List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Newcastle host Borussia Dortmund at St. James’ Park this evening as they aim to win consecutive matches in the Champions League this season. The Magpies defeated Paris Saint-Germain at home last time out in what was their first European top-flight match at St James’ Park in 20 years. Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar all got on the scoresheet as Newcastle sent four past the French champions to take control of their group with four matches to play. Eddie Howe’s men are unbeaten in the group stages so far having also draw away at AC Milan in their opener but the face a difficult test against Dortmund tonight. The Bundesliga club have lost just one game in 11 matches all season - away at PSG in their Group F opener - and have scored eight goals in the last four games. They are bottom of the table as it stands and will see tonight’s fixture as a valuable opportunity to get themselves back in the race to reach the knockouts. Follow the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund right here: Read More Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards

Manchester City will look to continue their perfect start to this season’s Champions League defence as Pep Guardiola’s side visit BSC Young Boys tonight. City have opened their European campaign with victories over FK Crvena Zvezda and away at RB Leipzig last time out, and now travel to the Swiss champions in Bern. The treble winners got back to winning wins at the weekend with a 2-1 win against Brighton, following a three-match domestic losing streak that came while Rodri was suspended. City have a three point lead over RB Leipzig and are five points clear of Young Boys and FK Crvena Zvezda in Champions League Group G, and would be on the verge of qualification to the last-16 with another victory tonight. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash. When is Young Boys vs Manchester City? The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 25 October in Bern, Switzerland. How can I watch it? It will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 7pm BST. TNT Sports customers can also stream the match live on Discovery+ and the Discovery+ app. 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 Manchester City team news? City have no fresh injury concerns, with long-term casualty Kevin De Bruyne their only notable absentee. Manuel Akanji is free to play but will be suspended from their next Premier League match after his red card against Brighton. Predicted line-up Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Diaz, Akanji; Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, Alvaraz, Doku; Haaland Prediction Young Boys 1-4 Manchester City Read More Esme Morgan pleads for patience and politeness from England’s autograph hunters Pep Guardiola responds to concerns over artificial pitch ahead of Young Boys clash I know my worth – Rasmus Hojlund ready to build on promising start at Man Utd Gabriel Jesus urges Arsenal team-mates to believe they can win Champions League Erik ten Hag heaps praise on United goalkeeper Andre Onana after penalty heroics Gabriel Jesus has ‘changed our world’ – Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

England defender Esme Morgan has urged critics to empathise with players who have the desire, but no longer the capacity, to meet every autograph hopeful amid growing concern that a minority of fans feel overly entitled to their time. Morgan’s fellow Lioness, Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps, this week posted on Instagram after she was tagged in a post-match comment by a parent who claimed the award-winner was “far too busy and important to stop for her fans these days”, admitting she found the accusation “hurtful” when she had taken time to meet as many as she could. It is easy for Morgan, who was at the age of five already a Manchester City season-ticket holder, to put herself in the shoes of supporters hoping for a post-match meeting with an idol. She has also witnessed popular team-mates like Chloe Kelly become upset after being unfairly criticised for not getting to everyone – when the reason can sometimes be as straightforward as needing to board a bus. Morgan said: “You can’t please everyone and you always remember that one person who wasn’t happy with you as opposed to all the people whose day you made and they were really grateful. “We love being able to go over and make someone’s day and see how excited people get but with the growth of the game now it’s just not really realistic and feasible for us to get round and see everyone. “It’s difficult when sometimes maybe some fans feel like the expectation is that they’re going to get to meet you and in years gone by that might have been an option, not as many fans were coming to the games so you might be able to get round everyone. “It is really hard because I’m sure at that age I would have been disappointed and so gutted that I was so close to meeting one of my heroes, but the growth of the game now means there’s just so many more people interested and so many more people come to the games and want to meet people that it’s just not possible for us to get round it all. Sometimes when you go around the edge of the crowd, you’re kind of getting screamed at and having things thrust in your face Esme Morgan “I think it’s nice that we can celebrate the interaction we have with fans but I think it’s difficult that, if it’s an expectation, players shouldn’t be made to feel bad about not getting round to everyone.” Players like Morgan have embraced other means of interaction – she is fond of engaging with fans on her increasingly popular TikTok account and through charity initiatives – while new systems like the one being trialled at Manchester City’s Joie Stadium this season aim to facilitate smoother and more quality connections between players and fans. ‘Autograph Alley’ is a dedicated meet-and-greet point where a smaller group of randomly selected supporters enjoy post-match encounters with players, something which Morgan says “is a lot nicer for us actually because it’s a much calmer situation and atmosphere.” She added: “You can spend a little bit more time chatting to people because not everyone is sort of screaming or going a bit crazy around you. Sometimes when you go around the edge of the crowd, you’re kind of getting screamed at and having things thrust in your face.” Those still hoping to snag an England player’s signature would do well to take a cue from young Morgan herself. A little politeness, she said, goes a long way. She added: “When I first started coming to City’s women’s matches I was just a kid in the crowd wanting to meet everyone. But I always felt like my manners were good and I’d always say please and thank you and things like that and sometimes I think that can be lost and that’s one of those things where it’s not a pleasant experience. “I think if clubs can put something in place, like City have, making it a lot more well-managed and a calmer experience then I think it’s much more pleasant for everybody.” Read More Record appearance maker Ben Youngs set for England swansong against Argentina Double payday – Tyson Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk two days before Christmas Self-confessed ‘golf tragic’ Dan Carter keen to boost participation in Ireland England captain Owen Farrell: Online abuse of Tom Curry not acceptable Liverpool set for boost as Cody Gakpo in line to make return against Toulouse London Broncos set to lose out under rugby league’s new grading criteria

The Premier League has recommended a deduction of up to 12 points for Everton over alleged breaches of financial rules, according to a report on Wednesday. The Daily Telegraph has reported that the league has asked an independent commission hearing charges against the Merseyside club to impose a severe sanction. A 12-point deduction would leave Everton on minus-five points in this season’s league table. The club and the Premier League have not commented on the report. The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations. Everton statement, March 2023 The league referred the club to the commission in March over an alleged breach of its profitability and sustainability (P&S) rules over a period ending with the 2021-22 season. The league’s P&S rules allow clubs to lose a maximum of £105million over a three-year period or face sanctions. Everton said in a statement issued on the day that news of the referral was confirmed: “The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations. “Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission. The club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.” Everton have recorded annual losses for five consecutive years – more than £430million in total over the period. The club are the subject of a takeover bid by American private investment firm 777 Partners, which last week denied a New York Times report that its bid had stalled because of a failure to supply information to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Read More Self-confessed ‘golf tragic’ Dan Carter keen to boost participation in Ireland England captain Owen Farrell: Online abuse of Tom Curry not acceptable Liverpool set for boost as Cody Gakpo in line to make return against Toulouse

The Premier League has recommended a deduction of up to 12 points for Everton over alleged breaches of financial rules, according to a report on Wednesday. The Daily Telegraph has reported that the league has asked an independent commission hearing charges against the Merseyside club to impose a severe sanction. A 12-point deduction would leave Everton on minus-five points in this season’s league table. The club and the Premier League have not commented on the report. The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations. Everton statement, March 2023 The league referred the club to the commission in March over an alleged breach of its profitability and sustainability (P&S) rules over a period ending with the 2021-22 season. The league’s P&S rules allow clubs to lose a maximum of £105million over a three-year period or face sanctions. Everton said in a statement issued on the day that news of the referral was confirmed: “The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations. “Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission. The club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times.” Everton have recorded annual losses for five consecutive years – more than £430million in total over the period. The club are the subject of a takeover bid by American private investment firm 777 Partners, which last week denied a New York Times report that its bid had stalled because of a failure to supply information to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Read More Liverpool set for boost as Cody Gakpo in line to make return against Toulouse London Broncos set to lose out under rugby league’s new grading criteria Sri Lanka will fight fire with fire against England – Angelo Mathews

Cody Gakpo could return for Liverpool when they face Toulouse in a Europa League clash on Thursday night. The Dutch forward has been missing since suffering a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at the end of last month, but after returning to training in the build-up to the 2-0 derby win over Everton at the weekend, Gakpo is now available for selection, Jurgen Klopp has said. Andy Robertson, meanwhile, has undergone surgery on the shoulder he injured while on international duty with Scotland, but faces a longer road to recovery. “Robbo had surgery and all went well, as good as it could be, so the recovery starts after he wakes up,” Klopp said. “I think it happened this morning. That’s it. We don’t know how long it will take or whatever, but the first step is done, that’s good. “Cody is in full training now since Sunday, which means he is available for the squad. Whatever we do with that we will have to see, but that’s good as well.” Klopp hinted at making changes for the visit of Toulouse, but with the game an opportunity to open up a commanding lead in Group E, Klopp does not want to take anything for granted. “Toulouse deserve all our respect,” he said. “It is a really interesting story, winning the (French) Cup last year…it was a massive thing. They are a young team, a talented team, you see them playing really nice football and they have a clear idea. “They got a point against PSG and it was a massive one so we have to make sure we are really ready. Then it is about us. We have to create an atmosphere through the way we play. “I’m pretty sure they are looking forward to playing at Anfield as players and coaches, but we have to make sure they cannot enjoy it.” Liverpool would go five points clear in the group with a win and put one foot in the knock-out stages, and with that in mind Klopp said he would be careful in not making too many changes that might disrupt his side. “We want to win football games and this is the next opportunity,” he said. “(A win) would bring us to nine points with Toulouse on four, but knowing that changes nothing. We have to play our best. We will make a few changes but not too much. “The boys have shown they are really ready for the competition. That’s what I wanted to see. We hope to go a long, long, long way in this competition, but for that we have to make all the decisive steps and tomorrow is another big one.” Curtis Jones will hope to get another opportunity in midfield, having played only once – in the Europa League win over Union St Gilloise – since his controversial red card at Tottenham brought a three-match Premier League ban. Jones was sent off for going over the top of the ball to catch Yves Bissmouma, but the replays made the incident look worse than it perhaps was. “It’s been tough,” the 22-year-old said of his enforced time out. “I was at a point where I was playing games and doing well and then a small mistake like that stops the run of games. That’s in the past now and I’ve moved on, and I’ve got a chance now to play again so I’m excited. “In terms of the tackle itself, I’ve seen it at the end of the game. It was unfortunate but then I’ve seen what the ref was shown, he was only shown the clip of my foot on the leg so I understand (the decision). I’ve moved past that and I’m excited for the next games.” Read More London Broncos set to lose out under rugby league’s new grading criteria Sri Lanka will fight fire with fire against England – Angelo Mathews I know my worth – Rasmus Hojlund ready to build on promising start at Man Utd Gabriel Jesus urges Arsenal team-mates to believe they can win Champions League Sale condemn ‘disgusting abuse’ aimed at Tom Curry and his family Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement after 101 caps for Wales

As Jordan Larsson stepped up for that final kick, it felt like Andre Onana was the only person in Old Trafford who was in any way calm. He stood there in a composed manner, as Steve McLaren shouted instructions, and Alejandro Garnacho walked away in the knowledge no one on the pitch had noticed him scuffing the penalty spot. It was as if everyone wanted to exert their will over a set piece that was really just between the kicker and the goalkeeper. There were grander reasons for that. Manchester United needed this win over Copenhagen to possibly progress in the Champions League, and didn’t want to fail on a night that was all about perhaps their greatest ever player. There was also something more personal, that Sir Bobby Charlton would no doubt have appreciated. There was a will that Onana should be the difference, not just that Larsson should miss. It could be sensed in the deafening roar that greeted his save, as the goalkeeper guessed right to send the shot wide. It saved the win on an important night, and could well be an important moment in Onana’s United career. The psychological significance certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. This was what he’d been waiting for. This was the response he needed, the love he required. Because, as Erik ten Hag admitted after the game, Onana knows he hasn’t been at his own best level. It’s obvious his confidence has been affected. There was ironically a reminder of David De Gea, and not just because the Spanish goalkeeper also endured an uncertain start at United way back in 2011. One of the reasons De Gea was ultimately ousted was because of a decline that began in 2018. Having been brilliant for Jose Mourinho that season as a pure shot-stopper, staying deeper, he then went into a Spanish national team that demanded he play out from the back. He couldn’t, and it clearly eroded his self-assurance, to the point that De Gea began to make mistakes he hadn’t for years. That persisted for years more. Onana had meanwhile been largely signed for his footwork, only to not really get to use it to best effect in his first few games. He had been signed too late in the window, and there were too many changes to the defence. Onana didn’t have that chemistry with his centre-halves. It meant he often had to punt the ball long, removing one of the qualities he is most respected for. That obviously began to affect his confidence, to the point he started to make errors that he hadn’t at Internazionale. It was almost a classic negative spiral – that might well have been arrested with that save. That’s why it might have been so big, even beyond the emotional night. There is some symmetry in how United now face Manchester City in the derby this Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s first major move in England was to replace Joe Hart with Claudio Bravo due to the need for good footwork, only for the Chilean to almost immediately start struggling. The first major mishap was in fact at Old Trafford, and that first Manchester derby between Mourinho and Guardiola. Bravo was all over the place, misplaced kicking leading into poor handling, and gifting United a way back into the game. He never really recovered to be City No 1. Although some respectability was restored in how Bravo became a fine cup goalkeeper, he had been usurped by Ederson. There was never that same trust. Guardiola had a theory about how that happened, given that Bravo had previously been a European champion with Barcelona. The Catalan believes that goalkeeper is such an individualised position, leaving the No 1s so isolated, that an early mistake at a big stadium can have long-term effects on their confidence. This is clearly what happened with Bravo. It looked like it might have been happening with Onana. It is entirely possible, however, that Guardiola’s theory can work the other way. A first great moment in a big stadium can have a huge positive effect. It can restore confidence. Ten Hag praised Onana, saying he had “showed personality”. He stood up, by getting down superbly. That didn’t just push away Larsson’s shot but will have temporarily pushed out all memory of so many of the goalkeeper’s recent errors. He will be bolstered by the knowledge of this. Onana showed his value. He secured a win on a night when United needed a victory for all manner of reasons. Two of those were bigger than any one individual, but the moment undeniably meant most to him. Read More Alejandro Garnacho labelled ‘baby’ for scuffing spot before Copenhagen’s penalty miss Erik ten Hag heaps praise on United goalkeeper Andre Onana after penalty heroics Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern to victory over Galatasaray ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Man Utd duo’s heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

Newcastle may have beaten Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League game at St James’ Park in 20 years but the Magpies will want to back that up with a strong performance against Borussia Dortmund. Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in their group stages having secured a goalless draw away at AC Milan and stunning PSG 4-1 at home last time out. The Magpies have been a force to be reckoned with in English football but it remains to be seen how much a toll balancing the demands of the Premier League and Europe football is taking on a side without the depth of some of the other top sides. Dortmund have lost just one game in 11 matches all season, away at PSG in their Group F opener. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture: When is Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund? The match is on Wednesday 25 October with a kick off time of 8 pm BST. How can I watch it? Newcastle vs Dortmund will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7 pm BST, the game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ app. 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 The main question surrounding selection will be the outcome of a decision over Sandro Tonali and the investigation into breaches of betting rules concerning the midfielder. The outcome could be announced ahead of the clash, with a lengthy ban expected. Sven Botman has a knee problem, Matt Ritchie, Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes are also out while Joe Willock is back in training but Wednesday’s match could come too early for the midfielder. For Dortmund, Julian Ryerson is expected to miss out through illness, with Mateu Morey and Thomas Meunier more long-term injury concerns for the German side. Odds Newcastle 13/20 Draw 31/10 Dortmund 4/1 Prediction It will be a hard-fought affair, but Newcastle will not quite have the energy and motivation they showed against PSG. Newcastle 1-1 Dortmund.

Rasmus Hojlund says he is a work in progress that knows his worth as Manchester United’s big-money summer signing eyes improvements and derby success this weekend. The Red Devils’ need for a striker has been obvious for some time but eyebrows were raised when they plumped for potential over a proven talent like Harry Kane. United’s belief in Hojlund saw them pay Atalanta an initial £64million fee for the somewhat unproven striker, with the deal having the potential to reach up to £72m. The 20-year-old’s promising start suggests the club’s confidence in the rough diamond was not misplaced and the Denmark striker appears comfortable with the price tag. “I know my worth,” Hojlund said. “I know I have to perform every day because I play for Manchester United. “In the end, I am only 20 years old and I am not the finished article yet. I still have a lot to improve and I am getting there slowly. “I reckon I have had a fine start to the season and now we have to keep building and the goals will come in the Premier League.” Hojlund was dealing with a back issue when he arrived from Italy, delaying his debut until September. The 20-year-old has scored three in 10 appearances for United in all competitions, with the striker now looking to open his Premier League account having only scored in the Champions League to date. “I play for my boyhood club,” Hojlund said. “I have always supported Manchester United, so I am living my dream every day. “I try to show personality and want to give 110 per cent every time I play a football match, so maybe that is the reason why they are showing a special bond towards me.” “I’ve tried my best every time I play, and I still need to find the rhythm. “We have been struggling a little bit, but we are getting there now. We have had three wins in a row, so that is very positive. “For sure (I’m still getting used to the Premier League). I improve every day and my team-mates are starting to see my patterns in the game as well, so it is getting better and better every day.” Hojlund believes a bond is developing with homegrown star Marcus Rashford, whose debut Manchester derby day heroics he would love to replicate this weekend. The England forward scored United’s winner in his first senior match against rivals City, who head to Old Trafford for Sunday’s mouthwatering top-flight clash. “It would be a big experience, so I am looking forward to it,” Hojlund said as United look to build on Premier League wins against Brentford and Sheffield United. “It is always special to play a rival and if we win the game, we can get closer to the top, so it would be nice.” Asked for his most memorable derby match, the boyhood United fan said: “The bicycle kick from Wayne Rooney, of course! Everybody remembers that, don’t they?” Among the many talking points ahead of the Manchester derby is sure to be comparisons between Hojlund and City sharpshooter Erling Haaland. The young talent’s profile, career trajectory and Scandinavian roots have led to numerous comparisons to the Norway striker, who United tried to sign in the past. “Like I’ve said many times, I don’t want to be compared to him,” Hojlund said. “He is incredible and probably the best striker in the world right now. “We can keep that on the low for now, but I hope I can improve and then we will see what I am capable of.” Hojlund was speaking in the bowels of Old Trafford after United defeated his hometown team and former club in a crucial Champions League clash. Erik ten Hag’s men needed kick-started their Group A campaign with Tuesday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory against a Copenhagen side that included Hojlund’s younger brother Oscar. Rasmus spoke alongside the 18-year-old, who came off the bench at Old Trafford hours after twin Emil helped Copenhagen Under-19s beat United in the UEFA Youth League. “It is a great feeling being on the same pitch as my brother, and not only in a normal stadium,” the United frontman said. “In Denmark it is one of the most special stadiums in the world, so it is a special feeling.” Read More Gabriel Jesus urges Arsenal team-mates to believe they can win Champions League Sale condemn ‘disgusting abuse’ aimed at Tom Curry and his family Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement after 101 caps for Wales Everton boss Sean Dyche pays tribute to ‘amazing servant’ Bill Kenwright Moeen Ali: Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood will be fired up to face England Having ‘hero’ in opponent’s corner could unsettle Tyson Fury – Carl Frampton

Everton manager Sean Dyche has paid tribute to Bill Kenwright, who died on Monday at the age of 78, calling the late chairman “an amazing servant” to the club. On Wednesday morning, Dyche and club captain Seamus Coleman laid flowers at the statue of Dixie Dean outside Goodison Park, where the Everton squad were holding a training session. All players and staff observed a minute’s silence before the session and Kenwright’s image was shown on the stadium’s screens. Everton announced on Tuesday that Kenwright had died following a battle with cancer. In a statement on the club website, Dyche said: “It’s a very sad time for everyone at Everton Football Club to lose our chairman, someone who has been such an amazing servant to the club in so many ways. “His influence in bringing me to Everton in the first place was important and I have nothing but gratitude and respect for his unwavering support of myself, the staff and our players. “It was a pleasure to share the moment of reaching our objective last season with him – a moment I know he felt so strongly about after such an arduous season, on and off the pitch… “He was an incredible professional, in terms of what he did with Everton and also what he achieved in the theatre industry. Spending time with him and learning about his family, you couldn’t help but be taken by his passion.” Dyche was told of the news midway through Tuesday’s training and called an immediate halt to the session as players and staff paid their respects. Kenwright, who succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as chairman in 2004 after first joining the board at Goodison Park in 1989, had a cancerous tumour removed from his liver in August. Liverpool-born Kenwright was a successful theatre and film producer when asked to join the Everton board in 1989. He bought a majority 68 per cent stake in the club in 1999 and became deputy chairman before replacing Carter in his current role. Dyche added: “Beyond his deep love of his family, one of those big passions, of course, was football – the game as a whole, as well as his obvious lasting love of Everton football club. “His story – a boyhood supporter who went on to become chairman – is something so rare in the modern game, especially at the top level. “He always believed in Everton and stood by the club, even in the toughest times. He was steadfast until the very end. “Like so many who knew him, my heart and my thoughts are with his family at this extremely sad time.” Read More Tom Curry in England’s starting line-up to face Argentina Gabriel Jesus urges Arsenal team-mates to believe they can win Champions League Sale condemn ‘disgusting abuse’ aimed at Tom Curry and his family Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement after 101 caps for Wales Moeen Ali: Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood will be fired up to face England Having ‘hero’ in opponent’s corner could unsettle Tyson Fury – Carl Frampton

Gabriel Jesus believes he can finally win the Champions League and has told his Arsenal team-mates to share the faith. The Brazil forward has a love affair with Europe’s premiere club competition and was the difference-maker as Arsenal won 2-1 at Sevilla on Tuesday night. Jesus provided a moment of magic to lay on the opening goal for compatriot Gabriel Martinelli before curling home a fine individual effort – although his celebrations were curtailed as he limped off with 10 minutes to go. The former Manchester City striker, who came off the bench when Pep Guardiola’s side lost the 2021 Champions League final to Chelsea, has a phenomenal strike-rate in the competition – his goal at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium was his 23rd in 41 appearances for City and Arsenal. He still harbours ambitions of winning the trophy and feels it is something he and his colleagues can achieve this season. “It’s a competition that I love,” he said after his man-of-the-match display. “All the competitions I love, because I just love to play football. But I don’t know, since day one in the Champions League, my debut, I scored goals. Obviously it is not easy, but I think we have to believe. If we don’t believe, we cannot be here Gabriel Jesus “I haven’t won it yet, so I am looking for this, for this beautiful trophy. Obviously it is not easy, but I think we have to believe. If we don’t believe, we cannot be here.” While his goal was a moment to savour, Jesus’ role in Martinelli’s opening effort will live long in the memory as a deft touch took two Sevilla midfielders out of the game. A perfectly-weighted slide-rule pass played in Martinelli who, having missed a golden chance to break the deadlock earlier in the game, obliged with a cool finish as the two Brazil internationals combined to great effect. “I think for me as the type of player I am, I drop a lot more on the left side than the right side,” Jesus replied when asked about his relationship and understanding playing alongside Martinelli. “Obviously I drop on the right as well to help B (Bukayo Saka) and to play with B, but I drop more on the left. It works. “The wingers we have, not just Martinelli and B, but Reiss (Nelson), Leo (Trossard) and even Eddie (Nketiah) or Fabio (Vieira) when they play there, they are quality players. “I just go out wide and I try to play short passes and give them the ball, and they try to find me as well. It worked with Martinelli and I am very happy.” Mikel Arteta’s side return to domestic action when they welcome Premier League bottom club Sheffield United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners are unbeaten in their opening nine league games of the campaign and Jesus could yet be involved despite limping off late on in Spain. “I felt something. Let’s see,” he said. “I did some tests with the physio, it looks not that big, but let’s see. I have a scan, maybe tomorrow. I’m pretty sure it will be nothing.” Read More Sale condemn ‘disgusting abuse’ aimed at Tom Curry and his family Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement after 101 caps for Wales Sean Dyche and Seamus Coleman pay tribute to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright Moeen Ali: Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood will be fired up to face England Having ‘hero’ in opponent’s corner could unsettle Tyson Fury – Carl Frampton Denver Nuggets open NBA season with 119-107 win over Los Angeles Lakers

Everton boss Sean Dyche and captain Seamus Coleman have paid tribute to chairman Bill Kenwright. The pair laid flowers at the Dixie Dean statue outside Goodison Park on Tuesday morning. Kenwright died at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer, the club announced on Monday. Kenwright, who succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as chairman in 2004 after first joining the board at Goodison Park in 1989, had a cancerous tumour removed from his liver in August. Liverpool-born Kenwright was a successful theatre and film producer when asked to join the Everton board in 1989. He bought a majority 68 per cent stake in the club in 1999 and became deputy chairman before replacing Carter in his current role. Read More ‘I’m here, I’m ready to go’ – Deontay Wilder keen for bout with Anthony Joshua Moeen Ali: Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood will be fired up to face England Having ‘hero’ in opponent’s corner could unsettle Tyson Fury – Carl Frampton