10 days ago
Modern football is a game of two parts: the first hour or so, dictated by carefully curated gameplans and training ground patterns; and the final half-hour when a flurry of substitutes come on, rigid structures fade away and a match opens at the seams. ***** nal were dire for most of this game at the City Ground, shut out by Nottingham Forest's red wall. But yet again the power of Mikel Arteta's "finishers" decided a match.
Noni Madueke was sent on at half-time for Eberechi Eze, who had been statuesque at his station on the left touchline, which, in fairness, is not his position. With the clock ticking towards 80 minutes, Madueke did what Eze hadn't and drove at Forest's defence before unleashing a shot, which took a fortunate deflection off Jair Cunha on its way past the helpless Matz Sels. It went down as ***** nal's only shot on target, and in truth it might have been curling wide.
This was the third game in a row in which Arteta rang the changes in the second half as his team struggled to click, after Leeds last weekend and Lille in midweek. Once again he made a triple substitution on 65 minutes, sending on Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres, and once again a stubborn defence was worn down in the final stages. No Premier League side has generated more goals and ***** ists from the bench since the start of last season.
Noni Madueke scored the only goal of the game (Reuters)
Forest were excellent in their determination to blunt ***** nal's attack. Like Eze, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka had little joy, and Oliver Glasner took positives from a performance of cohesion and spirit. Liam Delap was a brilliant nuisance in attack and could have equalised in the final minutes but for Ezri Konsa's last-ditch block. Murillo nearly scored the goal of the season, dribbling in from the left touchline before curling just over the bar with one of the last kicks. But Forest remain third from bottom after a third successive defeat, and their wait for a first home goal of the season goes on.
#final #minutes #Third
Noni Madueke was sent on at half-time for Eberechi Eze, who had been statuesque at his station on the left touchline, which, in fairness, is not his position. With the clock ticking towards 80 minutes, Madueke did what Eze hadn't and drove at Forest's defence before unleashing a shot, which took a fortunate deflection off Jair Cunha on its way past the helpless Matz Sels. It went down as ***** nal's only shot on target, and in truth it might have been curling wide.
This was the third game in a row in which Arteta rang the changes in the second half as his team struggled to click, after Leeds last weekend and Lille in midweek. Once again he made a triple substitution on 65 minutes, sending on Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres, and once again a stubborn defence was worn down in the final stages. No Premier League side has generated more goals and ***** ists from the bench since the start of last season.
Noni Madueke scored the only goal of the game (Reuters)
Forest were excellent in their determination to blunt ***** nal's attack. Like Eze, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka had little joy, and Oliver Glasner took positives from a performance of cohesion and spirit. Liam Delap was a brilliant nuisance in attack and could have equalised in the final minutes but for Ezri Konsa's last-ditch block. Murillo nearly scored the goal of the season, dribbling in from the left touchline before curling just over the bar with one of the last kicks. But Forest remain third from bottom after a third successive defeat, and their wait for a first home goal of the season goes on.
#final #minutes #Third
10 days ago
Good news first: it's definitely shrinking. It being 'The Gap'. The Gap being the ***** e between the Women's Super League's entrenched top three and the rest.
It is, though, ***** ailable by pre-match face painting and savvy coaching and, if you're Birmingham City, who snagged a point off ***** nal on Saturday, Oceane Hurtre's left foot.
Of course, The Gap is still there if you're, say, Tottenham Hotspur or Brighton & Hove Albion, the former having suffered a 6-2 defeat to Chelsea before the latter fell 3-2 to Manchester City.
The result leaves Spurs with just two wins from 54 matches played against the WSL's top four (Chelsea, City, ***** nal and Manchester United), Chelsea claiming 13 wins from 13. While Brighton can boast two wins from their 13 meetings with City, Sunday was not one.
"After the first three goals, it was a bit like, 'Wow, are we that good and they are that bad?'" said City head coach Andree Jeglertz after his side's 3-2 victory. "Of course that's not the reality. If you drop a couple of percentages in this league, teams are good enough to punish you. Brighton is this type."
#good #arsenal #three #you 're
It is, though, ***** ailable by pre-match face painting and savvy coaching and, if you're Birmingham City, who snagged a point off ***** nal on Saturday, Oceane Hurtre's left foot.
Of course, The Gap is still there if you're, say, Tottenham Hotspur or Brighton & Hove Albion, the former having suffered a 6-2 defeat to Chelsea before the latter fell 3-2 to Manchester City.
The result leaves Spurs with just two wins from 54 matches played against the WSL's top four (Chelsea, City, ***** nal and Manchester United), Chelsea claiming 13 wins from 13. While Brighton can boast two wins from their 13 meetings with City, Sunday was not one.
"After the first three goals, it was a bit like, 'Wow, are we that good and they are that bad?'" said City head coach Andree Jeglertz after his side's 3-2 victory. "Of course that's not the reality. If you drop a couple of percentages in this league, teams are good enough to punish you. Brighton is this type."
#good #arsenal #three #you 're
2 months ago
Arsenal made it four wins from four in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats played a gritty, physical game, but the Gunners gave as good as they got, and battled to the win. With a massive ***** ist from David Raya saving a, uh, generously awarded penalty that would have made it 1-0 for the bad guys. Minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes put one top bins. Raya made another brilliant save later in the half. Deep in added time, Bruno put Bukayo Saka in on goal, earning a penalty and second yellow to Reinildo. Penalty converted. Game over.
The Sunderland crowd greeted Bruno with a chorus of boos when he replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly at halftime. They take their rivalry with Newcastle seriously. Unfortunately, it was very much a "keep booing, it only makes me stronger" moment. You could see from the little smile on Bruno's face that he was loving it and using it to fuel him. His "I can't hear you" celebration to the crowd after he'd put one on postage stamp was absolute perfection.
Great call from Mikel Arteta to pull Myles Lewis-Skelly at the break. Everything was off from him — poor touches, cheap fouls — it simply wasn't his night. The manager also had to swap Jurrien Timber for Ben White, who appeared to have tweaked his groin. Because when ***** nal get one right back healthy, the other gets injured. That's how it works. Timber was excellent, by the way.
The ***** nal subs that came on later in the second half, Eze, Merino, and Zubimendi, were mediocre to poor. The depth is tremendous but Mikel Arteta has his work cut out for him to keep everyone sharp so that when they are called into action they don't, say, give the ball away the only two times they get on it like Merino did today.
The Gunners could have and should have been ahead at halftime, but once again, they were profligate with scoring chances. Bukayo Saka was caught in two minds on a leaping volley and only managed glancing contact. Kai Havertz shot over the bar from in close. The German striker also forced a smart save with a brilliant control, turn, and volley move. Saka also flubbed two chances in the second half — he picked the wrong pass on a 4-on-2 break and he shot too close to the keeper. The side could do with a bit better finishing, but if you believe (as I generally do) that finishing ebbs and flows, as long as they keep generated the volume of chances, someone is in for a real hiding.
#second
The Sunderland crowd greeted Bruno with a chorus of boos when he replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly at halftime. They take their rivalry with Newcastle seriously. Unfortunately, it was very much a "keep booing, it only makes me stronger" moment. You could see from the little smile on Bruno's face that he was loving it and using it to fuel him. His "I can't hear you" celebration to the crowd after he'd put one on postage stamp was absolute perfection.
Great call from Mikel Arteta to pull Myles Lewis-Skelly at the break. Everything was off from him — poor touches, cheap fouls — it simply wasn't his night. The manager also had to swap Jurrien Timber for Ben White, who appeared to have tweaked his groin. Because when ***** nal get one right back healthy, the other gets injured. That's how it works. Timber was excellent, by the way.
The ***** nal subs that came on later in the second half, Eze, Merino, and Zubimendi, were mediocre to poor. The depth is tremendous but Mikel Arteta has his work cut out for him to keep everyone sharp so that when they are called into action they don't, say, give the ball away the only two times they get on it like Merino did today.
The Gunners could have and should have been ahead at halftime, but once again, they were profligate with scoring chances. Bukayo Saka was caught in two minds on a leaping volley and only managed glancing contact. Kai Havertz shot over the bar from in close. The German striker also forced a smart save with a brilliant control, turn, and volley move. Saka also flubbed two chances in the second half — he picked the wrong pass on a 4-on-2 break and he shot too close to the keeper. The side could do with a bit better finishing, but if you believe (as I generally do) that finishing ebbs and flows, as long as they keep generated the volume of chances, someone is in for a real hiding.
#second
2 months ago
Week 3 of the 2026 Central Texas high school football season wasn't a great one for the American-Statesman's top area Class 6A teams: No. 1 Lake Travis, playing only its second game after the Cavaliers canceled their season opener, saw its road game against Cibolo Steele end in a 28-28 tie after lightning forced the game to be called in the third quarter. No. 2 Westlake suffered its first loss at Prosper. And No. 3 Dripping Springs lost at Round Rock.
For the second time in three weeks, weather played a factor in Friday night's games. Weather caused delay issues at a handful of matchups, including Lake Travis-Cibolo Steele in Schertz, Wimberley at New Braunfels Long Creek, Lehman at Lockhart and even Giddings at Smithville. Lehman-Lockhart was moved to Saturday.
Westlake defensive back Mateus Teixeira (29) tackles Trinity running back Marcus Turner (5) during the game at Westlake High School on Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Class 6A
Non-district
#game #travis #steele
For the second time in three weeks, weather played a factor in Friday night's games. Weather caused delay issues at a handful of matchups, including Lake Travis-Cibolo Steele in Schertz, Wimberley at New Braunfels Long Creek, Lehman at Lockhart and even Giddings at Smithville. Lehman-Lockhart was moved to Saturday.
Westlake defensive back Mateus Teixeira (29) tackles Trinity running back Marcus Turner (5) during the game at Westlake High School on Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Class 6A
Non-district
#game #travis #steele
2 months ago
Week 1 of the 2026 Washington Commanders season has arrived.
Can you believe it? No more mini-camps, no more organized team activities, no more training camp, no more preseason games, no more massive cuts to get down to the 53-man roster. No more signing released players to ****** emble a 16-man practice squad.
Week 1 is on! The Commanders are preparing to face their opening opponent, two-time defending NFC East champion the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles were the 2024 NFC and Super Bowl Champions, while Washington lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The 2025 Eagles won the division, finishing 11-6, followed by Dallas at 7-9-1, Washington at 5-12, and the New York Giants at 4-13.
The Commanders' offense was one of the best in the NFL in 2024, averaging 28.5 points per game. But injuries to receivers, and in particular QB Jayden Daniels, cut offensive production to 20.9 points per game in 2025. OC Kliff Kingsbury and Dan Quinn didn't see eye-to-eye on how the offense would move forward. Consequently, Quinn remains the head coach, and Kingsbury departed and is now on Sean McVay's LA Rams staff.
The Commanders lost tight end Zach Ertz, so they signed free agent TE Chig Okonkwo. GM Adam Peters felt the Commanders really needed help at receiver, so he drafted rookie Antonio Williams 71st overall and then signed veteran free agent receiver Stefon Diggs. Also returning after one season in Jacksonville, is deep threat, Dyami Brown.
#Eagles #game #offense
Can you believe it? No more mini-camps, no more organized team activities, no more training camp, no more preseason games, no more massive cuts to get down to the 53-man roster. No more signing released players to ****** emble a 16-man practice squad.
Week 1 is on! The Commanders are preparing to face their opening opponent, two-time defending NFC East champion the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles were the 2024 NFC and Super Bowl Champions, while Washington lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The 2025 Eagles won the division, finishing 11-6, followed by Dallas at 7-9-1, Washington at 5-12, and the New York Giants at 4-13.
The Commanders' offense was one of the best in the NFL in 2024, averaging 28.5 points per game. But injuries to receivers, and in particular QB Jayden Daniels, cut offensive production to 20.9 points per game in 2025. OC Kliff Kingsbury and Dan Quinn didn't see eye-to-eye on how the offense would move forward. Consequently, Quinn remains the head coach, and Kingsbury departed and is now on Sean McVay's LA Rams staff.
The Commanders lost tight end Zach Ertz, so they signed free agent TE Chig Okonkwo. GM Adam Peters felt the Commanders really needed help at receiver, so he drafted rookie Antonio Williams 71st overall and then signed veteran free agent receiver Stefon Diggs. Also returning after one season in Jacksonville, is deep threat, Dyami Brown.
#Eagles #game #offense
2 months ago
LONDON — **** nal and Chelsea put on a show in North London on Sunday, with the Premier League giants going toe-to-toe in a wonderful early-season spectacle.
MORE — **** nal v Chelsea recap | Player ratings
So many intriguing tactical tweaks took place as Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead but **** nal roared back with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to take the lead.
The Gunners are now 10 games unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League, but this win was up in the air until the end.
MORE — Xabi Alonso reaction | Mikel Arteta reaction
#arsenal #premier #sunday
MORE — **** nal v Chelsea recap | Player ratings
So many intriguing tactical tweaks took place as Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead but **** nal roared back with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to take the lead.
The Gunners are now 10 games unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League, but this win was up in the air until the end.
MORE — Xabi Alonso reaction | Mikel Arteta reaction
#arsenal #premier #sunday
2 months ago
Mikel Arteta hailed a "beautiful" win after **** nal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League champions required a response after conceding for the first time this season, Morgan Rogers stunning home fans into silence with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds before the hosts hit back against a Chelsea side still finding its feet under Xabi Alonso.
Kai Havertz netted for the third time against his old club to equalise midway through the first half – a near-post effort that perhaps ought to have been kept out by Emiliano Martinez – then produced a sumptuous dummy to clear Martin Odegaard's path to goal, with the captain lashing home the winner in the 50th minute.
"I think it was an exceptional performance," said Arteta. "I enjoyed every minute of it, from the beginning to the end. The beginning was tough but I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The determination, the quality. It was beautiful. It was a fascinating game for the spectator.
"I think it's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer."
#season #minute
The Premier League champions required a response after conceding for the first time this season, Morgan Rogers stunning home fans into silence with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds before the hosts hit back against a Chelsea side still finding its feet under Xabi Alonso.
Kai Havertz netted for the third time against his old club to equalise midway through the first half – a near-post effort that perhaps ought to have been kept out by Emiliano Martinez – then produced a sumptuous dummy to clear Martin Odegaard's path to goal, with the captain lashing home the winner in the 50th minute.
"I think it was an exceptional performance," said Arteta. "I enjoyed every minute of it, from the beginning to the end. The beginning was tough but I enjoyed it because the team reacted in a spectacular way. The determination, the quality. It was beautiful. It was a fascinating game for the spectator.
"I think it's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer."
#season #minute
2 months ago
Sky Sports pundits Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher have ruled Chelsea out of the Premier League **** le race after emphasising the "massive gulf" between the teams following the Blues' 2-1 defeat to **** nal.
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
2 months ago
Martin Odegaard said ***** nal have proven they will always 'keep fighting' after a comeback win against Chelsea at the Emirates.
Arsenal fell behind inside two minutes when former transfer target Morgan Rogers volleyed Chelsea ahead, with the £117m signing striking low into the bottom corner after the Gunners failed to deal with a set piece.
The champions came back into the game and had a Riccardo Calafiori effort for an offside, but levelled when Kai Havertz drilled inside Emi Martinez's near post on 25 minutes.
An entertaining London Derby continued at a frantic pace, with Pedro Neto striking the woodwork for Chelsea before half-time.
Odegaard ultimately settled the game after a beautifully worked ***** nal goal five minutes after the restart. The Norwegian's call for Kai Havertz to leave Christos Tzolis' pass was granted, with Odegaard emphatically slamming in the winner for the champions.
#striking
Arsenal fell behind inside two minutes when former transfer target Morgan Rogers volleyed Chelsea ahead, with the £117m signing striking low into the bottom corner after the Gunners failed to deal with a set piece.
The champions came back into the game and had a Riccardo Calafiori effort for an offside, but levelled when Kai Havertz drilled inside Emi Martinez's near post on 25 minutes.
An entertaining London Derby continued at a frantic pace, with Pedro Neto striking the woodwork for Chelsea before half-time.
Odegaard ultimately settled the game after a beautifully worked ***** nal goal five minutes after the restart. The Norwegian's call for Kai Havertz to leave Christos Tzolis' pass was granted, with Odegaard emphatically slamming in the winner for the champions.
#striking
2 months ago
Arsenal needed to come from behind to win a breathless game 2-1 against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium as Kai Havertz scored for the third time in the Premier League against his former club.
Havertz netted midway through the first half to equalise after Morgan Rogers, who the champions missed out on signing during the transfer window, had stunned home fans with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds.
The Germany international was instrumental too in Martin Odegaard's 50th-minute winner, executing a delightful dummy to leave Chelsea's defence flatfooted and create room for the captain to rifle home.
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard scores his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between ****** nal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. (is ****** ociated with: «Arsenal claim derby honours v Chelsea, Everton level late v Man Utd») John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
Chelsea had lost four league games in a row at the Emirates, conceding 11 goals, but here they gave ****** nal a far sterner examination than at any time during that sequence, with the front three of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Rogers again showing their potential as ****** ets in a possible ****** le challenge.
#Chelsea
Havertz netted midway through the first half to equalise after Morgan Rogers, who the champions missed out on signing during the transfer window, had stunned home fans with a volleyed goal after 77 seconds.
The Germany international was instrumental too in Martin Odegaard's 50th-minute winner, executing a delightful dummy to leave Chelsea's defence flatfooted and create room for the captain to rifle home.
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard scores his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between ****** nal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. (is ****** ociated with: «Arsenal claim derby honours v Chelsea, Everton level late v Man Utd») John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
Chelsea had lost four league games in a row at the Emirates, conceding 11 goals, but here they gave ****** nal a far sterner examination than at any time during that sequence, with the front three of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Rogers again showing their potential as ****** ets in a possible ****** le challenge.
#Chelsea
2 months ago
Captain Martin Odegaard scored the winner as ****** nal secured an impressive 2-1 home victory over Chelsea.
Club-record £117m signing Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead after just two minutes, but Kai Havertz equalised against his former club before Odegaard struck early in the second half to seal the win.
Here's how I rated the players and you can see how you scored them below.
What do BBC Sport's player ratings mean?
David Raya: The ****** nal goalkeeper was beaten by the quality of Rogers' finish but dealt comfortably with the other efforts he faced and produced one stunning save late on from Estevao. 6
#odegaard #scored
Club-record £117m signing Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead after just two minutes, but Kai Havertz equalised against his former club before Odegaard struck early in the second half to seal the win.
Here's how I rated the players and you can see how you scored them below.
What do BBC Sport's player ratings mean?
David Raya: The ****** nal goalkeeper was beaten by the quality of Rogers' finish but dealt comfortably with the other efforts he faced and produced one stunning save late on from Estevao. 6
#odegaard #scored
2 months ago
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in the first clash between traditional big four (or five, or six, however you want to phrase it) clubs of the Premier League season. In life, you're either a red or a blue. **** nal vs. Chelsea is about as red vs. blue as they come. This will be the first meeting between Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, notable because the pair are lifelong friends. They played on teams growing up together in Spain.
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
2 months ago
Andrew Symonds once produced one of the rarest scoring feats in Test cricket, collecting eight runs from a single delivery during Australia's Test against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2008-09.
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
The bizarre sequence involved an all-run four followed by four overthrows, with New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien at the centre of the drama. There was an added twist to the incident, as O'Brien had seen Symonds dropped off the previous delivery before eventually dismissing him just two ****** later.
Australia were 124 for four in the 46th over after Ricky Ponting had decided to bat in Brisbane.
O'Brien opened the over with a bouncer, which Symonds ducked under. The bowler went short again with his next delivery, and this time Symonds pulled the ball towards mid-wicket.
However, Aaron Redmond put down the chance.
O'Brien responded as fast bowlers often do after a missed opportunity, sending down another short delivery. This time, the ball was outside off-stump and Symonds attacked it ferociously with a pull.
The enormous Gabba outfield slowed the ball down, but Symonds and Michael Clarke had already completed three runs by the time Redmond got to it.
The pair then decided to push for another run, hoping to take advantage of the throw.
That decision produced chaos.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum moved across to collect the return. He gathered the ball, turned and threw it towards the stumps, only to discover that Symonds had already made his ground.
There was another problem for New Zealand. ****** ody was positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop the throw.
The ball therefore continued all the way to the boundary. Symonds had effectively turned a pull shot into an extraordinary eight-run haul.
Umpire Rudi Koertzen then signalled the total by raising eight fingers, meaning eight runs were added to Australia's score and Symonds' tally.
It was two more than the figure commonly described as the maximum possible from a single delivery and even one more than the total India received in a penalty-run incident against Bangladesh at Chattogram.
Symonds' eight-run delivery was only the fourth known instance of eight runs being scored from a single ball in Test cricket at that point.
The first recorded example came in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series, which was also the final Test of Don Bradman's first series.
England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after completing four runs and then benefiting from four overthrows off Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook.
Another unusual eight-run delivery occurred in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season.
New Zealand's John Wright was the beneficiary on that occasion. He ran four before four overthrows followed after Rod Marsh collected the fielder's return and threw the ball towards the stumps. The throw escaped and Wright picked up the additional runs off Lenny Pascoe's delivery.
The other known instance before Symonds came in Port-of-Spain during the
2 months ago
Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott has made it clear that he likes new coordinator David Blough's offense. Earlier in training camp, Sinnott said the new offense was a "breath of fresh air" for tight ends.
"So many different variations," Sinnott said, via John Keim of ESPN, in discussing the different route variations. "Today we're lining up at number one, we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends."
The 2024 second-round pick struggled to find his footing under former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In two NFL seasons, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Sinnott has played in 33 career games and has 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Any tight end not named Zach Ertz was an afterthought in Kingsbury's offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels also liked throwing to the reliable veteran.
This offseason, Washington moved on from Kingsbury. GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn also had enough of Kingsbury's offense. They wanted a more traditional NFL attack, with the quarterback playing under center more and a renewed focus on running the ball and play action.
Sinnott has expressed excitement more than once about his potential role in Blough's offense. The Commanders did sign tight end Chig Okonkwo in free agency, but Sinnott will play more of a hybrid role. He can line up as a traditional tight end or in the backfield as a fullback. He can also play H-back.
#tight #play #Commanders
"So many different variations," Sinnott said, via John Keim of ESPN, in discussing the different route variations. "Today we're lining up at number one, we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends."
The 2024 second-round pick struggled to find his footing under former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In two NFL seasons, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Sinnott has played in 33 career games and has 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Any tight end not named Zach Ertz was an afterthought in Kingsbury's offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels also liked throwing to the reliable veteran.
This offseason, Washington moved on from Kingsbury. GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn also had enough of Kingsbury's offense. They wanted a more traditional NFL attack, with the quarterback playing under center more and a renewed focus on running the ball and play action.
Sinnott has expressed excitement more than once about his potential role in Blough's offense. The Commanders did sign tight end Chig Okonkwo in free agency, but Sinnott will play more of a hybrid role. He can line up as a traditional tight end or in the backfield as a fullback. He can also play H-back.
#tight #play #Commanders
2 months ago
The Washington Commanders added plenty of new faces to their roster during the offseason. Many of their additions were to the defensive side of the ball, but there were notable offensive additions to the team, too. Tight end Chig Okonkwo and wide receiver Stefon Diggs lead that charge, but rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams can't be left out either.
The Commanders are excited about their offensive additions, and Pro Football Focus recently named Okonkwo as one of five fantasy football breakout stars in 2026.
After discussing Okonkwo's time with the Tennessee **** ans, reviewing some of his stats, and mentioning that the Commanders invested more in Okonkwo than any skill player outside of Terry McLaurin, the article says:
Expectations for Okonkwo will be higher than they were for (Zach) Ertz at ages 34 and 35. He played 12 of the first 14 snaps in the second preseason game, suggesting he will have a larger role than he did in Tennessee and that Ertz had in Washingotn. Given the uncertainty at wide receiver outside of McLaurin and recent free-agent addition Stefon Diggs, Okonkwo is third on the team in targets. That gives him a solid floor as a low-end TE2.
His ability to turn into a TE1 will largely depend on the quality of the Commanders' offense in general. It's unlikely Okonkwo becomes a frequent target near the goal line, given his lighter size for a tight end, but a few more touchdowns than usual are a possibility.
#receiver #stefon #tennessee
The Commanders are excited about their offensive additions, and Pro Football Focus recently named Okonkwo as one of five fantasy football breakout stars in 2026.
After discussing Okonkwo's time with the Tennessee **** ans, reviewing some of his stats, and mentioning that the Commanders invested more in Okonkwo than any skill player outside of Terry McLaurin, the article says:
Expectations for Okonkwo will be higher than they were for (Zach) Ertz at ages 34 and 35. He played 12 of the first 14 snaps in the second preseason game, suggesting he will have a larger role than he did in Tennessee and that Ertz had in Washingotn. Given the uncertainty at wide receiver outside of McLaurin and recent free-agent addition Stefon Diggs, Okonkwo is third on the team in targets. That gives him a solid floor as a low-end TE2.
His ability to turn into a TE1 will largely depend on the quality of the Commanders' offense in general. It's unlikely Okonkwo becomes a frequent target near the goal line, given his lighter size for a tight end, but a few more touchdowns than usual are a possibility.
#receiver #stefon #tennessee
2 months ago
Howie Roseman did not close the door on a Zach Ertz reunion, but he also made it clear that the organization likes its current tight end group. Following the Eagles' 53-man roster cuts, Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice asked Roseman whether the Eagles had spoken with Ertz or had interest in bringing the veteran back to Philadelphia.
"First, I'd say what an unbelievable player, what an unbelievable person, tremendous respect for him," Roseman said. "At the same time, love what we have going in our tight end room, too."
Ertz is nearing the nine-month point in his recovery from a significant knee injury. Nothing appears imminent, although Philadelphia has maintained contact with one of the most accomplished tight ends in franchise history.
"Have talked to Zach over a period of time, obviously rehabbing his ACL and the relationship, just like a lot of our former players who've been here," Roseman said.
The Eagles formed their initial roster with Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, second-round pick Eli Stowers and E.J. Jenkins at tight end. Grant Calcaterra was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, making him eligible to rejoin the roster after four games. That depth reduces the need to rush into an agreement with Ertz. It also gives Philadelphia time to monitor his recovery and evaluate its current group during the opening weeks.
#tight #roster #current #group
"First, I'd say what an unbelievable player, what an unbelievable person, tremendous respect for him," Roseman said. "At the same time, love what we have going in our tight end room, too."
Ertz is nearing the nine-month point in his recovery from a significant knee injury. Nothing appears imminent, although Philadelphia has maintained contact with one of the most accomplished tight ends in franchise history.
"Have talked to Zach over a period of time, obviously rehabbing his ACL and the relationship, just like a lot of our former players who've been here," Roseman said.
The Eagles formed their initial roster with Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, second-round pick Eli Stowers and E.J. Jenkins at tight end. Grant Calcaterra was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, making him eligible to rejoin the roster after four games. That depth reduces the need to rush into an agreement with Ertz. It also gives Philadelphia time to monitor his recovery and evaluate its current group during the opening weeks.
#tight #roster #current #group
2 months ago
Arsenal travel to Villa Park on Monday looking to continue a perfect start to the season, having won the Community Shield and beaten Coventry City 3-0 in their Premier League opener without conceding.
Mikel Arteta's side could become the first in the club's 140-year history to win five consecutive opening away fixtures of a Premier League season.
Jurrien Timber remains out with a groin issue, and William Saliba is a long-term absentee with a back problem. Bruno Guimaraes has a minor groin issue of his own but Arteta has not ruled him out of contention. New signing Ezri Konsa, who joined this summer from Villa, is available to face his former club but is expected to start on the bench given ******* nal's settled defensive pairing.
David Raya is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to anchor midfield, with Martín Zubimendi the likely third member of the trio ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, both of whom Arteta has used in wide areas that double as auxiliary full-back cover, are set to support Kai Havertz in attack, with both players having scored or contributed directly to goals in the win over Coventry.
#premier
Mikel Arteta's side could become the first in the club's 140-year history to win five consecutive opening away fixtures of a Premier League season.
Jurrien Timber remains out with a groin issue, and William Saliba is a long-term absentee with a back problem. Bruno Guimaraes has a minor groin issue of his own but Arteta has not ruled him out of contention. New signing Ezri Konsa, who joined this summer from Villa, is available to face his former club but is expected to start on the bench given ******* nal's settled defensive pairing.
David Raya is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to anchor midfield, with Martín Zubimendi the likely third member of the trio ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, both of whom Arteta has used in wide areas that double as auxiliary full-back cover, are set to support Kai Havertz in attack, with both players having scored or contributed directly to goals in the win over Coventry.
#premier
2 months ago
Kai Havertz has laid down the gauntlet to **** nal's rivals by insisting the Premier League champions want "to win everything".
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the league **** le last season and started their defence with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Coventry, a week after they saw off Manchester City to take the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta's side were a penalty shootout away from claiming their first Champions League trophy – succumbing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest – but Havertz believes the Gunners have all the ingredients in place to launch an **** ault on the biggest prizes.
"When you have that taste of winning one **** le then you want to do it again, and we have a team that can compete for every **** le possible," said the Germany international in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Last year there was only one, but this year there is a lot more to come and we want to win everything.
#gunners #premier
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the league **** le last season and started their defence with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Coventry, a week after they saw off Manchester City to take the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta's side were a penalty shootout away from claiming their first Champions League trophy – succumbing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest – but Havertz believes the Gunners have all the ingredients in place to launch an **** ault on the biggest prizes.
"When you have that taste of winning one **** le then you want to do it again, and we have a team that can compete for every **** le possible," said the Germany international in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Last year there was only one, but this year there is a lot more to come and we want to win everything.
#gunners #premier
2 months ago
Patrick Mahomes may be forced to limit his phone time due to bad service during training camp, but there's one person he always makes sure to text — his wife, Brittany Mahomes.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 30, revealed his communication priorities during a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, while discussing Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz, whom Mahomes previously praised for helping him through his ACL recovery.
"St. Joe's dorm rooms, man, you don't get a lot of text messages," Mahomes joked, referring to the rooms at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., where the Chiefs hold training camp. But Brittany, 30, is the exception.
"I just try to make sure I text Brittany," he added. "If I text Brittany, I'm usually in a good spot."
Credit: David Smith/Cal Sport Media/Newscom/The Mega Agency
#mahomes #camp #patrick #kansas
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 30, revealed his communication priorities during a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, while discussing Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz, whom Mahomes previously praised for helping him through his ACL recovery.
"St. Joe's dorm rooms, man, you don't get a lot of text messages," Mahomes joked, referring to the rooms at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., where the Chiefs hold training camp. But Brittany, 30, is the exception.
"I just try to make sure I text Brittany," he added. "If I text Brittany, I'm usually in a good spot."
Credit: David Smith/Cal Sport Media/Newscom/The Mega Agency
#mahomes #camp #patrick #kansas
2 months ago
Good Wednesday morning, TSFers. Happy Hump Day! The spirit hasn't moved me to anything brilliant for today's CF, so Grab Bag it is! Please share anything and everything that's on your mind — ****** nal-related, football-related, or completely off-topic — in the comments.
Sadly, Dolly Parton passed yesterday after a brief battle with cancer. From all the tributes pouring out from every corner, it's clear she was a beloved person who did immeasurable good in the world. That's how we should all hope to be remembered when our time comes. It's so easy to be adored, other ultra-rich people. Just follow her example. She used her wealth to fund medical research, help children learn to read, among other things, and left the world a much better place.
On a happier note, today is World Dog Day. That's ****** nal team dog Win in the cover photo. Everyone give a furry friend an extra scratch behind the ears and another treat. They've more than earned it. Not that I needed much reason to like Bruno Guimaraes more than I do (now that he's in an ****** nal shirt) or Illan Meslier, but both have pictures of their dogs on their social media. David Raya, Ben White, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz are all known dog-owners. I'm sure I'm missing a few from the squad.
#good
Sadly, Dolly Parton passed yesterday after a brief battle with cancer. From all the tributes pouring out from every corner, it's clear she was a beloved person who did immeasurable good in the world. That's how we should all hope to be remembered when our time comes. It's so easy to be adored, other ultra-rich people. Just follow her example. She used her wealth to fund medical research, help children learn to read, among other things, and left the world a much better place.
On a happier note, today is World Dog Day. That's ****** nal team dog Win in the cover photo. Everyone give a furry friend an extra scratch behind the ears and another treat. They've more than earned it. Not that I needed much reason to like Bruno Guimaraes more than I do (now that he's in an ****** nal shirt) or Illan Meslier, but both have pictures of their dogs on their social media. David Raya, Ben White, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz are all known dog-owners. I'm sure I'm missing a few from the squad.
#good
2 months ago
The 2026/27 English Premier League season kicked off with dramatic storylines, stunning upsets, and explosive individual displays.
From ***** le favorites making clear statements to newly promoted sides shocking heavyweight clubs, opening weekend provided plenty to dissect.
In our Premier League Gameweek 1 Review, we ***** yze the biggest talking points and takeaways from GW1 to make sense of all the action.
In the opening match of the season, ***** nal began their ***** le defense with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, reaffirming his role as Mikel Arteta's preferred center-forward.
#newly #english #review
From ***** le favorites making clear statements to newly promoted sides shocking heavyweight clubs, opening weekend provided plenty to dissect.
In our Premier League Gameweek 1 Review, we ***** yze the biggest talking points and takeaways from GW1 to make sense of all the action.
In the opening match of the season, ***** nal began their ***** le defense with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, reaffirming his role as Mikel Arteta's preferred center-forward.
#newly #english #review
2 months ago
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta hailed ***** nal's opening-night display after the champions began their Premier League ***** le defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Coventry City, praising the team's growing understanding and insisting there is still more to come.
The ***** nal manager was particularly encouraged by the fluency of his side's performance at the Emirates Stadium, where goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard secured a comfortable victory and maintained the momentum created by last weekend's Community Shield success.
Reflecting on the performance, Arteta said: "There was a lot to like. Obviously it was a great result, but the manner we started the game, the domination, clarity, understanding and growth in the game was really impressive.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
#understanding
Mikel Arteta hailed ***** nal's opening-night display after the champions began their Premier League ***** le defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Coventry City, praising the team's growing understanding and insisting there is still more to come.
The ***** nal manager was particularly encouraged by the fluency of his side's performance at the Emirates Stadium, where goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard secured a comfortable victory and maintained the momentum created by last weekend's Community Shield success.
Reflecting on the performance, Arteta said: "There was a lot to like. Obviously it was a great result, but the manner we started the game, the domination, clarity, understanding and growth in the game was really impressive.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
#understanding
2 months ago
Premier League
Arsenal 3 - 0 Coventry City FT
Arsenal began their Premier League ***** le defence with a convincing victory against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta ended the club's 22-year wait for a league ***** le last season - and with a faultless display against Frank Lampard's Sky Blues in their opener, his team reminded the rest of the league why they are favourites to retain the crown.
First-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the reigning champions firmly in control, and captain Martin Odegaard added a third soon after the restart to seal a comfortable win on the opening day of the campaign.
#title #mikel
Arsenal 3 - 0 Coventry City FT
Arsenal began their Premier League ***** le defence with a convincing victory against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta ended the club's 22-year wait for a league ***** le last season - and with a faultless display against Frank Lampard's Sky Blues in their opener, his team reminded the rest of the league why they are favourites to retain the crown.
First-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the reigning champions firmly in control, and captain Martin Odegaard added a third soon after the restart to seal a comfortable win on the opening day of the campaign.
#title #mikel
2 months ago
Mikel Arteta hailed Christos Tzolis' impact after ****** nal began their Premier League ****** le defence with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Coventry City at the Emirates.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were on target as the Gunners made a commanding start to their campaign, with Tzolis also impressing on his Premier League debut for the club.
"I love that a player who has just been here for a few weeks gets that kind of energy every time he's on the ball," Arteta said on the Greece international.
"But I think he's earned it. I think the way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal.
"What he transmits as a player, so direct, so incisive constantly, he wants to make things happen, and he has an incredible variety of actions to make the right decisions.
#tzolis #make #arsenal
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were on target as the Gunners made a commanding start to their campaign, with Tzolis also impressing on his Premier League debut for the club.
"I love that a player who has just been here for a few weeks gets that kind of energy every time he's on the ball," Arteta said on the Greece international.
"But I think he's earned it. I think the way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal.
"What he transmits as a player, so direct, so incisive constantly, he wants to make things happen, and he has an incredible variety of actions to make the right decisions.
#tzolis #make #arsenal
2 months ago
In the summer of 1993, Manchester United won the ******* le and then signed Roy Keane in a British record transfer. In 2001, United won the ******* le and then bought Ruud van Nistelrooy. In 2008, the summer after winning the Premier League and Champions League, they signed Dimitar Berbatov not because they really needed him but because they could.
Each time, Alex Ferguson took steps not just to maintain the gap to their rivals but to grow it. Each time, United defended their Premier League crown.
Even before kick-off here at the Emirates Stadium, there was that familiar sense of a ******* le-winning manager ******* down the lid on the Premier League trophy they owned. Mikel Arteta's newest signing, Ezri Konsa, was paraded on the pitch to a standing ovation – quite the flex to sign the second best right-sided centre-half in the Premier League while the best, William Saliba, is sidelined with injury.
And after a few minutes of this opening 3-0 win over Coventry City, it was clear that Arteta had strengthened his attack too. Christos Tzolis impressed in pre-season games and topped most of ******* nal's fitness metrics. Here he buzzed into action on the left wing, legs whirring with the urgency of a man fleeing a swarm of bees, all fast-twitch jolts and excitable energy, exactly the sort of opponent Coventry's right-back Milan van Ewijk didn't want to face on his first Friday night live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal had a plethora of attacking options on the field: Kai Havertz led the line, Bukayo Saka started on the right and Martin Odegaard flitted in and out of the right half-space. But for all the passing lanes on offer, the gameplan became a simple one: when in the final third, seek Tzolis.
#league #united #summer #signed
Each time, Alex Ferguson took steps not just to maintain the gap to their rivals but to grow it. Each time, United defended their Premier League crown.
Even before kick-off here at the Emirates Stadium, there was that familiar sense of a ******* le-winning manager ******* down the lid on the Premier League trophy they owned. Mikel Arteta's newest signing, Ezri Konsa, was paraded on the pitch to a standing ovation – quite the flex to sign the second best right-sided centre-half in the Premier League while the best, William Saliba, is sidelined with injury.
And after a few minutes of this opening 3-0 win over Coventry City, it was clear that Arteta had strengthened his attack too. Christos Tzolis impressed in pre-season games and topped most of ******* nal's fitness metrics. Here he buzzed into action on the left wing, legs whirring with the urgency of a man fleeing a swarm of bees, all fast-twitch jolts and excitable energy, exactly the sort of opponent Coventry's right-back Milan van Ewijk didn't want to face on his first Friday night live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal had a plethora of attacking options on the field: Kai Havertz led the line, Bukayo Saka started on the right and Martin Odegaard flitted in and out of the right half-space. But for all the passing lanes on offer, the gameplan became a simple one: when in the final third, seek Tzolis.
#league #united #summer #signed
2 months ago
Arsenal began the defence of their Premier League **** le in convincing fashion with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners firmly in control during the opening 23 minutes before Martin Odegaard added a third shortly after the restart. It was an impressive opening-night performance from Mikel Arteta's side, with summer signing Christos Tzolis once again catching the eye.
Arsenal started brightly in front of a jubilant Emirates crowd and Tzolis was at the heart of much of their best attacking play.
The Greek international went close himself after cutting inside from the left before another effort was cleared off the line by Bobby Thomas.
The breakthrough arrived after 14 minutes, and Tzolis was again involved. He won possession from Milan van Ewijk before finding Riccardo Calafiori, whose pass reached Havertz. The German produced a composed first-time finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
#minutes
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners firmly in control during the opening 23 minutes before Martin Odegaard added a third shortly after the restart. It was an impressive opening-night performance from Mikel Arteta's side, with summer signing Christos Tzolis once again catching the eye.
Arsenal started brightly in front of a jubilant Emirates crowd and Tzolis was at the heart of much of their best attacking play.
The Greek international went close himself after cutting inside from the left before another effort was cleared off the line by Bobby Thomas.
The breakthrough arrived after 14 minutes, and Tzolis was again involved. He won possession from Milan van Ewijk before finding Riccardo Calafiori, whose pass reached Havertz. The German produced a composed first-time finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
#minutes
2 months ago
LONDON (AP) — Newcomer Christos Tzolis helped set up two goals as defending champion ***** nal opened the Premier League season by dismantling promoted Coventry 3-0 to spoil the visitor's long-awaited return to the top flight Friday.
After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League ***** le, ***** nal showed why it's favored to repeat as champion by completely dominating Frank Lampard's side in a game that was one-sided from start to finish.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard scored for the Gunners, who spurned chances to pad the scoreline even further.
For Coventry, it was a rude welcome back to the Premier League after a 25-year absence. Having won the second-tier Championship last season by a wide margin, Lampard's side simply looked outmatched as it was repeatedly taken apart by a marauding ***** nal.
Tzolis was the only summer signing to start for the host but the left winger showed he could give this attack an added dimension by helping to set up both opening goals.
#tzolis #goals
After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League ***** le, ***** nal showed why it's favored to repeat as champion by completely dominating Frank Lampard's side in a game that was one-sided from start to finish.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard scored for the Gunners, who spurned chances to pad the scoreline even further.
For Coventry, it was a rude welcome back to the Premier League after a 25-year absence. Having won the second-tier Championship last season by a wide margin, Lampard's side simply looked outmatched as it was repeatedly taken apart by a marauding ***** nal.
Tzolis was the only summer signing to start for the host but the left winger showed he could give this attack an added dimension by helping to set up both opening goals.
#tzolis #goals
2 months ago
The idea for dozens of Premier League forwards is simple, but it is far from easy — score more goals than Erling Haaland.
MORE — Premier League all-time goals leaders
The race for the 2026-27 Premier League Golden Boot is on, with Kai Havertz flying out of the starting block to score the season's first goal on August 21.
He was only in front for a few minutes as teammate Bukayo Saka joined him. Many more will join their ranks over the course of this 380-match Premier League season.
Haaland now has three Golden Boots in four seasons.
#erling #boot
MORE — Premier League all-time goals leaders
The race for the 2026-27 Premier League Golden Boot is on, with Kai Havertz flying out of the starting block to score the season's first goal on August 21.
He was only in front for a few minutes as teammate Bukayo Saka joined him. Many more will join their ranks over the course of this 380-match Premier League season.
Haaland now has three Golden Boots in four seasons.
#erling #boot
2 months ago
What do you do when you achieve something you've wanted for most of your life? That question is pertinent for ****** nal this season. This group of players have done something many of them have wanted to do since they first started playing football. But for many fans, the first ****** le in a generation begs the same question. Will it all mean the same?
A fair warning: this is going to be a lot of navel gazing. This is the first real ****** le that I've wanted. When ****** nal won the league in 2004 it was the third time of my life, the second time in 3 years, and at 10, I just ****** umed it was a thing that happened, like visiting your grandparents. I've written about this before but essentially, it took until I was 13 to realize, no, ****** nal don't win the league every season…and 19 years later ****** nal finally won the league I've wanted us to win. Wanting something for 19 years is interesting in terms of development. Wanting ****** nal to win the league has seen me from ****** rty, school, university, a graduate degree, a second graduate degree, and a career. I've lived in multiple places, but the one constant–aside from some of my best and closest friends–has been wanting ****** nal to win the league. It's been achieved. How do you go again?
For the players, I think it's simple. They'll want more. Bruno Guiamares hasn't won a league ****** le. Nor has Ezri Konsa. Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz all have more to give. And the group will want to go again, to become talked about in the way that teams like Manchester United were talked about and to prove bitter, small time people, like the Athletic's Manchester City stenographer Sam Lee, wrong.
And for the fans, I think it'll be similar. First of all, ****** nal have a chance to retain a ****** le, something that hasn't been done since the 1930s. And secondly because when you win, you want more. I've been more rational this summer, calmer during other football matches because I feel satisfied. This season will be different: the conditions that led to the explosion of joy at the end of last season won't exist (unless ****** nal win the Champions League), because ****** nal aren't coming off of a 22-year gap. And maybe the feeling of 19 May means that when ****** nal drop points in November it won't feel like an existential crisis, because the pressure to win, especially after 3 second place finishes, won't be overwhelming. Perhaps that'll be the biggest difference: instead of feeling a deep need to win, to fulfill a lifelong dream, to end the ****** jokes from colleagues and the stupid second again ole ole chants, the desire to win will be because I've loved the feeling of being Champions and want to feel it again next May.
#title
A fair warning: this is going to be a lot of navel gazing. This is the first real ****** le that I've wanted. When ****** nal won the league in 2004 it was the third time of my life, the second time in 3 years, and at 10, I just ****** umed it was a thing that happened, like visiting your grandparents. I've written about this before but essentially, it took until I was 13 to realize, no, ****** nal don't win the league every season…and 19 years later ****** nal finally won the league I've wanted us to win. Wanting something for 19 years is interesting in terms of development. Wanting ****** nal to win the league has seen me from ****** rty, school, university, a graduate degree, a second graduate degree, and a career. I've lived in multiple places, but the one constant–aside from some of my best and closest friends–has been wanting ****** nal to win the league. It's been achieved. How do you go again?
For the players, I think it's simple. They'll want more. Bruno Guiamares hasn't won a league ****** le. Nor has Ezri Konsa. Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz all have more to give. And the group will want to go again, to become talked about in the way that teams like Manchester United were talked about and to prove bitter, small time people, like the Athletic's Manchester City stenographer Sam Lee, wrong.
And for the fans, I think it'll be similar. First of all, ****** nal have a chance to retain a ****** le, something that hasn't been done since the 1930s. And secondly because when you win, you want more. I've been more rational this summer, calmer during other football matches because I feel satisfied. This season will be different: the conditions that led to the explosion of joy at the end of last season won't exist (unless ****** nal win the Champions League), because ****** nal aren't coming off of a 22-year gap. And maybe the feeling of 19 May means that when ****** nal drop points in November it won't feel like an existential crisis, because the pressure to win, especially after 3 second place finishes, won't be overwhelming. Perhaps that'll be the biggest difference: instead of feeling a deep need to win, to fulfill a lifelong dream, to end the ****** jokes from colleagues and the stupid second again ole ole chants, the desire to win will be because I've loved the feeling of being Champions and want to feel it again next May.
#title
2 months ago
What channel is Texans vs. Raiders on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch NFL Week 2 preseason game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After positive reviews in his NFL preseason debut, top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will be in the spotlight once again as the Raiders travel to Houston to face the Texans on Thursday.
Though Kirk Cousins will once again get the start in this game and presumably Week 1 of the regular season, Mendoza is the player NFL watchers want to see as the Heisman Trophy winner continues his adjustment to the pros. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown last week against the Cardinals and should get another extended look in Week 2.
On the other side, Houston figures to roll out C.J. Stroud for his first action of the preseason after riding with Davis Mills and Graham Mertz last week. Mertz suffered a season-ending knee injury in the loss to the Chargers, leading the team to sign veteran Brett Rypien this week for additional depth.
Both teams will do their best to avoid another injury like that one tonight while still getting in key reps. Here's all you need to know to tune in and watch the preseason Week 2 game.
#texans
After positive reviews in his NFL preseason debut, top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will be in the spotlight once again as the Raiders travel to Houston to face the Texans on Thursday.
Though Kirk Cousins will once again get the start in this game and presumably Week 1 of the regular season, Mendoza is the player NFL watchers want to see as the Heisman Trophy winner continues his adjustment to the pros. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown last week against the Cardinals and should get another extended look in Week 2.
On the other side, Houston figures to roll out C.J. Stroud for his first action of the preseason after riding with Davis Mills and Graham Mertz last week. Mertz suffered a season-ending knee injury in the loss to the Chargers, leading the team to sign veteran Brett Rypien this week for additional depth.
Both teams will do their best to avoid another injury like that one tonight while still getting in key reps. Here's all you need to know to tune in and watch the preseason Week 2 game.
#texans
