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      in Soccer

      Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United LIVE SCORE: Eddie Nketiah hits stunning hat-trick as Gunners thrash Blades

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      EDDIE NKETIAH has hit a sensational hat-trick with Arsenal battering Sheffield United in their Premier League clash.In their last Premier League outing, Mikel Arteta’s side snatched a 2-2 draw at London rivals Chelsea from 2-0 down.
      Meanwhile, Sheffield United have had a torrid return to the top-flight of English football.

      Kick-off time: 3pm BST
      Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK due to the blackout
      Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Smith Rowe, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
      Sheffield Utd: Foderingham Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas; Norwood, Slimane, Souza; McAfee, Hamer; Brewster

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      FT: Arsenal 5-0 Sheff Utd
      It is a dominant win from The Gunners, nothing more than they deserved.
      While it took some time to break down the visitors, their second half performance was a joy to behold.
      Mikel Arteta looks a very pleased man on that touchline now.

      FT: Arsenal 5-0 Sheff Utd
      It is a massive win for The Gunners.
      Sheff Utd will want to forget this one as they suffer another heavy defeat.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal cut the gap to neighbours Tottenham to just two points.
      Arsenal 5-0 Sheff Utd
      90+8. Huge cheers from the home fans as Tomiyasu gets his first Arsenal goal on his fiftieth appearance.
      VAR is having a look at this one.
      Check complete, the goal will stand.
      Tomiyasu poked home as the corner was not cleared.
      Goal – Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)
      Arsenal 4-0 Sheff Utd
      90+6. Havertz wins the ball and pokes it through to Nketiah.
      As he looks to get a shot off in the box it is blocked by the Sheff Utd defender.
      Corner to Arsenal, chance to apply more pressure.
      Arsenal 4-0 Sheff Utd
      90+4. It will be important for the manager that they keep a clean sheet now.
      With the game already won, there is no need to let their guard down.
      Elneny is on for Arsenal and looking to get involved straight away.
      Arsenal 4-0 Sheff Utd
      90+2. Baldock comes forward for Sheff Utd and is blocked off by Zinchenko.
      Chance for the visitors to make Raya do some work in the Arsenal goal.
      It is whipped into the back post but no one can get a telling touch.
      Arsenal 4-0 Sheff Utd
      90. We are going to have ten additional minutes.
      That must feel like salt in the wound for the visitors.
      The Blades come forward, trying to find some consolation.
      Arsenal 4-0 Sheff Utd
      88. Nketiah opts to not take the spot kick.
      Viera, the man who won it, steps up and calmly slots home.
      He sent the keeper the wrong way with ease.
      Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Goal – Fabio Viera (Arsenal)
      Penalty to Arsenal
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      86. The referee has been told to go to the monitor.
      This can usually mean only one thing.
      Arsenal’s fans wait in anticipation.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      84. Viera is down in the box rolling around.
      The referee did not feel it was enough contact for a penalty.
      VAR is checking this one.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      82. Arteta will be pleased that he has been able to do without some key players today but still get the job done.
      David Raya has had one the quietest games of his Arsenal career.
      Sheff Utd have barely laid a glove on their opponents.
      Credit: AFP
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      80. Nketiah makes a run into the box and is found by Trossard.
      He takes one touch and is bundled to the floor.
      The referee is not interested and awards a goal kick.
      VAR checks it and agrees with the onfield decision.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      78. The Blades are passing the ball around trying to prevent any further goals.
      Rice wins it back and strides towards the box but is dispossessed.
      Sheff Utd cannot hold onto the ball and The Gunners win it back.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      76. Trossard does brilliantly down the left wing.
      Turning Osborne one way and then the other before crossing into the box.
      Havertz cannot win the header but the ball drops to Tomiyasu on the volley but his effort goes wide of the post.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      74. Sheff Utd would take the final whistle right now.
      Arsenal are coming forward in wave after wave of attack.
      Heckingbottom must be worried about his position right now.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      72. Arteta will look to rotate his squad now and rest others.
      No need to risk the likes of Odegaard with this game won.
      Nelson comes on for Saka.
      Credit: PA
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      70. Foderingham manages to palm another corner clear.
      Arsenal are getting a lot of bodies on the line, making it difficult for him to get anywhere near the ball.
      Bogle is replaced by Fleck for the visitors.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      68. Sheff Utd have now conceded 27 goals this season.
      Their chances of staying in the Premier League look grim based on those stats.
      No team can ship that many goals and expect to win games.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      66. Tomiyasu is on for Arsenal.
      He had a good game against Sevilla in midweek.
      Arsenal come forward once again with Saka who finds the other substitute Trossard but Sheff Utd scramble clear.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      64. The visitors try to put Arsenal under some pressure defensively.
      It is all too easily cleared by Arteta’s men.
      Nketiah is looking hungry for more goals.
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      62. That is Nketiah’s first senior hat-trick for Arsenal.
      He has answered his critics today who said The Gunners would miss Gabriel Jesus.
      Mikel Arteta is readying some changes.
      Credit: Getty
      Arsenal 3-0 Sheff Utd
      60. Nketiah secures himself the match ball.
      It is a fantastic strike by the English striker.
      Game, set and match in this one. More

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      in Soccer

      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid LIVE: Jude Bellingham EQUALISES for Real in first El Clasico after Gundogan goal

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      REAL MADRID are facing Barcelona RIGHT NOW in a massive El Clasico clash in La Liga – and Jude Bellingham has levelled it up!The game marks Bellingham’s first in the colours of Madrid and he’ll be keen to continue his incredible form.
      But three points for Xavi’s men would see them climb above their bitter rivals into second spot.

      Kick-off time: 3:15pm BST
      Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK due to the blackout
      Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Christensen, Araujo, Balde; Lopez, Martinez, Gundogan; Felix, Torres, Gavi
      Real Madrid XI: Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Alaba, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicus Jr

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      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      90. Four minutes added.
      It remains end-to end. Will any team risk it?
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      89. Christensen with an outstanding tackle and he is now down injured.
      A sloppy pass back from Romeu sees the defender and Vinicius Jr in a chase.
      And the Dane slides in to stop the attack and beat the Real man to the ball with him through on goal had he got there.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      85. Head in hands for Joselu.
      Gavi tracking down Vinicius Jr slips over and the Brazil winger’s cross is stood up but to the head of Martinez rather than him.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      84. Gundogan with dazzling run into the box but there’s no way beyond Alaba and Tchouameni coming back to crowd him out.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      82. Lovely incisive football from Barcelona.
      Gavi tries to bend it into the top corner and it goes too high.
      Ancelotti breathes a sigh of relief.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      80. Penalty shout for Real.
      Camavinga kicks it beyond Araujo and both fall to the ground.
      It is waved away by the referee.
      Lewandowski then tries to do a Bellingham at the other end, but his long shot goes wide.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      78. Araujo has done well against Vinicius Jr today and the defender again muscles him to one side.
      Bellingham and Modric are now pulling the strings while Joselu waits dangerously.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      76. Valverde’s free-kick effort is disappointing and it goes into the wall.
      Subs for Barca as Cancelo and Felix go off for Raphinha and Yamal.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      74. Real Madrid are enjoying a great spell and believe they can win this now.
      Barca can’t keep the ball and Xavi paces up and down the touchline.
      Modric swings in a great cross and Martinez heads clear well.
      And they fly forward again with Valverde before Cancelo trips Camavinga on the edge of the box with a clumsy tackle – a free-kick in a great position.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      72. Romeu comes on and Lopez goes off.
      Meanwhile, Joselu’s presence in the box is giving the Barca defence added concern.
      Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      71. Bellingham has not had it easy against Gavi but now he is driving beyond him and winning fouls.
      It’s a wonderful goal – maybe his best yet for Real Madrid on the biggest occasion.
      GOAL: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      69. Jude Bellingham take a bow. What a goal.
      The midfielder picks the ball up on the edge of the box – around 25-30 yards out.
      He has no other thought in his mind other than shooting and he powers it into the top corner.
      An exceptional goal – it’s a screamer. Welcome to El Clasico.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      68. Great save by Ter Stegen.
      Tchouameni tries to catch him out with a powerful long shot but Ter Steen is equal to it.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      66. Bellingham does his defensive work as he out muscles Lewandowski, who can’t get beyond him and he ends up running it out of play for a Real Madrid goal kick.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      65. Rudiger trips Lewandowski as he holds the ball up well in his first touch back.
      Real Madrid are pressing high and risking it now.
      Cancelo is causing Camavinga a defensive nightmare – he skips beyond him again and his shot deflects inches wide.

      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid

      63. More changes and it’s Modric and Joselu on for Real with Kroos and Rodrygo departing.
      Credit: AFP
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      61. Lewandowski has 30 mins is his legs – his first appearance following an ankle injury.
      He replaces Torres up front.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      61. Carvajal is booked.
      He swings Felix round after he skips away from his tackle – a cynical foul.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      60. More danger coming from the Barca right as Camavinga pushes high-up.
      Cancelo swings in an early ball to the run of Torres – it is intercepted by a diving Kepa.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      59. So close!
      Lopez slides in Cancelo and he cuts in and unleashes a shot that goes over.
      On the replay, he may have been offside but the through ball to him is something his manager Xavi would’ve done in his prime.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      56. Real Madrid continue to keep the ball but are finding it tough to find a way through Barca when they are in their shape.
      In the end, Kroos has a go from distance and Ter Stegen saves.
      Barca will be content is their rivals are restricted to shots from distance.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      54. A great run into the box by Bellingham.
      He dribbles at goal and is about to shoot 1 vs 1 with the keeper – but he can’t shake off Gavi.
      The energetic midfielder slides in fantastically and wins the ball.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      52. Ancelotti has seen enough.
      Mendy is subbed off and Camavinga comes on.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      51. Unbelievable – it is somehow not 2-0.
      Martinez’s header bounces off the post from a corner.
      And Araujo’s follow-up shot is saved by Kepa from close range.
      Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
      49. Real Madrid are moving the ball quicker after the break.
      But they have to be wary of Barca’s threat on the break and they remain dangerous as they win a corner via Cancelo. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 0 Brentford 2 LIVE RESULT: Blues stunned as Pinnock and Mbeumo sees Bees snatch all three points

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      CHELSEA have been stunned by noisy neighbours Brentford at Stamford Bridge once again. Ethan Pinnock’s back-post header put the Bees ahead despite Mauricio Pochettino’s men controlling most of the possession.
      And Bryan Mbeumo sealed the deal deep into stoppage time.

      RESULT: Chelsea 0-2 Brentford
      Live stream: Discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Cucurella, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Caicedo; Sterling, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
      Brentford XI: Flekken; Ajer, Pinnock, Collins; Rasmussen, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Hickey; Mbuemo, Wissa

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      That’s all from us!
      Thank you as always for reading with us, we look forward to seeing you again next time.
      If you still haven’t got your footballing fix, you can catch more top stories from us here.
      Have a lovely evening!
      All the gear, no idea
      Chelsea dominated the game today, with more shots and more possession than Brentford, but were once again left wanting in front of goal.
      Cole Palmer was fantastic in the build up, but often his creativity was wasted by those in front of him.
      Nicolas Jackson looked toothless, and Raheem Sterling wasted a big chance in the first half, with Marc Cucurella missing two big shots too.
      It seems the Blues do still need that marquee striker signing in January, the Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen rumours will be back in full swing this week.
      Mauricio Pochettino will be disappointed by a 2-0 defeat to BrentfordCredit: Alamy
      Man of the match
      The SunSport man of the match award today goes to Ethan Pinnock at the back for Brentford.
      He opened the scoring, but was also solid at the back and helped massively in terms of shutting out the Chelsea attack.
      Not bad for a lad who was playing in non-league for Forest Green Rovers just a few years back.
      Great showing.
      Ethan Pinnock was man of the match against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Third times a charm!
      Brentford today became the first team to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the third time on the bounce, as Bryan Mbuemo and Ethan Pinnock scored counter attacking goals for the Bees.
      They leapfrogged them in the table today too, great stuff.
      Brentford beat Chelsea for the third time in a row at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
      Full time match stats
      Here are the match stats at full time, for that absolute cracker of a game at Stamford Bridge.
      They tell a pretty good story of the game, as we saw Chelsea dominate, but two quick counter attacks saw Brentford grab two goals.
      The match stats as Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Brentford
      Chelsea 0-2 Brentford
      FT. Full time here at Stamford Bridge, and Brentford have beaten Chelsea away from home for the third time in a row.
      They defended for pretty much the whole game, but two quick counters saw the Bees sting the Blues once more…
      Chelsea 0-2 Brentford
      90+6. MBUEMO MAKES IT TWO!
      Brentford counter with pace at the death with the Chelsea goalkeeper in the box on the attack.
      Sanchez sprints back, but can’t make it there in time, and Mbuemo slots it home.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      90+5. Chelsea have a corner at the death, and Robert Sanchez is forward.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      90+3. Chelsea fans are flooding out of the stadium here, with a little over three minutes left to go.
      They will keep coming forward, but it looks as though the Blues have run out of ideas!
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      90+1. We are into the first of SIX minutes of added time here at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      90. HUGE CHANCE FOR BRENTFORD!That should be 2-0!
      Chelsea whip a corner in, and all of a sudden Brentford counter and have a 4 VS 1 chance!Mbuemo plays the ball across, and Sanchez comes out to deny the Brentford attacker from a certain goal, what a save.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      88. How on earth have Chelsea not scored here?
      Great work from Reece James sees him put a ball across the face of the box.
      But Cole Palmer and Deivid Washington both can’t get a finishing touch on it.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      86. Corner to Chelsea towards the end here.
      Gallagher whips it in, Thiago Silva meets it and puts it into a really good area, but no one is at the back post to tap it in.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      84. Sterling whips a great ball into the middle towards Conor Gallagher, but he can’t quite get on the end of it.
      Goal kick to the Bees.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      82. A double change for Chelsea.
      Deivid Washington makes his Chelsea debut, as he comes on for Marc Cucurella.
      Lesley Ugochukwu comes on to replace Moises Caicedo.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      78. Moises Caicedo is booked for a late challenge on Christian Norgaard.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      76. Double change for Brentford.
      Neal Maupay, who has already been booked, is on for Yoanne Wissa.
      Vitaly Janelt is replaced by Yegor Yarmoluk.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      74. Conor Gallagher is really trying to pick that incisive pass here for Chelsea, but just cannot seem to get through this Brentford defence.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      72. Reece James whips a cross into the middle for Nicolas Jackson, but his touch is poor and Brentford are able to clear for now.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      70. Twenty minutes to hang on here for Brentford.
      Chelsea need to up the intensity if they are to avoid being beaten for the third time in a row by Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      68. Two changes for Chelsea.
      Reece James and Ian Maatsen are coming on to replace Axel Disasi and Noni Madueke.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      66. Sterling wins a free-kick for Chelsea on the left side of the pitch.
      It’s whipped in by Palmer, but cleared really well.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      64. A change for Brentford.
      Frank Onyeka comes on for Mathias Jensen
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      62. The Brentford fans have certainly found there voices again after that goal at Stamford Bridge.
      “We’ve got super Thomas Frank” rings out from the visitors.
      Chelsea 0-1 Brentford
      60. Chelsea look to bounce straight back, but Sterling loses his footing inside the box. More

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      Crystal Palace vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Premier League leaders Spurs look to open up a five-point gap – stream, TV

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      TOTTENHAM face their second Premier League London derby in under a week as they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.Spurs reclaimed top spot by cruising to a 2-0 victory against Fulham on Monday.
      And Ange Postecoglou’s men have a huge chance to open up a five-point gap against a dejected Palace side who were recently hammered by Newcastle.

      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

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      Brighton 2 Ajax 0: Seagulls seal first ever European win with thumping display against Dutch giants

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      BRIGHTON have arrived in Europe, claiming a historic first ever win on this stage in some style.Roberto De Zerbi’s side played European greats Ajax off the park as Joao Pedro and fellow summer signing Ansu Fati put an end to their run of five without a win to spark their Europa League campaign into life.
      Joao Pedro opened the scoring for the home sideCredit: Getty
      Ansu Fati doubled Brighton’s lead early in the second halfCredit: Getty
      This is no great Ajax side, sitting 17th in the Eredivisie and without a manager, but the four time European Cup winners have quite the history – and Brighton dominated them throughout.
      After two frustrating opening games in the competition, when everyone knew this team was capable of far more, De Zerbi’s side found their feet here and moved off the bottom of Group B.
      These were the nights the Sussex faithful had been dreaming of, not just a special occasion because there was European football at The Amex, but a statement performance to go with it.
      Brighton can now look ahead to the three return fixtures and, on this form, look to blitz their way through the group.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Seagulls had suffered from slow starts in their first two European outings, unable to recover against AEK Athens and having to come from two down to claim a point in Marseille.
      But despite their increasing injury issues they looked far more like their brilliant selves from last season, dominating the ball from the off and slowly building pressure.
      Pedro and James Milner both had early attempts, the former Watford man firing wide before the veteran fired a low effort straight at Diant Ramaj in the Ajax goal.
      Kaoru Mitoma was a constant threat down the left, having to offer even more following the season-ending injury to Solly March.
      Most read in Europa League
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      Joao Pedro’s heat map against Ajax
      The man tasked with replacing March on the other flank, Simon Adingra, fizzed a volley just over the bar.
      Brighton were passing and probing, conducted by a raving De Zerbi on the sideline.
      Despite the chances coming and going, the Seagulls never wavered from the plan and claimed their reward through a familiar face in this competition.
      Pedro had bagged three goals in his first two Europa League games before tonight, all three from the spot.
      This time he showed his sharp side in the box to race in and turn Mitoma’s parried strike home on 43 minutes.
      Brighton more than deserved their lead and could have easily been further ahead at the break.
      Ajax were showing little response to the sacking of their manager, Maurice Steijn, on Monday.
      Ex-Tottenham man Steven Bergwijn was kept under lock and key by Joel Veltman, who spent 19 years at Ajax before joining Brighton, while bulky Brian Brobbey cut a frustrated figure up top.
      The Dutch giants were sitting deep, playing physical and were castigated by their own travelling fans for passing backwards under pressure from De Zerbi’s side.
      They are a long way from the Ajax of four years ago and that Champions League semi-final against Tottenham and in a different galaxy to the great era of Johan Cruyff.
      It took until after the break for them to muster a first effort on target, with Jason Steele saving sharply from Steven Berghuis.
      But that was about as good as it got from the fallen greats of Europe.

      Ansu Fati’s pass map against Ajax
      Brighton doubled their lead minutes later with the kind of glorious goal you would have expected from an Ajax side in their pomp.
      Billy Gilmour slipped a smart pass into the feet of Adingra, who turned before chopping inside his man with a back heel and clipping the ball forward for Fati.
      The on-loan Barcelona wonderkid took one touch before finishing through the legs of Josip Sutalo, making it two in two after his goal at The Etihad on Saturday.
      He could have had a second moments later too, flashing a powerful finish wide of the far post.
      Berghuis was the only one in an Ajax shirt causing problems and struck the post shortly after the second goal.
      But Brighton were never in danger – making Ajax chase them around for the final 15 minutes, a sight no fan would ever have expected to see.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Seagulls finally looked worthy of the bright lights in Europe and played like they knew it.
      Here is how the action unfolded… More

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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Latest as United plan De Gea U-turn EXCLUSIVE, Jim Ratcliffe faces competition for ‘No.1 target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are planning an embarrassing U-turn plan for David de Gea SunSport can exclusively reveal.The club are worried that they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No.1 Andre Onana goes to the African Cup of Nations in the new year.
      Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
      The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.

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      Man Utd vs Man City combined XI
      Ahead of this weekend’s derby day clash between Manchester United and Man City, SunSport have selected a combined XI.
      Only two Red Devils make the squad when picking from fit and available players.

      Neville lists United’s problems
      Gary Neville has said the three main reasons he believe Manchester United have struggled since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson.
      The former Red Devil took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain why he believed the Manchester giants have failed to achieve the same success since Sir Alex’s departure.
      When asked who the best manager post-Ferguson was, he said: “All very good managers but hampered by the ownership, (there’s a) lack of good leadership below the owners and poor recruitment.”

      Man Utd returning stars XI
      With our exclusive surrounding Manchester United’s plot to return for David De Gea, we made an XI of ex-players that could return to Old Trafford.
      The Red Devils have history in bringing back their former players with Jonny Evans already making a shock return this season.
      While Cristiano Ronaldo spectacularly came back in 2021 and Paul Scholes even came out of RETIREMENT to don the shirt once again.
      Here’s SunSports’ returning former stars XI:

      De Gea drops second major hint
      David De Gea has dropped another hint that he could seal a sensational return to Manchester United.
      He posted a picture on his Instagram story of a pair of goalkeeping gloves, football boots and a ball.
      The snap was accompanied by a two-word caption that read “feeling good”.
      De Gea left Manchester United at the end of last season and has been clubless ever since.

      Saudi route most plausible for Sancho
      Saudi Arabia is the most plausible destination for Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
      The Athletic has said that European teams will struggle to match the wages being paid to the Manchester United star.
      It is said that Sancho earns over £200,000 a week and only the Saudi Arabian teams will be able to match that price.
      Reports suggest his old club Borussia Dortmund could not afford even half of that salary.
      Credit: Getty
      Redknapp slams Maguire treatment
      Harry Redknapp has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire and slammed the treatment he has received.
      Maguire has taken a barrage of abuse from from fans, social media and pundits alike since he lost his place in the Manchester United team.
      But with the star now back in the mix and performing well, Redknapp has hit out at his haters.
      Speaking to BetVictor, he said: “Harry has had so much stick over the last couple of years and a lot of it has been completely rubbish.
      “He’s been out of favour, but he’s knuckled down and waited for his opportunity. He was superb at Bramall Lane and hopefully the lad can build on that performance moving forward.”

      Agbonlahor’s Maguire apology plea
      Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor has demanded that Manchester United fans give Harry Maguire an apology after his winner against Copenhagen.
      First of all, I’d like to say that I fell that a lot of United fans owe Maguire an apology.
      I feel that what he’s been through, he’d had fans booing him, he’s been away on pre-season tours and you’ve got ‘sheep’ booing him, ‘sheep’ fans that don’t have a clue about football booing him.
      He’s got through it and said, ‘No, I’m not going to leave, I want to play for United.’ Easy for him to say, ‘OK, I’ll got to West Ham, let’s get the deal through.’
      ‘No, I’m staying here, I’m going to fight for my position,’ and look what he’s doing now. He got ‘Man of the Match’ against Sheffield United, he got an assist against Brentford, last night he scores. That’s a captain’s performance last night.Gabriel AgbonlahortalkSPORT
      De Gea addresses rumours
      David de Gea has broken his silence with a cryptic tweet amid Manchester United’s plot for a stunning U-turn.
      SunSport exclusively revealed that United are considering a return for their former goalkeeper, who is still a free agent.
      And now De Gea has broken his silence on the matter with a post on Twitter.
      The Spaniard took to the social media platform to simply post a single inquisitive emoji leaving fans wondering about his return.

      Damning Onana stats
      Damning stats show why Manchester United should bring back David de Gea to the club.
      That’s with De Gea’s replacement Andre Onana failing to pay off so far.
      Onana has endured a rocky start to life at Old Trafford throughout his debut season.
      The Cameroon international committed several high-profile blunders as he conceded horror goals to the likes of Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Brentford.

      Ferdinand addresses Sir Jim
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand advised Sir Jim Ratcliffe to restore transparency at Old Trafford.
      I just think I’ve been quite consistent in my views on the lack of communication, that’s one area.
      If Mr Ratcliffe is going to go into the football club with a 25 per cent shareholding that’s an area he should really get a hold of and bring some clarity and transparency to the football club.
      That’s a lot of where the hysteria stems from – the not knowing is always a problem that can create different stories and it allows other people to create narratives around the football club that might not necessarily be true.
      If Man United can get back to controlling that narrative and communicating to the fanbase I think that will be a very good start.Rio FerdinandManchester Evening News
      Rash to the top
      Manchester United hero Louis Saha hinted Marcus Rashford’s excessive overthinking during matches is “holding him back” from reaching his full potential.
      Saha told Paddy Power:
      In Marcus Rashford, I see a player with tremendous quality – there’s no doubt about that. The only thing that’s holding him back is overthinking.
      He has a tendency to think too much and that’s the problem he has at the moment.
      It sounds very simplistic but it’s not. He’s got great energy levels, he’s very physical and the volume of his runs are his main strengths.
      It’s very simplistic but that’s the reality for Rashford right now. He needs to simplify his game and put all his energy into the things that work.
      I’m confident he’ll get back to it because when he does, he’s unstoppable.Louis Saha
      Joao Neves transfer war
      Chelsea are keeping tabs on Benfica star Joao Neves, who has been linked with Manchester United.
      That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim the Blues have “entered the race” for Neves.
      However, United are very interested in the highly-rated midfielder who turned 19 only last month.
      In fact, the Red Devils see the Portugal international as Casemiro’s long-term replacement.
      Hojlund brothers banter
      Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund and his brother Oscar didn’t quite get on the pitch at the same time on Tuesday night when the Red Devils faced Copenhagen in the Champions League.
      But the siblings did share a heart-warming moment as Rasmus gate-crashed his little brother’s interview.
      They caught up post-match when the United ace barged into his little brother’s TV interview and joined him in answering questions.
      The £72million striker was walking behind Oscar when he teased him by knocking the microphone he was speaking into away from his mouth.
      Rasmus then came around the barrier and put his arm around his brother, embracing him after what was a special night for the pair.
      Credit: X/ UTDPLUG
      Scholes’ Ratcliffe advice
      Manchester United legend Paul Scholes urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to stick with Erik ten Hag when he arrives at Old Trafford.
      I think he’s been a very good coach so far, I like him.
      He’s been ruthless in a job that is incredibly difficult, he’s essentially been thrown out to the lions in the sense of answering every single question thrown at him by the media and I think he’s handled it really well.
      Has he put a team together that is good enough to challenge for the Premier League? No, but it looked like a good start towards the end of last season.
      We’ve come into the summer and the recruitment hasn’t been there, it’s not at the level of competing with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      There’s still a lot of work to do, but he’s the right man, whether Jim is coming in to bring someone else in or not.Paul ScholesTNT Sports
      More on De Gea
      Gabriel Agbonlahor described Manchester United as a “shambles” after reports of them looking to re-sign David de Gea.
      De Gea has been a free agent ever since leaving United in June.
      Shambles.
      “Didn’t they think about that before they let [Andre] Onana go and they didn’t bring in a better No2?”Gabriel AgbonlahortalkSPORT
      No glove lost
      Manchester United legend David de Gea has been urged to snub a return to Old Trafford by pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.
      I wouldn’t [rejoin] what they have done to him.
      The way they had the contract and then took it away after the amount of years he played for Man Utd, and what he had done there.
      I wouldn’t – but he is in Manchester at the moment and he’s pictured with some of the players.David de GeatalkSPORT
      Fury and Onana’s bromance
      Tyson Fury and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana have sparked a blossoming bromance on Instagram.
      Onana made up for his past mistakes when he saved a last-gasp penalty against Copenhagen on Tuesday.
      It helped United seal a 1-0 victory over the Danish champions for their first victory of the Champions League group stage.
      Onana posted on Instagram: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton. We are United.”
      Fury issued a one-word response: “GETTTTUPPPPP.”
      And the Cameroon international then came back with a salute emoji.

      Manchester derby drama
      Manchester United and Manchester City are all set to lock horns once again on Sunday at Old Trafford but there will be an unusual kick-off time.
      A statement on Manchester United’s official website read: “The derby with Manchester City will be staged towards the end of the month, with the Old Trafford encounter being moved to 29 October, kicking off at 15:30 GMT.
      “The fixture, which we won 2-1 last season with Marcus Rashford netting a memorable winner, is to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
      “The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”
      Times and dates are notably changed to accommodate clubs playing in Europe – the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
      Sleeping pill hell
      Ex-Manchester United ace Darron Gibson has opened up about his addiction to sleeping pills and revealed he would have died had he kept going.
      I don’t even think I was functioning at that point. Looking back at pictures, I was grey, if I had kept going I would have died. I was taking 12 to 14 sleeping tablets a night.
      I was rushed to hospital and I didn’t mention any sleeping tablets to anyone. Danielle [Gibson’s wife] knew I took them but she had no idea to what extent. I was good at hiding it.
      Sometimes I’d take them all at once when we’d be going to sleep and I’d say I was bringing up a drink of water for her.
      I’m not embarrassed or ashamed to say now that I was in a bad way but in the hospital I wasn’t telling anyone.
      They thought it was epilepsy but I knew it wasn’t. It was sleeping tablets, it had been going on for years by now. The doctor rang and said my brain and heart were fine.Darron GibsonThe 42
      Devil to pay
      Rangers are clinging on to a golden ticket to the biggest-ever club tournament.
      Fifa’s new expanded, 32-team Club World Cup, expected to have a huge prize fund worth up to £50m-plus per team, will kick off in the United States in 2025.
      The Champions League winners from 2021 to this season will gain entry, alongside eight clubs from the four-year ‘coefficient’ list, based on results in Europe.
      Fifa currently want only one club per country to qualify from the performance-based list.
      It means Manchester United, Barcelona, Inter Milan or Borussia Dortmund would have to win the Champions League this term to gain entry.
      On current standings, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and this season’s Champions League winners would be joined by Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Roma, Villarreal, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Ajax and of course the Gers.
      Onana interview gatecrashed
      Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana saw his live TV interview gatecrashed by a club legend.
      United great Rio Ferdinand appeared in front of the camera congratulating Onana.
      Ferdinand, who was covering the game as a pundit for TNT Sports, said: “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!”
      He then shook hands with the goalkeeper and added: “Take care, good luck.”
      The Cameroon international could not help but smile at the wholesome interaction as he replied: “Thank you.”
      Watch Man Utd legend gatecrash Andre Onana’s live TV interview
      Mason Mount’s favourite chant
      Manchester United ace Mason Mount revealed his favourite chant since moving to Old Trafford.
      Mount said: “Mine would probably be ‘Attack, attack, attack, attack attack’.
      “When they start singing that you just want to attack.”
      Mason Mount reveals his favourite Man Utd chant and nobody is surprised
      Ratcliffe faces competition
      Manchester United are facing major competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
      Mitchell has been linked with a transfer to United as part of a management shake-up if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club and takes control of football operations.
      But Saudi clubs are also looking at the ex-Tottenham and Southampton chief as they plan the next phase of their recruitment drive.
      The 42-year-old left Monaco earlier in the year and recently moved back to the North West, fuelling talk that the Red Devils would be his next port of call.
      Mitchell’s record of identifying big stars with world-class potential like Son Heung-Min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli, is also attracting attention in the Middle East.
      So far, the SPL recruitment has been run centrally, with ex-Chelsea chief Michael Emenalo acting as director of football for the whole league while its clubs spent millions.
      David de Gea return?
      Manchester United plan an embarrassing U-turn by pleading with dumped goalkeeper David de Gea to return on a short-term deal, reports SunSport’s Neil Custis.
      United are worried they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No 1 Andre Onana — De Gea’s replacement — goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year.
      Afcon runs from January 13 to February 11, meaning the £43.8million summer signing could miss up to eight of the Red Devils’ matches.
      So the club are ready to turn back to De Gea — having booted him out in the summer.
      Credit: Alamy
      Garnacho slammed for antics
      Kim Kallstrom has slammed Alejandro Garnacho for scuffing up the penalty spot before FC Copenhagen’s spot-kick last night.
      The former Arsenal loanee told Tipsbladet: “What an ugly type. It’s so childish. It’s a baby level.
      “I understand that players want to win at all costs, but there has to be some kind of morality somewhere.
      “Football players may not have the greatest morals of all, but they can still have morals.” More

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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: United plan incredible De Gea U-turn EXCLUSIVE, Jim Ratcliffe faces competition for ‘No.1 target’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are planning an embarrassing U-turn plan for David de Gea SunSport can exclusively reveal.The club are worried that they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No.1 Andre Onana goes to the African Cup of Nations in the new year.
      Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
      The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.

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      Players improving
      Erik ten Hag has admitted that his Manchester United players are getting up to speed after a sluggish start to the season.
      The manager felt that the team was much improved in their 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last night.
      He said: “Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season.
      “From there, they get the belief, as you have seen with Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
      “I think there are others with good performances. If we produce that and go from game to game, we can create something.”
      Coming up
      Here are Manchester United’s next four games in all competitions.
      The Red Devils are first up in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will then face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup before fixtures against Fulham and Copenhagen.

      United plot u-turn
      Manchester United plan an embarrassing U-turn by pleading with dumped keeper David de Gea to return on a short-term deal.
      The club are worried they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No 1 Andre Onana — De Gea’s replacement — goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in the new year.
      Man Utd were caught off-guard after Onana performed a U-turn on his international retirement.
      Afcon runs from January 13 to February 11, meaning the £43.8million summer signing could miss up to eight United matches.
      So the club are ready to turn to De Gea — having booted him out in the summer.
      The Spaniard, 32, spent 12 years at Old Trafford before he left when his contract ran out.

      How things stand
      Here is a look at how Manchester United’s Champions League group looks following the 1-0 win over Copenhagen.

      Agbonlahor demands apology
      Gabby Agbonlahor has demanded that Manchester United fans give Harry Maguire an apology after the defender netted a crucial winning goal in the Champions League.
      He told talkSPORT: “First of all, I’d like to say that I fell that a lot of United fans owe Maguire an apology.
      “I feel that what he’s been through, he’d had fans booing him, he’s been away on pre-season tours and you’ve got ‘sheep’ booing him, ‘sheep’ fans that don’t have a clue about football booing him.
      “He’s got through it and said, ‘No, I’m not going to leave, I want to play for United.’ Easy for him to say, ‘OK, I’ll got to West Ham, let’s get the deal through.’
      “‘No, I’m staying here, I’m going to fight for my position,’ and look what he’s doing now. He got ‘Man of the Match’ against Sheffield United, he got an assist against Brentford, last night he scores. That’s a captain’s performance last night.”
      Fernandes on Instagram

      What was the momentum like?
      Here is a look at what the momentum looked like between Manchester United and Copenhagen during their Champions League clash.

      Onana’s rallying cry
      A buoyant Andre Onana demanded that Manchester United finish the job they started against Copenhagen and make it into the Champions League knockout stages.
      He said after the game: “We are Manchester United, a very big club. We have to keep going, we have to win.
      “I have no doubt we’ll make it to the next UCL stage. I am sure”.
      United ‘keeping tabs’ on defender
      Manchester United are reportedly “keeping tabs” on Sebastian Caceres.
      The Club America defender, 24, has impressed in recent weeks and United are said to be keen, according to Football Insider.
      The report claims that Tottenham, Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle are also interested in his signature.
      United ‘want midfielder’
      Manchester United are reportedly interested in a move for AC Milan star Tijjiani Reijnders.
      The Dutch midfielder only joined the Serie A giants last summer as he put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
      However there is already speculation over his future with Calciomercato claiming that the Red Devils are admirers of the star.
      The report even claims that the club are considering making a move for Reijnders next summer.
      Credit: Getty
      Scholes first-half criticism
      Paul Scholes criticised Manchester United’s first-half showing during their 1-0 victory over Copenhagen last night.
      United won the game on the night thanks to a 72nd-minute Harry Maguire header.
      And Scholes had this to say to TNT Sports: “It felt like we were watching a Europa League match in the first half.
      “Like a Thursday night. Poor. The second half was much better.”
      Klopp pays Charlton tribute
      Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
      Ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League fixtures against Toulouse, the manager gave his condolences.
      Charlton died on the weekend and it was announced ahead of the United win over Sheffield United.
      He said: “I knew of Sir Bobby before I arrived in England, he is one of the biggest personalities in European and world football.
      “I hope his family are doing OK.”
      Credit: Rex
      United ‘should have progressed more’
      Former Manchester United star Michael Owen has claimed that the club should have progressed further under Erik ten Hag.
      He told DAZN Bet: “United are in a position at the moment where they are desperate to stick with a manager.
      “There has been so much chop and changing since Sir Alex Ferguson, and not every manager they employ can be bad. In fact, all of them had the CV to suggest they could be great managers.
      “So at some point you have to stop chopping and changing and stick with a manager, and I think United are at that point where they really want some continuity.
      “But I did expect United to be further down the line than they currently are. If you look in black and white you can argue against that, they did win a cup, got to the final of another one and qualified for the Champions League.
      “It’s a pretty decent season, not by United’s standards but over the past few years. So that was a huge step forward on paper but visually I was not impressed and I wondered whether this was a true reflection of their ability at the time, and this season has only confirmed that in my mind.”
      Prem giants queue up for Nico
      Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have reportedly all recently asked Athletic Bilbao about winger Nico Williams – so will United follow suit?
      The 10-cap Spaniard, 21, is out of contract next summer.
      Williams is thought to have turned down Aston Villa in the last transfer window.
      But 90min say Premier League clubs are keener than ever on the starlet.
      Athletic are said to be optimistic Williams will extend his deal.
      But his list of admirers is growing – especially after four assists in seven LaLiga games this season.
      Credit: Alamy
      Maguire congratulated by stars
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice congratulated Harry Maguire for his rare goal for Manchester United in the Champions League.
      On the defender’s Instagram post, Bellingham commented “Love to see it” and Rice said that he was “buzzing” for the Red Devils ace.
      Credit: EPA
      Onana dedicates win
      Andre Onana dedicated Manchester United’s win over Copenhagen to Sir Bobby Charlton.
      Taking to social media after the match, he wrote: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton ❤️ We are UNITED.”

      Eriksen shows off award
      Christian Eriksen has shown off his Man of the Match award that he earned against Copenhagen on Instagram.

      Ten Hag hails Maguire
      Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on Harry Maguire for his display against Copenhagen.
      The Dutch manager claimed that the English defender is “dominating” in duels.
      He is playing more proactive in possession.
      Stepping in, passing vertical, defending on the front foot and also stepping in, passing vertical.
      Defending on the front foot, he is also stepping in and playing forward. Very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating.
      Also in the right moments, he is showing his aggression against the opponents. Then, you see he is also rewarded because of his heading.
      I have to say it is a great pass from Christian [Eriksen], but it was a great finish.Erik ten Hag
      Players improving
      Erik ten Hag has admitted that his Manchester United players are getting up to speed after a sluggish start to the season.
      The manager felt that the team was much improved in their 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last night.
      Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season.
      From there, they get the belief, as you have seen with Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
      I think there are others with good performances. If we produce that and go from game to game, we can create something.Erik ten Hag
      Garnacho slammed for antics
      Kim Kallstrom has slammed Alejandro Garnacho for scuffing up the penalty spot before FC Copenhagen’s spot-kick last night.
      The former Arsenal loanee told Tipsbladet: “What an ugly type. It’s so childish. It’s a baby level.
      “I understand that players want to win at all costs, but there has to be some kind of morality somewhere.
      “Football players may not have the greatest morals of all, but they can still have morals.”
      Maguire’s impressive outing
      Here is a touch map of Harry Maguire’s match-winning performance against Copenhagen.

      Coming up
      Here are Manchester United’s next four games in all competitions.
      The Red Devils are first up in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will then face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup before fixtures against Fulham and Copenhagen.

      Join our United WhatsApp chat
      Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
      Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
      Join our United WhatsApp chat
      Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
      Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
      Tyson Fury and Andre Onana’s unlikely bromance
      Tyson Fury has sparked an unlikely bromance with United penalty hero Andre Onana.
      Onana took to Instagram after last night’s game to write: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton. We are United.”
      And Fury replied: “GETTTTUPPPPP.” – invoking the iconic moment he rose from being knocked down against Deyontay Wilder.
      Onana then replied with a salute emoji. More

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      Newcastle 0 Dortmund 1 LIVE RESULT: Champions League Group F blown wide open after Toon suffer damning defeat

      by

      NEWCASTLE suffered their first home defeat of the season in a thrilling Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.There were early warning signs when Nick Pope was forced to pull off an incredible double save.
      But Eddie Howe’s men fashioned some good chances of their own which included hitting the crossbar several times.
      However, Nmecha’s well-worked strike turned out to be the difference maker.

      RESULT: Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      Live stream: Discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 2
      Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Guiamares, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Gordon, Isak
      Dortmund XI: Kobel; Wolf, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Can, Sabitzer; Reus, Fullkrug, Malen

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      Follow ALL the action from St. James’ Park with our live blog below…
      That’s all from St James Park
      Newcastle’s return to the Champions League has finally hit a stumbling block…
      …but the Toon will not be able to feel down on their luck for long.
      And that’s because in just 13 days time they go to Germany for a rematch with tonight’s victors, and Group F could not be poised finer.
      You will not want to miss it, and you won’t with us here at SunSport.
      Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.
      Terzic praises players’ passion
      A delighted Edin Terzic revealed that why it wasn’t quite the perfect performance, it was the perfect result.
      The impressive Dortmund coach insisted that his team’s skill and tactical expertise got them into a first half lead before grit and determination carried them through to victory after the break.
      With the first half, we deserved the win. With the second half, we protected the win, so we are really happy. In the second half, it was all about them, and we had to defend a lot, but we did it with a lot of passion, a little luck, and a great goalie.Edin TerzicTNT Sports

      All change in Group F
      What a difference a few hours can make.
      Newcastle were riding high at the top of Group F before kick-off this evening, but defeat to Borussia Dortmund has seen them slip to third place.
      Paris Saint-Germain – who the Toon thumped just three weeks ago – move up to first after AC Milan, while Dortmund themselves leapfrog Newcastle on the head-to-head ruling.

      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      PSG 3-0 AC Milan

      Credit: uefa.com
      Nmecha on the mark
      The only goal at St James’ Park this evening was scored by 23-year-old Fekix Nmecha.
      The former Manchester City midfielder’s strike was his first ever goal in the Champions League goal in just his sixth appearance in the competition – the previous five all coming as substitute.

      Howe rues doubly-disappointing evening
      Eddie Howe has said that the injuries suffered by Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy were tough to take on a disappointing evening at St James’ Park.
      The Newcastle boss saw his Swedish striker succumb to an early groin problem before substitute Murphy fell heavily on his arm just three minutes after his introduction in the second period.
      Howe also felt his side’s bad luck continued late on when the ball wouldn’t fall kindly for them in the Dortmund penalty area.
      It was a tough game for us. I thought in the first we were off where we needed to be. I thought tactically they were good. In the second half we were better, but the ball wouldn’t go in for us. [Isak’s injury] was a blow for us, as was Jacob [Murphy] coming off as well with what looks a serious injury. It’s another difficult thing to take from tonight, we’ve got a small squad as it. With all the games we’ve got to come, that’s probably the most disappointing thing of the night.Eddie HoweTNT Sports

      Match stats from St James’ Park
      Newcastle have suffered a first home defeat in a major European match for the first time since March 2003 when they lost to Barcelona – they had gone 24 unbeaten in between these defeats (W19 D5).

      Full time – Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      The whistle goes, and the players, management and supporters of Borussia Dortmund celebrate a well-earned three points in the Champions League.
      The only goal – Dortmund’s first in the competition – was scored on the stroke of half-time by former Manchester City graduate Felix Nmecha.
      The Bundesliga side was an excellent attacking three in the first half, and a resilient defensive unit in the second – albeit with a little help from their crossbar.
      Newcastle, meanwhile, rarely got going, failed to recreate the intensity of their PSG success, and saw two players in Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy succumb to injury.

      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      90+4. It’s off the crossbar again!!
      Newcastle win a corner and send everyone up including goalkeeper Nick Pope, although none of the home players are able to meet Trippier’s cross.
      However, the ball is kept alive and eventually finds its way through to Gordon inside the area, whose resulting shot loops up off a defender, over Kobel, and on to the frame of the goal.
      Still spinning away from the goalline, Dortmund manage to smuggle it behind for one final corner, which leads to Almiron smashing over from 25 yards.
      That will be that.

      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      90+3. A wild miskick from Bensebaini momentarily offers excitement with Wilson on the prowl, but Kobel is quickly off his line to claim the ball.
      Adding injury to insult, the left-back appears to have pulled his hamstring in making the mistake.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      90+1. Trippier’s free-kick is swung viciously towards the far post…
      …where goalkeeper Kobel claws it away to safety.

      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      90. Guimaraes finds himself on the ball midway inside the Dortmund half, but with ten opponents ahead of him has nowhere to go.
      Eventually, he feeds Gordon on the left, who is crudely upended by Hummels.
      It’s a free-kick to Newcastle in a dangerous position, and there will be four minutes of stoppage time.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      88. You get the feeling that might have been Newcastle’s chance.
      Not for the first time this evening, it’s the travelling Dortmund fans – up in the St James’ heavens – that can be heard making all the noise.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      86. Wilson hits the crossbar!
      Targett finally gets a delivery spot on from a free-kick out on the left, and the Newcastle striker climbs to meet in.
      Twisting and turning in the air, Wilson doesn’t actually get a clean contact on the cross, using a combination of head and shoulder to loop an effort on to the woodwork.
      Perhaps a crisp connection would have found the back of the net.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      85. Newcastle survive the set-piece, and then break downfield to win one of their own through the industrious Gordon.
      It causes some momentary panic inside the penalty area, eventually falling for Lascelles to strike with a shot blocked at close quarters.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      83. Wilson is wiped out by Schlotterbeck 30 yards from goal, only for referee Artur Dias to inexplicably wave play on.
      With the home crowd voicing their disapproval, Dortmund counter and win a corner.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund – Guimaraes yellow card
      81. Bruno Guimaraes goes into the book for a foul on Sabitzer.
      It’s a first Newcastle yellow card tonight, but more of a concern is the valuable seconds it eats up.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      80. Ten to go and Newcastle are camped in the Dortmund half.
      On the touchline, Eddie Howe urges his players on for a last push.
      Dortmund, however, are defending very well.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund – Dortmund triple change
      78. Edin Terzic throws on three sets of fresh legs for the final 12 minutes or so.
      Former West Ham man Sebastian Haller is on for Niclas Fullkrug, Niklas Sule replaces the lively Donyell Malen, and Giovanni Reyna – son of Claudio – takes over from goalscorer Felix Nmecha.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      76. Newcastle are dominating possession now, but what can they do with it?
      At the moment, they are struggling to find ways to unlock the Borussia Dortmund defence.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      74. A first chance for Adeyemi to run at the Newcastle defence, but even he can’t keep the wayward pass forward in play.
      Darren Fletcher points out that the German forward was recently clocked at running at 21 miles-per-hour: “That’s quick enough to get you a speeding ticket in the roads around schools in the UK.”
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      72. Inside the final 20 minutes, and Newcastle will be hoping that the enforced change will not derail them as it did in the first half.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund – Newcastle double substitution
      70. Jacob Murphy was on the pitch for just three-and-a-half minutes, but has succumbed to injury.
      He goes off, his arm in a makeshift sling, and is replaced by Joe Willock, he himself making a first appearance this season after injury.
      Also on is Matt Targett at left-back for Dan Burn.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      69. Now substitute Jacob Murphy has gone down in discomfort.
      The substitute landed heavily on his shoulder following a challenge from Ozcan and it looks a real sore one.
      Ouch.

      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      68. Hummels shows he’s not just a class act in defence by tricking his way beyond Burn inside the box and fizzing a ball across the face of the Newcastle goal.
      It only needs a touch, but its Tonali with the interception, clearing superbly from underneath his own crossbar.
      In any case, the flag was up for offside.
      Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
      66. Tonali is straight at it, winning the ball back from two Dortmund midfielders.
      He slips a pass through to Wilson, but he is dealt with by the equally-impressive Hummels. More