Ruben Amorim celebrated his first victory as Manchester United manager with a thrilling 3-2 win over Bodo Glimt in the Europa League group stage. Despite the result, the Portuguese coach admitted feeling anxious due to limited preparation with the team.
Man Utd vs Bodo Glimt: A Hard-Fought Victory
Manchester United’s Europa League match against Bodo Glimt at Old Trafford saw early brilliance, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the opening goal. Rasmus Hojlund added a brace to secure the win. However, Bodo Glimt fought back fiercely, capitalizing on Manchester United’s transitional defensive lapses to score twice.
The victory highlighted both potential and vulnerabilities within the team, as Ruben Amorim acknowledged after the match.
Ruben Amorim said MU played a little better than in the draw with Ipswich. Photo: EFE
Ruben Amorim’s Nervous Debut at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim, appointed just days before the game, admitted to feeling nervous as the players navigated his tactical setup. Speaking to the media, Amorim shared:
“I was worried because I didn’t know what was going to happen. You can’t control everything at the moment. We are trying to adjust to many things.”
Amorim emphasized that limited time to work with the squad contributed to his apprehension. Despite the challenges, he commended his players for their resilience:
“We started well but conceded two goals in transitional phases. I liked how the players continued to fight after going behind. They truly deserved the win.”
Key Changes and Tactical Adjustments
For his second match in charge, Ruben Amorim made six changes to the starting lineup, including starts for Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund.
While the adjustments improved ball quality compared to the previous game against Ipswich Town, Amorim noted that further changes would be necessary for the upcoming Premier League clash against Everton.
“We have made some progress, but we need to adapt the formation for Sunday’s match,” Amorim stated.
Hojlund scored twice but with Amorim, the striker needs to improve a lot more. Photo: EFE
Amorim’s Emotional Connection with Old Trafford Fans
Despite his nerves, Amorim was touched by the warm reception from the Old Trafford crowd.
“Half of Old Trafford probably doesn’t know me. I come from Portugal and haven’t done anything for Manchester United yet. The way the fans made me feel at home was very special. I will cherish this throughout my career.”
Key Takeaways from Man Utd’s Win Over Bodo Glimt
Early Attacking Spark: Garnacho and Hojlund displayed strong chemistry, contributing to all three goals.
Defensive Lapses: Manchester United conceded twice due to transitional errors, exposing weaknesses Amorim must address.
Amorim’s Tactical Evolution: The new manager is adapting quickly but acknowledges the need for further refinement.
FAQs
What was the result of the Manchester United vs Bodo Glimt match?
Manchester United secured a 3-2 victory in the Europa League group stage, with goals from Garnacho and a double by Hojlund.
How did Ruben Amorim feel during his debut at Old Trafford?
Ruben Amorim admitted feeling nervous due to limited preparation time with the team but praised the players for their determination and resilience.
Who stood out in Man Utd’s Europa League win?
Rasmus Hojlund shone with two goals, while Garnacho opened the scoring. Ruben Amorim also highlighted the team’s collective effort.
What challenges did Manchester United face in the match?
Manchester United struggled with defensive lapses during transitional phases, conceding two goals and allowing Bodo Glimt to remain competitive.
What changes did Ruben Amorim make to the starting lineup?
Amorim introduced Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund for this match.
What’s next for Manchester United?
Manchester United will host Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, with Amorim planning further tactical adjustments for the match.
Conclusion
Ruben Amorim’s debut win as Manchester United manager offered both promise and challenges. While the 3-2 victory over Bodo Glimt demonstrated attacking potential, defensive vulnerabilities remain. With further adjustments and time to implement his vision, Amorim will aim to lead the Red Devils to greater consistency in upcoming fixtures.
Every year, the football world holds its breath for one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar: El Clasico. This legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona captivates millions, drawing attention not just in Spain but across the globe. As fans prepare for the next match at 2 AM on October 27, the excitement is palpable, especially with both teams currently sitting at the top of La Liga and coming off impressive Champions League performances.
The Significance of El Clasico
El Clasico is more than just a football match; it is a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the spirit of Spanish football. The clash of Real Madrid vs Barcelona represents not only a battle for points but also a historic rivalry steeped in political and social context. This match highlights the tension between Catalonia and the Spanish state, with Barcelona often symbolizing the struggle for Catalan identity against the backdrop of a historically centralized Spanish government represented by Real Madrid.
The world’s most important match this weekend
A Thrilling Anticipation
Leading up to the match, excitement builds exponentially. Over 1.1 million fans lined up online in hopes of securing tickets, demonstrating the insatiable demand for this showdown. Currently, Barcelona is leading La Liga under the direction of Hansi Flick, having achieved 9 victories out of 10 matches. However, Real Madrid is not to be underestimated, remaining unbeaten and poised to level points with Barcelona if they secure a win at the Bernabeu.
Both teams recently showcased their dominance in the Champions League, with Barcelona delivering a stunning 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich and Real triumphing over Borussia Dortmund 5-2. Star players like Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, who each scored hat-tricks, are set to shine on the grand stage of El Clasico, further heightening the stakes.
The Tactical Battle: Real Madrid vs Barcelona
The tactical nuances of Real Madrid vs Barca will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. Coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Hansi Flick will need to devise strategies that not only capitalize on their team’s strengths but also exploit the weaknesses of their rivals.
Barca’s high-pressing game has proven effective, but it also exposes vulnerabilities that Real could exploit. With an attacking lineup featuring stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid will look to penetrate the gaps in Barcelona’s defense. Conversely, Barca’s offensive prowess, led by Robert Lewandowski and the rapid emergence of Lamine Yamal, poses a significant challenge to Real Madrid’s backline.
Historical Context: More Than Just a Match
The roots of El Clasico run deep, intertwined with Spain’s complex political history. The rivalry intensified during the Franco regime, which favored Real Madrid as a symbol of national pride. Matches between the two teams often echoed the larger societal conflicts in Spain, with Barca representing the Catalan struggle for autonomy.
An infamous example of this rivalry’s darker side occurred in 1943 when Real Madrid defeated Barca 11-1 in a match that became a symbol of political oppression and humiliation for the Catalan club. This history adds an intensity to each El Clasico, making it not just a game but a representation of deep-seated emotions and historical grievances.
The new generation of the classic match is worth waiting for.
Dominance in Spanish and European Football
Both Real and Barca are not only the titans of Spanish football but also powerhouses in European competitions. Over the last four decades, the two clubs have dominated La Liga, winning 34 championships between them. Their rivalry extends to the UEFA Champions League, where they have collectively secured nearly one-third of all titles, illustrating their unparalleled significance in European football.
Moreover, both clubs have produced numerous Ballon d’Or winners, further highlighting their status at the pinnacle of the sport. With each El Clasico, the stakes grow higher, and the desire for supremacy fuels an ever-intensifying rivalry.
The Economic Impact of El Clasico
El Clasico is also a major economic engine for both clubs and the broader football industry. The match generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and global broadcasting rights. With millions of viewers tuning in from over 185 countries, the financial stakes are immense. This match not only boosts the profiles of Real Madrid and Barca but also contributes significantly to Spain’s economy, showcasing the business side of football.
The glorious and great history of El Clasico
The Importance of Rivalry in Football
In the grand tapestry of football, rivalries like Real Madrid vs Barcelona are essential for the sport’s growth and popularity. The intense competition pushes both clubs to elevate their standards, whether through scouting and developing young talent or by signing top-tier players.
Real Madrid’s “Galacticos” approach focuses on acquiring world-class players, while Barca emphasizes its famed La Masia academy, known for producing footballing greats. These differing philosophies enrich the rivalry, as each club strives for excellence while remaining committed to their unique identities.
Conclusion: El Clasico – A Celebration of Football
As the world prepares for the next chapter in the storied rivalry of Real Madrid vs Barca, one thing is clear: El Clasico is more than just a match. It represents a confluence of history, culture, and sport, capturing the hearts of millions and providing unforgettable moments on the pitch.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the kickoff, knowing that this clash is not just about winning or losing; it’s about passion, pride, and the legacy of two of the greatest clubs in football history. El Clasico continues to be a defining moment in the football calendar, celebrating the beautiful game in all its glory.
Real Madrid are predicted to dominate the entire top 3 of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with the winner to be announced on October 28.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or is about to have a winner, in a year where the winner is not completely overwhelming the rest.
This is the first year after more than a decade of domination that Messi and Ronaldo are absent from the list of 30 candidates. Since Kaka won in 2007, only Luka Modric and Benzema – once each – have managed to squeeze in between Messi (8 Ballons d’Or) and Ronaldo (5 Ballons d’Or).
Neymar predicts Real Madrid will dominate the top 3 of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with Vinicius as the winner. Photo: Goal
In Neymar’s eyes, Real Madrid will absolutely dominate the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with his compatriot Vinicius named as the winner.
“In my opinion, Vinicius will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham are on par with each other and of course Mbappe is in the running with them.”
Neymar spoke about his choice to Band Sports: “Vinicius has had a great season. I don’t think anyone else can win the 2024 Ballon d’Or other than him.
He always strives, works hard, suffers a lot but overcomes everything to play extremely explosively.”
Coach Carlo Ancelotti also declared that Vinicius deserves to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or more than anyone else. Photo: EFE
According to a report by Diario AS (via CentreGoals), Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will receive the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian forward was named on the shortlist announced by UEFA on September 4.
Vinicius had an excellent 2023/24 season for Los Blancos and is one of the leading candidates for the prestigious individual award. The Brazilian scored 29 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances for Real Madrid last season.
Vinicius is expected to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or (Photo: GOAL).
Vinicius is expected to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, thanks to a stellar season with Real Madrid, playing a starring role in the La Liga and Champions League double. The Brazilian’s Bernabeu teammate Jude Bellingham is another strong contender.
In terms of overall achievements – both at club and national level, Rodri is ‘better’ than the two Real Madrid stars, as in addition to the Premier League title with Manchester City, he was also the best player at EURO 2024, in Spain’s journey to the title.
Rodri is a formidable opponent in the race for the Ballon d’Or (Photo: Getty).
Vinicius played a key role in the attack, helping his team win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
Vinicius is competing for this award with 29 other players, including Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
One of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or is Rodri. The Spaniard was excellent for Manchester City last season, contributing to 23 goals in 50 appearances.
Rodri’s performances as a defensive midfielder were crucial for City as they won their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season.
Another key candidate is Jude Bellingham, who had a great debut season with Los Blancos. He scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 appearances for the club. He was also part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2024.
Carvajal is also a leading candidate, as he is a key player in Real Madrid’s defence. The Spanish defender has scored 11 goals in 41 games for Los Blancos, including a crucial strike in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2023/24 Champions League final.
Rodri and Caravajal also won the European Championship this summer with Spain
However, it seems that Real Madrid stars are more favoured. A few days ago, it was leaked that Vinicius was announced as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Tottenham made unwanted history in the Premier League after throwing away a 2-0 lead and losing 3-2 to Brighton on the evening of October 6.
Tottenham led 2-0 against Brighton at half-time in the 2024/25 Premier League round 7 match, but somehow lost the match. The Seagulls quickly reduced the deficit just three minutes into the second half through Yankuba Minteh and equalized in the 58th minute through Georginio Rutter.
Danny Welbeck scored the winner in the 66th minute, making Tottenham the first club in Premier League history to lose 10 matches despite leading by two or more goals.
Tottenham entered Premier League history with a forgettable achievement (Photo: Getty).
Coach Postecoglou accepted responsibility for the defeat, telling BBC Sport: “To be fair, the second half was unacceptable and we paid for it. We could have finished the game in the first half. What we did in the second half was unacceptable and we deserved the result.”
“Maybe we thought that just going out and playing well would be enough, but it doesn’t always work like that and we paid for it. We’ve conceded goals before but it’s about how we react, and our reaction wasn’t what we expected. It was a bad day for the team and when things don’t go well, I take the blame.”
Tottenham’s defense exposed many holes (Photo: Getty).
Spurs’ defenders were at fault for all three goals conceded in the second half. Coach Postecoglou was certainly not pleased to see Micky Van De Ven, Cristian Romero, and full-backs Pedro Porro and Udogie fumble their way through.
After the international break, Tottenham will face West Ham in a big Premier League London derby. Postecoglou’s side are ninth in the table after seven games, four points off the Champions League places.
Main match images
Despite being a guest, Tottenham entered the match with confidence – Photo: SpursOfficial
In the 23rd minute, Johnson broke the offside trap and sneaked down to open the score for the away team – Photo: Premier League
Johnson is in extremely impressive form – Photo: SpursOfficial
Minute 37, James Maddison doubled the gap – Photo: Rex
The joy of the English midfielder – Photo: SpursOfficial
Right at the beginning of the first half, Minteh shortened the score to 1-2 – Photo: BHAFC
Minute 58, Rutter equalized 2-2 – Photo: BHAFC
Welbeck headed the ball to make it 3-2 in the 66th minute – Photo: Rex
Former MU striker helps home team complete comeback – Photo: Rex
Brighton made a spectacular comeback – Photo: Premier League
Tottenham lost to Brighton – Photo: Premier League
Premier League Round 7 Results – Photo: Premier League
On the evening of October 6 (Vietnam time), Man Utd visited Aston Villa’s home field in the match of round 7 of the Premier League.
At the beginning of the match, the two teams created an open game with dangerous finishing moves.
In the 5th minute, Marcus Rashford had a familiar dribble on the left wing before unleashing a powerful shot, but could not overcome the brilliance of goalkeeper Martinez.
Just 3 minutes later, it was the home team’s turn to respond with a sharp combination in the opponent’s penalty area, and Morgan Rogers unfortunately missed with a shot that missed the goal by a hair.
The match then witnessed many tense fouls from both sides, forcing referee Robert Jones to continuously show yellow cards to ease the tension.
In the final minutes of the first half, both teams had dangerous opportunities, notably Leon Bailey’s shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball was blocked by the away team’s defense, thereby ending the first 45 minutes with a draw.
Manchester United drew disappointingly with Aston Villa. Photo: Getty
In the second half, Rashford immediately warned the home defense with a powerful shot, but the ball went over the crossbar.
After that, Unai Emery’s army continuously created storms towards Onana’s goal, however, the away team’s defense played with full concentration and neutralized all dangerous situations.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, although not too overwhelming, had the best chance with a free kick that hit the crossbar, to the regret of teammates and fans.
The two teams were unable to find a goal and the match ended 0-0.
The 1 point earned made Manchester United continue to sink deeper in the rankings, ranked 14th with 8 points, while Aston Villa ranked 5th with 14 points.
Line-up
Aston Villa : Martínez; Konsa, Cash, Pau Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene, Bailey; Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa starting lineup
Manchester United : Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund.
Manchester United starting lineup
Detailed match progress
End of match
The two teams left the field with a 0-0 draw.
86′
Aston Villa are constantly exploiting Lindelof’s position on the right wing.
76′
Antony’s strong right wing and left-footed shot have yet to overcome Martinez.
Many disputes Garnacho’s ball sense is not good in midfield – Photo: MUFC
68′
From a free kick outside the box, Bruno Fernandes stepped up and took a powerful shot, the ball hitting the crossbar of Aston Villa’s goal.
64′
Rashford and Hojlund had to leave the field to make way for Zirkzee and Antony.
56′
Tielemans fired a long-range cannon, forcing Onana to fly to save.
48′
Rashford turned the ball from the left wing into the middle and then swung his strong foot, forcing Martinez to push the ball over the crossbar.
Many disputes in midfield – Photo: MUFC
46′
At the beginning of the second half, De Ligt and Lindelof were brought on to replace Maguire and Mazraoui.
End of the first half
The first 45 minutes ended with a 0-0 draw.
33′
The two teams are still playing lurking, waiting for the opponent to make a mistake to launch the finishing blow.
20′
Philogene solos on the left wing and fires a long-range shot but the ball misses the MU goalpost.
12′
Konsa leaves the field early due to injury, making way for Diego Carlos.
8′
The home team responds with a powerful shot from Rogers in the penalty area, the ball goes to the back of the net.
5′
Rashford steals the ball on the left wing and turns into the middle to shoot hard right at goalkeeper Martinez’s position.
In the match of round 7 of the Premier League, Liverpool won a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park thanks to Diogo Jota’s only goal in the 9th minute.
The match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in round 7 of the Premier League took place extremely tensely and dramatically at Selhurst Park. In the end, the away team Liverpool won with a minimum score of 1-0 thanks to the only goal of striker Diogo Jota in the 9th minute.
From the very first minutes, both teams showed great determination to win. However, it was the Reds who had the better start. In the 9th minute, from Cody Gakpo’s assist, Diogo Jota showed great composure in the penalty area to shoot the ball into the net, opening the score for The Kop..
After conceding the goal, Crystal Palace tried to push up their formation to find an equalizer. However, Liverpool’s solid defense did not allow the home team to have many dangerous opportunities. Goalkeeper Alisson also had an excellent match with many important saves, especially the one to block Ismaila Sarr’s dangerous shot in the last minute of injury time in the first half.
Diogo Jota opened the scoring for Liverpool.
In the second half, the match situation did not change much. Liverpool continued to control the game and created many dangerous opportunities. In the 57th minute, Mohamed Salah had a great chance in the 5m50 box, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson made an excellent save to block the Egyptian striker’s shot.
Crystal Palace also had their chances, most notably Eberechi Eze’s unfortunate miss in the 84th minute. The England midfielder had a shot right in front of goal, but put the ball into a good position for goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros – who replaced the injured Alisson in the 79th minute.
In the final minutes of the match, both teams made changes in search of a goal. However, the score of 1-0 in favor of Liverpool remained until referee Simon Hooper blew the final whistle.
The Kops continue to fly high under the hands of Arne Slot
The win cemented the Reds’ position at the top of the Premier League table. It was also manager Arne Slot’s eighth win in his first nine games in all competitions since taking charge of Liverpool – a record unmatched by any manager in the club’s history, including the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
As for Crystal Palace, this was their second consecutive defeat in the Premier League, after a 1-2 defeat to Everton in the previous round. Oliver Glasner’s team has yet to win in the top flight of English football this season and is currently 18th in the standings.
Liverpool have 18 points after 7 matches in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
With this victory, Liverpool has maintained its position at the top of the Premier League table with 4 points more than Arsenal and Manchester City. However, both teams still have matches in this round and have the opportunity to shorten the gap with The Kop.
In the next round, Liverpool will travel to Manchester United, while Crystal Palace will host West Ham United at Selhurst Park. These will be important matches for both teams in their journey to conquer their goals in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Jones, Mac Allister, Salah, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Diogo Jota.
Liverpool starting lineup
Match details
90’+7
Full time! Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool! Diogo Jota’s only goal of the game early on helped Liverpool earn 3 points, after a difficult second half.
90’+3
Vitezslav Jaros made a reasonable run up the pitch, successfully catching the ball before the Crytal player ran down to finish.
90′
There are 6 minutes of injury time in the second half.
89′
Two Japanese players entered the field, Daichi Kamada for Crystal Palace and Wataru Endo for Liverpool.
84′
No goal! Crystal Palace counter-attacked quickly with a numerical advantage, Eze had the ball in an open position but shot into the hands of reserve goalkeeper Jaros.
81′
Crystal Palace have had 6 shots since the break. Liverpool have had 5.
79′
Alisson was forced to leave the field. Liverpool’s third goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros comes on.
Arne Slot also brings on Andy Robertson to replace Kostas Tsimikas.
76′
Alisson is injured. The possibility that the Brazilian goalkeeper cannot continue playing is very high. The medical team has entered the field.
73′
Liverpool make a substitution. Arne Slot suddenly takes off Salah to bring on Luis Diaz.
71′
Alisson once again has to work hard to clear the ball out of bounds.
70′
No goal! Liverpool’s defense is defeated, specifically Konate, Eberechi Eze quickly shoots hard but Alisson plays well to save the goal for The Kop.
66′
Szoboszlai shoots from a distance, the ball goes straight to goalkeeper Henderson.
64′
No goal! Liverpool’s defense is not decisive, Nketiah tries to shoot straight to Alisson. The away team’s error rate is increasing.
62′
No goal! Alexander-Arnold takes a deep free kick into the penalty area, Diogo Jota’s header is not really good, missing the opportunity to score a second goal.
56′
No goal! From Van Dijk’s pass, Salah faces Henderson but the Egyptian player’s shot cannot beat the former MU goalkeeper. In the previous situation, Gravenberch’s shot from more than 22 meters hit Guehi.
53′
Crystal Palace quickly attack the ball, Mitchell has an open position on the left wing and makes a very inaccurate pass.
50′
The speed in the first minutes of the second half is not high. Crystal Palace is actively approaching faster than in the first half.
46′
The second half begins.
Liverpool has made an adjustment. Mac Allister leaves the field, Szoboszlai replaces.
45’+2
No goal! Liverpool’s defense lacked concentration, Ismaila Sarr broke the offside trap and shot, forcing Alisson to dive to save. The Brazilian goalkeeper reacted in time to catch the ball before the Crystal Palace player kicked the ball back.
45′
There are 2 minutes of injury time in the first half.
43′
The referee gave Mac Allister a yellow card. An unfortunate situation when The Kop were controlling the match.
42′
Liverpool controlled the ball up to 74.9%. Crystal Palace still had no shot.
40′
Liverpool took a corner kick, Van Dijk’s header went wide.
34′
No goal! Gravenberch made a low pass from the right wing, Diogo Jota comfortably finished near the penalty spot but the ball unfortunately went wide.
29′
No goal! After constant pressure, Alexander-Arnold fired a left-footed shot from outside the box, the ball bounced around, forcing Henderson to dive to save.
24′
The ball was almost rolling on the Crystal field. However, Liverpool did not rush to increase the speed.
19′
Liverpool are dominating the game after the opening goal. Crystal Palace are having trouble getting the ball up.
14′
Danger! Salah crosses the ball awkwardly, Mac Allister rushes in to lift the ball, but no teammate is able to get in.
9′
Goal! Liverpool lead 1-0 (Diogo Jota)! Tsimikas passes through the Crystal defense, Cody Gakpo escapes and stretches for Jota to finish and open the score.
5′
Liverpool are trying to keep the ball and control the game.
1′
In the first minute, Crystal Palace quickly attacked on the right wing, Ismaila Sarr crossed for Nketiah to finish close to the goal, Liverpool’s net shook but there was an offside error.
With two assists and a goal, Bukayo Saka shone brightly, helping Arsenal win convincingly 3-1 against Southampton, thereby continuing the race to chase the top spot in the Premier League.
At Emirates Stadium on the evening of October 5, 2024, Arsenal had an important 3-1 victory over Southampton in round 7 of the 2024/25 Premier League. This result helped the Gunners continue the race to chase the top spot in the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City.
Entering the match as the home team and leading the table, Gunners quickly dominated the game from the first minutes. However, a surprise happened in the 55th minute when Southampton’s Cameron Archer made a breakthrough and a delicate shot, defeating goalkeeper David Raya, opening the score. This goal made the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium tense, but was also the spark that lit up the home team’s determination.
Archer surprisingly scored the opening goal for Southampton.
Conceding a goal, pushed up their formation to attack relentlessly. Just 3 minutes later, Bukayo Saka made a great assist for Kai Havertz to equalize 1-1. This goal not only equalized the score but also added motivation for Arsenal, helping them continue to put pressure on Southampton’s field. Saka’s appearance was like a fire that lit up the Gunners’ attack, creating many dangerous opportunities.
Martinelli helps Arsenal make a successful comeback.
In the 68th minute, Saka once again shone with a cross for Gabriel Martinelli to easily tap the ball into the net, raising the score to 2-1 for . This coordination showed the understanding between the home team’s attacking players, and also reflected the flexible tactics of coach Mikel Arteta when he brought Martinelli on from the bench.
In the 89th minute, Saka completed his excellent performance with a goal that sealed a 3-1 victory for Arsenal when he took advantage of a mistake by a Southampton defender.
Bukayo Saka shined with 1 goal and 2 assists against Southampton.
Gunners showed the mettle of a title contender when they were behind. They did not panic but patiently deployed their style of play. Bukayo Saka’s excellence was a key highlight, helping the Gunners turn the situation around and win convincingly. Besides Saka, other players such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli also left a strong impression, showing Arsenal’s squad depth and diverse scoring ability.
As for Southampton, despite a good start with a surprise goal, they could not maintain their advantage under constant pressure from . The visitors’ defense made many mistakes, especially in the final goal, causing them to suffer their 6th defeat after 7 rounds.
This victory helped Guuner continue the race for the top spot in the Premier League with 17 points after 7 rounds (5 wins, 2 draws). Coach Mikel Arteta’s team is showing impressive form and high determination in the championship race this season. The combination of young stars like Saka and the experience of veteran players creates a balanced team, promising to be a formidable opponent for any team in the championship race.
Meanwhile, Southampton, with this defeat, is facing the risk of falling into a fierce relegation battle. They need to find a solution soon to improve both their attack and defense, if they do not want to continue to sink deep into the bottom group. The pressure is on coach Russell Martin, and he needs to make timely adjustments to get the team out of the current difficult situation.
Scored:
Arsenal: KaiHavertz 58′, Gabriel Martinelli 68′, Saka 88′.
Southampton: Archer 55′.
Starting lineup:
Arsenal: David Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Jorginho; Havertz, Rice; Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Sterling.
Full time! Arsenal 3-1 Southampton! Arsenal explode in the second half thanks to Mikel Arteta’s adjustments, alongside the good form of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka
Martinelli came on and scored. Photo: X/@Arsenal
90′
9 minutes added to the second half.
88′
Goal! Arsenal lead 3-1 (Bukayo Saka 88′)! Trossard’s breakthrough attempt is blocked by a Southampton defender, Saka quickly rushes in to shoot hard to score for the Gunners.
79′
Crossbar! In a corner kick, a Southampton player rushes in to head the ball, the messy situation sends the ball hitting Raya’s crossbar.
78′
Post! Dibling handles the ball well outside the box and shoots with his left foot very hard, the ball goes beyond Raya’s reach and hits the post.
73′
No goal! Saka handles it very well, he shoots off the visitors’ foot before Ramsdale dives to block.
68′
Goal! Arsenal lead 2-1! (Gabriel Martinelli 68′)! Saka dribbled beautifully and then made a pass to the far post, Martinelli closed in and finished from a tight angle into the visitors’ net.
After VAR intervened, the goal was awarded to the Gunners.
63′
Havertz broke through the middle and shot, but the ball went quite far from goalkeeper Ramsdale’s goal.
60′
Arsenal made 3 changes: Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli replaced Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.
58′
Goal! Arsenal equalized 1-1 (Kai Havertz 58′)! Saka cut the ball off the opponent, sent a through ball for Havertz to break through and finish the equalizer.
55′
Goal! Southampton opened the scoring (Cameron Archer 55′)! Earthquake at the Emirates. Mateus Fernandes cut the ball off Sterling and passed it long, Cameron Archer entered the penalty area and shot into the far corner to beat David Raya.
49′
Danger! Arsenal’s defense lost focus and Southampton counter-attacked, Mateus Fernandes flew and shot over the bar.
46′
Danger! After Sterling’s effort to dribble, Gabriel Jesus shot outside the box and missed the goal.
46′
Second half begins.
45’+3
First half ends! Arsenal 0-0 Southampton! The Gunners controlled the ball but lacked accuracy.
45’+1
No goal! Saka pushed the ball back, Thomas Partey shot outside the box but was brilliantly saved by Ramsdale.
45′
There are 2 minutes of injury time in the first half.
45′
No goal! Arsenal had a good chance, Sterling handled the ball skillfully but shot straight at a Southampton player.
40′
No goal! Jorginho held his chest and then kicked the ball very hard from outside the box, but it went wide of the post.
36′
The use of Gabriel Jesus and Sterling has made Arsenal ineffective in attack.
31′
Kai Havertz finishes but simply with his former teammate Ramsdale.
27′
The match is interrupted when Ross Stewart. Southampton’s player cannot continue playing.
24′
Arsenal can no longer maintain the speed of the first minutes. The Gunners have difficulty breaking the deadlock.
18′
Arsenal dominate the game, but Mikel Arteta’s players do not finish well, constantly hitting the away team’s players.
12′
In the corner situation, Havertz jumps high and heads the ball over the crossbar.
10′
Kai Havertz does not finish but is a bit slow and crosses, Southampton player manages to block.
6′
Danger! The ball reaches Gabriel Jesua’s feet but the Brazilian player shoots it off the away team’s player’s foot.
4′
Chance! Gabriel Magalhaes’ header from a corner kick fails. Then there’s a wobbly situation but the home players can’t finish as expected.
After two consecutive draws, Man City needed a boost, beating Fulham at home in round 7 of the Premier League.
Leaving behind two disappointing draws against Arsenal and Newcastle, Man City just returned with a 4-0 victory at Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League in midweek.
Man City just won big in the Champions League – Photo: MCFC
The Citizens strikers fired 28 shots, controlling 73% of the ball in a one-sided match. The first three points in the Champions League brought a great mental boost.
Pep Guardiola believes that Man “Blue” is “gradually improving” and is especially pleased that there are no more personnel losses. In addition, some young players also got to play to test their mettle.
Before entering the international break, the defending champions were confident of returning to the winning streak in the Premier League, as they had defeated Fulham in the last 16 confrontations in all competitions.
Fulham will have a stormy away trip – Photo: Berita
The problem of not having Rodri and De Bruyne used to give Pep a headache. However, he gradually found a solution, with a small Rico Lewis who played extremely intelligently and aggressively in midfield.
The young English midfielder played most prominently in midweek, providing an assist that tore apart the Bratislava defense for Haaland to score.
As for the away team, Fulham are having their best start in the Premier League since 2003, when they won 11 points after 6 opening matches, rising to 6th place in the rankings.
After losing to MU on the opening day of the Premier League, coach Marco Silva’s team is unbeaten in 5 consecutive matches and has won the last two opponents, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Visiting the Etihad is not easy. However, Fulham has fully prepared countermeasures, prioritizing proactive defense and waiting to seize counter-attack opportunities.
Manchester United made a dramatic and spectacular comeback to earn a valuable point against Porto in the Europa League group stage match at the Dragao Stadium. With Harry Maguire’s decisive goal in the 90+1 minute, the Red Devils ended the match with a 3-3 draw, especially in the context of the team missing Bruno Fernandes due to a red card.
Right from the first minutes, Manchester United showed determination and impressive form. In the 7th minute, Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for the away team with a skillful dribble, ending with a tricky shot into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Diogo Costa with no chance to save. Not long after, in the 20th minute, Rasmus Hojlund increased the gap to 2-0 with a daring shot from a tight angle, bringing joy to the away team’s fans.
It seemed like Manchester United would have an easy victory, but Porto quickly proved their mettle. In the 27th minute, Pepê reduced the score to 1-2 with a close-range header after a chaotic situation in the penalty area. Just seven minutes later, Samu Omorodion made an excellent equalizer for the home team with a beautiful header, leaving goalkeeper Andre Onana helpless as the ball flew into the roof of the net.
Porto almost made the Red Devils lose.
In the second half, Porto continued to put on strong pressure and were rewarded in the 50th minute. Once again, Samu Omorodion was the one to score, this time he took advantage of Pepê’s assist to score, bringing the score to 3-2 for Porto. This goal put Manchester United in a difficult position, forcing them to put all their efforts into finding an equalizer.
The situation became worse for the Red Devils when Bruno Fernandes received a red card in the 81st minute after a dangerous tackle. The absence of this key midfielder caused Manchester United to have a difficult time, especially when they had to play with one less man in the final minutes. However, the fighting spirit of Manchester United players did not decrease.
The situation led to the Portuguese midfielder’s second yellow card.
In the 89th minute, Alejandro Garnacho almost became a hero with a beautiful shot, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa made an excellent save, preserving the advantage for Porto. But just one minute later, from the next corner kick, Harry Maguire headed the equalizer 3-3 for Manchester United, ending an emotional match.
This result not only brought a valuable point for Manchester United in the race for a ticket to the next round in the group, but also clearly reflected the strength and resilience of the team. However, coach Erik ten Hag certainly needs to make adjustments, especially in defense, when the team conceded 3 goals in this match. Bruno Fernandes’ absence in the next match will be a big loss, especially in the context of the team needing to maintain form and stability.
Maguire equalized in the final minutes – Photo: Sky Sports
As for Porto, they will feel regretful for letting the victory slip away, especially when they had an advantage in the final minutes. However, this performance shows that Porto is still a formidable opponent in the Europa League, and they will certainly continue to strive to improve their results in the upcoming matches.
The performance of both teams promises to create many surprises in the upcoming matches, when both Manchester United and Porto have clear goals in their journey to conquer the Europa League.
Chelsea showed great form with a 4-2 victory over Gent, continuing their impressive winning streak and affirming their position in the Europa League. In the first match of the Conference League season 2024-2025, Chelsea played with a second team but still easily defeated Gent thanks to the brilliance of Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea’s starting lineup – Photo: CFC
Entering the match with a confident mindset, Chelsea were excited after a series of 4 consecutive victories. Despite not having the service of star Cole Palmer, who just scored a poker in the 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, The Blues still showed their superior strength from the start. In the 12th minute, Renato Veiga opened the scoring for Chelsea with a close-range header, taking advantage of a delicate pass from Mykhailo Mudryk. This early goal helped the home team gain more confidence, and they continuously created dangerous opportunities in front of the away team’s goal.
Veiga headed the opening goal – Photo: Alamy
In the second half, Chelsea quickly doubled the gap. Just one minute after the half started, Pedro Neto scored the second goal for the home team after an assist from Axel Disasi. At this point, it seemed that Chelsea would easily control the match, but Gent had an unexpected reaction. In the 50th minute, Tsuyoshi Watanabe reduced the score to 2-1 for Gent with an accurate header, creating a tense atmosphere at Stamford Bridge and raising hope for the away team.
Disasi wears the Chelsea captain’s armband for the first time – Photo: CFC
However, Chelsea’s class was shown immediately after. Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s expensive new signing, affirmed his worth by increasing the score to 3-1 in the 63rd minute. Just 7 minutes later, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the fourth goal for the home team, seemingly ending all hopes of Gent. Although Gent scored a second goal in the 90th minute through Omri Gandelman, making it 4-2, their performance also left a good impression in terms of fighting spirit.
The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the home team – Photo: CFC
This victory is important for Chelsea, not only helping them get off to a good start in the Europa League but also continuing their impressive recent form. In the last 5 matches in all competitions, The Blues have won 4 and drawn 1, scoring a total of 14 goals and conceding only 3.
Coach Enzo Maresca can be satisfied with the performance of his players, especially the dynamism of the attack. However, conceding 2 goals is also worth noting, showing that the defense still needs to improve in the coming time.
As for Gent, despite the defeat, they showed admirable fighting spirit. The Belgian side responded well after going behind, and scoring two away goals against a strong side like Chelsea was encouraging.
Chelsea won resoundingly – Photo: 433
The result puts Chelsea top of their Europa League group, while Gent will need to step up their game in the coming games to challenge for a place in the next round. Both teams return to domestic action this weekend, before continuing their Europa League campaign two weeks later.
