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      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Leicester LIVE: Stream, Sterling scores two as 10-man Blues hang on to win after Gallagher red – updates

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      CHELSEA scored his first two goals for the Blues as they beat Leicester 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel’s side won despite Conor Gallagher’s first half sending off and a late goal and push from the Foxes.

      RESULT: Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Chelsea XI: Mendy; James, Silva, Chalobah; Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher, Jorginho, Cucurella; Havertz, Mount; Sterling
      Leicester XI: Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Evans, Justin; Soumare; Praet, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes; Vardy

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Full Time – Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      The Blues put on a resilient display despite going down to 10 men early in the game.
      Sterling was granted few goalscoring opportunities during the first half but it didn’t take long for him to break the deadlock after the interval.
      James was brilliant once again both in defence and going forward, a spark of creative genius is what led to the second goal.
      Chelsea now climb up to sixth in the Premier League table with seven points from their opening four games.
      Full Time – Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      A brace from Raheem Sterling sees Chelsea claim all three points.
      Credit: Getty
      94. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Leicester have a corner.
      Ward travels up the pitch as the Foxes push for a last minute equaliser.
      92. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Chelsea make another change.
      Chilwell replaces Cucurella.
      Credit: Getty
      91. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      We’re into the first of four additional minutes.
      Leicester have a free kick in a dangerous position.
      Dewsbury-Hall sends the ball into the box, but Cucurella can head it away.
      87. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Leicester hit the bar!
      Perez strikes from 12 yards out, but his effort rattles the crossbar!
      Chelsea are really under pressure now!
      84. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Huge chance for Leicester!
      Vardy is sent through and runs one-on-one with Mendy.
      He shifts the ball to his right, but the angle proves to be too tight as his shot hits the side netting.
      82. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Leicester are on the attack again.
      Castagne breaks down the left before crossing the ball into the box.
      Loftus-Cheek is there to make the interception.
      79. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Chance for Leicester!
      The ball is sent over Chelsea’s defence and through to Vardy, who brings it down with a brilliant touch before taking a shot.
      But, Mendy does well to make the save.
      Credit: EPA
      77. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Amartey taps the ball into the path of Havertz, who tries to break through on goal.
      But, Justin is there to clear the danger.
      73. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      Barnes strikes again, but this time his effort is saved by Mendy.
      Iheanacho is then given the chance to shoot, but his shot runs wide.
      Leicester are desperately searching for an equaliser.
      67. Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
      The ball falls to Barnes, who turns and sets it to Vardy.
      The striker then returns the ball as the midfielder makes a fantastic run into the box before blasting a shot past Mendy and into the back of the net.
      Game on.
      Credit: Reuters
      66. GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL LEICESTER!!!!!
      The Foxes are back in it!
      64. Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
      Havertz receives the ball on the left before setting it through to James, who makes a brilliant overlapping run.
      The defender then sends a fantastic cross to Sterling, who is left to tap the ball in at the back post.
      A well worked goal from the Blues.
      Credit: Reuters
      63. GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL CHELSEA!!!
      Sterling strikes again!
      61. Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
      Barnes strikes from distance, but his effort flies over the bar.
      55. Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
      Leicester make their first substitution of the game.
      Iheanacho has replaced Soumare.
      Perez has replaced Praet.
      51. Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
      Another huge chance for Chelsea!
      The ball is squared to Sterling in the box, who shoots with his first touch.
      But, his effort rattles off the post!
      Credit: Reuters
      48. Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
      Cucurella drives down the left before cutting inside and setting the ball to Sterling on the edge of the box, who strikes into the top right corner!
      What a finish!
      What a start for Chelsea!
      Credit: EPA
      47. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL CHELSEA!!!!
      What a finish from Sterling!
      46. Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
      Chelsea made one substitution at the break.
      Mount has been replaced with Azpilicueta.
      Kick off – Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
      We’re back underway!
      Half Time – Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
      Leicester have done well to frustrate Chelsea in this game so far, offering few opportunities for Sterling and Havertz to create any meaningful chances.
      The Foxes were unlucky to have had a goal ruled out, but they will be going into the second half with a positive attitude – and a one man advantage – after that first half display.
      Credit: Reuters
      Half Time – Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
      Chelsea got off to a positive start, but things quickly turned sour when Gallagher saw red.
      The Blues now have a huge mountain to climb with 10 men.
      But, to make matters worse, it appears Cucurella has been injured.
      Credit: Reuters
      45. Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
      Three minutes will be added on…
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Verstappen QUICKEST at qualifying but NOT on pole after penalty, Hamilton 4th – updates

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been handed a huge boost in his chances of securing a first place finish at the Belgian GP with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc facing back of grid penalties.Leclerc and Verstappen are two of six drivers who have been penalised for using more engine parts than required.
      However, Hamilton hasn’t done himself any favours having finished 12th in Practice Three
      But the seven-time champion will get another chance to secure a good grid position for tomorrow’s GP in qualifying this afternoon.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: NowTV
      Saturday, August 27: Qualifying 3pm
      Sunday, August 28: Belgian Grand Prix race 2pm

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Spa-Francorchamps…
      Top 10 on the grid
      With the penalties applied it is:
      Sainz, Perez, Alonso, Hamilton, Russell, Albon, Ricciardo, Gasly, Stroll and Vettel.
      Verstappen tops the timesheets
      It is Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Ocon, Alonso, Hamilton, Russell, Albon and Norris.
      Verstappen looks done for the day
      Hardly unlikely anyone will beat that lap time, but with his engine and gearbox penalties, he will start in 15th place.
      Sainz is second quickest
      The Ferrari man is a whopping 0.632 seconds behind the Red Bull. Perez in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      Verstappen has blasted his way to P1
      The Red Bull man is unstoppable and rifles in the quickest lap of the day. – He’s got penalties looming though…
      Ferrari mistake!
      “Wait! What are these tyres?” asks Leclerc over the radio to his team.
      “Sorry, that’s our mistake”, replies his engineer.
      Q3 is go
      Grid penalties mean we are still waiting to see who will line up in 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th in the race.
      Albon assured at least a sixth place start.
      Albon is through
      Ricciardo is given the boot from Q2 at the expense of the Williams.
      Schumacher, Stroll, Zhou, Gasly are joining him.
      Final seconds of Q2
      Hamilton is dangerously close to being eliminated here.
      Scrappy stuff from Leclerc
      The Ferrari man is pushing hard and nearly loses the rear of his Ferrari. He is not happy with the set-up of his car. he is currently in P6.
      Q2 is go
      We are off again at Spa and the battle to reach the top 10. Hamilton and Russell are already out on track.
      Eliminated from Q1
      Vettel, Latifi, Magnussen, Tsunoda and Bottas are all eliminated at the first hurdle.
      Great stuff from Albon
      The Williams man has got into Q2 with a fine final lap. He pushes Vettel into the drop zone.
      Mercedes are struggling
      Russell is in 10th and Hamilton is in 11th, but their car is all over the place. Big problems right now.
      Red Bull set the pace
      Early indication that Red Bull have the pace as Verstappen goes half a second quicker than Sainz after his first flying lap.
      Perez in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      We are underway at Spa
      After the delay, there is a green light in the pitlane.
      Qualifying will start in 15 minutes
      Finally, we are due to get underway here at Spa. Barrier has been repaired and it is declared safe.
      Delay to qualifying
      There was damage to a crash barrier during the Porsche Supercup, which has forced a delay to qualifying.
      The repairs have now been completed and we are waiting for a time for when this session will start.
      Leclerc was in the gravel.
      Charles Leclerc spun off of the track in FP3, but managed to avoid a big crash with the barriers.
      The man from Monaco also had an interesting chat via the radio with his team, as he said:
      “Can we take off the noises that go with the toggles because they are a bit weird, when I hear it I think it is the engine all the time.”
      Ferrari’s engine troubles have been well documented so far this season, and that is clearly taking its toll on their drivers.
      Leclerc was in the gravel in FP3 today.Credit: Getty
      Qualifying just an hour away
      The Qualifying for the Spa GP will begin in just under an hours time.
      Sergio Perez set the fastest time in FP3, after teammate Max Verstappen appeared to have the faster car in FP1 and FP2.
      After the red flag period ended, Perez posted the quickest lap of the session so far. An even more impressive feat considering light rain was creeping in…
      Disappointing for Hamilton.
      Lewis Hamilton ended the final practice in 12th place today, ahead of qualifying.
      This is not good news for the Brit, who will be hoping for a better performance in qualifying ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix in Spa.
      This was expected to be a big race for Lewis, with many of his usual competitors starting from the back of the grid due to penalties.
      Perez tops the session
      The Red Bull man finishes as the quickest driver in the final practice ahead of Verstappen, who could face a further penalty for ignoring yellow flags.
      Sainz, Norris, Alonso, Russell, Leclerc, Vettel, Ocon and Gasly make up the top 10.
      Hamilton? He’s down in 12th place.
      Leclerc spins – Red flag
      The Ferrari man was pushing too hard and spins. He bounces his car off the tyre wall.
      The race director has already red flagged the session. The clock is still counting down. We have just over six minutes to go.
      Perez leads Sainz
      Finally, the big teams are getting their quick laps in. Red Bull and Ferrari both showing their hands.
      Verstappen could be in trouble here
      He’s failed to slow down for yellow flags. Maybe a penalty incoming….
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      in Soccer

      Southampton 0 Man Utd 1 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes’ volley fires United to first consecutive wins since Feb – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED scraped past Southampton to earn all three points in what was a gruelling contest at St. Mary’s.Bruno Fernandes’ expertly taken volley rounded off a superb team goal from Erik Ten Hag’s side.
      And not only the Red Devils pick up the win, but that was United’s first consecutive victory since February.

      RESULT: Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Live stream: BT.com
      Southampton XI: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella Kotchap, Salisu, Djenepo; Ward-Prowse, Lavia; Aribo, Elyounoussi, Armstrong; Adams
      Man Utd XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga; Rashford

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from St Mary’s
      It wasn’t pretty, but Manchester United have kept up with the winning formula they found on Monday night – and have now brought an end to their losing run on the road.
      But hat’s not the end of the Premier League action for today with five games having just kicked-off in the top-flight.
      And you can follow all the action with our array of live blogs from around the grounds.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      Ten Hag: We learned lessons
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted that he and his side had learnt from their last away game at Brentford, when they were smashed out of sight in the first half.
      However, the Dutchman warned that there is still work to do, and he had plenty concerns in the final third of the match when his team came under increasing pressure from Southampton.
      They learned some lessons from Brentford, quite clearly. We were more compact on their long balls so that was good. We are really happy with this result, and with the goal we made, and we created two or three more. Still, we’d hope to keep more control in the last 30 minutes of the game.Erik ten HagBT Sport

      McTominay ‘close proximity’ handballs discussed
      Southampton are feeling hard done by after Manchester United’s Scott McTominay appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area on three occasions in quick succession in the second half.
      However, former Premier League referee Peter Walton has explained why the video official Peter Bankes decided against overturning Andy Madley’s on-field decision in not awarding a spotkick.
      The ball did strike the hand on more than one occasion, but the defence in law is the close proximity of McTominay to the ball itself. He had no chance to avoid that contact, it wasn’t deliberate because the ball goes towards the arm, and then maybe that’s a natural position of a player setting themselves there too.Peter WaltonBT Sport
      Martinez rises to the occasion
      Little Lisandro Martinez was hung out to dry after Manchester United’s last away game, the 4-0 thumping at Brentford.
      However, the Argentine stood up this afternoon and put in a warrior-like performance on the south coast to pick up BT Sport’s Man of the Match award.

      Fernandes: We’re prepared to suffer
      Match-winner Bruno Fernandes again reiterated that this Manchester United team are prepared to suffer in order to earn important results. The Red Devils captain for the day spoke at the final whistle about the required work ethic at Old Trafford.
      We know that sometimes we have to suffer. This is the Premier League, every game is tough. Well done to us, it’s a massive three points for us and now we have to carry on. One win doesn’t make the league, two wins doesn’t make the league. We have to carry on this spirit and sacrifice, this is what this club demands.Bruno FernandesBT Sport

      Match stats from St Mary’s
      It’s been a closely-fought contest on the south coast, one settled by Bruno Fernandes’ strike.
      Manchester United edged the possession, and clocked up 400 passes, but only registered 11 attempts at goal compared to Southampton’s 17.

      Full time – Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      It’s all over! Manchester United bring their losing away streak to an end with a win at Southampton.
      The only goal of the game was scored in the second half by United’s captain for the day, Bruno Fernandes, and momentarily moves the Red Devils up to sixth place.
      It’s also United’s first clean sheet on the road in the Premier League since December.

      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Fred yellow card
      90+6. Another tactical foul to stop a Southampton attack, this time on Stuart Armstrong by Fred.
      It brings a yellow card for the Brazilian, but it’s likely to mean that the three points return to Old Trafford too
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      90+5. Now Mara goes close!
      The young French forward cushions a side-footed volley – similar to how Bruno Fernandes scored – towards the far post, but it drops a yard wide on the wrong side.
      Saints are throwing everything at United.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      90+4. Lyanco with the overhead kick! Blocked on the line by Dalot!
      The substitute almost brings Southampton level in spectacular fashion, only for the Portuguese defender to deny him.
      Incredible technique from a player who is normally a centre-back but has been thrown on up front by his manager.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Man Utd substitution
      90+1. Erik ten Hag throws on a bit more defensive cover for stoppage time with the arrival of Fred.
      The Brazilian takes over from Christian Eriksen.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      90. There was no time added on at the end of the first half, but we’re going to have an extra six minutes here – and it’s the least it should be in all honesty.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      89. The great news is McTominay is back on his feet, and remarkably looks as though he will continue.
      It’s a huge relief for all concerned because there was an immediate fear from those around the midfielder.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Southampton substitutions
      88. While McTominay receives treatment on the pitch, Southampton make two more switches.
      Romain Perraud and Lyanco are on, off go Moussa Djenepo and Joe Aribo.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      87. Concern for Manchester United and Scott McTominay.
      Wrestling in midfield with Romeo Lavia, the United man appears to get his studs caught in the frankly awful turf, resulting in him twisting his knee.
      McTominay immediately hits the deck, and writhes around in agony.
      On first viewing, it looked a bad one.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      85. Bella-Kotchap! Over!
      The German almost seals a first class display with a brilliant equaliser.
      He skips beyond a defender on the right of the penalty area with ease before driving home from the angle.
      He did everything right until the finish.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – McTominay yellow card
      83. Four games into the season, and Scott McTominay picks up his third yellow card.
      The Scotland international is booked for a cynical foul in midfield – or ‘tactical’ as they call it these days.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      82. And United almost do exactly that.
      Cristiano Ronaldo bursts through on the right and looks to be in, but no longer has the legs to outpace the defender.
      In this instance, it’s Mohammed Salisu.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      81. Inside the final ten minutes now, and the pattern of play looks as though it’s going to be Southampton pushing for an equaliser with United looking to punish them on the break.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Man Utd substitution
      80. Here comes Casemiro!
      The Brazilian ace will play the final ten minutes, having replaced Anthony Elanga.

      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      79. A long throw launched into the Manchester United penalty area is headed clear by McTominay.
      The often-maligned midfielder has certainly put a fine defensive shift in today.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      78. We’re finally back underway after a good three or four minutes of inaction.
      However, it looks as though there will be another stoppage shortly in order to allow for the introduction of Casemiro to English football.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Southampton substitution
      77. A second Southampton change brings young striker Sekou Mara to the party.
      The former Bordeaux star comes on for Adam Armstrong.
      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      76. Adams is back up, but now Ronaldo is down and receiving treatment for what looks like a knee or hamstring issue.

      Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
      74. The home fans are furious again as two of their players lie injured on the diseased pitch.
      Che Adams is grimacing after finding himself on the receiving end of a crunching Lisandro Martinez, while Stuart Armstrong is even more discomfort inside the United penalty area.
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      in Soccer

      Liverpool 9 Bournemouth 0: Reds equal Premier League record in ruthless win with six different scorers and own goal

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      SO MUCH for being finished and all washed up. Not Liverpool – and certainly not Roberto Firmino.Any crisis that might have been looming for Jurgen Klopp after a dodgy start to the season was swept away in an Anfield avalanche.
      Firmino starred for Liverpool in the winCredit: Reuters
      Boss Klopp’s side equalled the Premier League record win as they blitzed Bournemouth and this was their own highest goal tally of a game in the new era.
      While Firmino, who was supposed to have been making way for £85M club record signing Darwen Nunez  as his understudy, claimed his own club record.
      With the Uruguayan still suspended following his head – butt red card against Crystal Palace the Brazilian showed he’s anything but a spent force.
      The 30 year old became the first Liverpool player to be directly involved in four goals in the first half of a Premier League match with a goal in three assists.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The only other player to do so was Harry Kane in February 2017 with three goals and one assist against Stoke City.
      The walk in the park began just three minutes in.
      Klopp will have been hoping that the Cherries would be ripe or the picking after Manchester City had trounced them 4 – 0 then Arsenal got three without reply – and they were exactly that.
      Bizarrely Liverpool had gone behind in their last seven Prem games but not this time, not against opponents who showed themselves to be wide open to plunder.
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      Firmino sent over a simple cross and the Bournemouth defence stood stock still as Luis Diaz stole in to deposit a header beyond Mark Travers.
      Three minutes later Harvey Elliott was celebrating his first ever goal in the top flight and it was a splendid affair.
      Mo Salah broke down the right, Firmino touched back and inside, and the 19 year old of whom his manager thinks so much, delivered a gorgeous curler.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold came up with a wonderful third mid – way through the half, letting go with a rocket from 25 yards that blasted into the top right-hand corner.
      The England full back may have questions against him in terms of his defending.
      But going forward he remains a true threat, although Parkers’ defenders, now switched from their usual back three to a four – man rear guard, allowed him plenty of time to pick his spot.
      Alexander – Arnold set himself up by playing a brilliant one – two with Firmino.
      The goal allowed the Brazilian claim an impressive double for it was the second time that he had figures in three first half strikes in a Prem game – the first in a 4 – 0 win over Southampton in February 2020.
      Yet it only got better for him.
      Salah attempted a cross which took a wild ricochet and there was the striker to volley home from close range to claim his first league goal at Anfield since hitting the net in a 2 – 1 win over Tottenham on December 16 2020.
      Yet he also had another feather in his cap, too, that – four – goal first half involvement, the second Prem player after Harry Kane who got three goals and had one assist against Stoke City in 2017.
      It also needs to be said that Bournemouth were awful.
      Newly – promoted or not, they were naïve, rabbits stuck in headlights.
      Seconds before the break they were five down and for once Firmino wasn’t involved, although Travers did divert his attempt for a corner.
      Andy Robertson took it and Virgil van Dijk climbed above Marcus Tavernier to power home a header.
      The opening day 2-0 win over Aston Villa will already seem like a long, long time ago as they trudged to the sanctuary of the dressing room but it was all too brief in there.
      Only three minutes into the second half Chris Mepham contributed to his side’s disarray with an own goal.
      Number seven only served to underline the misery Parker’s players were going through.
      Robertson swung over a cross which Travers, the one visiting player to try to show any real kind of resistance, spilled.
      The ball fell to Firmino and while the goalkeeper saved his first shot, he could do nothing about the rebound.
      By this point a Prem record 10 – win was on the cards and in the 82nd minute came number eight , sub Fabio Carvalho claiming his first goal since his £9M arrival from Fulham in the summer.
      And they weren’t finished there, equalling that Prem record with Diaz heading home from close range for his second.
      Read More on The Sun
      And the only surprise in a game that was over almost before it began?
      Mo Salah didn’t get his name on this remarkable score sheet!
      Relive ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      in Soccer

      Brighton vs Leeds LIVE: Stream as Whites take on high flying Seagulls at the AMEX Arena – latest updates

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      LEEDS UNITED make the long trip down to Brighton as they look to continue their excellent start to the Premier League season.The Whites thumped Chelsea 3-0 last weekend, whilst the Seagulls pulled of a stunning away victory over East London outfit West Ham.

      Start time: 3pm BST
      Live stream: Peacock
      Brighton XI: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; March, Gross, MacAllister, Caicedo, Estupinan
      Leeds XI: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Adams, Roca; James, Aaronson, Harrison; Moreno

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      in Soccer

      Brentford 1 Everton 1: Anthony Gordon scores and responds to Chelsea transfer speculation before Janelt salvages point

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      ANTHONY GORDON added another hefty lump to his asking price as he earned Everton’s first away point of the season.But relieved Frank Lampard will know his side got away with it after Brentford missed a hat-full and hit the woodwork THREE times before substitute Vitaly Janelt’s late leveller.
      Anthony Gordon put his fingers to his ears after putting Everton ahead against BrentfordCredit: Reuters
      Gordon opened the scoring with a fine first-half finishCredit: Reuters
      Vitaly Janelt’s goal saw the spoils shared in West LondonCredit: Reuters
      Gordon’s Goodison future will be decided over the next few days after the Toffees rejected three Chelsea bids, the last for a stunning £60m.
      And if the winger, 21, wanted to be noticed for more than his bleached blond mop, there was no better way than by scoring his first goal since April.
      Conor Coady’s clever ball through the middle saw Gordon steal in behind Brentford back line that had gone to sleep.
      Despite the desperate efforts of Zanka, Gordon showed calm conviction as he tucked left-footed past David Raya.
      Read More In Football
      Janelt’s close-range finish, from Brentford’s 18th attempt on goal, ensured they got the very least they deserved.
      Yet Bees boss Thomas Frank was still left shaking his head in disbelief at one that got away.
      On another day, the home side would have matched, or even exceeded, the four they smashed into the Manchester United net two weeks ago.
      To be fair to Jordan Pickford, he made a few decent saves.
      Most read in Football
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      But Brentford were their own worst enemies with a series of absolutely woeful misses.
      The catalogue of calamity in front of goal started in only the 10th minute when – not for the first time, and certainly not the last – Rico Henry raced into the gaping hole behind Everton’s all-at-sea back line.
      Henry squared for Bryan Mbeumo, who had time – and space – to pick his spot but somehow contrived to slot wide of the upright.
      The front three of Gordon, Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray appeared to be only confused by their instructions to rotate positions.
      Josh Dasilva squandered a potential four against two counter before the home fans were cursing again as Mathias Jensen’s shot came back off the foot of the post with Pickford a mere spectator.
      Everton had half-chances, too, James Tarkowski failing to control in front of goal when a half-cleared corner was nodded back into the box.
      Even so, the reasons why they have splashed out for Brighton striker Neal Maupay, set to make his debut at Leeds in midweek, were crystal clear.
      And at the other end, Lampard’s side were so exposed, so easily, whenever Brentford played over the top.
      Pickford, just, scrambled a near-post corner away before Gordon’s moment of quality.
      Yet that only signalled a further home storm as Pickford’s goal led a charmed life.
      Ivan Toney was the next to be thwarted by the woodwork – again he should have scored with a free header from eight yards – with Yoane Wissa blazing the rebound over the top.
      Shocking. And with Everton still absolutely all over the place at the back, Mbeumo twice should have done better from close range, hitting a half-volley at Pickford before steering wide.
      The second half was similar.
      Pickford’s feet denied Henry after he burst into the box, then Christian Norgaard’s overhead kick from a trademark long throw routine cannoned back off the bar.
      Third time unlucky, although Gordon might have smuggled a second after Amadou Onana, on his first Prem start, won the ball in midfield for a move which ended with the goalscorer’s shot scrambled away.
      It was getting a little tetchy, especially when Gordon careered into Bees assistant boss Brian Riemer after being shoved into the technical area.
      But Pickford kept his head, shovelling away a downward header from  Janelt, although relieved again when Toney was unable to get any real purchase on a headed opportunity.
      Desperate stuff, Brentford throwing the kitchen sink at the visitors but seemingly unable to force the goal their efforts more than warranted.
      But just as Everton looked to be holding on, they were finally breached.
      Jensen‘s corner was flicked on by substitute Keane Lewis-Potter and Janelt stole in to poke home inside the six-yard box.
      The bare minimum reward for so much. 
      Lampard, meanwhile, might be starting to think about what else he can get with that potential Gordon money before the window slams down. 

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      in Boxing

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Hamilton boost as SIX drivers face back of grid penalty including Leclerc & Verstappen

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been handed a huge boost in his chances of securing a first place finish at the Belgian GP with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc facing back of grid penalties.Leclerc and Verstappen are two of six drivers who have been penalised for using more engine parts than required.
      And Hamilton is yet to win a race this season but if the seven-time champion can pull off a victory, he can gain some ground on Verstappen who leads on 258 points.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: NowTV
      Saturday, August 27: Practice Three 12pm, Qualifying 3pm
      Sunday, August 28: Belgian Grand Prix race 2pm

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Spa-Francorchamps…
      Still dry at Spa
      And in another shock, it is he the two Alfa Romeos who at at the top of the time sheets followed by the two Aston Martins.
      FP3 is go at Spa
      Final chance to make some changes before qualifying. If you missed it yesterday, there are a host of grid penalties on the way, so Lewis Hamilton will be hoping that his penalty-free grid position will allow him the chance to fight for a win.
      Spa to stay.
      Building on our earlier announcement that Spa will remain a destination for F1 drivers next season, journalist Fernando Tornello has given us an update on the situation.
      Spa is a favourite track for many F1 fans, and is coated in heritage, as is the Belgian Grand Prix.
      It seems that they are renewing their contract with Spa for at least three years. It will be announced in the next few hours.Fernando TornelloVia Twitter
      Ollie Bearman wins in F3
      Ollie Bearman has won the Formula 3 sprint race in Spa this morning, with the Ferrari academy driver putting in a great performance to get his maiden victory.
      This is how the top 10 looked from that race:
      The top 10 from today’s Formula 3 sprint race in Spa. Credit: @FIAFormula3 via Twitter.
      Spa WILL be back next year.
      While we will no longer see the French grand prix next year, F1 fans will be glad to hear that we will be back at Spa next season.
      This was confirmed via the Sky Sports F1 Twitter account, and many fans are pleased with the outcome.
      Spa is considered a legendary track among F1 fanatics, and it is great news that we will be back, in Spa, inevitably in the rain next year.
      Nice touch, Pierre.
      Pierre Gasly always leaves a bouquet of flowers track-side at Spa, in memory of Anthoine Hubert.
      Gasly and the Formula 2 driver learned to race together, studied together and even lived together for six years.
      A beautiful touch from the Frenchman…
      Credit: Alamy
      Pressure’s on, Lewis.
      Lewis Hamilton is yet to win a Formula 1 race this season, and may not have a better chance to do so than this weekend in Spa.
      The two normal front runners this season, Verstappen and Leclerc, both have penalties that will see them start from the back of the grid, which will give Lewis a huge boost in the race tomorrow.
      No one could get close to Verstappen in practice yesterday, so you wouldn’t bet against him fighting through the pack, but this one is certainly set up for Lewis to put on a really good show.
      The Brit finished 6th in practice yesterday, which was higher than Mercedes team mate George Russell, who finished the practice down in eighth.
      Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to win the Belgian Grand Prix tomorrow.Credit: Getty
      Spa break
      Lewis Hamilton has been handed a huge boost ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix with title leaders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen set to be demoted to the back of the grid.
      The Brit driver is still looking for his first win of the season and will likely not get a better chance this season with both frontrunners having to fight through the pack.
      Leclerc and Verstappen are just two of SIX drivers set to take penalties, with several teams choosing to take new power units and having to start from the back of the grid as a result.
      McLaren’s Lando Norris, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo and Haas’ Mick Schumacher are the other drivers set to be penalised.
      The penalties have been confirmed by the governing body the FIA after the first practice session.
      Teams are believed to be taking the penalties at this race as it is easier in to overtake in Belgium and make up places than other tracks.

      Practice 3
      Practice 3 gets underway from 12pm UK time tomorrow.
      Then there’s qualifying from 3pm.
      The big race takes place 2pm on Sunday.
      FP2 is done
      Verstappen tops the session – a whopping 0.862 seconds clear of Leclerc.
      Norris is in P3 and Stroll in P4 in another encouraging session for the Canadian.
      Sainz is fifth and Hamilton sixth, who is the best-placed of the two Mercedes drivers. Russell is down in eighth.
      Here comes the rain
      It has started and we are in for another early finish here. Lap times will not improve.
      No one can get close to Verstappen
      He is in a class of one. So much quicker than the rest. He does have grid penalties, otherwise this was looking far too easy.
      Leclerc reacts to Verstappen’s lap time
      He’s told the Dutchman is 0.862 seconds ahead of his best time. “Wow…that is quick”, he says over the radio.
      Verstappen setting the pace
      The world champion is top of the timesheets in an otherwise dull session so far.
      Only Vettel has notched double-figures in the way of laps and he is in 18th.
      FP2 is go
      Second session underway in Spa. The track is damp and we have a 40 percent chance of rain in this sesion.
      Verstappen latest
      McLaren’s Lando Norris, Alpine’s Eseban Ocon, Alfa Romeo’s Valterri Bottas and Haas’ Mick Schumacher are the other four drivers who will start from the back.
      Verstappen to start from BACK of grid
      Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will start from the BACK of the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix.
      The Red Bull and Ferrari aces are two of six drivers to be penalised for using too many engine parts.
      FP1 is done – Ferrari set the pace
      Sainz and Leclerc top the session in Spa, the two are separated by just 0.069 seconds.
      Verstappen is third quickest 0.217 seconds off Sainz’s best time and Russell is fourth.
      Hamilton down in 9th place and Norris in 13th.
      It is raining
      A wet end to the session at Spa meaning lap times will not improve. Under three minutes to go and it is Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell as the top four.
      Green light
      We are going again after a lengthy delay to recover the Haas. Eight minutes on the clock remain in FP1.
      Red flag – Magnussen stops on track
      He has a mechanical problem – says “his engine is out”, and is told to stop the car.
      This session has been stopped for the time being as they recover his car.
      No penalty for Williams
      Pretty mad that Williams have been let off there. Looked a slam dunk penalty to me.
      Ocon has a problem
      He radios his Alpine team to inform them and the ask him to bring the car in to the pits for them to check it over. He was eighth quickest.
      Near miss!
      Verstappen almost wipes out Latifi in the pitlane. What were Williams doing calling him out into the pitlane with the Red Bull man approaching at such speed.
      That’s likely to be a fine for the Williams team due to an unsafe release.
      Green light in the pit lane
      We are go for the Belgium GP – the season is back after the summer break.
      Lots of new parts on these cars, so expect of running – despite the wet conditions.
      New engines on the way for a number of drivers – details to follow once confirmed with the FIA – but the grid on Sunday could see a number of top drivers starting at the back of the grid.
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc to start from BACK of grid, SIX drivers penalised

      by

      THE Formula One season gets back underway and Lewis Hamilton is looking to salvage his season with a fresh start at the Belgian Grand Prix.The seven-time F1 world champion has been on a trip to Africa to unwind during the mid-season break and has come back refreshed and raring to go.
      Max Verstappen currently leads the standings on 258 points ahead of Charles Leclerc on 178pts and Sergio Perez on 173.
      So there remains a lot to play for in the second half of the season – get set to see how it unfolds as the F1 calendar rolls on once more.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now
      Friday, August 26: Practice One 1pm, Practice Two 4pm
      Saturday, August 27: Practice Three 12pm, Qualifying 3pm
      Sunday, August 28: Belgian Grand Prix race 2pm

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Spa-Francorchamps…
      Leclerc reacts to Verstappen’s lap time
      He’s told the Dutchman is 0.862 seconds ahead of his best time. “Wow…that is quick”, he says over the radio.
      Verstappen setting the pace
      The world champion is top of the timesheets in an otherwise dull session so far.
      Only Vettel has notched double-figures in the way of laps and he is in 18th.
      FP2 is go
      Second session underway in Spa. The track is damp and we have a 40 percent chance of rain in this sesion.
      Verstappen latest
      McLaren’s Lando Norris, Alpine’s Eseban Ocon, Alfa Romeo’s Valterri Bottas and Haas’ Mick Schumacher are the other four drivers who will start from the back.
      Verstappen to start from BACK of grid
      Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will start from the BACK of the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix.
      The Red Bull and Ferrari aces are two of six drivers to be penalised for using too many engine parts.
      FP1 is done – Ferrari set the pace
      Sainz and Leclerc top the session in Spa, the two are separated by just 0.069 seconds.
      Verstappen is third quickest 0.217 seconds off Sainz’s best time and Russell is fourth.
      Hamilton down in 9th place and Norris in 13th.
      It is raining
      A wet end to the session at Spa meaning lap times will not improve. Under three minutes to go and it is Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell as the top four.
      Green light
      We are going again after a lengthy delay to recover the Haas. Eight minutes on the clock remain in FP1.
      Red flag – Magnussen stops on track
      He has a mechanical problem – says “his engine is out”, and is told to stop the car.
      This session has been stopped for the time being as they recover his car.
      No penalty for Williams
      Pretty mad that Williams have been let off there. Looked a slam dunk penalty to me.
      Ocon has a problem
      He radios his Alpine team to inform them and the ask him to bring the car in to the pits for them to check it over. He was eighth quickest.
      Near miss!
      Verstappen almost wipes out Latifi in the pitlane. What were Williams doing calling him out into the pitlane with the Red Bull man approaching at such speed.
      That’s likely to be a fine for the Williams team due to an unsafe release.
      Green light in the pit lane
      We are go for the Belgium GP – the season is back after the summer break.
      Lots of new parts on these cars, so expect of running – despite the wet conditions.
      New engines on the way for a number of drivers – details to follow once confirmed with the FIA – but the grid on Sunday could see a number of top drivers starting at the back of the grid.
      Lew close to a win
      Lewis Hamilton believes he is finally closing in on his first win of the year as he goes into this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
      Hamilton is on the longest winless run of his F1 career – a streak that stretches back to the Saudi race in December.
      But the 37-year-old, who has won at least one race every year he has been in F1, is confident of breaking his 2022 duck.
      Brit Hamilton, who was second in Hungary last time out, said: “We’ve been improving, some great progress, everyone pulling together.
      “The car is becoming more of a racing car, which is not particularly what it was at the start!
      “The last race was the best showing we’ve had so far. It was a huge boost, that we can close the gap.
      “It’s naturally going to be tough, we’ll keep our heads down now.”
      First practice is minutes away
      Expect the cars to roll out of the pits at 1pm UK time, which is 2pm CET.
      Credit: Reuters
      Max Verstappen is in the building
      The world champ is looking relaxed and even has his knees out in the Belgian sunshine.
      And of course it’s not far for his loyal oranje army of supporters to follow him in Spa.
      Credit: Rex
      Hello and welcome to Spa!
      The F1 season is finally BACK and there are new car upgrades and the drivers have been able to put their feet up.
      Now, Lewis Hamilton is looking to eat into Max Verstappen’s huge lead at the top of the F1 title standings.
      But it would be some challenge, even more so than last season, when he nearly pipped the Dutchman at the post for the title.
      And we all remember what happened in Abu Dhabi.
      Those wounds have clearly taken time to heal for Hamilton – and that is hardly surprising.
      But he will be hoping his garage have their act together and a car that can challenge the dominance of Red Bull and Ferrari so far this year.
      Either way, expect chat about what porpoising is, plenty of aerodynamic talk – but hopefully some great racing.
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