Champions League

ARNE SLOT made history as Mo Salah hit a brilliant clincher.Jurgen Klopp’s successor became the first Liverpool manager to win eight of his first nine games in charge.Mo Salah went to 49 Champions League goals with a screamerCredit: AFPAlexis Mac Allister celebrates his early breakthrough for LiverpoolCredit: GettyBut while things were flying for the Dutchman at the start – and his side finished up on a high thanks to that 75th-minute Salah special – he also had to squirm through plenty of scary moments.For after a brilliant, pulsating start the Reds hit the reverse gear that for a long time threatened red faces..Slot had freted in the build–up, warning his players that “mediocrity was not acceptable.”And so when they were running rings around Bologna in the first 25 minutes, his warning that the Serie A club were more dangerous than their 13th position in Serie A looked seemed little more than scare-mongering.READ MORE TOP STORIESAlexis MacAllister’s 11th minute strike said it all about Liverpool’s early dominance and the fluidity of their attacks.True enough, Thijs Dallinga had found the home net just before but was miles off-side as he struck his shot.The Argentinian’s first ever Champions League goal was the real deal.It came as a result of a flowing team move, completed by Salah’s delicious chip and only needed touching into the net from half a yard.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSalah’s thumping finish gave Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski no chanceCredit: ReutersDarwin Nunez, in for benched Diogo Jota due to a slight foot injury, should have doubled the advantage but as Slot will surely know by now, he’s not the brightest footballer.Had he arced his run onto Mac Allister’s through – ball his shot would have stood. But, unsurprisingly he ran straight off-side.Ex-Liverpool star John Arne Riise shows what he is made of on the training pitch Things were just too easy for Slot’s men and the sloppiness he is concerned about began to show in the 19th minute.Salah’s side-foot into the box was perfection but the Hungarian, not for the first time this season, lost focus or just thought he merely had to go through the motions.Either way he slid his shot wide before Nunez, this time trying for the spectacular as he so often does, fired straight at goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.At this 23rd minute stage, Bologna’s new manager Vincenzo Italiano was going crazy on the touchline.Liverpool were playing training ground football and looking like world-beaters. Italiano’s team were all over the place.And then, like they have done repeatedly despite the start that has taken them to the top of the Prem, they switched off.Suddenly Slot’s worries that might have appeared like picking hairs didn’t seem so unreasonable at all.Dan Ndoye raided down the left and his 28th-minute shot was deflected off the bar.The attacker was deemed offside but there was a real lack of cohesion in the rearguard marshalled by skipper Virgil van Dijk.Mac Allister was left with a simple chance to open the scoringCredit: RexThijs Dallinga saw this early goal for Bologna ruled outCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez threatened for Liverpool and also had a goal erasedCredit: RexAlisson spotted it, too, carping at those in front of him to close down better.Soon after Ndoye was back, Ricardo Orsolini’s downward header causing panic in front of The Kop.Ndoye fired in a low left–footer. Alisson and his team mates rode their luck as the shot flew off the outside of the goalkeeper right hand post.Bologna’s players were representing a club that hadn’t been in a top – flight European campaign for 60 years.And you just knew he was finding this repeat unacceptable.From the start they looked to have frozen under the weight of that history having managed only an opening 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk, who had scored only seven goals in six league games.But they were now causing panic and the look on Slot’s face as he headed down the tunnel said it all – his side, as they had done in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Wolves, were back in mediocrity mode.The Italian side kept on keeping on after the break, Alisson furious again that he had to deal with a 20 yarder from Orsolini.Then Kacper Urabanski lost his head and fired wildly over from a great position.By the 61st minute Slot knew he needed a change, and Nunez, unsurprisingly, was replaced by Jota – as much for the Portuguese attacker’s work rate in closing down as for his far superior striking abilities.His entrance stabilised the side, cohesion returned and finally the job got done.Unsurprisingly Salah was the one tie the game up as he became the first Liverpool player to score in five successive Champions League home games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Bologna defenders not only backed off, they gave him space to move onto his left foot.And as Anfield’s Egyptian king moved into the box there was only ever going to be one outcome, his shot curving majestically into the top right corner of Skorupski’s net.Arne Slot now has two Champions League wins out of twoCredit: Getty More

DONNY Van de Beek scored his first goal in over two years as new club Girona suffered a 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League.The former Manchester United man found the back of the net for the first time since August 2022.Donny van de Beek scored his first goal in over two years against Feyenoord on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyArnaut Danjuma set Van de Beek up inside the boxCredit: TNT SportsHe tucked it past the Feyenoord keeper and into the back of the netCredit: ReutersVan de Beek ran off and celebrated wildly after ending his goalscoring droughtCredit: TNT SPORTSThe former Manchester United man relished his moment in the spotlightCredit: EPAVan de Beek, 27, failed to settle in at Man Utd after his £40m move from Ajax back in 2020.The Dutchman was sent on a string of loans after struggling for game time, with his last goal coming against Arsenal back in August 2022 during a loan spell with Everton.But that all changed this summer when he finally earned a permanent move away from Old Trafford and joined Spanish side Girona.A new home seems to have come with a return to form too as the midfielder scored his first goal since that day at the Emirates Stadium 26 months ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVan de Beek was teed up by Arnaut Danjuma inside the area and smashed home to level the scores to 2-2 against Feyenoord in the Champions League league phase clash.The 19-time Netherlands international celebrated wildly having pulled his side back level and finally got on the scoresheet after a lengthy goal drought.However, his goal was ultimately in vain as just six minutes later teammate Ladislav Krejci turned the ball into his own net and put Feyenoord back ahead. The 3-2 defeat is Girona’s second in the Champions League this season, compounding their 1-0 loss to PSG on matchday one.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe La Liga club put together a spectacular season last term, finishing third in the Spanish top flight – just four points behind Barcelona in second.Van de Beek will be hoping he has taken the right step to re-track his off the rails career after his nightmare spell at the Theatre of Dreams.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ After making the switch to Man Utd, Van de Beek only made 23 STARTS in four years for the Red Devils.While his loan spells with Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt were just as fruitless making just five starts for the Toffees and only four for Frankfurt. More

THIERRY Henry admits Bukayo Saka didn’t wow him in the Arsenal academy – but has since forced him to eat humble pie. The Gunners legend made the admission during an appearance on CBS’ Champions League preview show.Thierry Henry has opened up on Bukayo Saka’s rise – and how he wasn’t sure if he’d be good enoughCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoThe Gunners star believes Arsenal can win the Premier League this seasonCredit: GettyHenry joined host Kate Scott and fellow analysts Michah Richards and Jamie Carragher for Tuesday’s games.Saka was in action for Arsenal as they welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates. The Three Lions star was on the scoresheet as the Gunners cruised to a 2-0 victory. But Henry stunned the panel – and fans at home – by admitting he’d initially overlooked the 23-year-old’s potential. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHenry said: “I saw him at the academy and I didn’t think he would be that good, I’ll be honest with you.”Henry went on to praise “humble” Saka’s incredible work ethic, highlighting his tireless efforts in different positions at Euro 2024.He continued: “When you work, you have that work ethic, and you have a good family behind you, it’s very important.”He makes the job easier for everyone.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan responded: “Well, that’s high praise considering Henry’s credibility.”Another said: “His humbleness considering his exposure, expectation and no doubt wealth is something he should be rightfully proud of. He carried our club when he was a teen.”Bukayo Saka declares ‘this is Arsenal’s year’ and they will win Premier League titleWhile a third added: “A second glance often reveals unexpected talent, doesn’t it? Thierry recognizing worth.”Ahead of Henry’s comments, Saka joined the CBS crew to discuss the game and Arsenal’s season.And the Gunners winger confidently declared the club’s two-decade wait for a Premier League title could soon be over.Henry asked: “Do you think it is important this year to win the title?”Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/ASaka replied: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I do think that this is the year.”I think we’ve been close the last two years and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.”And he later added in an interview with Amazon: “It’s just that spirit in me that I want to win this season and of course, I believe in myself a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With those two things, it helps. We believe in ourselves, we believe we’re a top team. We showed that tonight.”I did tell the boys we have to make a statement when big teams are coming to the Emirates.” More

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’S mum leapt up with joy as her son made his Champions League debut for Arsenal.Mikel Arteta’s men comfortably beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in their opening home European tie of the season on Tuesday night.Myles Lewis-Skelly made his Champions League debut against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s mum was in shock after realising her son was coming onCredit: X/ footballontntShe could not believe he was about to make his Champions League debutCredit: X/ footballontntShe applauded wildly as Lewis-Skelly made his way onto the pitchCredit: X/ footballontntEnglish midfielder and left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, made his first Gunners appearance off the bench at the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month.Three days later he started in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup.But it was not until Tuesday evening when he got a taste of Champions League football at the Emirates.Lewis-Skelly replaced Bukayo Saka in stoppage time and had 60 seconds to soak in the atmosphere before the whistle was blown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it was a special moment for the Arsenal youngster’s mum as TNT Sports shared a heart-warming clip of her reaction to him coming on.She inhaled deeply in shock after spotting he was coming on via the big screen in the stadium.Her eyes widened as the realisation dawned on her, before she jumped out of her seat and gave the 18-year-old an excitable round of applause.Reacting to the loving moment, one social media user said: “Proud moments like this remind us why we love the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Such a proud moment for her! Congrats to Myles on his Champions League debut!”A third replied: “There’s nothing like a proud mum moment! Myles’ journey is just getting started, and what a debut to kick it off!”Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG While a fourth responded: ” What a proud moment for her! Debuting in the Champions League is a huge achievement!”Lewis-Skelly has made 27 appearances for Arsenal’s U21s and also represented England’s U18s four times. More