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      Ipswich 0 Everton 2: McKenna’s defence could do with local champion boxer Fabio Wardley after shipping sloppy goals

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      IF Heavyweight boxing champion Fabio Wardley is to achieve his dream of fighting at his beloved Portman Road, then maybe Kieran McKenna can stick him in Ipswich’s back four.The Tractor Boys’ defence certainly needs beefing up after they gave away a couple of sloppy goals to surrender to their fellow relegation battlers.Fabio Wardley shows off his belts at Portman RoadEverton’s Iliman Ndiaye opens the scoring for the away sideMichael Keane added Everton’s second in a comfortable win for the ToffeesBritish and Commonwealth champion Wardley wants to step into the ring at his beloved Ipswich Town, but for now he had to make do with parading his belts on the pitch at half time.His appearance failed to inspire a second-half comeback, after carbon copy strikes from Iliman Ndiaye after 17 minutes and Michael Keane five minutes before the break had set Everton on the way to their first win on the road since last December.Electrical issues with the turnstiles delayed fans’ entry to Portman Road and kick-off was pushed back 15 minutes – but what’s another quarter of an hour to Ipswich fans who had gone 8,214 days since their team’s last win in the top flight.That was in April 2002 when Darren Bent’s goal beat Middlesbrough 1-0, but that season saw the Tractor Boys finish third from bottom, four points adrift of Sunderland and they were relegated along with Derby and Leicester.Read more football newsThey should have seen their team take the lead after only five minutes when Wes Burns burst down the right and squared the ball to Jack Clarke, but he embarrassingly skied the ball high and wide from 12 yards.It was Everton’s turn to waste a good chance two minutes later when Dominic Calvert-Lewin intercepted a sloppy pass by Kalvin Phillips, but he rushed his shot and the ball was turned behind by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.Ipswich were punished for more slack defending when they failed to deal with Jack Harrison’s cross. Burns was robbed by Ndiaye, who turned and fired the ball into the far top corner for his second League goal for the Toffees.Michael Oliver awarded Ipswich a penalty after Clarke twisted and turned inside the box and went down when tussling with Dwight McNeil, but after being advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitch side monitor, the referee overturned the decision.Most read in FootballIpswich’s defending from a corner again left a lot to be desired when McNeil fed Keane and he had the time and space to rifle the ball into the roof of the net from close range. It was also a second League goal of the season for the 31-year-old.Fabio Wardley destroys Frazer Clarke as he mangles opponents jaw in astonishing first round KOIn the week that the Football Association overlooked all Englishmen in favour of appointing German Thomas Tuchel as manager of the national team, this battle between two highly regarded English-born bosses was not the best advert for defending.Everton boss Dyche suggested before the game that he wasn’t “trendy enough” to have been considered for that role.“I don’t think I am an on-trend manager,” said Dyche. “It’s not because of my ability or knowledge, that’s for sure, as I’ve had 10 years in the Premier League and I know the game inside out.“The perception has to be right and I don’t think I am right for that at the moment.”Keane fires hime to wrap up the three points for EvertonSean Dyche revealed why he was snubbed for the England jobMuch to ponder after Kieran McKenna’s side suffered another defeatIpswich’s endeavour was not in question, but they remain naïve to life in the Premier League, and the fact that Dyche has 10 years’ experience on McKenna showed, as Muric had a busier second half than his Everton counterpart Jordan Pickford.Dyche may not be trendy, but he gave Toffees fans a reason to party, while Town set a new record of failing to win any of their opening eight league games at the start of a top-flight season. They will find themselves in the bottom three if Crystal Palace win on Monday night. More

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      Southampton 2 Leicester 3: Russell Martin’s future hanging in balance after Ayew’s 99th-MINUTE winner to seal comeback

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      RUSSELL MARTIN watched in agony as his side suffered yet another disastrous collapse – to leave his future hanging in the balance.Southampton cruised 2-0 up through Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo – but again collapsed as Facundo Buonanotte, a Jamie Vardy penalty and Jordan Ayew in the 99th minute earned Leicester victory.Jordan Ayew raced away to celebrate his late Leicester winnerCredit: ReutersAyew’s effort sneaked in to break Southampton heartsCredit: PAFellow scorers Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte hail Ayew’s goalCredit: ReutersSouthampton’s Charlie Taylor, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo reflect on defeatCredit: ReutersMartin had angrily rounded on his team’s critics before the game, inviting them down to the South Coast to discuss things with him, insisting his team were being brave and that it would pay off.He might get some responses after this latest disaster.Saints’ last win in the Premier League is now a chilling 21 games ago, ironically against Leicester, way back in March 2023. The season before last.The speculation over Martin’s future will now surely crank up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthampton’s next game sees them visit Manchester City, but following that are two potentially winnable outings, against fellow strugglers Everton and Wolves. If he lasts that long, that future could hang on those matches.His team could not, in such a crucial game, have got off to a better start, as they flew at Leicester from the off.Cooper’s team had an escape after only four minutes, as Ryan Manning’s corner was thundered against the bar by Joe Aribo’s header, and City only just managed to scramble the ball away.Four minutes later though, their sluggish start was duly punished, as Walker-Peters fed Manning on the left, and his low cross was fired home from six yards out by Archer.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy’s penalty past Aaron Ramsdale put Leicester levelCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity tried to hit back, but Wout Faes blazed over from a free kick when he should have done better, and then James Justin headed wide from Stephy Mavididi’s cross.But Leicester could not handle Walker-Peters’ dashes down the left, and when the defender skipped past Justin, he got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Aribo to slot home a crucial second goal for the Saints.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSouthampton could have had a third when Flynn Downes found space in the box, but goalkeeper Mads Hermansen somehow managed to save with his legs.City did though almost get one back against the run of play, when Bilal El Khannouss curled his shot against the inside of the post, but the ball bounced out and Saints survived.Faes then almost scored a spectacular own goal as his diving header from Fernandes cross was pushed over by Hernansen. Vardy had been quiet, and Mateus Fernandes got back to block well when he for once had space, and then Buonanotte curled an effort just wide.At the other end though Tyler Dibling saw his shot saved – but Leicester’s improved display saw them pull one back a minute later, when Abdul Fatawu crossed low and Buonanotte slotted the ball in at the near post.Saints’ nerves suddenly were showing, and ten minutes later Fatawu’s, curling shot came back off the bar.Martin’s side did not clear, and when Fatawu’s header at the far post was only half stopped by Aaron Ramsdale, Saints scrambled the ball away – but Ryan Fraser was ruled by VAR to have pulled back Vardy when he was going for the loose ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESVardy needed no second invitation to slam home the penalty to haul Leicester level.Then deep into stoppage time Harry Winks’ corner fell to Ayew, completely unmarked in the area, and he drilled his shot into the corner of the net.Cameron Archer salutes his early goal but it turned sour for the SaintsCredit: GettyArcher pounced for the first of Southampton’s two first-half goalsCredit: Getty More

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      Fulham 1 Aston Villa 3: Visitors fight back from 1-0 down in chaotic game as both sides have player sent off

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      OLLIE WATKINS served up a treat and a trick to rescue manager Unai Emery from an early scare at Fulham.A number of eyebrows were raised during the international break when Lee Carsley ghosted Watkins for the defeat against Greece despite an injury to Harry Kane.Ollie Watkins helped keep up Aston Villa’s impressive unbeaten runCredit: PAThe England striker gave Villa a second-half lead at Craven CottageCredit: GettyRaul Jimenez had earlier given Fulham the leadCredit: ReutersWatkins’ international break would have been sweetened by news that there at least be a new boss in place next year.And just in case Thomas Tuchel was watching, Watkins produced a horror show for Fulham’s defence to send Villa heading back up the table.First, he scored a sublime set-piece header, appearing from the shadows to give Villa a 2-1 lead just after the break.Then his pace tricked Joachim Andersen into getting sent off, reducing Fulham to 10 men for the final third of the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet as the Villa bus meandered its way to Craven Cottage through the West London streets, there was a growing sense that it was Emery who was about to suffer a haunting.Injury to Sasa Lucic while on international duty with Bosnia had given Emile Smith Rowe a rare place in the starting line-up.And the Halloween decorations already out in the streets were a reminder of how these things often go in football.As it was, another of Emery’s former Arsenal signings produced the killer assist that broke the deadlock after just five minutes. One that nobody would have guessed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMind you, goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s massive punt should never have got to Raul Jimenez.Nightmarishly, Pau Torres let the ball bounce, the Fulham striker stole in behind him and his shot was perfectly placed just inside the post.Fans to finally get first look at Premier League club’s new VIP experience – with rooftop bar and SWIMMING POOLVilla equalised instantly. Morgan Rogers dropping off the defence to collect the ball and fire a low shot which deflected cruelly off Calvin Bassey to wrong-foot Leno completely.Fulham were not done and continued to take the game to Villa, earning a chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes.It is hard to say which was softer – the VAR decision that Matty Cash was at fault when the ball hit his hand was more than a little harsh on the Villa defender.However, it was still not as soft as Andreas Pereira’s shot, which Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez smothered gratefully.Villa were sloppy in possession and wasteful with their passing – a very different team to the one that went into the international break on the back of five games unbeaten in the league. The one clear chance they managed before the break fell to Rogers again. Much easier than the one he netted, he somehow diverted Watkins’ cross wide from an unmarked position.Watkins did little to hide his look of disdain and from that moment he seemed determined to take the bull by the horns.He met a Youri Tielemans corner on the hour and steered his header with clinical precision under the crossbar, although Leno will be disappointed to be beaten at his near post.Emi Martinez saved Andreas Pereira’s penalty to keep the scores levelCredit: AlamyMorgan Rodgers had levelled things up after the early Fulham goalCredit: ReutersAll hope for the hosts was lost as Joachim Andersen saw redCredit: ReutersWatkins continued to go from strength to strength and when he burst through on Andersen, Fulham’s last man shoved him just outside the area and was immediately shown a red card.Marco Silva brought on substitutes to grab a goal, but Fulham were now having their own nightmares. With his first touch, Issa Diop diverted Lucas Digne’s low cross past Leno and into the back of the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo stupid yellow cards for Villa substitute Jaden Philogene saw him trudge mournfully off the pitch.But there was no stopping the visitors heading back up the road with a sweet victory. More

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      Newcastle 0 Brighton 1: Danny Welbeck scores winner before he is stretchered off needing oxygen in worrying scenes

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      ANTHONY GORDON got the drinks in but it was the vintage Danny Welbeck celebrating victory from the medical room. The ex-Arsenal star was carried off receiving oxygen for the pain with a bad back after securing the points for Brighton against a toothless Newcastle.Danny Welbeck fired the Seagulls ahead against the run of playCredit: GettyThe former Man Utd striker has already levelled his goal tally for last seasonCredit: GettyA frustrated Eddie Howe saw his side fail to take their chancesCredit: GettyWelbeck needed oxygen after being stretchered off late in the contestCredit: ReutersSeagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler, two years the striker’s junior, will be praying the blow inflicted by Fabian Schar’s knee is not as serious as first feared.Welbeck put the dampeners on Gordon’s Toon party to inflict a first home defeat of the season on the Magpies.He only managed five goals in the entirety of last season – but this was his fifth already this term as he continued the form of his life.And it was enough to call last orders on Newcastle’s incredible 280-day unbeaten St James’ run.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe day started with pints flowing in the nearby Strawberry pub after Gordon put money behind the bar as a thank you to fans for their support after his penalty miss at Everton.And it looked like they would be getting sunk well into the night as he and Newcastle started strong.Lewis Hall wanted a penalty in the opening stages after he ran at Jack Hinshelwood, who then slipped inside his box and ended up touching the ball with his hand while grounded.The ref deemed it an accident, and the VAR team soon confirmed that they felt the same way, much to the relief of the visitors.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton’s one attempt at a breakaway was stopped in its tracks before they had even gone over half way, Dan Burn going into the book for yanking back his ex-Seagulls team-mate Welbeck.Gordon then got his first gallop, beating two men and pulling back for Alexander Isak, only the Swede’s strike smashed into his own player Jacob Murphy and wide. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Brighton could not get out from their 18-yard line, and nerves looked to be jangling as Burn headed into the side-netting before the game changed dramatically within two minutes.Isak beat the offside trap to meet Bruno Guimaraes’ beautifully defence-splitting pass.He only had Verbruggen to beat, but the Dutch stopper stood tall to deny the usually lethal forward with his feet.It was a big miss – and within seconds Newcastle were punished as Brighton scored with their first shot.Welbeck went down after clashing with Fabian ScharCredit: PAThe golden oldie made it look so simple, chesting down Lewis Dunk’s long free-kick forward, playing a one-two with Georginio Rutter before holding off Tino Livramento and Hall to poke home.Gordon tried to fizz as Verbruggen palmed away a curling effort before he headed one over after the break.The goalie denied Isak twice, one right-handed after a slight deflection, inbetween saving a Joelinton strike as frustration began to mount around St. James’.Jeers met the decision to bring off Tonali, who was replaced by Joe Willock, but things could have turned toxic if Burn had not bravely blocked Ferdi Kadioglu’s volley.Gordon then ensured it was a flat-ending as he was sent clean through by Schar’s long-ball, but instead of taking it on, he opted to shoot early and it was straight at Verbruggen.Then the sad moment with Welbeck came, the former England international falling to the turf clutching lower back after going up for a header with Schar.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe received a standing ovation from both fans as he was carried off on a stretcher.But there were no cheers at the full-time whistle, which arrived with Verbruggen coming through a sea of bodies to collect a corner. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Garnacho inspires comeback against Brentford but Casemiro struggles

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      MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.Man Utd produced a crucial Old Trafford comebackCredit: AFPThe Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound and from a corner Brentford scored. He was already looking suspect as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.Matthijs de Ligt suffered a nasty cut during the first halfCredit: GettyJONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChristian Eriksen missed a golden chance in the first halfCredit: PACASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.Casemiro had a difficult afternoon before being replaced late onCredit: EPAMARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd Marcus Rashford unleashes a shot at goalCredit: ReutersBRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a man of the match performance.Alejandro Garnacho celebrates firing Man Utd levelCredit: AFPRASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.Rasmus Hojlund scored on his first Old Trafford start of the seasonCredit: GettySUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier.READ MORE SUN STORIESNoussair Mazraoui (for Garnacho, 90+1) – 6Back after a heart procedure for a few late minutes.Man Utd grabbed a crucial win for boss Erik ten HagCredit: AP More

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      Man Utd 2 Brentford 1: Hojlund and Garnacho stage comeback to ease Ten Hag pressure after controversial Pinnock goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED turned fury over Brentford’s opener into a storming comeback win.Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund fired excellent goals after Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front amid first-half stoppage time.Rasmus Hojlund leads celebrations after his Man Utd comeback winnerCredit: ReutersHojlund lifted United’s second classy goal of the second periodCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho angled the Red Devils levelCredit: AFPPinnock struck after ref Samuel Barrott forced United defender Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch when defending a corner due to a bleeding head injury.But the Red Devils used their rage to good effect after the break.Garnacho soon slotted a brilliant equaliser.And Hojlund deftly clipped the home side in front midway through the second period.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat underlined the way United had transformed the contest after the break, with Garnacho influential.Ethan Pinnock nodded a controversial opener for BrentfordCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ More

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      Man Utd touchline MELTDOWN as De Ligt boots ball and Van Nistelrooy screams at official after Brentford controversy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s bench went into total meltdown after Brentford’s controversial first-half opener.The Bees opened the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Ethan Pinnock after a corner-kick that saw United defending while a man down at Old Trafford.Man Utd’s bench exploded after Brentford’s controversial openerCredit: XMatthijs de Ligt kicked a ball away in anger at Old TraffordMan Utd assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth officialCredit: XThat is because a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott as his head was busted open after a collision earlier in the match.De Ligt, 25, had first gone off for medical attention due to a gash to his head on the brink of first-half stoppage time.It appeared the Red Devils tried to patch the centre-back up three times.But the Netherlands international still appeared to be bleeding when he returned four minutes later.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-Bayern Munich star was promptly told to leave the pitch for more treatment.That was when Brentford scored, leading to an explosive reaction on the United bench.An enraged De Ligt kicked a ball away as he vented his frustrations at the late goal.And United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth official presumably for allowing the set-piece to go ahead while one of his defenders was receiving treatment for a head injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited manager Erik ten Hag was also shown a yellow card for his protests.However, the hosts fought back just two minutes into the second half as they equalised with Alejandro Garnacho.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ And Rasmus Hojlund turned the game on it head on 62 minutes to restore confidence at the Theatre of Dreams.Man Utd ace De Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch after he was busted openCredit: EPAMan Utd conceded a late goal by Brentford while defending with 10 menMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag was booked for protestingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Rasmus Hojlund was dubbed “rubbish” and “poor” by ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster after breaking a team-mate’s tooth during training.The incident took place last summer before Euro 2024 when Hojlund, 21, linked up with Denmark to prepare for the tournament in Germany.Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate’s tooth out during trainingCredit: GettyLeicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was injured by Hojlund during training with DenmarkCredit: RexEx-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ after the incidentCredit: AlamyThe Danish national team organised an “optional” set-piece training that would see them working on corner-kicks with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, 24, between the sticks.A cross was whipped in from the corner and Hermansen was set to pick the ball up in the air.However, Hojlund got a little overzealous as he went for the ball with full force and accidentally elbowed the keeper in the mouth.That led to the Leicester ace losing a tooth just before the European Championship.Read More on Man UtdHermansen discussed the incident in Foster’s Fozcast podcast: “You know as a goalkeeper sometimes when you have set-piece practice. It’s like, ‘Are we going 100 per cent? Are we just a bit easy?'”So we were with the national team just before the Euros, it was optional training, you could come in and train if you want. “So let’s do some corners. I go: ‘Keepers!’ And he just comes in with everything, elbow straight to my tooth.”Foster, 41, was not at all impressed with Hojlund after hearing the story and didn’t hold back on his assessment as he insisted the striker should have “taken it easy” considering it was just a training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-United goalkeeper responded: “Cheers Rasmus, appreciate that. That’s rubbish that. I’m not having that, it’s poor.”When you’re doing it in a bit of practice set-piece thing, you’ve got to take it easy. You can’t go full blooded like that.”Rasmus Hojlund hailed for opening up on acne issue as Man Utd striker shows before and after pics after laser treatmentHowever, Hermansen defended Hojlund and insisted he is a real “professional”.The Danish shot stopper replied: “He is that kind of guy and I love that about him.”He’s giving everything, always. He’s just got an exceptional way of being a professional.” More