Football

ADAM ARMSTRONG ended Southampton’s agonising wait for their first Premier League win.The Saints celebrations and sighs of relief were enough to register on the Richter scale.Adam Armstrong scored his first goal of the seasonCredit: GettyThe win takes Southampton off the bottomCredit: GettyA first clean sheet of the season helped Saints to three pointsCredit: ReutersBeto missed a sitter and had a goal ruled out of offsideCredit: ReutersThe striker hit the bar when it was easier to scoreCredit: PAIt looked to be another case of some attractive football leaving Russell Martin’s side short such was the lack of quality at times.Passes were pinged and possession high but chances wasted until Armstrong, the man whose goal earned promotion in May, struck in the 85th minute – moments after Beto had clattered the bar.In front of Serbian owner Dragan Solak, Southampton and Martin knew they needed to deliver – and eventually they managed to crawl over the line.Veteran Adam Lallana conducted an impressive and creative midfield alongside Flynn Downes and Matheus Fernandes – often exposing gaps in the Everton defence.But each time they broke free, setting Cameron Archer or Armstrong away, the quality was not there to hurt the Toffees.Archer, set away by Downes, raced through alone but dragged wide of the far post.Having wasted a couple of crosses, Armstrong was unfortunate when Jordan Pickford got the slightest touch to one, just diverting the ball away from Ryan Manning who was alone awaiting a tap in at the far post.Everton were offered a couple of chances when the hosts overplayed or were sloppy on the ball but were not showing the speed of thought to take advantage and should have gone in behind when Taylor Harwood-Bellis sent a free header wide just before the break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLallana was replaced by Joe Aribo before the restart.Southampton took their time to regain the threat they showed late in the first half and Aaron Ramsdale, who finally has a clean sheet for Saints, had to save a powerful Orel Mangala shot from the edge of the box.Coronation Street legend who plays Roy Cropper spotted singing X-rated chant at Premier League matchArcher started to pose a threat in behind again and drew a foul from Michael Keane. From chaos caused by the free-kick Harwood-Bellis saw a shot deflected behind.Martin added teen Tyler Dibling, absent from the start due to illness, to the attack in place of wing-back Manning.The winger had Everton in reverse with his first involvement, charging the back line and sparking a move that ended with an Aribo header in Jordan Pickford’s hands.Southampton were in the ascendency but desperately lack the killer instinct to capitalise on those moments.Walker-Peters twice picked out Armstrong at the far post but there was too much power on the cross for the forward to convert.Sean Dyche sent on Jack Harrison and Beto in a bid to turn the tide back the other way. Ramsdale made a brave but fortunate save from Keane’s far post header, tipping onto the post before the ball bounced back onto his shoulder and hit the post a second time.The England keeper got a huge slice of luck ten minutes from time when Harrison’s dinked finish from Dwight McNeil’s cross dropped just wide of the post.Sub Beto then crashed against the bar from close range.Having clung on, Southampton finally showed a glimpse of quality.Yuki Sugawara, sent on minutes earlier, was wonderfully picked out by Harwood-Bellis down the right.The full-back cut back cleverly for Armstrong who fired low and hard past Pickford – his first Premier League strike of the season and one which could save his boss’ skin.But Southampton do not do things easily. They have collapsed here already against Ipswich and Leicester – surrendering much needed points.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they looked to have done it again on 88 minutes as Beto found the back of the net – but a desperately close and drawn out offside call eventually fell their way.There is an awfully big gap still to close, but the first steps may have been taken. More

PEP GUARDIOLA’S imperious champions were brought down to earth by little Bournemouth.The Blues sank to their first Premier League defeat in 32 matches – and they can have no complaints.Antoine Semenyo fired beyond Ederson to give Bournemouth the leadCredit: GettyIt is the Bournemouth forward’s fourth Premier League goal of the seasonCredit: RexEvanilson scored Bournemouth’s second goal of the game in the 64th minuteCredit: AFPThe Brazilian put Bournemouth in complete control as they earned a memorable winCredit: RexIt is Manchester City’s first league defeat since December last yearCredit: ReutersFor Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth must now be taken seriously in the Premier League – and you had better believe it.The sensational Antoine Semenyo fired the Cherries ahead in the first half and Brazilian Evanilson added a second just after the hour.Josko Gvardiol pulled a late goal back but Guardiola can have no complaints because they were second best for most of the match.They didn’t muster a shot on target until ten minutes from time and Gvardiol’s header was their second.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to think this followed Bournemouth’s unthinkable victory over Arsenal on the same pitch two weeks ago.That day the Gunners’ own undefeated run was shot down 2-0 after they suffered a first-half sending off.But there was no helping hand for the hosts this time because this was no ordinary day out at the seaside for Guardiola and his merry, supposedly depleted, men.Pep had been talking up a serious injury list – and an irritating Carabao Cup defeat at Spurs had their trophy-laden gaffer worried.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola suffered a frustrating afternoon at the Vitality StadiumCredit: RexMan City have fallen behind Liverpool in the title raceCredit: GettyBut maybe he was just telling porky pies because Kyle Walker was surprisingly back in the starting line-up with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench.And of course it does help team morale when you can recall a robotic goal machine in Erling Haaland.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsHaaland stepped off the coach with 74 Premier League goals in his pockets from 75 games with 11 of them arriving this season alone.The Norwegian monster was “rested” at Tottenham with this fixture in mind – even if it was against little old Bournemouth.Then again, the striker’s goalscoring record of just one in four league meetings against the minnows isn’t one of his best stats.Guardiola’s unbeaten league leaders had won their previous 14 top-flight games against the Cherries, scoring over three goals per match.Even worse, Bournemouth had never beaten City in their 20 league meetings – a record for most matches lost against the same opponent in the top four tiers.But there again the hosts couldn’t be underestimated having just ended Arsenal’s undefeated league campaign on the same grass last time out.And a fighting late, late draw at Aston Villa last weekend served notice that Andoni Iraola’s boys are now serious top-flight opposition.Just a minute after The Last Post was beautifully played by a military bugler, the Cherries came so close to posting the first goal.Bournemouth soaked up Man City pressure to secure a famous victorySemenyo produced a Player of the Match display to inspire Bournemouth’s winOasis songwriter and Man City fan Noel Gallagher looked on in angerCredit: ReutersMarcus Tavernier robbed former Cherries star Nathan Ake in midfield and set Semenyo racing clear.Semenyo’s drive was blocked by goalkeeper Ederson, who reacted superbly keeping out Justin Kluivert’s follow-up shot with his outstretched leg.Iraola had instructed his team to go full-out from the off to try and score first because they hadn’t notched a goal in the first 15 minutes all season.And Semenyo followed his orders immaculately when he put the Cherries deservedly ahead on nine minutes.Milos Kerkez brushed past Phil Foden down the left wing before he picked out Semenyo.The ball was behind the Ghana striker but he had time to spin round and strike his fourth goal of the campaign into the far corner.Semenyo is the new Premier League shooting sensation with only Haaland having more shots on goal than him this campaign.And to be fair Haaland was virtually a spectator as the hosts kept his defence on the back foot in the opening 20 minutes.But that was never going to last and alarm bells were soon ringing in the home defence when Foden picked the Norwegian out at the back stick.The blonde giant rose highest but instead of trying for goal he headed the ball sideways and Bernardo Silva couldn’t reach it.Bournemouth nearly shook their mighty visitors with a second goal straight after the break.A long ball over the top reached the ever-dangerous Semenyo but when he took a bad touch Evanilson took on shooting duties.Luckily for the Blues, Ederson was alive to the danger and diverted the Brazilian forward’s shot for a corner.City responded well and should have levelled on 51 minutes but Foden pulled his effort wide from Matheus Nunes’ pass.The visitors were concerned just before the hour when Haaland was injured in a clash with Lewis Cook.Cook apologised to the Norwegian who received no sympathy from the home fans who sang “You will be crying in a minute”.Up popped Semenyo again when he left Walker on the deck before he charged forward and saw his shot deflected wide.But Evanilson then did make it 2-0 as Kerkez turned provider again before the Brazilian slotted home.City pulled a goal back eight minutes from time when Gvardiol’s headed Ilkay Gundogan’s cross into the top corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues scented a comeback and should have escaped with a draw but Haaland had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.But this spirited Bournemouth bunch deserved their most famous victory in the club’s history. 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MO SALAH produced the brilliant, signature strike that sent Liverpool to the top after a first half display that was strictly rock-bottom.For the first 45 minutes Fabian Hurzeler’s side ripped away all the gloss of Arne Slot’s start as Liverpool’s new manager.Mo Salah curls a trademark effort into the back of netCredit: PAThe Egyptian celebrates his brilliant effortCredit: ReutersFerdi Kadioglu grabbed a stunning opener, Brighton could have been at least three ahead and the Kop, along with boss Slot, looked on in disbelief for this game could easily have been all over by the break.But Slot’s players re-emerged as different animals.Cody Gakpo equalised with a deep cross, Darwin Nunez confusing the issue in the Seagulls box and two minutes later there was Salah, weaving into the box and delivering – just as he had done on 161 previous occasions in his glittering Prem career at Anfield.Plenty had believed going into this clash that Liverpool’s results since Slot came in had patched over deficiencies, especially in a newly-constructed midfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose theories gained weight during a shockingly passive first-half as their opponents played through them time after time.They were also sloppy right from the start, Trent Alexander-Arnold carelessly conceding possession in only the third minute.True enough, Darwin Nunez could have put them ahead shortly afterwards thanks to a moment of individual brilliance.His spinning flick to get clear on the half-way line was pure Lionel Messi – seriously – and spurted 35 yards before cutting onto his favourite right foot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCody Gakpo high-fives Darwin Nunez after equalisingCredit: ReutersHis strike was excellent, too, but Bart Verbruggen read the intent of the enigmatic forward.But that was about it in a first-half display that was miles below the levels that had taken them so high and so fast since Slot.Jamie Carragher and Theo Walcott have awkward ‘Thierry Henry moment’ live on Sky Sports after Arsenal vs LiverpoolThe Seagulls were slick, confident, highly organised and ever-ready to hit their opponents on the break.Exactly that tactic brought them the opener 15 minutes in as Kaoru Mitoma found himself with loads of space on the left flank.Danny Welbeck luckily flicked the ball across the face of the  box but there was nothing fortuitous about Ferdi Kadioglu’s shot.The Turkish right-back brought in from Fenerbache for £25m this summer ripped it beyond Caoimhin Kelleher to claim his first ever Prem strike.Even Slot’s attacking machine mainly malfunctioned, Alexander-Arnold over-hitting a simple pass from the edge of the Brighton box to Salah’s frustration.Brighton only wanted more Reds blood and came so close to spilling it again in the 27th minute.Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood sent forward a brilliant pass for Georginio Rutter who found himself one-on-one with Kelleher.The £40m buy from Leeds United stumbled slightly in the heat of the moment, his left footer lacking fire, Alisson’s Republic of Ireland understudy taking centre stage to block.Ferdi Kadioglu fires Brighton in frontCredit: AlamyKadioglu, 25, celebrates his openerCredit: PAKadioglu should then have grabbed his second, the defence all over the place again but he blazed over.A 20-yard Welbeck free-kick slipped a foot wide of Kelleher’s left hand post.Slot, surely will have been in shock.The Kop certainly were, especially when Alexis Mac Allister tripped former Manchester United striker Welbeck, VAR easing their increasing agonies a little by confirming the challenge was just outside the penalty area.The Argentinian was booked but if there was relief there, Ibrahima Konate picked up what looked like a bad shoulder injury of half-time, Joe Gomez replacing him after the break.There can’t have been any double Dutch from Slot during that interval when surely he will have been firing rockets around the dressing room.For his players finally showed all the intensity that had been so sadly lacking, Gomez starting the assault with a header straight at Verbruggen.Liverpool were now right in the visitor’s faces but Virgil van Dijk wasted a glorious opportunity, moving forward to meet Alexander-Arnold’s deep cross.Had he met it with his head the score would surely have been levelled but instead the home captain completely messed up with an attempted volley.Salah suddenly emerged after utter anonymity, Verbruggen reacted bravely to grab at his feet.But Liverpool had momentum now, Slot adding to it with the fresh legs of Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz.An equaliser always looked on the cards after Liverpool had found themselves again and Gakpo provided it in the 70th minute.He rose to meet Gakpo’s deep cross and while he claimed the goal it was granted to the Dutchman, Verbruggen distracted by the striker’s presence.The stage was set for Anfield’s Egyptian king and the finish he produced was truly majestic.READ MORE SUN STORIESJones, who had replaced Mac Allister, drove forward and central defender Jan Paul van Hecke didn’t spot the danger.He stayed too deep, Salah sprinted at him – and then he was gone, cutting inside to deliver a fabulous strike into the far top corner. 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RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has admitted that he had “mixed feelings” after taking over as Manchester United caretaker boss.The Dutchman, 48, was promoted to the role following Erik ten Hag’s sacking earlier this week.Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game in caretaker charge on WednesdayCredit: ReutersVan Nistelrooy, 48, was brought to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag in the summerCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy won his first game in charge on Wednesday, dumping Leicester out of the Carabao Cup with a 5-2 drubbing.The Red Devils yesterday confirmed the appointment of Sporting coach Ruben Amorim.With Amorim not available to begin work at Old Trafford until November 11, Van Nistelrooy will take charge of three more matches.Ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Chelsea, Van Nistelrooy sat down with United’s club media to preview the clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReflecting upon his start to life in temporary charge, the former striker said: “Yeah, if I speak about the game, the reception, the connection with the crowd, and how the players reacted and how the players played, it was a great night.”I enjoyed every second of it. Special, proud moment. Obviously the days before leading up to that were with mixed feelings.”It was hard to see the manager go: the one who got me into the club, you know, the one who was fighting also for this club and cared a lot about the club.”So that was hard. But I have to say that, after that, the crowd lifted our spirits and it was a great night in the end.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHaving previously managed PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag’s staff as a first team coach in the summer.SunSport revealed yesterday that United stars are desperate for Van Nistelrooy to be retained as part of Amorim’s coaching staff.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreFollowing the win over Leicester, United’s former forward signalled that he wants to stay.He told Sky Sports: “I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.”I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.” More