus from probing for the critical pass in central positions in favour of balls down the channels, where Madueke and Sterling would not allow Brentford peace. But there was a feeling of old habits creeping into Chelsea’s play, with the creative fluency of recent weeks not so forthcoming. The period ended with Pochettino remonstrating with a fan who questioned Nicolas Jackson’s lack of involvement, the manager of a mind that only supportive voices were welcome, but doubtless aware privately of his team’s shortcomings. There was almost a goal within minutes of the restart, Janelt left to rue profligate finishing after he was left free 12 yards out but fired straight at Sanchez. It was a stark warning, but one Chelsea’s defence would not heed. On 58 minutes, their generous marking struck again and this time Pinnock readily accepted the gift. It was a smart link-up between Kristoffer Ajer and Mbeumo from a throw-in on the right that began the move, with Mbeumo given space to run the ball to the byline and hoist a cross. The delivery hung high in the air, finally dropping into the six yard box where Axel Disasi did little more than observe as Pinnock powered beyond him and beat Thiago Silva to the ball to thump his header home. The shock jolted Chelsea from whatever rhythm they had inherited from the first half. Still they hogged the ball, but rarely was Flekken tested as they toiled in vain for an equaliser. Substitute Yehor Yarmolyuk should have made it 2-0 on the break in the final minutes, he was denied point-blank by Sanchez, before Mbeumo lashed millimetres wide of the post. Pochettino’s assistant Jesus Perez was sent off with frustrations between the two benches boiling over, and it got even worse for the home side with Mbeumo’s tap-in and the end of Chelsea’s mini-revival. Read More Steve Borthwick’s plans for England’s Six Nations campaign well under way England ‘feeling the heat’ of World Cup implosion – Marcus Trescothick Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Luka Doncic scores 49 with four straight three-pointers to beat Brooklyn Texas Rangers win World Series opener in extra innings

Arsenal host Sheffield United looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side stormed back to draw with Chelsea and then eased past Sevilla in the Champions League midweek. The Gunners remain in contention at the top of the table behind leaders Tottenham, while Blades sit bottom with just a point to their name since promotion. Paul Heckingbottom will hope to snap a five-game losing streak and kickstart their bid to beat the drop, but a victory in north London would represent one of the biggest upsets in Premier League history. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash. Find all the latest tips and betting advice here. When is Arsenal vs Sheffield United? The match will kick off at 3pm GMT on Saturday 28 October at Emirates Stadium, London. Can I watch it online and on TV? The match is not available to watch live on UK television due to the 3pm blackout rule, although it is available to watch live in other territories. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then 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 also with the terms of their service provider. What is the team news? Jurrien Timber (knee) remains a long-term absentee, while Thomas Partey, who missed the midweek match against Sevilla with a muscle problem, is out alongside Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, who exited the game in Spain with a hamstring issue and is now out for several weeks. Anel Ahmedhodzic (hamstring) was absent from the Manchester United game last weekend, joining a lengthy injury list, including John Egan (foot), Tom Davies (thigh), Chris Basham (leg), Adam Davies (unspecified), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring) and Daniel Jebbison (illness). While Max Lowe (ankle) and Will Osula (unspecified) are also sidelined, though Paul Heckingbottom insists they are "getting closer". Oli McBurnie is a doubt and has missed training this week since being forced off with a groin injury against the Red Devils, but George Baldock (calf) is back in training and could return to the squad in a rare boost for the Blades. Official line-ups Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Kiwior, Saliba, Zinchenko, Rice, Havertz, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Nketiah, Saka. Sheffield United XI: Foderingham, Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas, McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Ben Slimane, Brewster. Odds Arsenal 1/11 Draw 9/1 Sheffield United 22/1 Get latest match odds and tips here. Prediction Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United Read More Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day Mikel Arteta calls for increased squad sizes as Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow Arsenal reveal Gabriel Jesus injury blow as Mikel Arteta confirms ‘really bad news’ Ange Postecoglou: Spurs a big club who should challenge for trophies every year There’s a long way to go – Ange Postecoglou staying grounded despite Spurs form Gabriel Jesus urges Arsenal team-mates to believe they can win Champions League

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.

Follow live coverage as Watford face Millwall in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season. Last year Southampton, Leicester City and Leeds United were relegated from the top flight and all are hopeful of making a quick return - but the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland all have real promotion ambitions too. At the other end of the table, QPR, Cardiff City and Birmingham City will hope for better campaigns than last year’s relegation struggle - while newcomers Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to survive after dramatic progress through the play-offs. Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

Follow live coverage as Ipswich Town face Plymouth Argyle in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season. Last year Southampton, Leicester City and Leeds United were relegated from the top flight and all are hopeful of making a quick return - but the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland all have real promotion ambitions too. At the other end of the table, QPR, Cardiff City and Birmingham City will hope for better campaigns than last year’s relegation struggle - while newcomers Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to survive after dramatic progress through the play-offs. Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

Follow live coverage as Augsburg face Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga today. Bayern Munich remain the dominant force in German football and secured another title win last season, while they signed England captain Harry Kane over the summer to further boost their attacking prowess. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are their main challengers, but behind them a fierce battle for European football continues with Union Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt expected to be among the best of the rest once more. At the other end, Stuttgart and Augsburg will be aiming for better after they only just survived last season, while FC Heidenheim are this year in the top flight for the first time in their entire history. Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

Chelsea host Brentford in the lunchtime Premier League fixture with the Blues aiming to stop the Bees from winning a third successive gae at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino must contend without Enzo Fernandez and Mikhailo Mudryk, but Nicolas Jackson returns. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank will hope Bryan Mbuemo can hurt the hosts on the break. The Bees are confident after victory over Burnley last time out, while the Blues must bounce back after coughing up a 2-0 lead to rivals Arsenal last weekend to only draw 2-2. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. And find the latest betting tips and advice here. Read More Christopher Nkunku return teased by Mauricio Pochettino ahead of long-awaited Chelsea debut Mauricio Pochettino secures greater Chelsea transfer influence and identifies key January target Wolves v Chelsea on Christmas Eve means ‘unhappy wife’ for Mauricio Pochettino

Fran Kirby shook off suggestions she might feel intimidated by the new faces in England’s camp after she returned from her long absence in the 1-0 victory over Belgium on Friday. Kirby had not played for England since the Lionesses faced the Czech Republic in a friendly last October and missed this year’s World Cup after undergoing knee surgery. The Chelsea midfielder received a warm reception by the sold-out crowd in Leicester when she came on in the 65th minute of the Nations League clash. Kirby said: “It feels like I haven’t been away. Obviously, I know a lot of the girls from playing against them. “Everyone who has come in has brought a fresh face and a new standard. It has been nice to be in training around them and getting to know them more personally. “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now. I think I know what I’m doing. “It’s nice to be on the pitch, it’s nice to get a win, so I’m happy. “I’ve been working really hard over the summer to try and get back as quickly as possible and to be involved tonight was really special.” Kirby, who has suffered a spate of injuries and fitness issues in recent years, announced in May she would be going under the knife to fix a knee issue that had long plagued her, with doctors determining surgery was the only way to rectify the situation. The 2019-20 season saw Kirby diagnosed with pericarditis, a heart condition, and in 2022 she was sidelined with a fatigue-related illness that led to her installing an oxygen tent at her home. As for this most recent problem, Kirby said: “At the beginning it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury is. I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, not that it made it any easier. “I was able to support the girls and feel the same emotions that they were feeling and going through. Being back with them now just means that all of the hard work paid off in the summer.” Friday’s victory moved the Lionesses up to second place in Group One, with a quick turnaround before they face Belgium again in Tuesday’s return fixture. England need to finish top to advance in the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for next summer’s Olympics in Paris. Kirby’s reception from supporters was perhaps second-loudest to only former Leicester goalkeeper Mary Earps, who seemed to elicit a roar every time she made a stop en route to earning England a first clean sheet since they faced Nigeria in the last-16 at the World Cup. Kirby said: “The support that I’ve had over the past year has been incredible from fans – national team and Chelsea. I can’t fault anyone for their support and that has been really pivotal for me coming back. “It’s frustrating when I’m injured and can’t be out there, so to hear that reception when I came on is really special and it’s something that I won’t forget. “I’ve been working really hard to get back out on the pitch as much as possible and I want to stay there.” Read More England ‘feeling the heat’ of World Cup implosion – Marcus Trescothick Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Luka Doncic scores 49 with four straight three-pointers to beat Brooklyn Texas Rangers win World Series opener in extra innings On this day in 2017: Anthony Joshua beats Carlos Takam to retain world titles

Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season as Jude Bellingham gets his first taste of one of the biggest games in world football. Barcelona won last season’s La Liga crown as they surged to their first league title since 2019 under Xavi. The champions are undefeated this season with seven wins and three draws but trail leaders Real Madrid by one point. Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old England star will now take centre stage in El Clasico as Real Madrid look to get revenge on Barcelona for last year’s title win. Here’s everything you need to know; get the latest Clasico odds and tips here. When is Barcelona vs Real Madrid? El Clasico will kick off at 3:15pm BST (UK time) on Saturday 29 October. It will be played at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, which is where Barcelona are playing all their home games this season due to renovations at the Camp Nou. Why isn’t Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV in the UK? El Clasico is not available to watch live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule - a law which dates back to the 1960s preventing football from being shown on UK TV between 2:45pm and 5:15pm, in an effort to protect the attendances of lower league clubs. This includes international football, which is why ViaPlay - who hold the rights for LaLiga in the UK - cannot broadcast the match on TV or online until they show a re-run at 5:15pm. The re-run will be shown on ViaPlay Sports 2 and will also be available to watch on the ViaPlay website for ViaPlay subscribers. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then 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 also with the terms of their service provider. How can I follow the match? The Independent will be running a live blog of El Classico with the latest score and goal updates. What is the team news? Robert Lewandowski is a major doubt for Barcelona but Xavi is hopeful the striker will be able to face Real Madrid. Barcelona have been hit by several injuries to key players in recent weeks and although Jules Kounde, Pedri and Sergi Roberto have been ruled out, Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha could return in time. Real Madrid have been without Thibaut Courtois all season and the goalkeeper remains a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury. Eder Militao also remains out but Real Madrid have fewer injury issues than their rivals. Predicted line-ups Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix Real Madrid: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Read More Fran Kirby felt like she’d never been away on return to England side Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day Fran Kirby felt like she’d never been away on return to England side Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day

Chelsea take on Brentford in the Premier League’s early-kick off on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Brentford go into the game unbeaten in their last three matches, having scored six goals while conceding just once. Chelsea might have let a two-goal lead slip against Arsenal last weekend but will want to bounce back against a side that has beaten them in the last two meetings between the clubs at Stamford Bridge. FOLLOW LIVE: Chelsea vs Brentford line-ups, team news and build-up However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have not won at home since their 3-0 win over Luton in August. Here’s everything you need to know about the match and get the latest football betting odds and tips here. When is it? The Premier League match is on Saturday 28 October at 12.30pm BST at Stamford Bridge. How can I watch it? Chelsea vs Brentford will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 which can be streamed via the Discovery+ app with coverage starting at 11am BST. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then 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 also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Nicolas Jackson could return to the Chelsea starting line-up, while Reece James is expected to remain on the bench. Chelsea have an extensive injury list with Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana all sidelined. Brentford will be without Rico Henry, Keane Lewis-Potter, Shandon Baptiste, Ivan Toney, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and Joshua Dasilva. Odds Chelsea 4/7 Draw 23/10 Brentford 4/1 Prediction Chelsea will build on their draw against Arsenal and should be able to win the game for a timely boost against Thomas Frank’s solid outfit. Chelsea 2-1 Brentford. Read More Mauricio Pochettino secures greater Chelsea transfer influence and identifies key January target Mauricio Pochettino hails Reece James’ leadership and defends captain after ban Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea I know my worth – Rasmus Hojlund ready to build on promising start at Man Utd Diogo Dalot ensures Manchester United honour Sir Bobby Charlton with victory Thomas Frank: Five-year anniversary meal will taste better after Brentford win

Erik ten Hag knows Manchester United “have a way to go” as they look to kickstart their season with a statement derby victory against rivals Manchester City. All eyes will be on Old Trafford this Sunday as Pep Guardiola’s treble winners look to halt the Red Devils’ wholly unconvincing three-game winning streak. United required their latest ever Premier League comeback to beat Brentford 2-1 before an international break they returned from with a win by the same scoreline at rock-bottom Sheffield United. Ten Hag’s team toiled to a third straight victory in all competitions on Tuesday, when Andre Onana’s last-gasp spot-kick save sealed a crucial 1-0 win against Copenhagen in the Champions League. It was another narrow escape for a United side that need to be far better if they are to stand any chance of winning the 191st Manchester derby. “We are in the right direction, and we have a way to go,” Red Devils boss Ten Hag said. “I see positives, I see also negatives. We are not consistently, in possession, on the level where we can be, where we show in games we can be. “Like for instance, Arsenal away. Also, the first 30 minutes in Bayern Munich away. But we should do this on a consistent basis. “But pressing, we are quite good. We have the most ball regains from the whole Premier League, we have the most middle regains from the whole Premier League. “So, there you see, our defensive organisation, our pressing organisation. I said before the season how we wanted to play, that is us. “But then, we don’t take the benefit in the attacking transition moments, and we should be because we have the abilities in our team, the players there who can take benefit from it. “We paid some attention to it, and this has to grow, this has to progress. Then games will become easier.” United’s spate of defensive injuries has undoubtedly impacted them this term, so too their inability to show a clinical edge in front of goal. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have only managed one goal apiece this term, while summer signing Rasmus Hojlund is looking to open his Premier League account after scoring three European goals. Asked if the lack of goals was the forwards’ fault, Ten Hag said: “Fault? It’s co-operation and that has to click. “We showed this week some examples where we are in overload positions going to the opponents’ goal and we don’t net, or we don’t even hit the target. We should do this better. “I’m sure we don’t have time to train this fact, but we get some coaching and I’m convinced with the qualities from our players, that they will go and score more goals.” The form of Rashford – who scored the winner when these sides last met at Old Trafford back in January – has been particularly alarming. The England forward has looked a shadow of the player that plundered 30 goals in 2022-23 during the opening months of the current campaign, but there is confidence he will soon open the floodgates. “Especially give him the trust, I play him every game,” Ten Hag said. “Most of the games also he finishes. I have a strong belief he will return to scoring a lot of goals.” Read More Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Luka Doncic scores 49 with four straight three-pointers to beat Brooklyn Texas Rangers win World Series opener in extra innings On this day in 2017: Anthony Joshua beats Carlos Takam to retain world titles Wolves v Chelsea on Christmas Eve means ‘unhappy wife’ for Mauricio Pochettino Matthew Mott wary of ‘raging favourites’ as England look to avoid further shame