More stories

  • in

    Bournemouth 2 Man City 1: Guardiola and Co dealt major title blow after shock first Premier League defeat in 11 MONTHS

    PEP GUARDIOLA’S imperious champions were brought down to earth by little Bournemouth.The Blues sank to their first Premier League defeat in 32 matches – and they can have no complaints.Antoine Semenyo fired beyond Ederson to give Bournemouth the leadCredit: GettyIt is the Bournemouth forward’s fourth Premier League goal of the seasonCredit: RexEvanilson scored Bournemouth’s second goal of the game in the 64th minuteCredit: AFPThe Brazilian put Bournemouth in complete control as they earned a memorable winCredit: RexIt is Manchester City’s first league defeat since December last yearCredit: ReutersFor Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth must now be taken seriously in the Premier League – and you had better believe it.The sensational Antoine Semenyo fired the Cherries ahead in the first half and Brazilian Evanilson added a second just after the hour.Josko Gvardiol pulled a late goal back but Guardiola can have no complaints because they were second best for most of the match.They didn’t muster a shot on target until ten minutes from time and Gvardiol’s header was their second.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to think this followed Bournemouth’s unthinkable victory over Arsenal on the same pitch two weeks ago.That day the Gunners’ own undefeated run was shot down 2-0 after they suffered a first-half sending off.But there was no helping hand for the hosts this time because this was no ordinary day out at the seaside for Guardiola and his merry, supposedly depleted, men.Pep had been talking up a serious injury list – and an irritating Carabao Cup defeat at Spurs had their trophy-laden gaffer worried.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola suffered a frustrating afternoon at the Vitality StadiumCredit: RexMan City have fallen behind Liverpool in the title raceCredit: GettyBut maybe he was just telling porky pies because Kyle Walker was surprisingly back in the starting line-up with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench.And of course it does help team morale when you can recall a robotic goal machine in Erling Haaland.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsHaaland stepped off the coach with 74 Premier League goals in his pockets from 75 games with 11 of them arriving this season alone.The Norwegian monster was “rested” at Tottenham with this fixture in mind – even if it was against little old Bournemouth.Then again, the striker’s goalscoring record of just one in four league meetings against the minnows isn’t one of his best stats.Guardiola’s unbeaten league leaders had won their previous 14 top-flight games against the Cherries, scoring over three goals per match.Even worse, Bournemouth had never beaten City in their 20 league meetings – a record for most matches lost against the same opponent in the top four tiers.But there again the hosts couldn’t be underestimated having just ended Arsenal’s undefeated league campaign on the same grass last time out.And a fighting late, late draw at Aston Villa last weekend served notice that Andoni Iraola’s boys are now serious top-flight opposition.Just a minute after The Last Post was beautifully played by a military bugler, the Cherries came so close to posting the first goal.Bournemouth soaked up Man City pressure to secure a famous victorySemenyo produced a Player of the Match display to inspire Bournemouth’s winOasis songwriter and Man City fan Noel Gallagher looked on in angerCredit: ReutersMarcus Tavernier robbed former Cherries star Nathan Ake in midfield and set Semenyo racing clear.Semenyo’s drive was blocked by goalkeeper Ederson, who reacted superbly keeping out Justin Kluivert’s follow-up shot with his outstretched leg.Iraola had instructed his team to go full-out from the off to try and score first because they hadn’t notched a goal in the first 15 minutes all season.And Semenyo followed his orders immaculately when he put the Cherries deservedly ahead on nine minutes.Milos Kerkez brushed past Phil Foden down the left wing before he picked out Semenyo.The ball was behind the Ghana striker but he had time to spin round and strike his fourth goal of the campaign into the far corner.Semenyo is the new Premier League shooting sensation with only Haaland having more shots on goal than him this campaign.And to be fair Haaland was virtually a spectator as the hosts kept his defence on the back foot in the opening 20 minutes.But that was never going to last and alarm bells were soon ringing in the home defence when Foden picked the Norwegian out at the back stick.The blonde giant rose highest but instead of trying for goal he headed the ball sideways and Bernardo Silva couldn’t reach it.Bournemouth nearly shook their mighty visitors with a second goal straight after the break.A long ball over the top reached the ever-dangerous Semenyo but when he took a bad touch Evanilson took on shooting duties.Luckily for the Blues, Ederson was alive to the danger and diverted the Brazilian forward’s shot for a corner.City responded well and should have levelled on 51 minutes but Foden pulled his effort wide from Matheus Nunes’ pass.The visitors were concerned just before the hour when Haaland was injured in a clash with Lewis Cook.Cook apologised to the Norwegian who received no sympathy from the home fans who sang “You will be crying in a minute”.Up popped Semenyo again when he left Walker on the deck before he charged forward and saw his shot deflected wide.But Evanilson then did make it 2-0 as Kerkez turned provider again before the Brazilian slotted home.City pulled a goal back eight minutes from time when Gvardiol’s headed Ilkay Gundogan’s cross into the top corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues scented a comeback and should have escaped with a draw but Haaland had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.But this spirited Bournemouth bunch deserved their most famous victory in the club’s history. More

  • in

    Liverpool 2 Brighton 1: Reds go top of Premier League after two goals in three second-half minutes seal comeback win

    MO SALAH produced the brilliant, signature strike that sent Liverpool to the top after a first half display that was strictly rock-bottom.For the first 45 minutes Fabian Hurzeler’s side ripped away all the gloss of Arne Slot’s start as Liverpool’s new manager.Mo Salah curls a trademark effort into the back of netCredit: PAThe Egyptian celebrates his brilliant effortCredit: ReutersFerdi Kadioglu grabbed a stunning opener, Brighton could have been at least three ahead and the Kop, along with boss Slot, looked on in disbelief for this game could easily have been all over by the break.But Slot’s players re-emerged as different animals.Cody Gakpo equalised with a deep cross, Darwin Nunez confusing the issue in the Seagulls box and two minutes later there was Salah, weaving into the box and delivering – just as he had done on 161 previous occasions in his glittering Prem career at Anfield.Plenty had believed going into this clash that Liverpool’s results since Slot came in had patched over deficiencies, especially in a newly-constructed midfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose theories gained weight during a shockingly passive first-half as their opponents played through them time after time.They were also sloppy right from the start, Trent Alexander-Arnold carelessly conceding possession in only the third minute.True enough, Darwin Nunez could have put them ahead shortly afterwards thanks to a moment of individual brilliance.His spinning flick to get clear on the half-way line was pure Lionel Messi – seriously – and spurted 35 yards before cutting onto his favourite right foot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCody Gakpo high-fives Darwin Nunez after equalisingCredit: ReutersHis strike was excellent, too, but Bart Verbruggen read the intent of the enigmatic forward.But that was about it in a first-half display that was miles below the levels that had taken them so high and so fast since Slot.Jamie Carragher and Theo Walcott have awkward ‘Thierry Henry moment’ live on Sky Sports after Arsenal vs LiverpoolThe Seagulls were slick, confident, highly organised and ever-ready to hit their opponents on the break.Exactly that tactic brought them the opener 15 minutes in as Kaoru Mitoma found himself with loads of space on the left flank.Danny Welbeck luckily flicked the ball across the face of the  box but there was nothing fortuitous about Ferdi Kadioglu’s shot.The Turkish right-back brought in from Fenerbache for £25m this summer ripped it beyond Caoimhin Kelleher to claim his first ever Prem strike.Even Slot’s attacking machine mainly malfunctioned, Alexander-Arnold over-hitting a simple pass from the edge of the Brighton box to Salah’s frustration.Brighton only wanted more Reds blood and came so close to spilling it again in the 27th minute.Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood sent forward a brilliant pass for Georginio Rutter who found himself one-on-one with Kelleher.The £40m buy from Leeds United stumbled slightly in the heat of the moment, his left footer lacking fire, Alisson’s Republic of Ireland understudy taking centre stage to block.Ferdi Kadioglu fires Brighton in frontCredit: AlamyKadioglu, 25, celebrates his openerCredit: PAKadioglu should then have grabbed his second, the defence all over the place again but he blazed over.A 20-yard Welbeck free-kick slipped a foot wide of Kelleher’s left hand post.Slot, surely will have been in shock.The Kop certainly were, especially when Alexis Mac Allister tripped former Manchester United striker Welbeck, VAR easing their increasing agonies a little by confirming the challenge was just outside the penalty area.The Argentinian was booked but if there was relief there, Ibrahima Konate picked up what looked like a bad shoulder injury of half-time, Joe Gomez replacing him after the break.There can’t have been any double Dutch from Slot during that interval when surely he will have been firing rockets around the dressing room.For his players finally showed all the intensity that had been so sadly lacking, Gomez starting the assault with a header straight at Verbruggen.Liverpool were now right in the visitor’s faces but Virgil van Dijk wasted a glorious opportunity, moving forward to meet Alexander-Arnold’s deep cross.Had he met it with his head the score would surely have been levelled but instead the home captain completely messed up with an attempted volley.Salah suddenly emerged after utter anonymity, Verbruggen reacted bravely to grab at his feet.But Liverpool had momentum now, Slot adding to it with the fresh legs of Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz.An equaliser always looked on the cards after Liverpool had found themselves again and Gakpo provided it in the 70th minute.He rose to meet Gakpo’s deep cross and while he claimed the goal it was granted to the Dutchman, Verbruggen distracted by the striker’s presence.The stage was set for Anfield’s Egyptian king and the finish he produced was truly majestic.READ MORE SUN STORIESJones, who had replaced Mac Allister, drove forward and central defender Jan Paul van Hecke didn’t spot the danger.He stayed too deep, Salah sprinted at him – and then he was gone, cutting inside to deliver a fabulous strike into the far top corner. More

  • in

    Lando Norris wins vital Brazilian GP sprint race after being gifted lead by team-mate as he closes gap on Max Verstappen

    LANDO NORRIS has won the vital Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race after a helping hand from Oscar Piastri.His team-mate allowed him through just two laps before the end of the race on team orders.Lando Norris won the sprint race at the Brazilian GP after help from Oscar PiastriCredit: GettyMax Verstappen had to settle for fourth position after a penalty decisionCredit: GettyNorris, 24, had his win made more tense than needed as McLaren delayed the order until it was almost too late.Communication was made with Piastri after Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was on their tail.The Belgian racer had passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with just six laps to go.The extra points for Norris means that Verstappen’s lead as been cut to 45 points.READ MORE ON SPORTThis was part of McLaren’s plan as they went into the sprint aiming for a Norris win to slash the rival’s lead.However, there was almost a spanner thrown into the works as Nico Hulkenburg’s Haas pulled up on Lap 21.Luckily, the position swap between Norris and Piastri was made before a safety car was deployed.If it had not, then it would have allowed the Red Bull to close the gap, and Piastir would have likely won the sprint.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the race, Norris was quick to show his appreciation to his team-mate’s efforts.He said: “Not proud about it, but we worked well as a team together. I thank Oscar.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?”Today was the result we wanted, Oscar deserved it but I thank him and the team.”It was yo-yoing a little bit. The dirty air costs you a lot of lap time.”I felt a bit quicker but I couldn’t get close enough to pass.”I felt we were quicker than the guys behind but it’s difficult in the sprint to know how much to manage [the tyres].”Verstappen finished the sprint in third place but was handed a five-second penalty for going too fast under the VSC.This dropped the Red Bull Racing star to fourth. READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement from the stewards said: “[Verstappen] was 0.63 seconds below the minimum time at VSC End when the FIA light panels changed to green.”This indicates a sporting advantage gained under VSC.” More

  • in

    Can Jadon Sancho play for Chelsea against Man Utd?

    JADON SANCHO has revived his career since switching from Manchester United to Chelsea last summer – but he could be unavailable for tomorrow’s huge fixture.The tricky winger was forced out of United by former manager Erik ten Hag following their public spat last season.Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running at ChelseaCredit: GettyAnd the Blues were able to strike a deal with the Red Devils which saw Sancho complete a loan move on summer transfer deadline day.Sancho, 24, is yet to register a goal for Chelsea, but he has contributed with three assists in five matches along with being voted Player of the Match on his Blues debut.But it has been a talking point on whether Sancho will be able to feature for Chelsea against United on Super Sunday due to the loan rules.SunSport can provide fans with the answers they need.Read more on Jadon SanchoCan Jadon Sancho play for Chelsea against Man Utd?Jadon Sancho will NOT be able to play against Manchester United in a huge blow to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.This is due to the Football Association guidelines that loan players cannot face their parent club in the Premier League.The rule was introduced in 2004 after Portsmouth loanee, Lomana LuaLua scored a late equaliser for Pompey against his parent club Newcastle.However, the FA’s rules would allow Sancho to play for Chelsea against United should the two English rivals meet each other in any other domestic competition such as the FA Cup.Most read in FootballWhen do Chelsea play against Man Utd?Chelsea travel to Manchester United TOMORROW – Sunday, November 3.It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm GMT.Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge Premier League clash and it can host approximately 74,310 roaring fans.Cole Palmer’s hat-trick fired Chelsea to a 4-3 win when the sides last met in April.What has been said?Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca appears to have forgotten that Jadon Sancho is unavailable for the clash due to the guidelines.In the build-up to the match, Maresca said: “All the players are available but Jadon will be out. “He has been ill in the recent days.”Sancho has not featured in the last two matches for the Blues but Maresca hopes he will be in contention to face Noah in their Conference League clash on Thursday, November 7. More

  • in

    ‘That was hard’ – Ruud van Nistelrooy had ‘mixed feelings’ about taking Man Utd job after Erik ten Hag’s sacking

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has admitted that he had “mixed feelings” after taking over as Manchester United caretaker boss.The Dutchman, 48, was promoted to the role following Erik ten Hag’s sacking earlier this week.Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game in caretaker charge on WednesdayCredit: ReutersVan Nistelrooy, 48, was brought to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag in the summerCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy won his first game in charge on Wednesday, dumping Leicester out of the Carabao Cup with a 5-2 drubbing.The Red Devils yesterday confirmed the appointment of Sporting coach Ruben Amorim.With Amorim not available to begin work at Old Trafford until November 11, Van Nistelrooy will take charge of three more matches.Ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Chelsea, Van Nistelrooy sat down with United’s club media to preview the clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReflecting upon his start to life in temporary charge, the former striker said: “Yeah, if I speak about the game, the reception, the connection with the crowd, and how the players reacted and how the players played, it was a great night.”I enjoyed every second of it. Special, proud moment. Obviously the days before leading up to that were with mixed feelings.”It was hard to see the manager go: the one who got me into the club, you know, the one who was fighting also for this club and cared a lot about the club.”So that was hard. But I have to say that, after that, the crowd lifted our spirits and it was a great night in the end.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHaving previously managed PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag’s staff as a first team coach in the summer.SunSport revealed yesterday that United stars are desperate for Van Nistelrooy to be retained as part of Amorim’s coaching staff.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreFollowing the win over Leicester, United’s former forward signalled that he wants to stay.He told Sky Sports: “I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.”I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.” More

  • in

    ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’ – Boss pushes Marcelo back to bench after Brazil legend refuses his pre-sub tactics

    REAL MADRID and Brazil legend Marcelo was stopped from coming on by his OWN MANAGER after appearing to argue with the coach’s tactics.The five-time Champions League winner, 36, left the Bernabeu in 2022 after 15 hugely successful years in the Spanish capital.Marcelo received instructions from manager Mano Menezes but appeared to disagree with his coachCredit: geMenezes then pushed Marcelo and told him to sit back on the benchCredit: geThe Real Madrid man then went to the bench and pulled his bib back onCredit: geHe joined Olympiacos for one season, before returning to his home country last year when he signed for boyhood club Fluminense.Marcelo has played 68 games for the Brazilian side – who sit 12th in the top flight.But he was denied another appearance on Saturday after an incredible touchline spat with manager Mano Menezes.The left-back was stripped and ready to come on in the 90th minute with Fluminense holding onto a 2-1 lead over Gremio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarcelo was preparing to enter the fray as part of a double substitution which also included the introduction of Marquinhos – the winger on loan from Arsenal.But as Menezes gave Marcelo instructions on the sideline, the ex-Real Madrid man seemed to disagree with what he was being told.This led to the manager becoming furious, before he pushed Marcelo and told him to sit down again.Marcelo walked to the bench and pulled his bib back on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he ended up watching his team concede a stoppage-time equaliser as Fluminense drew 2-2 with Gremio.Reacting to Marcelo’s altercation with Menezes, journalist Tancredi Palmeri said: “I have never seen anything similar in elite football.”Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillWhile one fan replied: “Respect to the coach for not backing down!”Another added: “This is so disrespectful.”And a third said: “As it should be, he’s not bigger than the coach or the club.” More

  • in

    Arsenal fans rage at duo who ‘can’t start together’ as both get hooked in Newcastle loss that has title hopes in tatters

    ARSENAL fans have been left raging at Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard following the devastating defeat to Newcastle.The Gunners limped to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park in a horrific blow to their Premier League title hopes.Gabriel Martinelli was unable to provide a positive impact for Arsenal against NewcastleCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard was also unable to create much for the Gunners going forwardCredit: AFPAlexander Isak’s solitary goal was enough to split the sides and left Mikel Arteta’s outfit five points behind Manchester City.The Magpies star headed the hosts in front inside the opening 12 minutes, but Arsenal were unable to get themselves a goal.Supporters have pointed to the lack of contribution from attacking duo Martinelli and Trossard.Martinelli was in his usual position on the left wing but struggled up against Tino Livramento.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe defender won every tackle, aerial dual and ground duel against the Brazilian.This massively impacted Martinelli’s ability to pose a threat, as he did not provide a single accurate cross or shot on target before he was subbed.Trossard was just as ineffective for Arteta playing in the No10 role.The Belgian only touched the ball in the Newcastle box four times throughout his time on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe attacker was often forced to collect the ball from his own half before he could try and move forward.Many fans suggested that the duo aren’t capable of co-existing on the same pitch.I trained with Thierry Henry and he ruined my Arsenal career and it took me two years to go back over to the first team One said: “Trossard and Martinelli in the same team just doesn’t work, we are missing creative passing and it’s very obvious neither has that.”A second wrote: “Can’t watch Trossard and Martinelli together on the pitch.”A third commented: “Trossard and Martinelli are two of our three best wingers at the club. They are absolutely soul-sucking to watch.”A fourth said: “Sub Martinelli off and send Trossard on the wing.”Another added: “Trossard needs to switch to Martinelli’s wing. Sub off that ram and bring Ben White in.”After the game, Arteta insisted that he was “very frustrated” with the defeat.He said: “We deserved to lose today. I thought we started really well and were really dominant. We didn’t defend the box well enough. Credit to them. They scored a great goal with a good ball.”Then the game changes and you start to play a different game. You have to adapt and we didn’t do that well enough. I am very frustrated.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We got dragged into a game they are looking for constantly and we couldn’t play the game that we wanted.”We had two big chances – Mikel had a big one, Declan had a big one. We lacked answers.” More

  • in

    Jake Paul makes training decision for Mike Tyson fight after dramatically losing TWO STONE for last fight

    JAKE PAUL has pumped the breaks on piling on the pounds for his fight against Mike Tyson. The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces the legendary Tyson on November 15 in a controversial clash scrutinised for the age difference. Coach Larry Wade helped Jake Paul lose over two stoneJake Paul had to get down to the cruiserweight limitCredit: GettyNot only will it mark Netflix’s first foray into live boxing but also Paul’s first fight at heavyweight. The two were initially due to meet on July 20 but Tyson was forced out after suffering an ulcer flare-up while on a flight. Paul had bulked up to a huge 230lb (16st 4lb) in preparation for the bout until Iron Mike was forced to withdraw. Instead, ex-UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, stepped in as a replacement for a 200lb cruiserweight bout. READ MORE IN bSo Paul had to dramatically get down to 14st 4lb – losing over TWO STONE in just a month. He went on to win the fight after six rounds and three knockdowns but strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade admitted it took its toll. He said: “The last couple of months with Jake has been very challenging. “You go from thinking about one of the biggest fights in the world with Mike Tyson to deciding that maybe you’re not fighting at all and then kind of relaxing a bit to then find out, boom, week later you’re going to be fighting Mike Perry. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Two different styles of fighters, two different styles of training. One in which Mike Tyson’s fighting two-minute rounds, Mike Perry’s fighting three-minute rounds which is a different kind of conditioning. “He had to go back, lock in and get some stuff done on top of the fact we had to drop a lot of weight to get there. Definitely took a team effort.”Tyson shows off incredible one-year body transformation for Jake Paul fight Paul, 27, will now fight Tyson, 58, this month but will not go up in weight as much as he did earlier in the year. Wade revealed: “He needed a break so we took a month off, got right back into it and now we’re getting ready for Mike. “We’re not as heavy as we were before which is a plus for us. I didn’t want us to go back up but you can guarantee he’s going to be ready fight night.”Jake Paul training to fight Mike TysonCredit: Youtube / Most Valuable PromotionsHe is not planning to pile on as much weight this time aroundCredit: Youtube / Most Valuable Promotions More