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      Arsenal 3 Spurs 1 LIVE SCORE: Gunners romp Spurs in scintillating North London derby to stay top – latest updates

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      ARSENAL continued their sensational start to the season with a huge North London derby win over bitter rivals Tottenham.Harry Kane’s well dispatched penalty cancelled out Thomas Partey’s sublime long-range effort.
      But goals from Gabriel Jesus and Swiss captain Grant Xhaka sealed all three points for the Gunners, while Emerson Royal saw red for a sickening challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.

      RESULT: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs
      Live stream: BT Sport
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
      Tottenham XI: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Longlet; Royal, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Perisic; Richarlison, Son Heung-Min, Kane

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      Test after test for Arteta’s side
      The big games come thick and fast for Arsenal as they welcome Liverpool to The Emirates in their next league fixture.
      With two Europa League games sandwiched around a mouth-watering fixture against Jurgen Klopp’s side, the Spanish manager will be well aware of the challenge ahead.
      He could not have asked for a better start to the new campaign.
      Gunners send warning shot to City
      Arsenal have shown Pep Guardiola’s Man City that they will have to work hard to get themselves to the top of the Premier League this season.
      City play Man Utd tomorrow, now four points behind leaders Arsenal.
      Mikel Arteta will be pleased to get one over his friend and ex-manager as the apprentice shows the master what he has got.
      Meanwhile, the sale of Gabriel Jesus to a club they didn’t regard as rivals seems to be a questionable decision right now.
      Credit: Getty
      Arteta looks to silence critics
      Despite their fantastic start to the season, many have labelled Arsenal as a side only capable of beating the sides they are expected to.
      After their defeat at Old Trafford, questions were being asked of their ability to beat rivals deemed to be in the ‘big six’.
      With Antonio Conte’s Tottenham having pipped Arsenal to fourth spot last season, this victory will go a long way towards Mikel Arteta rewarding the fans for the pain of the previous season.
      Arsenal showed their ability to beat a ‘big six’ team today and rarely did they look in trouble against their noisy neighbours.
      Get us out of here drive!
      Tottenham’s atrocious record at Arsenal continues.
      They have only won two of their last 38 league fixtures away to The Gunners.
      Those two victories came in 1993 and 2010.
      Mikel Arteta’s side now find themselves four points clear of their North London rivals.
      Credit: Rex
      FT: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      The referee puts these Tottenham players out of their misery.
      Arsenal get the result their performance deserved today.
      Tottenham lost grasp of this game as soon as Emerson Royal got sent off for a needless tackle.
      North London is red and white today.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      90+2. The Tottenham section looks like they’ve heard a fire alarm that nobody else has.
      More seats than people.
      Arsenal knock the ball around, keeping possession, ensuring that their rivals cannot get a consolation goal.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      90. Arsenal fans sing out ‘we are top of the league’.
      We are going to have three minutes added on.
      It will seem like a longer three minutes to the visitors than Arteta’s side.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      88. Tomiyasu comes on for Ben White.
      Spurs seem to be going through the motions now.
      Somebody will have to draw the short straw of sitting next to Antonio Conte on the way back, good luck with that.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      86. Mikel Arteta is set to become only the third Arsenal manager in their history to win his first three North London derbies at home.
      The points will be more important in the grand scheme of things, but will give them confidence going into the rest of the season.
      Conte will have to pick his players up for Champions League action in the week.
      Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham – Martinelli yellow card
      84. This has turned into a training ground game for the hosts.
      So much space to utilise, passing the ball about with Spurs unable to do anything about it.
      It was bound to happen sooner or later, the ole’s have started with any Arsenal touch of the ball.
      Gabriel Martinelli lunges in on Doherty on the halfway line to earn himself an unnecessary booking and to ruin fantasy league teams up and down the country.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      82. Tottenham are still chasing shadows.
      The extra player is having a big effect now as we enter the latter stages of the game as the visitors start to look fatigued.
      Another goal would be the icing on the cake for Mikel Arteta.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      80. Odegaard hands the armband to Granit Xhaka as he comes off for Fabio Viera.
      Gabriel Jesus comes off for Eddie Nketiah.
      Both players have put in a good shift today.
      We are into the final ten minutes of this North London derby.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      78. Tottenham seem resigned to just getting what numbers they have left on the pitch behind the ball.
      They do not want this to turn into a humbling defeat.
      Bragging rights are heading to the red and white side of North London.
      Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      76. The fans in the away end do not look pleased.
      At least it is not a long trip back home.
      Ten players on the pitch and two goals down, nobody could forgive them for heading for the exits.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      74. Arsenal makes some changes as Lokonga and Tierney join the party.
      Which is ironic as it is Partey and Zinchenko who leave the field.
      This would be a big three points for The Gunners.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      72. Conte makes four substitutions.
      Sanchez for Lenglet.
      Bissouma for Perisic.
      Sessegnon on Richarlison.
      Doherty on for Son.
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      70. Tottenham are in danger of sinking without a trace here.
      They cannot get a toe on the ball currently.
      Arsenal are stroking the ball around, making the visitors chase shadows.
      Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
      68. With the extra-man advantage, Xhaka has more of a chance to burst forward from the centre of midfield.
      As he receives the ball in the box, it opens up for him in front of goal and he strokes it home with his preferred left-foot.
      What a career he has had for Arsenal….from villain to hero.
      Goal – Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
      Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
      66. It is all Arsenal at the moment.
      Tottenham are struggling with their hosts having numbers over all of the time.
      Saka cuts inside and tries to bend a left-footed shot into the far corner but it goes just wide.
      Conte looking to make changes before a second Arsenal goal.
      Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
      64. Royal has really let his team down today.
      There was no need to dive in like he did out on the touchline.
      Replays can make these challenges look worse than ‘real-time’ but you can see why the red card was given, clumsy.
      Red card – Emerson Royal (Tottenham)
      Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
      62. Tottenham come away with Perisic.
      The Croatian could find space in a single bed with Gemma Collins.
      Whipping the ball across goal, nobody can get a touch on it.
      Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
      60. Arsenal are getting numbers behind the ball whenever Spurs are in possession now.
      Hojbjerg runs onto a ball on the edge of the box but his effort is high, wide and not so handsome.
      Thomas Partey he is not.
      Xhaka chips a ball into the box towards Jesus but his header is saved by Hugo Lloris.
      Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
      58. This is the problem for Tottenham in terms of depth.
      When they find themselves in a position like this, they do not have a lot of attacking options on the bench to rely upon.
      With no Moura or Kulusevski, Conte’s options are severely limited.
      Credit: Reuters
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      Liverpool 3 Brighton 3: Trossard becomes just third player ever to score hat-trick at Anfield after stunning treble

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      WELCOME to the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi – this is really not a place for the fainthearted.Top-flight football in England can be cruel, crazy, unpredictable and delirious and the new Brighton boss discovered all of that and more in 90 madcap minutes.
      Leandro Trossard beats Alisson with a late strikeCredit: EPA
      The Belgian celebrates salvaging a late point for BrightonCredit: PA
      The Italian went through the full tumult of emotions in his first match in English football as Brighton took a 2-0 first-half lead, seemingly threw it away and then deservedly snatched a point at Anfield.
      After thinking an Adam Webster own goal had condemned his valiant side to a harsh defeat, De Zerbi was soon celebrating wildly as Leandro Trossard scored a stunning hat-trick – just the third by an opposing player at Anfield after Peter Ndlovu and Andrey Arshavin.
      It is a result that means Liverpool are entering full-blown crisis mode as the misery continues for Jurgen Klopp and beleaguered Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      It is a result that sees the Red sink further behind leaders Arsenal – they are 11 points off the pace – as their worst Prem start under the German continues.
      Read More Football News
      To highlight how well Brighton have done in this stop-start season – and just how poor Liverpool have performed – they remain four points above Klopp’s misfiring troops.
      Normally a change of manager happens when a team is on the slide or results have gone horribly wrong.
      But Graham Potter decided the chance to manage Chelsea was too good to turn down and he has left newbie De Zerbi – who only started work on September 20 – with a squad that was full of confidence and belief.
      In his time at Serie A Sassuolo and then in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, the Italian used his tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation.
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      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But Brighton – who were used to a variety of formations under innovative Potter – went with a more defensive 3-5-2 for this trip to Merseyside.
      De Zerbi, wearing white trainers and a black jumper and trousers, promised he would deliver front-foot, attacking and brave football.
      But even the 43-year-old could not have imagined his starting XI would follow his instructions so closely and start in such an electrifying manner.
      Less than four minutes into his new tenure and Brighton took the lead thanks to Trossard’s brilliant left-footed strike, his third goal of this season.
      Captain Jordan Henderson – starting his first match for the club in over a month – was initially at fault for failing to clear the ball properly.
      And his calls for a foul when he was cleverly nudged from behind by Danny Welbeck were ignored by referee Andy Madley.
      Quick thinking and with quick-feet, Belgian forward Trossard latched on to the pass from Pascal Gross and created the space to fire past Alisson.
      On the eve of the contest, Alexander-Arnold had been the subject of much debate since being left out of England’s Nations League squad.
      But Trossard had the measure of the full-back and the sight of the under-fire Liverpool star losing his footing and slipping to his knees in despair as Brighton scored would have only given his critics more ammunition.
      Right now, Alexander-Arnold cannot do anything right it would seem defensively and he was at fault as the visitors doubled their lead.
      Welbeck – who arguably should have scored with a six-yard header on 11 minutes – won possession off TAA’s poor clearance and he eventually found team-mate Solly March, who in turn fed in Trossard.
      Onside and with space to shoot, Trossard was not missing from this range and Alisson was once again unable to stop the powerful left-footed drive.
      For Brighton, who had started magnificently, this was thoroughly deserved. Liverpool were sluggish and shell-shocked.
      Trossard became the first non-Liverpool player to score a first-half brace at Anfield in the league since Wigan’s Amr Zaki’s two goals in October 2008.
      In the build-up, Klopp had demanded energy, intensity, passion and flying tackles from his stars but that visibly lacking.
      Mo Salah thought he had pulled one back on the half an hour mark but his strike diverted wide as it flicked off the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
      Nothing seemed to be going Liverpool’s way – that was until a key intervention by the Stockley Park boffins.
      Henderson lofted a pass to Salah and the Egyptian cleverly located Roberto Firmino who applied the finish over the diving Lewis Dunk.
      The assistant ref flagged for offside but VAR replays showed Salah was level with Webster and the decision was overturned as Liverpool reduced the arrears.
      The introduction of Luis Diaz at half time for the unproductive Fabio Carvalho was the right call as he was involved in both of Liverpool’s second-half goals.
      From a quick counter-attack, the Colombian found Firmino who controlled the pass with his right foot and then shot with his left to silence any enthusiastic Brighton fans on 54 minutes.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Diaz made a nuisance of himself as Sanchez misjudged the inswinging corner on 63 minutes, missing his punch as the ball then bounced off Webster.
      It looked like Brighton were heading back to the South Coast with at least a point but Trossard changed all that, smashing his fourth career hat-trick in front of a disbelieving and disgruntled Kop.
      Read how the action unfolded with our live blog below…

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      in Soccer

      Southampton vs Everton LIVE: Latest updates from Premier League clash at St Mary’s

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      SOUTHAMPTON host Everton as the Premier League makes its return.Everton head into the game on a run of five Premier League games unbeaten.
      While the Saints have lost their last two matches in the league since a 2-1 win over Chelsea.

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      Bournemouth 0 Brentford 0: Cherries controversially denied penalty as Gary O’Neil stretches unbeaten start to four games

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      IVAN TONEY fired a blank in his first game back for Brentford after being neglected by Gareth Southgate.The Bees striker was called up by England for the first time this month but not used in either game against Italy or Germany.
      Bournemouth were not awarded a penalty for this Kristoffer Ajer challengeCredit: Reuters
      The Cherries and Brentford played out a dull stalemate on the south coastCredit: Getty
      And on his return to his club the forward will probably be thinking he should’ve given his side three points against Bournemouth.
      Toney blazed wide of the mark with the goal at his mercy with 20 minutes left to play.
      The Cherries were convinced they should have had a penalty in the first-half when Kristoffer Ajer brought down Jordan Zemura.
      Referee Thomas Bramall waved play on, and stuck to his original decision when asked to consult the pitchside monitor.
      Bournemouth should they should have had another penalty in the dying stages, but Mathias Jensen was handed a reprieve after the ball clearly struck his arm by the full-time whistle.
      MORE TO FOLLOW…
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Singapore Grand Prix LIVE: Pierre Gasly leaps from BURNING car, Sainz pips Leclerc to fastest FP2 time – latest

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      START your engines Formula One fans as the Singapore Grand Prix is making its long-awaited return.Covid restrictions forced F1 chiefs to make a logistical decision in cancelling the 2021 race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
      But more than a year on, the race stakes are higher than ever as Max Verstappen could secure his second consecutive championship title.

      Qualifying: Saturday, October 1 – 2pm
      Race: Sunday, October 2 – 1pm
      Live stream: Sky Go
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1

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      Red Bull say talk of breaking budget cap is ‘speculation’
      Red Bull say claims they broke F1’s budget cap last season are “speculation”.
      It’s thought F1 chiefs could soon announce that Red Bull and Aston Martin surpassed the £114million limit in 2021.
      But Red Bull principal Christian Horner told BBC Sport it was “purely speculation”.
      And Mercedes chief Toto Wolff told the BBC: “The cost cap is probably the most important evolution of regulations to keep a level playing field to allow teams that haven’t got the full budget to catch up and to put a ceiling on the spending of the top teams.
      “The FIA, particularly Mohammed [bin Sulayem, the president], has shown a pretty robust stance on enforcing all kinds of regulations. So if we are talking now about something big, he will show the same integrity and leadership that he has done before.”
      Kravitz on Gasly incident
      Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Ted Kravitz said: “Everything’s been sorted out.
      “There’s been a bit of tape that’s been out over the fire damaged engine cover.
      “The team are telling me the fire started when the fuel breather was connected to the car but it was put out quickly and then he’s going back out on the circuit.”
      Credit: Splash
      Pierre Gasly latest
      Pierre Gasly’s car dramatically CAUGHT FIRE with the Frenchman still in it during practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.
      Flames shot out of the air vent after Gasly had driven his Alpha Tauri into the pits.
      The 26-year-old quickly jumped up and out of the cockpit and thankfully emerged from the flames unscathed.
      Quick thinking AlphaTauri mechanics acted fast to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
      SAINZ TOPS FP2
      Carlos Sainz clocked the fastest second practice time from early on in the session and nobody was able to beat it.
      Sainz’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc had the second quickest time while Hamilton dropped down to fifth.
      However, it was a session to forget for Max Verstappen, as his car troubles saw him finish outside the top three.
      Make sure to stick with us tomorrow as we’ll have Practice Three from 11am.
      Leaderboard update
      Here is the current top ten in FP2 with only 10 minutes to go!

      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
      Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
      George Russell (Mercedes)
      Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
      Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
      Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
      Fernando Alonso (Alpine)
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
      Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
      Lando Norris (McLaren)

      It’s getting really fiery!
      Yuki Tsundoa is completely out of the practice due to a fuel system error.
      Lewis Hamilton ran wide but was fortunate enough to pull himself back on track.
      And Pierre Gasly had to jump out of his car as flames began to shoot out of the air vent during a pit stop.
      Fortunately, the Alpha Team are all unharmed.
      Very bad for Verstappen
      Max Verstappen is awaiting a front suspension change and it is having a really bad affect on his practice times.
      Credit: Getty
      Mercedes are switching gears
      The second Practice session is really heating up as Mercedes driver’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell occupy 3rd and 4th spots.
      Do they remember that it’s only practice and not the actual race?
      Leclerc is BACK
      Leclerc has flown onto the track and immediately set the second fastest lap time.
      That makes it a Ferrari 1-2 on the leader boards at the moment as Sainz remains top.
      Easing off the gas
      Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton continue to set the pace in the second practice session.
      While Max Verstappen ‘s quickest time is more than a second off the top two.
      However, Verstappen’s woes don’t compare to Charles Leclerc as he STILL waiting to get out on the track.
      Under the lights
      Nothing special here apart from Lewis Hamilton racing ahead under the lights.
      Credit: Getty
      That is in-Sainz
      I spoke too soon, Carlos Sainz came back with a vengeance and now he has the quickest time to beat.
      This is getting intense for a Practice Session.
      Hamilton’s back with a bang
      Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is having a sensational practice session as he clocks the fastest time after lap one.
      He is loving the Singapore circuit today, not even Max Verstappen can keep up with him.
      More problems for Leclerc
      The brake issues for Charles Leclerc have continued and as a result, the iconic racer is having to wait before heading out for FP2.
      Ted Kravitz from the pitlane said:
      There is some issue with the car, the floor is off, mechanics are climbing all over it.
      “It makes me think they have had an issue and are only just putting the floor back on.
      “It doesn’t look like he will be coming our for at least another five minutes.”
      Welcome to Practice Session Two
      Got your popcorn ready folks?
      Good, because the drivers are back on the track and are gearing up for the second practice session.
      Let’s see if Lewis Hamilton can top this one too.
      Practice Two start time
      Make sure to stay close as Practice Session two will get underway from 2pm BST.
      And you can guarantee that there will be more drama.
      FP1 final Classification

      HAM 1:43.033
      VER +0.084
      LEC +0.402
      PER +0.806
      RUS +1.033
      SAI +1.105
      OCO +1.703
      STR +2.188
      GAS +2.225
      ALO +2.303
      VET +2.321
      RIC +2.691
      BOT +2.692
      MAG +2.995
      TSU +3.048
      ALB +3.086
      ZHO +3.375
      MSC +3.568
      NOR +3.647
      LAT +4.059

      HAMILTON TOPS PRACTICE SESSION ONE
      Would you look at that?!
      Lewis Hamilton tops the first practice session in Singapore ahead of Max Verstappen – who held the quickest time for so long.
      And Charles Leclerc who also drove a very good race.
      This is positive signs for Hamilton and Mercedes as he chases his first win of the season.
      Fastest time on the circuit
      Lewis Hamilton has come into his own after smashing Verstappen’s quickest time by just under a second.
      Credit: AFP
      Hamilton smashes best lap time!
      That’s more like it from Lewis Hamilton as he sets the fastest lap time in this morning’s Practice session.
      The seven-time champion put in a time of 1.43.033 with a soft tyre.
      Five minutes remaining people.
      Close call from Carlos Sainz
      Carlos Sainz is flying through the FP1 having completed 17 laps – the most on the circuit.
      But the Ferrari driver was inches away from heading straight into the barrier on the final corner.
      That would have been a disaster.
      GREEN FLAG
      The session is back underway with just a little over 13 minutes remaining of Practice One.
      Birthday treats
      Max Verstappen is having a superb Practice session – he is really enjoying racing on his birthday
      Credit: Rex
      RED FLAG
      Lance Stroll has misjudged his turn before worryingly colliding with the wall.
      You could hear his team shout “stop the car! stop the car!” as he tried to continue driving round the track after.
      The circuit has been temporarily paused.
      Russell smashes the barriers
      Lewis Hamilton’s teammate George Russell hit the barrier at turn 10 after losing control.
      Thankfully, the Mercedes drive has come out of it unscathed but that will certainly damages his chances of any quick lap times.
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      Portugal 0-1 Spain LIVE: Nations League reaction as Morata hits dramatic late tap-in – latest updates

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      ALVARO MORATA scored a late winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the Nations League finals.Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, and was sporting a nasty looking black eye after a collision in the 4-0 win over Czech Republic from the weekend.
      The teams now go forward to the World Cup, which kicks off in just SEVEN weeks.

      Result: Portugal 0-1 Spain
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Danilo, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Carvalho Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota
      Spain XI: Unai Simon, Carvajal, Guillamon, Pau Torres, Gaya, Soler, Rodri, Koke, Ferran Torres, Morata, Sarabia

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      That’s all from us
      Thank you all for tuning into SunSport’s live coverage.
      We hope you enjoyed it as Spain pulled off a historic win over Portugal in tonight’s Iberian derby.
      We’ll be back with plenty of live sporting action as the Premier League returns this weekend.
      Stayed tuned for that, but for now, good night and take care.
      Stat attack
      Some stats for your reading pleasure.
      Spain will play the UEFA Nations League final four for the second successive edition after finishing runners-up in 2020/21, the second team to do so after Italy (2020/21 and 2022/23).
      At 20 years and 77 days, Nico Williams has become the youngest player to provide an assist for Spain in the UEFA Nations League history.
      No player has scored more goals for Spain in all competitions than Álvaro Morata under Luis Enrique Martínez (13, level with Ferran Torres).
      Ferran Torres has failed to score in his last seven matches for Spain in all competitions (7 shots, 2 on target), having scored 12 goals in his previous 17 games (43 shots, 21 on target).
      Spain failed to register a shot on target in the first half of consecutive games for just the second time in all competitions since May 2006, the first being March 2016 under Vicente del Bosque.
      Ronaldo watch
      A massive personality like Ronaldo deserves his very own breakdown.
      And frankly, it did look like a car which needed some urgent repairs.
      While his off-ball movement was superb, particularly with two big chances in the second half that were only prevented from ending in goals thanks to Simon in Spain’s net, it must be said Ronaldo had an elusive performance.
      It is a common theme of his play these days to not be too involved in proceedings, and once again that occurred today.
      However, when he was involved too often his passing or ball control was too loose or poor and resulted in him giving the ball away needlessly.
      One chance in the second half also showcased a Ronaldo who is appearing to lack confidence.
      The 37-year-old would normally hit a chance such as the one he had in the 47th minute first time and it would normally end in a goal.
      However, he took an unnecessary extra touch and it cost him the glorious opportunity that had been worked for him as a defender got back just in time to take it off his feet.
      Manchester United will be somewhat concerned with this look.
      He hasn’t looked like himself all season, but you can still tell the hunger and determination is there to succeed.
      Qatar will likely be his final World Cup appearance, and he will be desperate to go out with a bang.
      Prem player watch
      In terms of Premier League stars in action tonight, most looked very good.
      Rodri had a good game at the base of Spain’s midfield and when he was asked to move into the back four following the introduction of Busquets at half-time.
      Cancelo also looked strong at right-back for Portugal, but this system doesn’t allow him to shine as much as he does at Man City.
      Ruben Dias was also generally solid, with not a whole lot to mention on him apart from questioning where he was for the goal.
      Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota both played well and also combined very well together.
      Silva was very quiet tonight, he was tidy but never got into his groove.
      So what’s next after tonight?
      Well with the Nations League group stage now concluded, club football can now return.
      But that will only be until November when the biggest football tournament in the world gets underway.
      The fruits of their labour tonight will be felt next year when the Nations League semi-finals and finals are played.
      Spain has joined Croatia, Italy and Holland in the final four, and they will be hoping to go one better than last year when they lost in the final to France.
      The key man for Spain? A kid from Pamplona
      Nico Williams has just showed the world a glimpse into a bright future.
      Prior to his introduction, Spain looked toothless, will lots of possession but no cutting edge or runners beyond.
      With his performance tonight the 20-year-old might have just muscled his way into the World Cup squad.
      His directness caused Portugal no end of problems as he popped up everywhere across the attack.
      It was his smart header back across goal which allowed Morata to send Spain into the final four of the Nations League.
      The winning duo
      Credit: https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1574859416674963472?s=20&t=Iinr11A6gIuWB5Dh8oNtOQ
      FULL-TIME: SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS
      The inaugural Nations League champions are out after Alvaro Morata’s late finish gifted Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90+4. Portugal relentlessly pressing but are also being sloppy on the ball.
      They need more quality immediately if they are to salvage their Nations League campaign.
      A minute to go of five added on now.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90. ANOTHER HUGE CHANCE FOR RONALDO
      The ball is played in behind the Spanish defence where Ronaldo runs onto the ball at a tight angle.
      He fires a shot at goal but Simon is able to save with his feet just about.
      If this result holds it will be the first time Spain have won a competitive game in the country in 88 years.
      Morata with a poachers finish
      88. Spain finally pick open the lock after a beautiful pass is played towards the far post where Williams is.
      The 20-year-old then heads the ball back across with a perfectly weighted header for Morata who was left unmarked in the middle.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      GOALLLLL
      SPAIN GET THE GOAL THEY NEED
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      87. Spain attacks just keep coming and coming at the moment but they are all being repelled by the stoic Portuguese defence.
      It seems as if Williams -if anyone could be the key to unlocking the chest here.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      84. Spain have looked largely toothless tonight, but Williams just gave a glimpse of his potential future.
      He got the ball and was immediately positive, cutting inside from the right wing and taking a shot at goal.
      Williams then gets the ball in a dangerous area again but has no support as he cuts the ball into the corridor of uncertainty.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      78. Jota now makes way for Leao.
      12 minutes to go with Spain currently having the lion’s share of the ball in the last few minutes.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      73. Portugal make their first change.
      Joao Mario comes on for Silva, who has been good when on the ball but largely anonymous tonight.
      Spain also bring on Nico Williams – Inaki’s younger brother – for Torres.
      It’s just his second-ever cap for La Furia Roja.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      72. Morata and Ronaldo with decent chances.
      Spain work the ball well and the ball goes through to Morata on the left side, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper.
      Portugal then opens Spain up well and the ball is played to Ronaldo inside the area for a one-on-one.
      But his touch lets him down again and a defender gets back just before he takes on the shot.
      He’s missing his usual sharpness tonight.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      69. HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN.
      A free-kick is whipped into the far post by Portugal.
      All the Spanish defenders miss it and Pereira finds Fernandes with room in the area.
      He hits a shot towards the far post but Carvajal is there to block it, though it goes skimming off his leg over the bar as opposed to away.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      65. Mendes take a bow. That was beautiful.
      Mendes gets the ball from Pino and then dribbles past the winger, he then jinks between a trio of defenders on the left flank to get into the Spain half
      Unfortunately, he decides to pass back instead of continuing his run and the attack dies out.
      This game needs an injection of magic just like that, and in fairness, Mendes could be the man to provide it.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      57. Game’s tempo has slowed thus far.
      Both teams likely just testing each other before really going for it.
      Soler did just fire a shot miles over for Spain though.
      To be fair the shot might well have landed in Spain.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      47. RONALDO HUGE CHANCE.
      Portugal are off to a flyer this half as Ronaldo almost gives the lead.
      Santos’ side work the ball well down the left and Ronaldo gets a shot away from close range after Jota slips him in, but Simon is equal to it to keep the score level.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      46. Silva is given a card inside a minute.
      It perhaps a bit harsh considering he only extended it to push off the pressing Gaya, but after hitting him in the face there wasn’t a lot he could do.
      Half-time changes.
      Veteran Sergio Busquets has come on for the carded Guillamon.
      No changes for Portugal just yet.
      Back underway now.
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    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England 3 Germany 3 LIVE SCORE: Havertz’s late equaliser spoils incredible comeback as rollercoaster match ends level

      by

      ENGLAND concluded their World Cup preparations with a rollercoaster of a match against Germany.Goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kai Havertz saw Hansi Flick’s men race to a 2-0 lead.
      But Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and captain Harry Kane inspired the Three Lions to an incredible comeback.
      However, a howler from Nick Pope presented Havertz with his second of the evening, forcing Southgate’s side to settle for a draw at Wembley.

      RESULT: England 3-3 Germany
      Live stream: All 4
      TV channel: Channel 4
      England XI: Pope; Maguire, Stones, Dier; James, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Sterling, Foden; Kane
      Germany XI: Ter Stegen, Kehrer, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Hofmann, Musiala, Sane; Havertz

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from Wembley Stadium
      After a sloppy start, England came back from behind in a whirlwind second half to cap off an underwhelming Nations League campaign.
      It also marks the end of World Cup preparations as the Three Lions’ next scheduled match will see them face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
      Gareth Southgate has some serious decisions to make before then with every man fighting for a place in the squad.
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      Gareth Southgate reacts
      When speaking to Channel 4, the England boss said:
      “To an extent we are always going to face pressure so we need to be exposed to pressure.
      “We played a friendly against Ivory Coast in March and they went to 10 men and it became a non-event and we learnt nothing.
      “This week we’ve learnt a huge amount. They’ve had to step forward and come together – it will benefit us in the long run.”
      On the penalty Maguire gave away: “It is hard to tell from the side, it is the giving away of possession that is the problem, but look as a group they have really come together this week.
      “It has been a tough period for team but they have grown.”
      Credit: Getty
      Hansi Flick reacts
      “There are a lot of positives we can take from the game, but some negatives too that we will have to address. It was positive that we came back again at the end. It was a good test.”
      Credit: Getty
      Elsewhere in Group A3
      Italy defeated Hungary 2-0 to jump to the top of the group thanks to goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco.
      Credit: UEFA.com
      Point to prove
      England are winless in their last six games in all competitions – their longest run since April-June 1993.
      It’s also their longest ever winless run going into a major tournament. (Opta)
      Credit: PA
      Harry Kane reacts
      When speaking to Channel 4, the England skipper said:
      “It was a lot better. I thought we played really well today, we were unfortunate to go 2-0 behind, it was a mistake and then a great goal from the edge of the box.
      “We did really well to stay in the game, to get back into it, get into the lead and then unfortunately another error.
      “The mentality and fight of the team was shown out there today.
      “We didn’t get the win but we can be proud of what we did and it puts us in a good place ahead of the World Cup.
      “It was nice to score obviously. There always seems to be a few pressure penalties here at Wembley but it was nice to see that one go in and just a shame we couldn’t get the win but we keep going.
      “I am proud of the boys and now we have a busy six weeks or so before we get ready for the World Cup.”
      Credit: Getty
      Match stats

      Full Time – England 3-3 Germany
      And, breathe…
      Six goals, 45 minutes.
      While all hope looked lost for England, the Three Lions fought back to draw the score level before Kane’s superb penalty fired them into a brief lead.
      Although Havertz struck again late in the game, it was certainly an improved performance from Gareth Southgate’s side.
      Full Time – England 3-3 Germany
      The points are shared after a whirlwind second half.
      Credit: Getty
      90+5. England 3-3 Germany
      England make another substitution.
      Henderson is on to replace Bellingham.
      90+1. England 3-3 Germany
      Another change for Germany.
      Havertz is replaced with Bella-Kotchap.
      90. England 3-3 Germany
      Huge chance for England!
      Saka is sent through on goal, but Ter Stegen makes a fingertip save to steer the ball away.
      Six minutes will be added on…
      88. England 3-3 Germany
      Gnabry strikes from distance but Pope spills the save and the ball falls to the feet of Havertz who pokes it into the bottom corner.
      87. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL GERMANY!
      Havertz strikes again!
      84. England 3-2 Germany
      Germany have made another change.
      Muller has replaced Musiala.
      83. GOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!
      Kane steps up to take the penalty and fires the ball into the top left corner!
      What a comeback!
      Credit: Getty
      81. England 2-2 Germany
      England have a penalty!
      Schlotterbeck receives a booking for a dangerous challenge on Bellingham in the box.
      76. England 2-2 Germany
      Saka makes a fantastic run towards goal before Mount fires the ball into the back of the net.
      What a response!
      Credit: Getty
      75. GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!
      Mount fires England level!!!!
      What a response!
      73. England 1-2 Germany
      Bellingham sends the ball wide to Saka on the right, who sets it back to James.
      The Chelsea man then sends a cross towards Shaw who is able to fire the ball into the bottom corner.
      Credit: Getty
      72. GOOOAAAAALLLLLL ENGLAND!
      Shaw gets one back for the Three Lions!
      70. England 0-2 Germany
      Germany are next to make two changes.
      Sane is replaced with Gnabry.
      Raum is replaced with Gosens.
      68. England 0-2 Germany
      Germany break forward on the counter attack.
      Werner receives the ball just outside the penalty area and squares it to Havertz, who fires an excellent strike into the top left corner.
      What a goal from the Chelsea man!
      Credit: PA
      67. GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL GERMANY!
      What a strike from Havertz!
      65. England 0-1 Germany
      Southgate makes two changes.
      Saka is on to replace Foden.
      Mount is on to replace Sterling.
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    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Netherlands 1 Belgium 0 LIVE SCORE: Van Dijk’s header clinches win for hosts after Dodi’s late bicycle kick hits the bar

      by

      NETHERLANDS continued their incredible unbeaten run under Louis Van Gaal with a gruelling 1-0 win over local rivals Belgium.Virgil Van Dijk’s back-post header was enough to seal all three points for the hosts – securing a Nations League finals spot for next year.
      But things could have been different had substitute Dodi Lukebakio’s last-gasp spectacular bicycle kick flew in during stoppage time.

      RESULT: Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      Live stream: premiersports.com
      TV channel: Premier Sports 1
      Netherlands XI: Pasveer,; Timber, Van Djik, Ake; Dumfries, Blind, Berghuis, de Roon; Klaassen; Bergwijn, Janssen
      Belgium XI: Courtois; Debast, Alderweirald, Vertonghen; Castagne, Meunier, Onana, Witsel; De Bruyne, Hazard; Batshuayi

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from Amsterdam
      The Netherlands march on to the finals after securing a famous 1-0 victory on derby day.
      Belgium’s uphill task proved too much against a well-drilled Van Gaal side.
      Thank you for reading this match-blog and have a good evening.
      Former Netherlands player Robin van Persie soaked up the applause at the end of the game.Credit: EPA
      So close to glory
      Lukebakioko came so close to what would have been the goal of the tournament.
      Deep into stoppage time, the substitute attempted a bicycle kick which thundered against the upright, leaving viewers stunned. What an effort.
      Credit: Getty
      Scores on the doors
      Elsewhere tonight…

      Austria 1-3 Croatia
      Denmark 2-0 France
      Wales 0-1 Poland

      Croatia finish top of Group 1 and join the Netherlands in the finals.
      Watch Van Djik head home
      The Liverpool defender rose highest to break the deadlock in the 72nd minute.

      Full time – Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      Anthony Taylor blows his whistle and the Johan Cruyff arena erupts.
      Van Gaal’s near perfect run comes to an end in fitting fashion, with a win over their noisy neighbours. The hosts came here with a game plan and executed it to perfection, suffocating Belgium for large periods of the game and taking their opportunity when it came.
      Van Djik’s sucker-punch header was the difference in the end. Roberto Martinez’s side had their moments, but struggled to gain any real momentum.
      An assured Dutch side march on to the finals!
      .Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      90+4, Lukebakio hits the post from a bicycle kick!
      That was centimetres away from pure genius. The forward got up brilliantly to meet De Bruyne’s ball in, thumping his over-head kick against the post. The keeper was rooted to the spot.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      90+3, The hosts are still attacking and the fans inside the Johan Cruyff arena are singing loyder than ever. They are very close.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      89, Gakpo makes a brilliant run and plays a pass towards Klassen who had an open goal. Courtois read his intention well, palming it away from danger.
      Tielemans then clips his man and we are to have four added minutes here.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      87, Klassen should score. The midfielder takes the ball down nicely in the area and pokes one towards goal. But his effort is tame and relatively straightforward for Courtois.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      85, Lukebakio attempts to latch on to a pass but Pasveer is out quickly to smother the attack. He’s looked really sharp in goal this evening.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      83, Taylor is booked for a poor challenge on his man.
      7 minutes plus stoppage time for the visitors to score five goals.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      81, Castagne is withdrawn and Lukebakio is thrown on for the remainder of this match.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      77, Dumfries goes into the referee’s book for a late challenge on his man.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      75, Bergwijn almost doubles their advantage!
      He has time to measure a shot, but drags it narrowly wide of the post.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      74, Tielemans is on to replace Onana for the visitors.
      GOAL! – Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      72, Gakpo curled in the corner and Van Djik leaped highest to score with a thumping header past Courtois, who had no chance!
      It’s a long way back for Belgium now. The hosts can see the finish line.
      .Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      72, Taylor floats a dangerous ball into the area but it’s headed clear for a Netherlands corner. What can they make of it?
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      71, Bergwijn dances past a few challenges before letting fly. But it’s too central and Courtois keeps the scores level.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      67, Onana with the chance to break the deadlock!
      The ball is floated into him and he digs out a shot on target but it doesn’t have the power on it. Pasveer can deal with it easily enough.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      65, Van Gaal uses the break in play to make a change himself, throwing on de Vrij for Timber who has looked solid at the back this evening.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      64, Hazard wins the free kick and that will be his last involvement. He hobbles off after picking up a knock in the challenge and Trossard is on.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      61, Hazard drives his team up-field and frees Carrasco down the left. The winger tries to make room for a shot, but it’s blocked by Dumfries.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      59, It just hasn’t quite clicked for De Bruyne today. He has got into great positions but struggled with the final pass. This time he can’t thread it through to the on-running De Ketelaere through a wall of orange shirts.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      57, De Ketelaere flashes a wicked ball across the six-yard box but Van Djik is there to intercept and lump it clear.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      53, Taylor takes the ball in his stride and fires one on goal. It’s blocked and out for a corner which Timber meets well, but can’t direct his header on target.
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