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PEDRO NETO scored his first Chelsea goal as the Blues drew with Arsenal in a feisty London derby.The Portuguese drilled in an effort from outside the box after Gabriel Martinelli had slammed the Gunners into the lead from close range.Earlier, Chelsea defender Malo Gusto had missed a sitter from just a yard out while ex-Blue Kai Havertz had a goal correctly ruled out for offside.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Potter on ArsenalThe former Brighton and Chelsea boss also gave his thoughts on the Edu Gaspar situation.It’s that alignment with recruitment because if you continually make good decisions in recruitment you’ve got a chance with your environment and a chance with your team.If you make the wrong decisions you’ve got the opposite and there’s problems.It always works in tandem. You need good recruitment, you also need good coaching. Mikel has done that really well, he’s created an environment at Arsenal where there is a standard and a clear way they want to play.That makes it easier for the recruitment team to make decisions.Ultimately, whoever comes in has to be aligned with Mikel and has to be on the same wavelength, take the pressure of Mikel and take the workload off him but still be aligned and make the right decisions.Graham PotterCopy linkCopied’Chelsea expect to win’Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter was in the Sky Sports studio and had his say on the current Blues side under new boss Enzo Maresca.Chelsea have identified that they want to sign young players. They want to build a team that has a lot of growth in it. Apart from the first window after the new owners came in they’ve switched to a more younger player profile.They’ve got a coach with a clear style of play so every window now they can be making decisions about what qualities they need on the pitch but also what they need off the pitch. That’s the qualities you need when building a team. It is about the talent but also what you bring as a person and if you can handle the situation here at Chelsea.In the end you have to win, Chelsea expect to win. They have to grow into that or they have to look for solutions to bring people from outside who can help them win.Graham PotterCopy linkCopiedOdegaard impressesMartin Odegaard showed Arsenal exactly what he was missing on his return to the side and registered his eighth open play assist of the calendar year – only Cole Palmer (11) and Mo Salah (9) have more.Unbelievable… back doing what I love. It has been a long time, the longest I have been out of football in my whole life.It felt good to be back out there although disappointed we didn’t get the win.We’ve done a lot of work with the fitness coaches and physios pushing me every day. I wanted to come back as soon as possible.I felt okay today. I didn’t expect it [to play 90 minutes]. I’ve only done three training sessions with the team or something.It is a long season, long way to go. We had a tough period in December last season and came back. We know the quality and mentality we have and we just have to keep going.Martin OdegaardCopy linkCopiedCole Palmer strugglesIt was not the best day for Cole Palmer who was crowded out in the No 10 position and struggled to get anything going at Stamford Bridge.He created just one chance, completed only one dribble out of four and none of his four crosses found the mark.Palmer had just one key pass and completed only 77 per cent of his passes, while only one of his four shots were on target – with two poor free-kicks going straight into the wall.His heat map isn’t the best, either.Copy linkCopiedMore from MarescaThe Italian made it also made it clear that Chelsea have a ways to go to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Man City (despite new Liverpool boss Arne Slot being top of the Prem). It is the way we want to do the things. We try and play face to face against every team. We are Chelsea, so it is important to send this message.There are managers that have been clubs for five and nine years so we are behind them.Enzo MarescaCopy linkCopied’The performance is important for us’Enzo Maresca appeared to be pleased with a point against Arsenal, stating: I enjoyed it, absolutely. The performance was good. We know them quite well and we competed pretty well.The performance is very important for us in this moment and it was good. We can rest now and go again.The performance from Pedro [Neto] was very good, all of them, complete.We played in the way we wanted to, brave, and try and play from the back always.Enzo MarescaCopy linkCopiedTrouble for Cole?Cole Palmer was spotted limping out of Stamford Bridge after the game.The England star had been a doubt in the build up to the game but was eventually cleared to play and completed the 90 minutes.It would now appear he is a doubt for Lee Carsley’s squad next week.Copy linkCopiedArteta on OdegaardThe Arsenal boss was full of praise for his star man, who was excellent as he completed 90 minutes and provided an assist.Our player has been out for six weeks and barely trained with the team.To be able to play at this level in the Premier League tells you how much he looks after himself and the leadership and character he has.Everything flows better with players like this. Today we clicked much better. You could see everything was flowing but again it is about winning.”What we have found is that every day we have had to change something big, you know, the engine, the wheels, steering wheel because we’ve had problem after problem.Normally the team goes down but this team has unbelievable energy and spirit to play.”Arteta on OdegaardCopy linkCopiedMore from ArtetaOn the Neto goal: “It is a second phase set piece and we were disorganised. “We don’t reorganise quick enough and you can’t allow the pass that way. “You need the quality of Neto to do it but our standards were not good enough.”Copy linkCopiedProud Arteta disappointed by outcomeArsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed the pride felt by his players’ performance, but also couldn’t hide his disappointment that they failed to register the win they deserved.The Spanish coach highlighted the manner in which they defended the Chelsea equaliser as one of the only moments in which they didn’t measure up to the club’s high standards.The disappointment of not getting three points is bigger, and it will be even bigger tomorrow after watching it back because once again the team has turned up. I think we dominated them, and I thought we were the better team in many phases. After going ahead, I am very disappointed with the way we conceded the goal – it’s so poor! After that though, the reaction from the team was unbelievable. I am very proud of them, but at the end we are here to get the three points and we didn’t manage to do it.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedCaptain back to assist ArsenalArsenal captain Martin Odegaard made his first Premier League appearance in more than two months – and immediately reminded supporters what they had been missing.The Norwegian picked out Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring, registering his eighth assist from open play in 2024.Only Cole Palmer (11) and Mohamed Salah (9) have provided more open play assists this calendar year.Copy linkCopiedGunners still searching for winIt would have been an unbelievable prospect at the start of the season, but Arsenal are now four Premier League games without a win (D2 L2).It is the first time since April 2023 that the Gunners have gone as many matches without a victory.Prior to this current run, Mikel Arteta’s men had picked up maximum points in 21 of 25 matches (D3 L1).L2-0 v Bournemouth (A), Oct 19D2-2 v Liverpool (H), Oct 27L1-0 v Newcastle (A), Nov 2D2-2 v Chelsea (A), Nov 10Copy linkCopiedScorer Neto happy to helpPedro Neto smashed in his first Premier League goal for Chelsea in a London derby – but afterwards revealed he’s just one more player trying to help the Blues progress.That said, the former Wolves star couldn’t hide his delight after hitting a stunning second half equaliser.I’m really happy to help the team. This is a group that works really hard every day so I am just one more to help the team and I’m really happy.Pedro NetoSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from Stamford BridgeFor the fourth time this season, Arsenal have faced 15+ shots in a Premier League game.It’s already twice as many times as they did so across the whole of the 2023-24 campaign.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Chelsea 1-1 ArsenalA breathless – if rarely brilliant – London derby comes to an end at Stamford Bridge, and ends in a stalemate.Both sides miss the opportunity to move within two points off second-placed Manchester City, but do rise to third and fourth respectively.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal90+6. With the last touch of the game, Trossard’s toepoke takes Saliba’s inviting cross away from Havertz and out for a goalkick!Without the substitute’s intervention, the German would surely have tapped home the game’s winning goal!Havertz can’t believe it! Mikel Arteta can’t believe it! The Arsenal fans behind the goal can’t believe it!The Gunners will have to settle for a point in this London derby.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal90+2. Arsenal work a corner short, and look to have found a route to Saliba at the far post – until he too is called as being offside.I’ve seen more flags in this second half than in my five-year-old son’s little book of countries.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal90. The board goes up for five minutes of stoppage time.Both sets of fans still believe they can win it – but what do the players think?Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal89. Arsenal are the side pressing in the final stages, but that is allowing Chelsea those rare moments to counter at pace.Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku is on for Nicolas Jackson.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal87. Trossard smashes over from six yards out!The Belgian looked certain to score a rebound from close range after Sanchez had pushed out Merino’s initial shot, but somehow got underneath the ball and thumped into the top tier.Mind you, it would not have counted, and the offside flag on this occasion may save him some embarrassment.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal84. After a Jackson effort is routinely stopped by Raya, Arsenal look to progress forward.A free-kick is won, and is eventually curled dangerously into the Chelsea area, where the linesman’s flag comes to the home side’s rescue.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal82. Bukayo Saka limps out of the action, and is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.Meanwhile, Chelsea have introduced Reece James, on in place of Malo Gusto at right-back.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal80. Ten to go at Stamford Bridge.Have both sides settled for a hard-earned point, or is there the opportunity still for one to grab the win that will lift them up to third in the table?Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal78. Cucurella wipes out Saka on the far touchline, and that will earn the Chelsea left-back a yellow card.More worrying, however, is the realisation that Arsenal’s England international has stayed down.He eventually rises to his feet with the Arsenal medical team in attendance, but is moving very gingerly, and it appears that he will play no further part.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Arsenal76. Clean through, Nicolas Jackson cooly slots beyond David Raya.But don’t get too excited, the striker was clearly three yards offside when played in on goal. Copy linkCopied More

ARSENAL are back to full strength as Mikel Arteta called on both Martin Odegaard AND Declan Rice for the trip to Chelsea.The Gunners pair had been doubts in the build up but have been passed fit enough to start a major London derby.For Chelsea, Cole Palmer is also in the starting XI despite fears he may miss the game.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appChelsea team: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…An Ode to the skipperLook who’s back, Arsenal fans.After two months out with an ankle injury, Martin Odegaard returned as an injury time substitute at Inter Milan on Wednesday – and now starts in midfield today alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.Copy linkCopiedResults from around the groundsThe final whistle has been blown in all three of the 2pm kick-offs in the Premier League – and one result in particular will have Arsenal fans buoyant as they take their seats at Stamford Bridge.Ipswich – without a win before today – have triumphed 2-1 at Tottenham to move out of the relegation zone. Oh, mate.Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterNott’m Forest 1-3 NewcastleTottenham 1-2 IpswichCopy linkCopiedBridge bringing best out of SakaArsenal fans will once again look towards Bukayo Saka to make things happen this afternoon.The England star has provided more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season, laying on seven goals for teammates.And the short trip to Chelsea often brings out the best in the Gunners star boy.Saka has either scored (1) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last three away games at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.Only Sergio Agüero (2013-2017) and Javier Hernandez (2012-2018) have registered goal involvements as visiting players in four consecutive appearances at the home of the Blues.Copy linkCopiedFrom Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeA boost for Chelsea and England with Cole Palmer declared fit to face Arsenal after battling a knee knock this week.And he looks like he will be teaming up with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice who is also ok to play after breaking his toe.It means both teams today are pretty much at full strength so there are no excuses for any manager today.This is Chelsea’s best chance to take a top four scalp this season so far having lost to Liverpool and Manchester City.Copy linkCopiedCapital gains for ruthless GunnersArsenal are loving the London life right now.The Gunners prepare for another local rivalry this afternoon, having won their last six Premier League London derbies by an astonishing aggregate scoreline of 22-3.And incredibly, Mikel Arteta’s aces have won three of those six games by five or more goals, having won just one of their first 295 London derbies in the Premier League by such a margin.Copy linkCopiedOdegaard and Rice return for GunnersMikel Arteta makes two changes from the team he sent out at the San Siro to face Inter Milan on Wednesday.The Arsenal manager is able to bolster his midfield with the inclusion of two key men.Declan Rice returns after missing the midweek Champions League trip with a toe injury while captain Martin Odegaard is handed his first start in the Premier League since August.As a result, Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench while loanee Raheem Sterling is ineligible to face his parent club.Arsenal (4-3-3): 22 Raya; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 12 Timber; 8 Odegaard, 5 Partey, 41 Rice; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 11 MartinelliSubs: 32 Neto, 9 Jesus, 15 Kiwior, 17 Zinchenko, 19 Trossard, 20 Jorginho, 23 Merino, 49 Lewis-Skelly, 53 NwaneriCredit: @Arsenal on XCopy linkCopiedPalmer fit to spearhead BluesThe news Chelsea fans have been keeper their fingers crossed for!Cole Palmer has been given the green light to play, and starts against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.It means Enzo Maresca makes just one change from the side that he selected for last Sunday’s Premier League draw at Old Trafford.Club captain Reece James drops to the bench so Marc Cucurella returns at left-back; Moises Caicedo takes the captain’s armband in his absence.Chelsea (4-2-3-1): 1 Sanchez; 27 Gusto, 29 Fofana, 6 Colwill, 3 Cucurella; 45 Lavia, 25 Caicedo; 11 Madueke, 20 Palmer, 7 Neto; 15 JacksonSubs: 12 Jorgensen, 4 Tosin, 5 Badiashile, 8 Fernandez, 10 Mudryk, 14 Joao Felix, 18 Nkunku, 24 James, 40 VeigaCredit: @ChelseaFC on XCopy linkCopiedSeven up since Chelsea made their markArsenal annihilated Chelsea at the Emirates back in March with a triumphant 5-0 win that could easily have been even bigger.And the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier last season also felt like a Gunners success, given they were second-best and two goals behind until 13 minutes from time.The upshot is that Mikel Arteta’s team have scored the last seven goals in meetings between the two clubs without a Chelsea response.And the scorers, in case you were wondering:Ben White (2)Kai Havertz (2)Leandro Trossard (2)Declan RiceCopy linkCopiedBlues 2s for home winUnlike last week’s US election between blue and red, this contest really does seem as though it’s too close to call – and it’s left the bookies uncertain in chalking it up.Chelsea are unbeaten in four at Stamford Bridge but are a 2/1 shot to prevail today, while Arsenal are odds-against favourites despite just one win in the last six away games in all competitions.Chelsea win 2/1Draw 23/10Arsenal 13/10Odds from Paddy Power correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from Stamford BridgeWelcome to live SunSport coverage of the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.Always eagerly anticipated, this rivalry has been dominated by the Gunners in recent seasons.But the clubs meet today locked together on 18 points, and vying for the win that will take them back into the top four.For Mikel Arteta’s team, however, there is more at stake.Considered Manchester City’s main title challenger at the season’s start, another loss at the in-form Blues this afternoon will see them 10 points off pacesetters Liverpool at the top.Would that be too early to write them off in their quest to be champions? It’s debatable.Enzo Maresca’s hosts have been flying of late with the mercurial Cole Palmer in the pilot’s seat.The 22-year-old is a fitness doubt for today, but should he be included then expect the news to send shockwaves through both camps.It’s a 4.30pm kick-off in West London, and confirmation of the two teams is on the way.Copy linkCopied More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST host Newcastle in a huge Premier League clash to kick off Super Sunday.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been a surprise package this season, sitting in the top-4 ahead today’s clash.Newcastle will be looking to build on their superb 1-0 win over title-chasing Arsenal last time out as Eddie Howe’s men look to find some consistency.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

TOTTENHAM host Ipswich in a huge Premier League clash TODAY.Spurs are looking to move into the top-4 places with back-to-back wins in the top-flight.Ipswich will be hoping to secure their first win of the season by pulling off a huge shock in the capital.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV/Stream: Not available in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

MANCHESTER UNITED are taking on Leicester in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW!And the big team news is that in-form Amad Diallo has started in place of Alejandro Garnacho after his Europa League heroics in the week.This afternoon’s match will mark the end of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim reign, with Ruben Amorim officially taking the hot seat on Monday.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV/Stream: Not available to watch in the UK.Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund, Rashford.Leicester team: Hermansen; Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumaré, Ndidi; Fatawu, Ayew, BuonanotteFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…FT: Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterRuud van Nistelrooy ends his interim charge undefeated.Three wins and a draw for the Dutchman.He certainly has done the job asked of him by the board.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterThe referee brings the game to a close.It has been a comfortable win for the Red Devils.Fernandes gets a goal on his 250th appearance for the club.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+6. It will be a little more positive at Old Trafford when Ruben Amorim arrives for his first day in the job tomorrow.A lot is expected of the Sporting manager.He will be expected to hit the ground running no doubt, such are the demands of being at a club like Man Utd.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+4. Amad is continuing to cause problems down the right.On this occasion he cannot find a teammate in the box.Leicester look like they are already on the bus home mentally.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+2. Man Utd come forward once again, looking to add some icing to the cake.Amad tries his luck from distance but it sails over the goal.Confidence is high with the youngster at the moment so you can understand him going for goal.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90. What a disappointing trip this has been for those Leicester fans.Their team has offered nothing for them to get exicted about today.The biggest threat to Onana today has been catching a cold stood in this rain doing nothing.We are going to have six added minutes.Painful.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester88. This is a game to forget for The Foxes today.It has been a very bad day at the office.Nothing they planned for this game has worked at all.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester86. Van Nistelrooy will be happy with the performance today.He can sign off from his interim stint unbeaten.The Dutch manager has steadied the ship since the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester84. If the game wasn’t over before that goal, it is now.Martinez seems to be struggling with a back injury.Garnacho almost gets away again but it is adjudged that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester82. A sublime ball from Eriksen sets up the attack.Fernandes then threads it to Garnacho, who cuts inside onto his right foot and bends one in the top corner.Great move.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester80. Leicester force yet another corner.This time they actually look to cross it into the box in a normal fashion.Another poor delivery as it is headed clear at the near post by Amad.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester78. Man Utd have brought Zirkzee and Eriksen on.They replace Casemiro and Hojlund.Everyone is looking forward to the full-time whistle now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester76. This second half has been a tough watch.Neither side seems to have much attacking intent.Leicester have huffed and puffed but it all goes pear-shaped when they get to the final third of the pitch where they look clueless.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester74. Garnacho stays down for some time but eventually gets to his feet.The replay shows Faes may have accidentally stepped on his wrist while he was on the floor as he tried to jump over him.It looks as though he is actually crying on the pitch, wow, we have seen it all now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester72. Steve Cooper must be tearing his hair out on the touchline.As another attack breaks down, Man Utd hit them on the counter.Fortunately for the visitors, it is Garnacho.He gets towards goal, feigns a shot and tries to cut back inside.Instead he plays it from one foot against his opposite heel and it goes out for a goal kick.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester70. Leicester force a corner and try another bizarre effort that you can only assume worked this week on the training ground.Instead, it is easily cleared by Man Utd.The visitors look like they have no idea of how to break a side down to create goalscoring opportunities here.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester68. Man Utd are happy to just pass the ball around now.They are trying to frustrate Leicester by keeping the ball and forcing them to throw caution to the wind more.Steve Cooper needs to come up with some sort of tactical miracle to change this game for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester66. Martinez is able to continue, much to the delight of the home fans.Amad is brought down as he truns Vestergaard.This game has gone the way of the Chelsea match last week now, the biggest cheer will be for the full time whistle.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester64. Buonanotte is shown a yellow card for a clumsy foul.It means the Leicester midfielder wiill miss their next game.He slid in on Martinez and just caught him on the back of the leg.The Argentine defender is receiving some treatment as a result.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester62. The away fans are trying to raise their team.They have not asked enough questions of Onana this afternoon.On such a wet pitch, they should be trying some shots from distance to see if they can get lucky.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester60. Hojlund would make a great signing for Leicester in January.He would fit in well in a team that rarely looks like they are going to score.It will be interesting to see Amorim’s first Man Utd side, whether Zirkzee gets the nod instead of the Dane.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester68. Fernandes is receiving some treatment after a head collision.The fans will be pleased to see him able to continue.He is integral to all they do in an attacking sense.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester56. Leicester have a free kick in a dangerous position.Winks and Buonanotte are stood over it.The former Tottenham man plays it to a Foxes’ player in the wall, looking for it back.It all goes hopelessly wrong and is a waste of a good opportunity.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester54. You kind of feel with Man Utd’s current plight results are more important than performances.That said, while the fans are eager for the Amorim era, you cannot underestimate the size of the task he has.Even ex-players like Paul Scholes have said it will take a lot longer than the three year contract he has signed to sort things out.Copy linkCopied More

LIVERPOOL opened up a five point gap at the top of the Premier League after cruising to a comfortable win against Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah were on target – but Trent Alexander-Arnold did limp off with an apparent hamstring injury.Earlier, Brighton secured a brilliant comeback win against Man City – with Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley scoring in an epic 2-1 win – as Pep Guardiola lost a fourth consecutive game for the FIRST TIME in his career.In the 3pm matches, Fulham dominated Crystal Palace, Brentford were involved in another thriller and Wolves beat struggling Southampton, while West Ham and Everton were involved in a goalless draw.SCORES…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from around the grounds with our live blog below…Salah’s recordWe mentioned earlier that Salah has hit double figures in goals and assists in each of his last four seasons.We’d like to apologise to Mo as his record is MUCH more impressive than that. He’s actually hit double figure goals and assists in seven out of eight seasons (and the one he didn’t he still managed 31 goals).Here’s his record in full:2017/18: 44G, 15A2018/19: 27G, 10A2019/20: 23G, 13A2020/21: 31G, 6A2021/22: 31G, 15A2023/24: 30G, 16A2023/24: 25G, 14A2024/25: 10G, 10ACopy linkCopiedMcManaman confidentLiverpool legend Steve McManaman is confident these players can go all the way – as they have done before.Speaking on TNT, he said: “This group of players have been long into a campaign, some of them have won the Premier League and the Champions League so of course they can sustain it.”If they stay fit and roll that starting eleven out and the five or six from the bench then of course they will go all the way.”Copy linkCopied’Keep working hard’Slot was also asked about already being five points clear at the top of the table – but brushed it off.He said: “As a manager if you come into a new club you don’t think about how many points after how many games. “You think about changing the style or keeping it as it was. To change the style you have to do a lot of things on the training ground and in meetings. “The only thing I have thought about is how to implement the playing style and how to make sure the players keep working as hard as they can.”Copy linkCopiedSlot hails work rateArne Slot was also speaking to Match of the Day and said: “Three home games [this week] and that always helps when you play in front of these fans. Tough opponent today, it wasn’t an easy one.”I think it was [even]. They threatened us mainly with their set-pieces which is a big strength for them. They were waiting and waiting for us to lose our patience and then to hurt us on the counter-attack. “The funny thing is we had so much possession and scored our goals from counter-attacks. It was an even game when it comes to chances but we dominated the ball more than they did.”He added: “It’s not the first time we see this [defensive energy]. The team that won the Premier League the last four years has shown us how important work-rate is.”Copy linkCopiedMo goals, Mo assistsOptaJoe has revealed that Mo Salah is the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures in goals and assists this season.He has 10 of each and has also achieved double figures in both in each of the last four seasons.Copy linkCopiedTrent update?No big update on Trent Alexander-Arnold as yet, with Slot saying they will have to “wait and see” on an update.He said: “We are really happy that most of our players have stayed fit through this tough run. “We have to wait and see how Trent is doing. If I look at the games that are ahead they are tough. It will be a tough season in general.”Margins are small, we have a margin but it is small. Many challenges to come for us.”Copy linkCopiedMore from SlotOn Salah: “I think he has the best numbers from all our attackers. All our attackers have great numbers but Mo stands out in that aspect.”On counter-attacking goals: “The set-pieces are for someone else. It is not the first time Liverpool score from breaks like that because we have players who are so fast.”On Darwin Nunez: “I wondered what would happen if he wasn’t there because Mo was through on goal. Darwin was there and he scored and that’s good for him. With players around him who score so many goals it’s always good as a striker to get on the scoresheet.”Copy linkCopied’It wasn’t easy’Arne Slot has given his verdict of the match on TNT Sports.He said: “It wasn’t easy like most of our games have been now. Aston Villa were maybe not as aggressive as we thought they would be. “We were patient. One thing they are very good at is set-pieces. “In general we had control over the game and scored from two counter-attacks which is maybe not what we would expect.”Copy linkCopiedMore from EmeryThe Spaniard added: “This year a lot of players have come back from long injuries. “We have to try to keep the same positive attitude and mentality and try to accept sometimes results that we have had this week happen.”Copy linkCopied’We are under our level’Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said his team played the way he wanted “more or less” but lamented players who are not the same level as they were last season.He said: “Liverpool dominated sometimes but they did not have a lot of clear chances to score. We did our work and we had the chances to score in the first half, in the second half, and we played more or less in the way I wanted.”We have to keep improving, recover some players who have just come back after long injuries. Some players are not in the same performance level as last year but today they were a bit better.”The league is tight, there are a lot of teams performing very well and we have to accept that we need to improve. We are under our level from last year a little bit but I am still confident.”Copy linkCopiedArne’s strengthMuch has been made of Liverpool’s attacking form this season – with Mo Salah now top of the goal contributions charts after an assist and a goal against Villa.But it is the defensive record that could prove the difference come the end of the season.Liverpool have now kept NINE clean sheets in 17 matches this season, conceding just 10 goals in total.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportHere’s how Phil Thomas saw the game…Copy linkCopied’We were watching the game’In a rare move for a footballer, Alexis Mac Allister revealed that Liverpool were watching his former club Brighton beat title rivals Man City.He added: “I did know, we were watching the game. I am happy for Brighton. I have special feelings for them, I am very grateful. They beat one of the best teams in the world right now but we are not thinking about other teams.”Speaking about Mo Salah, Mac Allister said: “He is so good and so important for the team. He is a legend here. Happy for him and when you have him you know he is going to deliver and get the numbers.”Copy linkCopiedTitle contendersAlexis Mac Allister admits the place Liverpool find themselves in at the minute means they can count themselves as title contenders.He told TNT Sports: “Very big win against a very good team. The goals came in counter-attacks but overall the team played a very good game. “We are happy with it. We know we’re top of the league but there are a lot of teams so we take it step by step.”If we are top of the league by five points then it means something. But we have to go step by step. If you asked me before the season started I would not say we were candidates but now it looks like it.”Copy linkCopiedWhere we standThey had a one-point lead heading into the October break.Now that lead is FIVE for Liverpool going into the November stop.No matter how title rivals Nottingham Forest do tomorrow, they cannot close that gap.Chelsea and Arsenal have a chance to close the gap on Forest and Man City tomorrow when they play one another.Villa in a struggle at the minute.Copy linkCopiedCopying PepUnai Emery is looking to emulate fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola.Winning European trophies, playing out from the back.And now also, losing four games on the spin. Uh oh….Copy linkCopiedTop of the pile’Liverpool, top of the league. Liverpool, Liverpool top of the league’.That’s the chant around Anfield as the Liverpool players take their acclaim.A huge noise around, they know tonight could be significant.Massive buzz around.Copy linkCopiedFT!Liverpool move FIVE POINTS clear at the top of the Premier League!Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah on the scoresheet in a huge night at Anfield.Liverpool 2-0 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90 – Liverpool 2-0 Aston VillaFour minutes added on as Villa get themselves a string of set pieces but make a mess of the lot of them.Kelleher claiming the latest under zero pressure.Copy linkCopiedMo of the sameOne assistOne goalOne hell of a playerCopy linkCopied84 – GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 Aston VillaThe Reds are moving five points clear!Pau Torres throws himself to ground in the Liverpool box in frighteningly embarrassing fashion for a centre back.Cringing watching it back for him. Liverpool then clear it into Villa’s half and Diego Carlos as the last man heads it off Salah who bursts clean through.He has two men to square it to for a tap-in, but MO SALAH drives at Martinez and waits for the keeper to sit down before cheekily dinking it over him into the net.Torres still looking for a penalty. The only one he should get is a fine from his manager for that.Three points staying in Merseyside.Copy linkCopied82 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaAgain, nothing comes of the corner.Copy linkCopied81 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaLiverpool break in a 4v1 scenario to kill the game, but that one is Ezri Konsa and he does superbly well to win it.He even falls over and keeps possession to kick it forward.Villa then come forward on the counter again where Duran wins another corner.Copy linkCopiedSeeking the spotlightAustin MacPhee one of several set piece coaches in this division absolutely desperate to show he does something.He’s jumping up and down, waving his arms as Villa get ready to take a corner.The first one they take short and make a mess of it and are lucky to win another.The second time it doesn’t beat the first man. Austin quickly retreats to his seat, and rightfully so…Copy linkCopied76 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaVilla become the counter side this time as Liverpool press for a second.Duran and Maatsen combine to get Philogene away in a 1v1 with Robertson. The defender stands up the Villa man and Diaz works back tirelessly to nick it off his toe.Excellent tracking back and something Liverpool have done ever so well to put themselves in this place at the summit.Copy linkCopied More

PREMIER LEAGUE action returns for what is set to be another blockbuster weekend – and there are TWO London derbies for fans to sink their teeth into.Fulham welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage in the first of the London clashes.Manchester City will be determined to end their three-game losing streak when they face Brighton while high-flying Liverpool host Aston Villa in the late kick-off.But the second derby of the weekend and the most highly-anticipated contest in this cluster of fixtures sees Arsenal travel across the capital where Chelsea awaits.LATEST SCORES…Brentford 1-1 BournemouthCrystal Palace 0-1 FulhamWest Ham 0-0 EvertonWolves 1-0 SouthamptonBrighton vs Man City (5.30pm)Liverpool vs Aston Villa (8pm)FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from around the grounds with our live blog below…49 – GOAL! Brentford 1-2 BOURNEMOUTHThe visitors hit the front once more!Copy linkCopiedHalf time update from Matt Hughes at the GtechBrentford have fought their way back into the game at the Gtech Community Stadium after Bournemouth threatened to blow them away in the opening quarter.With Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams pulling the strings the visitors were well worth their early lead, gifted to Evanilson in the 17th minute by Sepp Van Den Berg’s horrendous back-pass. Conceding the first goal appeared to sting the Bees into life however, with Yoanne Wissa equalising with header across goal in the 26th minute after Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez failed to deal with a long throw.Copy linkCopiedHalf time update from Graeme Bryce at MolineuxThe tension is so intense at Molineux you could cut it with a spoon – never mind a knife!They say an early goal settles the nerves but Wolves still look brittle and edgy here as Saints take the game to them.The visitors look the more likely side but their inability to score goals is working against them again.Fortunately for Wolves they have old warrior Craig Dawson there to keep them right.The big man is like a magnet to the ball as he keeps swatting Saints attacks away.What would Wolves do without him?Copy linkCopiedHalf time update from Ian McCullough at Selhurst ParkEmile Smith-Rowe’s smart finish on the stroke of halftime put Fulham ahead at Selhurst Park after a howler from Maxime Lecroix.Trying to play the ball out from the back, the French centre-back’s pass was blocked by Smith-Rowe then picked up by Raul Jimenez who teed up the former Arsenal man to slide the ball past Dean Henderson. Fulham had looked the more fluid going forward against an injury-hit Palace who have England centre-back Marc Guehi playing in centre midfield alongside Justin Devenny, who is making his Premier League debut, but the sides looked to be heading in at half-time on level terms before Smith-Rowe struck.Reiss Nelson should have put Fulham ahed when put through by Alex Iwobi but he was only able to shoot straight at Dean Henderson.Palace have had some joy with balls over the top to JP Mateta and it took some quick thinking from former Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen to clear the ball off the line after the French forward’s header was blocked by Bernd Leno. Copy linkCopiedHT! The half time scores from the 3pm kick-offs across the Premier League.Brentford 1-1 BournemouthCrystal Palace 0-1 FulhamWest Ham 0-0 EvertonWolves 1-0 SouthamptonCopy linkCopiedI’ll passTwo horrific passes from defenders leading to opening goals at Brentford and Crystal Palace.Not sure what one was worse but Pep Guardiola has a lot to answer for, making every time try and pass out from the back.Having said that, it’s good we’ve got goals from it. Plenty more of those to come hopefully.Copy linkCopied45+2 – GOAL! Crystal Palace 0-1 FULHAMLacroix with a shocker. He’s in the centre circle, taking his time in possession.When he does pass forward it passes it straight to EMILE SMITH ROWE.ESR drives to the edge of the box before getting a shot on target with his weaker left foot, which Henderson gets a touch to but weak, weak hands let the ball through and into the bottom corner. Poor from the home side.Copy linkCopiedShots firedOr not, actually.The Hammers yet to register a shot of any description, with just one on target for the Toffees.On the face of it, they’re better just shaking hands at half time, taking a point and they’ll be home in time for Strictly.Copy linkCopiedFrom Matt Hughes at the GtechAnother goal-fest is on the cards at Brentford, who have hit back through Yoanne Wissa to equalise after falling behind.Brentford have been generous hosts all season despite being unbeaten at home, and gifted Bournemouth an early lead in the 17th minute. A counter-attacking from the visitors had broken down when Bees defender Sepp Van Den Berg suddenly revived it.The Dutchman’s back-pass from the halfway line towards Ethan Pinnock was woefully underhit, allowing Evanilson to intercept easily in sight of goal.  Evanilson had all the time in the world and took full advantage, calming nipping rounf Mark Flekken to shoot into an empty net, the Portuguese striker’s third goal in as many games.Brentford hit back nine minutes later, and Van Den Berg will have been relieved at playing a part. Van Den Berg’s long throw was not dealt with by Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, with Yoane Wissa pouncing on his misdirected clearance to score with a well-directed header across goal.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at the London StadiumWest Ham fans are close to turning here. They will have arrived hoping for a confidence boosting win over a poor Everton side but have been served up half an hour of utter incompetence.Passes have found a blue shirt almost as often as they have one of West Ham’s own players and they are showing almost nothing going forwards.Everton have remained solid if hardly adventurous and have created the better chances so far. Not a classic.Copy linkCopiedFrom Ian McCullough at Selhurst ParkA fairly tame opening 20 minutes at Selhurst Park in a meeting of two sides that have drawn four of their last five times they have played.England centre-back Marc Guehi has been employed in midfield for injury-hit Palace with veteran Nataniel Clyne filling in at the heart of Oliver Glasner three-man back-line.Fulham, who have looked the more fluid going forward, had the best chance of the half so far when Reiss Nelson was put through by Alex Iwobi’s defence-splitting pass but Dean Henderson came out quickly and blocked his shot with his legs.Jean-Phillipe Mateta twice got in behind the Fulham defence but was unable to get his shot on target.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graeme Bryce at MolineuxWhat a whirlwind start!Wolves got off to a flyer when Pablo Sarabia took Matheus Cunha’s pass in his stride, rounded Aaron Ramsdale and stroked the ball home.That must have lifted a weight off Gary O’Neil’s shoulders – and Sarabia’s whose name was booed when the team was read out at the start!But Wolves rode their luck as Saints almost levelled 10 minutes later – only for VAR to save them.Ryan Manning blasted home after Wolves failed to clear their lines.But the Saint was denied his first Prem goal after Mateus Fernandes bundled Nelson Semedo over in the build-up. This is already shaping up to be a belter!Copy linkCopied27 – GOAL! BRENTFORD 1-1 BournemouthA lot said about the tidy football and intricate play and tactics in the Premier League.Sometimes you can’t beat a big long throw into the box and feed off the scraps – they all count!Brentford win the first two flick-ons from a long throw and YOANE WISSA eight yards out at the back post heads it back across goal, leaving the keeper rooted. One each!Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresBrentford 0-1 BournemouthCrystal Palace 0-0 FulhamWest Ham 0-0 EvertonWolves 1-0 SouthamptonBrighton vs Man City (5.30pm)Liverpool vs Aston Villa (8pm)Copy linkCopied17 – GOAL! Brentford 0-1 BOURNEMOUTHUh oh, Sepp van den Berg won’t want to see this again!In comfortable possession at right back, it looks like it’s the first time he’s ever used his left foot, trying to pass back to Flekken.But it’s a horror back pass straight into the path of EVANILSON who skips rounds the keeper and walks the ball into the empty net.Shocker but no more than Bournemouth deserve.Copy linkCopiedNO GOAL! Wolves 1-0 SouthamptonOh no no no!Gary O’Neil will absolutely NOT be bemoaning VAR tonight, it’s a shocker from the referee to rule this equaliser out.Semedo looks to shield the ball inside his own box and steps across the Saints man – if anything giving a penalty away – before going to ground.The ball fell at the feet of Ryan Manning who smashed it home.The referee checks and rules it out for a free kick. You tell kids that moaning gets you nowhere….Copy linkCopiedVAR CHECK…Maybe it’s not a Saints equaliser after all.Referee having a look…Copy linkCopied12 – GOAL! Wolves 1-1 SOUTHAMPTONThe Saints come marching back in the big one!Copy linkCopiedLook, Wolves fans!Wolves are Wandering up the table, now third bottom as things stand!Yeah, a bit early to get too excited. But you’re off the bottom….Copy linkCopied2 – GOAL! WOLVES 1-0 Southampton1 minute 49 seconds – just the start Wolves needed!It’s an aimless ball down the left by Wolves which Walker-Peters makes a complete mess of when heading on halfway.Cunha gathers and drives 30 yards through the middle of the park before sliding in PABLO SARABIA who skips round Ramsdale who is in no man’s land and he tucks it into the empty net.Incredible start.Copy linkCopiedKICK OFF!Up and running in the Premier League!Copy linkCopiedOut around the countryThe players are out and going through their pre-match formalities.Remembrance Day commemorations taking place across the four Premier League grounds and around the country.Copy linkCopiedHow we standBournemouth and Fulham with a chance to jump onto the same points as Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea with a win here.Eyes immediately drawn to the bottom of the table and that huge clash at Molineux.Copy linkCopiedFrom Andy Dillon at the London StadiumWest Ham take on Everton with both clubs up against it and their respective managers under intense pressure.Julen Lopetegui and Sean Dyche need something to turn fortunes around and quickly.So much so that some at the London Stadium today have even dubbed this game the ‘Moyes derby’ because whoever loses will get their old boss back come Monday. Moyes has coached both clubs previously. Many a true word said in jest.Copy linkCopiedLast but not leastA look at the two XIs picked in the David Moyes derby at the London Stadium.West Ham XI: Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soucek, Rodriguez, Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville, AntonioEverton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Mangala, Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye, Calvert-LewinCopy linkCopied More