Soccer

THE rot continues for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.Second-half substitutes Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley scored the late goals as Brighton deservedly condemned Guardiola to an historic defeat.Brighton completed a stunning comeback as they beat Man City 2-1Credit: APCity was left stunned as they suffered their FOURTH defeat in a rowCredit: RexIt was a nightmare result for Pep GuardiolaCredit: ReutersBrighton’s comeback means Liverpool can potentially go five points clear of CityCredit: GettyWhen tennis player Vitus Gerulaitis finally beat Jimmy Connors after 16 consecutive defeats, he famously quipped: “No one beats Vitus Gerulaitis 17 times in a row.”Guardiola and Manchester City operate on a sporting level even higher than the gifted American racket-wielder.But until now, the Catalan had never lost four games on the bounce as a manager.The 4-1 Champions League thumping by Sporting Lisbon followed a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham and a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth. And now this.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity paid the price for failing to add to Erling Haaland’s first-half opener and then to hold back Brighton’s second-half surge.For all the talk about City’s injuries, Brighton have been suffering, too, and without the depth of squad that Guardiola can call upon.Home boss Fabian Hurzeler called Carlos Baleba off the bench at half time, then Pedro and O’Riley, after their various injury problems.Summer signing O’Riley had been out since hurting himself within 10 minutes of his debut.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the former Celtic midfielder accepted a Pedro pass at the end of a City-style slick move before jabbing the ball home.Joy for Hurzeler and most in the stadium. More frustration for City and Guardiola.Former Man City ace now starring in CBBC series as he lives very different life as an actorThe Etihad boss was dressed like an off-duty vicar, in a roomy zip-up cardigan and grey slacks with a looser fit than his usual trousers.In fact, if you squinted, with his grey beard Guardiola bore more than a passing resemblance to Billy, the priest character from Coronation Street.Poor Billy has been having an existential crisis following the death of his husband Paul.And Guardiola looked to be suffering agony of his own for much of the match.Like their manager’s clothes, City were a bit baggy. Not the tight, drilled-to-within-an-inch-of-their-lives faultless machine you usually expect.Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler like flying by the seat of their pants at times but that really isn’t Guardiola’s thing. City looked to be back to winning ways when Erling Haaland ended his goal droughtCredit: PAThe Norwegian’s barren run had coincided with City’s dip in formCredit: RexInside three minutes the City boss was throwing his hands up in frustration as his team failed to move the ball quickly enough.The same reaction greeted a weak finish by Savinho that allowed Verbruggen to make a decent save.Another chance went begging when Haaland mishit a finish from a Phil Foden free kick, but moments later the City striker made amends.Yasin Ayari gave the ball awat and Mateo Kovacic’s pass between the home centre halves was superb. Haaland made the most of it. After Verbruggen blocked his initial shot, the Premier League’s top scorer followed up to jab the ball into the net.Soon it was almost two. From Foden’s pass Haaland let off a quick shot that came off Verbruggen and the post.The Brighton goalkeeper also kept out a Kovacic effort.The home team finally had some joy when Kaoru Mitoma got the better of Kyle Walker – prompting another theatrical response from Guardiola.Mitoma fed Danny Welbeck, whose shot was blocked by Josko Gvardiol. Pervis Estupinan’s follow-up was all wrong.Welbeck tickled the side-netting with a free kick but despite that the home side went in happy still to be in the game.With captain Lewis Dunk out, and Baleba and Pedro fit enough only for the bench, Brighton were missing their spine.There was still plenty of energy but without much coordination. Brighton roared back in the 78th minute through sub Joao PedroCredit: PAHis sharp finish sent the Amex crowd wildCredit: APThe hosts started the second half well and Guardiola was soon gesticulating and yelling like a dad whose kids just won’t listen.Ederson had to make his first save in the 52nd minute when Jack Hinshelwood sent a header straight at him from an Estupinan cross.A Pep talk to Haaland and Foden seemed to work as City improved, with Haaland’s cross forcing Igor into a last-ditch clearance.Hurzeler sent on O’Riley and the game was in the balance.City posed a threat from both wings, but Brighton created the better openings.Georginio Rutter headed over the bar, Welbeck could not control a Mitoma cross and then Ederson saved at the feet of the Japan winger.O’Riley was the hero as he made his first appearance since an injury 10 minutes into his debutCredit: APO’Riiley put his injury woes behind him with the winning strikeCredit: AFPPedro then charged through only to send his shot well off target with only the City ‘keeper to beat.On came Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne to help City try to gain some control.It didn’t work and Guardiola was soon so agitated that he went prancing into Hurzeler’s technical area.And Brighton made their momentum count in the City penalty area.Gvardiol failed to clear and Pedro pounced to score from close range.If that goal made the Amex rock, O’Riley’s lifted the roof off.City were left rocked by the result ahead of big games with Spurs and LiverpoolCredit: AlamyQuestions over Guardiola’s long-term future are sure to mount once moreCredit: PABrighton pinged the ball around like prime City and the midfielder provided the finish the move deserved.De Bruyne shot wide. In nine minutes of stoppage time, Foden and Gvardiol were also off target.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland was booked for a late scuffle with Jan Paul van Hecke.And the final whistle one more gave Guardiola the sinking feeling that has never been as familiar as this. More

RUBEN AMORIM has singled out the “very talented boy” he can’t wait to coach at Manchester United.Red Devils fans are braced for the Portuguese boss’s arrival after the international break after he agreed a deal to replace Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim has highlighted the ‘very talented boy’ he can’t wait to work with at Man UtdCredit: RexRuud van Nistelrooy will take charge of his fourth and final match as interim gaffer tomorrow.And exciting is already building ahead of Amorim’s first game against Ipswich Town later this month.The former midfielder has led Sporting to two titles during his time in Lisbon.They already look on course for a third after winning all 10 of their league matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Amorim proved his tactical acumen by smashing Pep Guardiola’s Man City 4-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.It now remains to be seen if he can bring a similar level of success to Man United, who are 13th after winning just three games this season.And one player at Old Trafford will have to be on form if Amorim is to get any joy out of the squad.Manuel Ugarte joined United this summer from Paris Saint-Germain for £50million after just one year in France.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut before that, he was a key player at Sporting under Amorim and bossed the midfield in 85 matches.Now, Amorim admits he can’t wait to unlock the best of Ugarte in a red shirt and believes the Uruguayan will soon prove himself to be a key player at Old Trafford.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Amorim had high words of praise for Manuel UgarteCredit: AlamyUgarte played 85 times under Amorim at Sporting LisbonCredit: RexAmorim said: “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love them.“Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow.“I am very happy to know that I have him back at Man United.”Meanwhile, United are preparing to face Leicester tomorrow in Van Nistelrooy’s final game as interim boss.Harry Maguire could be available for selection after returning to fitnes.While Mason Mount will be hoping for minutes following some first-team training sessions this week.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

NEVER mind the egg-chasing taking place down the road at Twickers, Brentford is the only place to go in west London for sporting entertainment.The home fans left in raptures after Thomas Frank’s side stole a five-goal thriller after twice going behind, but not even the most one-eyed Bournemouth fan could moan at the thrills and spills they had witnessed.Brentford came back to beat Bournemouth in an exciting Premier League encounterCredit: RexBrentford star Yoane Wissa scored a brace against BournemouthCredit: RexBournemouth wasted two leads against Brentford after goals by Evanilson and Justin KluivertCredit: GettyBrentford ace Mikkel Damsgaard also scored during the stunning comebackCredit: ReutersSubstitute Enes Unal missed a great chance to equalise for the visitors by hitting the bar with a header from close-range in the seventh minute of injury time, summing up a crazy afternoon.It is not a one-off either, with regulars at the Gtech Community Stadium having witnessed 29 goals in six matches here this season.With Gladiator II released in cinemas this week, this game channelled the energy of the original star Russell Crowe: Are you not entertained?Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was the star of this show as he got the goals that ultimately mattered in each half – a header across goal and a neat first-time finish – and is clearly relishing being the leading light up front.Read More on FootballThe 28-year-old has scored seven goals in just eight Premier League appearances this season and does not appear to be missing the presence of former team-mate Ivan Toney.Neither are Brentford, who have scored 22 goals already this season, and still have new signing Igor Thiago to come back from injury.The Brazilian striker was recruited as Toney’s replacement, but has yet to play in a competitive game for the club after picking up a knee injury last summer, although he is close to a comeback.Frank will be more concerned with keeping goals out than scoring them, however, particularly after they conceded twice in stoppage time to throw away a 1-0 lead in the west London derby at Fulham last Monday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter that extraordinary defeat, Frank will argue that his players deserved some good luck in this fixture and no one could question their spirit.After falling behind on two occasions, they responded almost immediately to maintain their unbeaten record at home.Mikel Arteta knew Arsenal were up against it after red card against Bournemouth Only Tottenham can match their haul of 22 Premier League goals this season, although they have also conceded 22, which is why Bournemouth were always in it.Andoni Iraola’s side started well, with the confidence gained from last week’s shock win over Manchester City still coursing through the players’ veins.With Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams pulling the strings in midfield Bournemouth played all the football in the opening exchanges, and were well worth the lead they were gifted by Sepp Van Den Berg’s horrendous back-pass in the 17th minute.The Dutch defender hit the ball with the power and precision of a toddler playing crazy golf and Bournemouth striker Evanilson took full advantage, intercepting before rounding goalkeeper Mark Flekken to score for his third successive Premier League game.The Bees appeared stung by this setback, and belated sprung into action.Vitaly Janelt had brought a good save from Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Bournemouth goal and the home side were soon level, with Van den Berg relieved at having played a part.Stunning comebackVan Den Berg’s long throw was not dealt with by Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, with Wissa pouncing on his misdirected clearance to score with a well-directed header across goal.Brentford continued to cause Bournemouth problems with their more direct approach, but there were no more attempts on goal until a flurry of action at the start of the second half.In the 49th minute Justin Kluivert put Bournemouth ahead for the second time, with the Dutch striker producing a neat finish at the near-post following a one-two with Cook.The away fans were still celebrating, however, when Mikkel Damsgaard equalised for Brentford within the space of a minute.Bryan Mbeumo created the opening on the right with an angled ball from the flank, with Damsgaard beating Kepa with a right-footed shot from a tight angle.Brentford had a penalty appeal turned away by referee Darren Bond soon after when Nathan Collins went down under pressure from Kerkez.The Bees finally went ahead in the 59th minute of a breathless encounter. READ MORE SUN STORIESKeane Lewis-Potter released Janelt down the left, whose angled ball was met by Wissa, who scored with a first-time shot for his second goal of the afternoon.Brentford’s 11 Premier League games have featured an extraordinary 44 goals this season. On this evidence the entertainment is set to continue. More

JULEN LOPETEGUI always says he wants to be judged in May – but many will have made their minds up already.This drab and desperate performance only raised more questions over the Spaniard and his side.West Ham struggled to a 0-0 bore draw against EvertonCredit: RexJulen Lopetegui’s side once again failed to impressCredit: ReutersWhat is Lopetegui’s plan? Does it exist? Is anyone listening?Few answers were offered on a glum afternoon in East London.The under-fire manager will point to Everton star Jordan Pickford and his trio of smart saves from Guido Rodriguez and Danny Ings, but that is merely papering over ever-growing cracks.West Ham were lucky to escape with a point and the only thing they had to celebrate was a first home clean sheet since January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe summer spend of £127.5million is an awful lot of money to spend in order to be this average.Lopetegui was without Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez through suspension but still had a side capable of offering much more than this.Hammers fans will have headed to Stratford hoping, if not quite expecting, to see a confidence boosting win over the Toffees.But, to the frustration of supporters and boss Lopetegui, what they were served up across a turgid first half was a display of utter incompetence.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPasses found Everton shirts almost as regularly as they did claret and blue ones while there was a complete lack of ambition or quality on the ball.Sean Dyche’s side, without Dwight McNeil through injury, were creating more chances but hardly through being more adventurous.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelFrom a West Ham attack the visitors broke and were only stopped from going ahead when Crysencio Summerville managed a last ditch challenge on Abdoulaye Doucoure.Iliman Ndiaye sent a shot from the edge of the box into the hands of Lukasz Fabianski, the 39-year-old still in ahead of Alphonse Areola.Under no pressure at all from Everton, happy to sit tight, the Hammers had no idea what to do with the ball at the back and struggled to get out.They managed to find a bit of space late in the first half, with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio both having half-chances stopped by Jordan Pickford.Neither side bathed themselves in gloryCredit: AFPIt was a dull affair in the capitalCredit: PAThe display had been so insipid across the first 45 minutes that fans in the London Stadium did not even have the will to muster a proper boo at the break.Trying to inject some life into things after the restart, Guido Rodriguez ran onto a loose ball and cannoned it towards goal – only for Pickford to pull off a fine save and parry it clear.With neither side able to grasp any sort of control or momentum, Everton were then up the other end trying their luck.Vitalii Mykolenko slashed at an effort which was deflected behind before Jesper Lindstrom’s header was tipped over the bar.The Toffees should have done more when Jean-Clair Todibo, having far from his best game, was robbed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the West Ham half.Calvert-Lewin checked this way and that trying to create an angle but had to move the ball on before the move ended with Orel Mangala’s shot sailing high and wide.West Ham’s continued haplessness was offering Everton hope of a first win in three but this side appear to need a dozen chances to even truly test an opposing goalkeeper.Lopetegui made a triple change, sending on Carlos Soler, Vladimir Coufal and Ings to try and liven things up.Both sides were fortunate to get a pointCredit: PAThere were missed chances from plenty of starsCredit: RexWest Ham did start to see more of the ball, but were still struggling to make things happen.Lucas Paqueta – having gone missing since about February – found space on the edge of the box with players lining up in the middle but elected to dink the ball out of play.The Brazilian is capable of turning games like this on his head when at his best, but Hammers fans have seen nothing near that level of form for the majority of this year.There are always odd flashes, such as the ball which sent Summerville through before he struck the post, but never enough.West Ham’s mega summer spend looks to have backfiredCredit: PASean Dyche is likely to have taken a point before kick-offCredit: GettyWest Ham were more advanced after their changes but still giving the ball away with alarming regularity.Bowen, still not back in the England squad, was having to chase a touch of the ball everywhere and looking up to find very few options each time he gained possession.Everton, knowing a point was more valuable to them, were happy to sit in and frustrate as the hosts looked for a much needed late winner.Ings found space in the box, just as he did for a late leveller at Fulham earlier this season, but this time his left-footed strike was met by Pickford.West Ham’s substitute striker was doing all he could to get them all three points, but was being frustrated by Everton’s stopper.READ MORE SUN STORIESPickford saved the best for last, pulling off a stunning late save to send Ings’ deflected shot over the bar.The England goalkeeper was one of the only ones to leave the pitch with credit thanks to his superb stops and some canny time wasting to earn the point. 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