THERE was violent scenes during West Ham’s 2-0 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.Away fans threw missiles and tried to storm the hosts end following Declan Rice’s opening goal.
Meanwhile, Fikayo Tomori has been called up by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming Andorra and Hungary games.
The AC Milan defender has been recalled while Jude Bellingham has been rested for the matches.
And on the transfer front, Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who has continued to impress this season.
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HAT-TRICK HERO KANE SURPRISED TO PLAY
Tottenham’s hat-trick hero sub Harry Kane was surprised to come on in their first Europa Conference League victory, 5-1 against Mura.
But the England skipper admitted aftr Mura cut the defict to 2-1 somethign needed to change.
Striker Kane told BT Sport: “The momentum shifted in their favour. It was about coming on and doing a job for the team.
“Us as players and staff need to stick together and work hard. Our recent form has not been great but we need to try to turn it round next game.
“I probably wasn’t expecting to come on today but it’s nice to get the minutes.”
TOTTENHAM 5 NS MURA 1
Sub Harry Kane bagged a 20-minute hat-trick in Tottenham’s first Europa Conference League win.
Dele Alli and Giovani lo Celso rewarded Spurs’ early domination after boss Nuno Espirito Santo made nine changes from Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal.
Credit: Getty
Ziga Kous superbly volleyed Mura back into it on 53 minutes as they finally awoke.
So Kane, Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura came on on the hour.
Mouran and Son provided assists for Kane’s first two strikes before the England frontman sidefooted home to complete his 16th career treble.
WEST HAM 2 RAPID VIENNA 0
Declan Rice and Said Benrahma kept up West Ham’s perfect record in Europa League Group H with this tight win.
Rice and centre-back Craig Dawson both headed off the post before the former tucked in Antonio’s cut-back on 29 minutes.
Rapid had a penalty overturned on VAR before Benrahma calmly slotted home the Hammers’ clincher in stoppage time.
KEEP RON PUSHING US
Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Old Trafford crowd to keep pushing Manchester United to victory.
There was a thunderous reception for Ronaldo’s winning goal against Villarreal in the last minute of injury-time of their Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
For much of the game the crowd remained quiet as United were largely outplayed by their Spanish opponents — but after Alex Telles’ 60th-minute leveller the atmosphere drove them to a winner.
Now Ronaldo has called on Red Devils supporters to back them throughout games.
He said: “Sometimes the players, we try to do our job, to play good and score goals – but sometimes it is not possible.
“The fans have this role as well when the team is in a difficult moment. They need to push us. This is why I say and ask them if they can do that.
“They give us motivation to keep going and to keep running and keep believing.
“So this is what we felt. We are so happy. A very important win and we are in a good way now.”
‘OBSESSED RON’
Cristiano Ronaldo spent so long on the training ground that Sir Alex Ferguson ordered him to leave because it was too close to a game.
The legendary boss feared the young Ronaldo would wear himself out perpetually practising all his trick, flicks and skills.
Nicky Butt came off when Ronaldo made his first Manchester United debut in 2003 and in the new book “Viva Ronaldo”, Butt reveals the secrets of Ronaldo’s determination to make it to the top.
Butt said: “Ronaldo was to emerge as a genius but it wasn’t just about his talents that took him right to the top.
“It is often said that certain players worked hard, stayed behind for some extra training or to practise their techniques, but with Cristiano it was total dedication, total commitment, and total hard work.
“He didn’t have a God given physique, it wasn’t given, he worked hard to achieve it. He actually came to us as a skinny, scrawny young kid, and worked hard to get that physique over many, may years.
“He had to reach a new level of physical strength because the Premier League demanded it, and he had plenty of opportunity to see at first hand how physical and tough it can be when he was up against, even in training, the likes of Roy Keane and Jaap Stam.
“We would also see him work relentlessly on his free kicks and he would tell us about something he had seen somewhere, and he wanted to perfect it, and he would work again relentlessly until he did.
“It all went beyond dedication, he was obsessed with football.”
KALV HIS NAME WITH PRIDE
Marcelo Bielsa insists Manchester United target Kalvin Phillips would only leave Leeds if he had cemented his special bond with the club and fans.
The Red Devils have been linked with the 25-year-old as an alternative to his England midfield team-mate Declan Rice.
But it’s claimed Leeds want £60million as they hope to keep their academy graduate and have reportedly opened contract talks with him.
And Elland Road boss Bielsa said: “I’m sure the day he leaves Leeds and the way that he does it, far from provoking disappointment – of course it will generate disappointment – but it’s going to solidify his link to the club, the people and the city.
“I’m sure he would only leave if it’s guaranteed that the link to the place where he was born remains intact. He will know how to do it.”
FIORENTINA STRUGGLE TO KEEP ARSENAL TARGET DUSAN
Arsenal are on alert after Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso admitted he was struggling to agree new terms with Dusan Vlahovic.
The Gunners are tracking the striker as boss Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen up front.
The 21-year-old has caught the eye of top clubs after notching 21 goals in 37 Serie A games last term. Atletico Madrid were even reported to have had a £51 million offer for him turned down over the summer.
The Serb is under contract at Stadio Artemio Franchi until June 2023 but Commisso revealed he has been offered a new five-year deal worth £34.6 million.
Commisso said: “I don’t know if he’ll sign, let’s all just stay calm.
“We’ve been working on it for months, some days are more positive than others. I speak to Dusan and he says he’s only focussing on the pitch and I should talk to his agents, then I talk to his agents and they say I have to speak to the player.
“What I will say is that this would be the highest salary ever given to a Fiorentina player, including Gabriel Batistuta and Manuel Rui Costa.
“I told Dusan that he is taking a huge risk not signing this deal. We are offering him a five-year contract worth €40m.
“I had to work a whole year to earn what he would in two or three days. I don’t know how football reached this stage.”
SPURS ‘WATCH JOHNSTONE’
Tottenham are reportedly keen on West Brom’s England keeper Sam Johnstone.
Football Insider claim Spurs scouts watched Johnstone play Preston last week.
And it’s suggested are putting together a file on the 28-year-old.
Credit: Getty
VIOLENCE FLARES AT WEST HAM
Rapid Vienna fans tried to storm the West Ham section of the crowd as violence broke out in the Europa League clash at the London Stadium, writes DUNCAN WRIGHT.
The Austrian supporters reacted to Declan Rice firing the Hammers into a 28th minute lead by jumping the barriers and trying to get amongst the home fans.
Trouble had been simmering between the two sections grouped in the corner of the ground from before kick off.
TRENT MISSES CITY CLASH
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the leaders’ home Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
TAA missed Tuesday’s 5-1 Champions League win over FC Porto with a muscle issue.
Now boss Jurgen Klopp has now confirmed Alexander-Arnold, 22, will be missing until after England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary next month.
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is recovering from a calf injury.
Klopp said: “No ‘news’ means they are doing well but they won’t have enough time for being back against City, but I expect them both to be back after the international break.
“But we have a good team so we still have solutions and we have to use them and yeah, after the international break the boys will be back I think.”
Alexander-Arnold has suffered a string of recent injury blows having missed England’s Euro 2020 campaign with a thigh injury.
FIFA WANT WORLD CUP CHANGE SORTED THIS YEAR
Fifa want Arsene Wenger’s plan for a World Cup every two years voted through by the end of 2021, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger formally presented his proposals to 204 of the 211 national associations at a virtual meeting from Zurich.
Despite strong opposition led by Uefa and European clubs and leagues,
FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed he was embarking on the “most inclusive and thorough consultation process that the world of football has ever seen on a global basis”.
Infantino told supporters and opponents: “FIFA has one event that lasts one month every four years that is helping to develop football in 211 member associations.
“Our ambitions for football development across the entire world can only be realised if we have more successful events taking place on a more regular basis.”
Wenger and former US women’s coach Jill Ellis outlined plans for the shape of men’s, women’s and youth football.
But despite the criticism, FIFA announced a “comprehensive report” would be published in November, “before a global summit will be staged before the end of the year”.
Infantino added: “We have the opportunity to shape football history, to look forward, to learn from the past, and to design the future because our vision is to make football truly global.
“But we will only make changes if it benefits everyone.
“No-one should be a loser in this, everyone should be better off at the end of the day. “Otherwise there is no reason to change anything, if the global world of football and everyone in it is not better off. We are aware of the different challenges that this brings.”
LEGIA WARSAW 1 LEICESTER 0
Mahir Emreli left Leicester still winless in the Europa League this season by firing Legia’s 31st-minute clincher.
The Foxes underlined their mediocre start to the season as they created chances but little fluency.
And they are struggling to get through from Group C, having drawn 2-2 at Napoli in their opener.
Ayoze Perez drilled wide before the break and Jannik Vestergaard saw his four-yard header somehow kept out by Legia keeper Cezary Miszta in the second half.
CHEAP CLARET
Burnley shirts are the cheapest in the Premier League while Tottenham fans are forced to cough up £25 more for a replica shirt.
Clarets supporters appear to get the best value, while Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool followers pay more than 50 PER CENT extra.
Burnley’s £45 shirt is the best value in England’s top flight with Brentford (£48), Crystal Palace (£50), Norwich (£50) and Brighton £52 completing the cheapest five list.
TELL IT LIKE IT IS ON RONALDO
Manchester United left-back Alex Telles revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated and “upset” before he sunk Villarreal in stoppage time.
The Brazil star told TNT Sports: “Off the pitch, we already have this closer relationship because we speak Portuguese.
“And five minutes before he was a little upset that we didn’t get any balls to him.
“I said ‘it will arrive, it will arrive, stay concentrated because it will arrive’. And as soon as I went off, Ronaldo doesn’t need much, right?
“We know his quality, we see it on a daily basis. So it only took one ball in the box and he gave us the victory. It’s a dream.”
SPIT CLAIMS PROBED
Crystal Palace are “reviewing a handful of incidents” after their fans allegedly spat at Brighton players leaving the pitch at Selhurst Park.
Coins and drinks were also said to have been thrown at Albion stars after Monday evening’s thrilling Prem encounter, Mail Online are reporting.
The clash reached boiling point after Neal Maupay’s injury-time equaliser for the Seagulls denied the hosts a win they thought they deserved.
Online footage taken from TV coverage shows Brighton players in heated exchanges with home fans before being ushered to their changing room.
Palace have now addressed the accusations and said action will be taken against individuals if necessary.
An Eagles spokesperson told football.london: “Monday night’s match was a fantastic, lively derby with an incredible atmosphere.
“It had a dramatic ending and emotions were running high among both sets of supporters.
“We are reviewing a handful of incidents and, if we find evidence of unacceptable behaviour, we will take necessary action.”
ONE MILL FOR GIL
Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour could earn £500,000 a YEAR plugging brands on Instagram, claim experts.
The 20-year-old midfielder, on loan at Norwich, has amassed one million followers and is being tipped to cash in.
Blues prodigy Gilmour is now set to be signed up by top firms as an influencer on social media.
Tom Stride, a sports image rights expert, said: “His income will depend on how often he posts and the brands that want to work with him.
“But say once per week and we’re looking at half a million pounds per year and his profile will likely grow over time.
“Recent research states that for every 40-50,000 followers, influencers are expecting around £500 per post.
“Multiply this out for athletes with rapidly growing fanbases like Billy Gilmour, and you can see why social media is extremely attractive.”
LOK AWAY NOW
Albert Lokonga “felt humiliated” as he sat on the bench while Man City thrashed his new Arsenal team-mates at the start of the season.
The midfielder watched on in embarrassment as the Gunners were smashed 5-0 by the reigning champions back in August.
And Lokonga, 21, admits he felt humiliated after being left out following his move to the Emirates from Anderlecht in the summer.
He told Sport Foot magazine: “I don’t know, I didn’t talk to the coach about it. You would have to ask him
“In any case, on the bench, I felt humiliated. Exactly as if I was in the field. Many have talked about the statistic of 81 per cent second-half possession for City.
“We often forget to say that we were also reduced to ten men since the 35th minute and the red card of Granit Xhaka at that time.”
Boss Mikel Arteta set about rebuilding his squad over the summer with Lokonga joined by other new arrivals such as Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale.
A shocking start to the season has made way to positive results – notably the 3-1 derby victory over bitter rivals Tottenham.
RON THE SHORTLIST
Manchester United have nominated David De Gea, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and regular sub Jesse Lingard for their September player-of-the-year award.
Ronaldo went to five goals since his shock return from Juventus with last night’s stoppage-time winner against Villarreal.
And De Gea is on the list especially for his last-gasp penalty save to preserve victory at West Ham.
United’s media team said: “De Gea and Ronaldo are outstanding candidates for the trophy and our panel could not split Academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard for the third slot so both are included in our poll.”
MONEY FOR NOTHING
Willian has admitted he was ‘unhappy’ at Arsenal and left because ‘there are some things money can’t buy’.
The 33-year-old Brazilian’s ill-fated spell at the Emirates began in August 2020, when he signed from rivals Chelsea on a three-year deal, after making 339 appearances for the Blues over seven years at the club.
But after just one season and 37 appearances for the Gunners, Willian cut his stay in north London short and parted ways with Arsenal by mutual consent in August 2021.
He then rejoined boyhood club Corinthians, after leaving aged 19 in 2007 to join Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donestk, having come through the Brazilian club’s academy.
The 70-cap Brazil international told Brazilian sports TV programme Arena SBT: “My year at Arsenal was a bit complicated. I really couldn’t adapt to the club. I wasn’t happy there.
“To make it very clear too, it wasn’t the club that wanted me to leave. I wanted to leave the club. I expressed my feeling, said I wasn’t happy.
“I said I wanted to look elsewhere, another place to play. And so there was this decision to leave.
“There are things in life that money can’t buy, money doesn’t pay for.
“You have joy, happiness, peace, a solid family. I think this is the most important thing for me.”
ENGLAND SQUAD RECAP
Gareth Southgate has announced his England squad for the upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Hungary.
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale.
Defenders: Conor Coady, Reece James, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.
Midfielders: Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice.
Forwards: Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins.
JADON SANCH-WOE… STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Jadon Sancho has gone from assist king and useful goal-grabber for Borussia Dortmund to blank stats since his £73million summer arrival at Manchester United.
The England winger, 21, has yet to score or register an assist in his eight United games this season.
OptaJoe point out he notched five goals and five assists in his final eight matches for Dortmund.
SPAIN RECALL ALONSO
Marcos Alonso is back in the Spain squad after THREE YEARS out.
In-form Alonso has kept the Chelsea left-back spot ahead of England’s Ben Chilwell this season.
But the 30-year-old won the last of his three caps in a 3-2 Nations League defeat by England in October 2018.
Now a mini injury crisis has opened the door for a return to the national side.
Regulars Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno and Thiago Alcantara are out while PSG new boy Sergio Ramos is yet to recover from a thigh strain.
Spain face Italy in the Nations League semi-finals next Wednesday.
And there was also a surprise place in the 23-man squad for Barcelona’s Gavi.
KIT MONEY TO BURN
Burnley shirts are the cheapest in the Premier League while Tottenham fans are forced to cough up £25 more for a replica shirt.
Clarets supporters appear to get the best value, while Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool followers pay more than 50 PER CENT extra.
Burnley’s £45 shirt is the best value in England’s top flight with Brentford (£48), Crystal Palace (£50), Norwich (£50) and Brighton £52 completing the cheapest five list.
WHY I AXED JUDE AND GREENWOOD
Gareth Southgate admits axing England’s teen whizkids Jude Bellingham will surprise many – but is worried about “overloading” them.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham, 18, and 19-year-old Manchester United striker Greenwood have begun the season brightly.
Southgate, though, said: “They don’t come as a pair but they are in similar situations. They are young players with a heavy load.
“I have spoken to both players. Jude has had a high level of matches. He is playing Champions League, Bundesliga.
“We have to remember these lads are still physically growing.
“We think they can be exciting players for the future but we don’t want to overload them.
“I can understand why people may raise their eyes.”
OLLIE GOOD ATTITUDE
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate praised recalled striker Ollie Watkins’ attitude.
Aston Villa’s three-cap striker, 25, only missed out on the England squad early this month through injury.
And Southgate said: “He was close to making the squad for the Euros. He is still close to getting back to full fitness. I love his mentality.”
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