Premier League

CRYSTAL PALACE fans could not wait for the season to finish a few weeks ago, now they must not want it to end.After a rocky start with one win in six, Oliver Glasner has the Eagles soaring once more, racking up a third straight Premier League win with some salivating football to boot.Jean-Philippe Mateta lashes the first of his two decisive goalsCredit: RexDaniel Munoz helps Mateta celebrate his crucial doubleCredit: ReutersMateta clinched a 2-0 win with this fierce finishCredit: RexHaving toppled Liverpool and then crashed five past West Ham at the weekend, Palace made light work of Newcastle in South London.Jean-Philippe Mateta delivered a double to make it eight goals in as many games under Glasner.Mateta’s name will go down on the scoresheet but Eberechi Eze was at the heart of this Palace performance – dazzling on the ball and happy to try anything taking on those in black and white.His return to form and fitness will have been noted by the recruitment departments among the top six.Eddie Howe, looking to tighten his grip on a European finish, was able to welcome Callum Wilson back to the squad for the first time since February following injury, with the striker among the substitutes.Michael Olise started the night on the bench for Palace, but his partner in crime, Eze, was out to impress from the off.The midfielder created the first real chance of the night, shifting left the right on the edge of the box before sending a low effort narrowly wide of the post.The No10 lifted a cross into the box which was headed over by Mateta before Adam Wharton sent a low strike at Martin Dubravka.Bruno Guimaraes and Co enjoyed a frustrating nightCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPalace could not quite take advantage of their fast start and were almost caught out at the other end – where Dean Henderson game to the rescue.The Eagles keeper, making a late case to be included in the England squad for Euro 2024, rushed out and excellently stopped Alexander Isak after the Swede had been sent through alone by Bruno Guimaraes.Darts star Luke Littler brutally trolls Liverpool as Man Utd fan shares hilarious WWE-inspired post Palace continued to play the more intricate, attractive football of the two and with Eze keeping the tempo high after the break they finally got a breakthrough.Eze was left in acres of space in the Toon half and picked out Mateta on the edge of the box. With his back to goal the striker laid the ball off to Jordan Ayew, spun in behind and collected the return before finishing across Dubravka.It was a wonderfully worked goal, the sort Palace fans felt was a long old way off when Roy Hodgson was still in the dugout.His successor, Glasner, will point to the fact that, unlike Hodgson, he now has fit players to pick from. But this Palace side certainly look well coached and confident.Eze continued to probe, dancing around those in black and white who looked incapable of getting near him, but fell just short of grabbing what would have been an extremely well deserved goal.Palace had to show a tougher side late on, hanging in there as Newcastle pushed for a leveller and saw a their penalty shout denied when Sean Longstaff hit the deck having been pulled back by Will Hughes.But while the Toon huffed and puffed, Palace delivered another smooth goal to kill them off. Hughes and Tyrick Mitchell exchanged passes down the left before the midfielder cut back for Mateta to grab his second.Magpies’ chief Eddie Howe saw his side put on pressure too lateCredit: GettyPalace chief Oliver Glasner yells instructions in the 2-0 triumphCredit: GettyNewcastle fans Ant and Dec watch their heroes lose at at Selhurst ParkCredit: Rex More

STUART ATTWELL was at the centre of more VAR controversy after he ruled out Hwang Hee-chan’s potential equaliser to spark fury among Wolves fans.Then sent off Bournemouth bad boy Milos Kerkez for a crunching tackle on Matt Doherty.Bournemouth defeated Wolves thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s winnerCredit: GettyBournemouth lost Milos Kerkez to a direct red card after a heavy lossCredit: GettyWolves star Hwang Hee-chan had a goal chalked offCredit: PAMax Kilman thought he equalised at the death for WolvesCredit: GettyIt was the last thing the Luton-supporting ref needed, after Nottingham Forest publicly called him out for his failure to spot three potential penalties during their relegation battle with Everton.This time Attwell was the man in the middle – five days on from Luton-gate – and it was VAR Darren England who put him on the spot.Ironically, Attwell initially awarded Wolves an equaliser when Nelson Semedo crossed for Hwang to head home after he out-jumped Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.But England had spotted a potential foul in the build up and called on Attwell to take a second look.This time Attwell did spot foul play as he judged that Matheus Cunha had elbowed Justin Kluivert in the build-up.Although Kluivert was able to continue playing and no Cherries player appeared to complain, the goal was ruled out, sparking fury among home fans.”Nuno’s right, Attwell’s sh**e,” chanted Wolves supporters.And they followed it up with “It’s not football any more,” and “Premier League, corrupt as f**k.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd even though Attwell reduced Bournemouth to 10 men – again checking his monitor to confirm Kerkez had gone in recklessley on Doherty – it did nothing to appease Wolves fans.In the end, Antoine Semenyo’s first-half goal was enough to earn the Cherries three deserved points to keep them on course to set a new club Premier League points record.Fans think they’ve spotted bizarre optical illusion in Wolves training ground videoAndoni Iraola’s men now need just two more points from their final four matches to surpass their previous best of 46 points set seven years ago.Wolves in contrast looked as if they had the weight of the world on their shoulders after making it seven games on the spin without a win.Only the brilliance of Jose Sa prevented Bournemouth from wrapping up the three points by half-time.The visitors started brightly and Semenyo’s early shot crashed off Max Kilman for a corner.Marcos Senesi made first contact with the flag kick and sent the ball looping towards the back post where it bounced off the Wolves crossbar, with Sa scrambling.Wolves finally came to life when Pablo Sarabia took a pass from Kilman and fired in a curling shot which looked netbound until Mark Travers, making his first Premier start for the Cherries, brilliantly parried it away for a corner.Jose Sa savesAt the other end Sa saved from Solanke before surpassing himself to palm away Kerkez’s shot, after Kluivert set him up with a cute backheel.  Wolves’ Portuguese goalkeeper made it a hat-trick of rapid saves when he defied Kluivert with a stunning save low to his left.But he was helpless to prevent Bournemouth finally making the breakthrough they had been threatening eight minutes before the break.Semenyo started and finished the move working the ball out to Kluivert who played in Kerkez.His low cross was cut out by Kilman but the ball landed perfectly for Semenyo who slammed the ball beyond Sa from eight yards.Wolves thought they had equalised twice during a bad-tempered second half, first through Hwang, and then deep into stoppage time Max Kilman slammed a shot past Mark Travers.But following a lengthy VAR check it was confirmed that the giant defender had strayed offside.This time Attwell had nothing to do with the decision! More

MANCHESTER UNITED’S return to Premier League action was anything but smooth – but they got the job done over Sheffield United.Jayden Bogle pounced on Andre Onana’s howler to give the Blades a shock lead before it was quickly wiped out by Harry Maguire’s delightful header.Bereton Diaz then helped the visitors restore their lead, only just to see Bruno Fernandes level the scoring once more from the penalty spot.Captain fantastic Fernandes stepped up yet again by smashing one in from long range to put the hosts in front for the first time.And then the Portuguese magician put it on a plate for Rasmus Hojlund to end his drought and seal all three points.
RESULT: Man Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK
Man Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Sheff Utd XI:  Foderingham; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty; Bogle, Hamer, Arblaster, Osborn, Brooks; Brereton Diaz, Archer
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMatch report
Bruno Fernandes spared Manchester United more embarrassment as they came from behind to beat rock bottom Sheffield United.
Erik ten Hag’s men were behind twice but in the end a Fernandes penalty and long-range blast put them ahead.
Then he was the supplier with a cross for Rasmus Hojlund to make it all safe.
Having made more than hardwork of getting past Coventry City on Sunday this looked at one point that it could easily have gone against them too.
But superior quality showed in the end.
No doubt in Erik’s eyes this was more evidence of the resilience in his team as they fight it out for a place in the Europa Conference League.

Copy linkCopiedHow we stand
Newcastle’s defeat means United are now sixth in the Premier League.
Here’s how the top half looks, with Liverpool now out the title race it would appear.

Copy linkCopiedWhere the problems lie
Bruno Fernandes hinted it when he spoke earlier.
But this shows where the problem lies at United currently…
50 – Manchester United have conceded 50+ goals in two of the last three Premier League seasons, having done so in just one of their first 29 in the competition. Susceptible. #MUNSHU pic.twitter.com/kVmRR2zb40— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 24, 2024

Copy linkCopiedTen Hag on Bruno
He continued: “Bruno’s very consistent. At the moment he’s in very good form.
“We are striving to progress the team. The number of goals we are scoring in this moment is a huge progress. If we have our back four back, then I’m sure we will be more consistent.”

Copy linkCopiedTen Hag reacts
Erik ten Hag praised the composure of his side after twice falling behind in front of their own fans.
He told BBC’s Match of the Day: “Many positives today. The resilience to fight back after losing two times. But also there were negatives. We gave it away, it can’t happen, unacceptable, we have to learn from this.
“But I’m happy with the win and we need to move on.
“Have you seen some panic? No, not at all, we were very composed. We kept making chances throughout the game.”
Copy linkCopied250 up
Not only is it a memorable night for Ethan Wheatley making his first team debut, it represents a milestone for United.
He becomes the 250th academy graduate to make an appearance in the first team!

Copy linkCopied’Demands winning games’
Bruno Fernandes says the main thing is winning games at Man Utd after his performance tonight.
Per BBC, he said: “We talk about clean sheets all the time and we want to keep them. Credit to Sheffield United.
“At the end we came back. We put ourselves in a position where it’s tough to win games. But also it shows a bit of character.
“We also need to be aware that if we control the game like we did in the first half, we have to score our chances.
“We’re scoring lots of goals. It’s just about that compactness we need to have as a team.
“I’m really happy to score, but I want to win games more than score goals. It’s part of my role also, to score goals. But the main thing for me is winning games.
“Lately we haven’t won as many as we should have. It’s part of the job. You can win eight or nine games in a row, and then as soon as you lose you know you will be criticised. Being a Manchester United player demands winning games.”
Copy linkCopiedFine in the end
It was a good win for Manchester United in the end but it didn’t start well for them.
Andre Onana made a shocking blunder to give Sheffield United the lead at Old Trafford.
Onana was trying to play out from the back when his misdirected pass landed right at Bogle’s feet.
The defender made the most of the situation and neatly tucked the ball past the goalkeeper to put his relegation battling side ahead.
Although Sheffield United’s lead didn’t last very long at all after Harry Maguire levelled the score just seven minutes later.
However, that didn’t stop Man Utd fans from venting their frustrations online about Onana’s shortcomings since his summer arrival from Ajax.

Copy linkCopiedMan of the match
No real surprises there is there.
The United captain picking up successive man of the match awards.

Copy linkCopiedElsewhere
It’s a pretty perfect night for Manchester United.
Liverpool are out the title race now after defeat in the derby at Goodison.
And closest challengers Newcastle have also been beaten 2-0 at Crystal Palace as they lose their grip on sixth.
Copy linkCopiedFull time stats
The numbers at the end of the game showing a dominant United display across the evening.
Sheffield United more of an attacking threat in the second period but United just about doing enough to warrant the victory.
Credit: LiveScore
Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
Sheffield United certainly had a go tonight and played their part in a big way.
They had the lead twice in the game and looked set to pile more misery on Erik ten Hag.
But a Bruno Fernandes double and late Rasmus Hojlund goal turned the game on its head and it’s United and Ten Hag celebrating.
Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME
Three points for Manchester United as they come from behind for a priceless win to move sixth in the league!
Reaction to follow.

Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
90+7. Fernandes then smashes a ball across goal with Garnacho in at the back post but it’s just overhit and away from danger.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
90+7. Garnacho sent through on the left and bodies to pick out inside the box.
He smashes it at goal and Foderingham again keeps him out. Not been his night in front of goal at all.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
90+3. United almost in again.
Fernandes’ attempted through ball for Wheatley is just cut out in the nick of time as the youngster looked set to be in on goal.

Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
90. A United double change.
And a significant and special one at that as 18-year-old academy striker Ethan Wheatley comes on for his Manchester United debut.

OFF: Hojlund & Mainoo
ON: Wheatley & Amrabat

Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
90. United deal with that one.
There will be NINE added minutes!
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
89. Hamer comes forward again down the right but his cross hits the head of Harry Maguire and goes behind for a corner.
His cross is better than the shot a minute ago and a header on target is headed off the line!
Hamer comes forward again and his shot from the edge of the box strikes Casemiro and goes behind for another corner!
89 minutes with barely a touch and suddenly Hamer is the main man this last couple of minutes.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
89. It’s not a great attempt from Hamer as it floats harmlessly wide.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
88. Casemiro penalised for a foul just outside his own box.
He looks shocked as the referee points for a free kick, about five yards outside the box. It’s very central too and a chance for Sheffield United.
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
87. McAtee hasn’t long been on but was hurt in a challenge a short time ago. He’s away off again.

OFF: McAtee
ON: Osula

Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-2 Sheff Utd
84. Manchester United are moving into fifth spot tonight.
I don’t need to tell you who set this one up….
Dalot with a peach of a ball over the top to find Fernandes who times his run expertly well. He’s running away from goal but on the turn sends a delightful pass across the six-yard box where Hojlund comes steaming in to slide and smash it into the net.
That ends a six-game drought.
Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!
GAME OVER – RASMUS HOJLUND WRAPS UP THE POINTS FOR UNITED!
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-2 Sheff Utd
81. I asked where United would be without Bruno Fernandes.
Now I’ll answer it. They’d be ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE.
He’s single handedly carrying this team on his back and that’s highlighted tonight once more.
He picks up a pass from Mainoo about 25 yards from goal. Nobody goes to close him down and he works it onto his left foot and smashes a left-footed shot into the corner of the net.
Foderingham dived but he was nowhere near it. Sensational strike and United turn it around!

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