Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Cole Palmer goal proves decisive

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Cole Palmer goal proves decisive

Chelsea moved themselves into the top four of the Premier League with a well deserved 2-1 victory over Newcastle a Stamford Bridge.

The Blues dominated and controlled possession in the first half with Eddie Howe’s Magpies looking uncharacteristically uneasy as the match went on. Cole Palmer, always eager to impress, had the ball in the back of the net with six minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

However, it didn’t take Chelsea long before they went ahead. Palmer released Pedro Neto down the left wing and he squared to Nicolas Jackson for a tap-in after a quick counter attack.

Alexander Isak managed to pull one back with an awkwardly taken equaliser to send the teams into the break on level terms but it was Palmer who had the last word. Less than two minutes after the restart he slotted past Nick Pope to secure the points for the hosts.

Relive the action with our live blog below:

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

  • Chelsea defeat Newcastle in the Premier League

  • 90+2’ NO PENALTY! Spot kick overturned after VAR intervention (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 90’ PENALTY! Nkunku brought down by Burn in the box (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 47’ GOAL! Palmer sends Chelsea ahead (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 32’ GOAL! Isak pokes visitors level (CHE 1-1 NEW)

  • 18’ GOAL! Jackson slots Chelsea into the lead (CHE 1-0 NEW)

  • 6’ DISALLOWED! Palmer finds the back of the net but drifted offside in the build-up (CHE 0-0 NEW)

Chelsea FC 2 – 1 Newcastle United FC

Palmer speaks to Sky Sports

16:23 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer is first to speak to Sky, and he says that Chelsea “don’t mind proving people wrong”.

“I try and go out there and play my game. That is what I do. I always try to enjoy my football game by game.

I try to not put pressure on myself. Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers.

“It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.”

Regarding Chelsea and fighting for top four, he said: “We just try to play our own game, block the noise out from the outside. We don’t mind proving people wrong.

“We are all young and we have a top coach, but there are improvements still.”

FT: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:15 , Chris Wilson

That result puts Chelsea back into the top four. They sit on 17 points, one behind Villa, and are above Arsenal on goal difference ahead of the Gunners’ match against Liverpool.

Newcastle remain in 12th, with 12 points from their first nine matches.

Elsewhere in the Premier League

16:12 , Chris Wilson

Two more results to report from the Premier League.

In south London, Crystal Palace beat Spurs 1-0 thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta, while in east London, West Ham won 2-1 against Manchester United courtesy of a late penalty from Bowen.

FT: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:08 , Chris Wilson

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FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:04 , Chris Wilson

An entertaining match comes to an end in west London. Chelsea take a deserved three points at home after a game that was close overall, though they certainly deserved it more than Newcastle.

Chelsea move into the top four once again!

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:03 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! The referee brings it to an end!

The corner comes in but it’s cleared and Chelsea take the three points!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:02 , Chris Wilson

97 mins

Maybe time for one more chance for the away side as Pope has the ball in the Newcastle half and punts it forward. Good defending from Cacicedo though.

Newcastle win the throw but they can’t find the gaps. They lump it forward again and Willock plays it back across goal – and James comes in with a fine defensive header to clear it over his own goal!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:01 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

Into the final of the allotted minutes, but there’ll be a couple of extra minutes due to the VAR check for the penalty.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:59 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Newcastle have a chance to build an attack but it’s all too disjointed. Dan Burn fizzes in a hopeful cutback but there’s nobody there.

Nkunku leads the counter but the whistle goes for offside.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:58 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

There’s still time for the away side here but they have to get a move on, and it’s Chelsea who still have most of the ball. A chance for Newcastle here though as Nkunku concedes a free-kick and is booked.

Maresca is booked for his reaction too!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:56 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

So Newcastle get a second chance to take something, but will they capitalise?

Sean Longstaff was booked for dissent in the meantime.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:56 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

PENALTY OVERTURNED!

It was certainly fleeting contact from Burn, and Simon Hooper goes to the screen before overturning his decision.

We’re into the second of six minutes of added time here.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:54 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

PENALTY TO CHELSEA!

Chelsea burst forward and Nkunku surges into the box. Burn has his hands all over him and he drags the Frenchman down as he checked back inside – it’s given, but there’s a VAR check.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:53 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

Chelsea are closing the game out and they win a goal kick after the ball forward runs out of play.

Newcastle make two changes as Osula and Kelly replace Hall and Joelinton.

Another goal in east London – Jarrod Bowen has converted a penalty to put West Ham 2-1 up against Manchester United.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:51 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Half a chance for Chelsea as Joelinton is dispossessed on the edge of his own box, but Nkunku dwells on the ball for too long and his shot is blocked.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:50 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Now Sanchez is booked for delaying a restart.

Into the final five minutes of normal time and Newcastle are throwing themselves forward , but Chelsea do look fairly comfortable.

Another attack breaks down as Neto runs it into Pope.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:47 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

Newcastle lump a long free-kick forward but they’re penalised for a foul from Burn.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:46 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

CHANCE!

Newcastle’s turn to build patiently now, but they can’t find an opening and Palmer wins possession. He exchanges passes with Nkunku in the box before laying it off to Mudryk. The Ukrainian is in plenty of space but he can only fire his shot straight at Pope!

Will Chelsea live to rue that missed opportunity?

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:44 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Chelsea aren’t committing as many men forward now, and are trying to take the sting out of the Newcastle attack.

They build patiently, exchanging passes in midfield before the attack breaks down.

In east London, Casemiro has levelled things for Manchester United against West Ham.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:42 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Newcastle have some real momentum now but they’re penalised for a foul on Gusto in the Chelsea box.

The home side make two more changes – Gusto makes way for Marc Cucurella, and Christopher Nkunku replaces Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:40 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

CLOSE! How have Newcastle nit scored here!?

Newcastle knock the long ball forward and Isak wrestles free from the challenge from Fofana to win the ball. He’s 1-v-1 and skips past Sanchez, but the angle is too tight to hit it. He tries to skip past another challenge to get the shot away, but he’s tackled!

Joelinton was free in the box, unmarked, to tap in, but Isak didn’t square it! Had to be 2-2 that.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:38 , Chris Wilson

74 mins

Newcastle have definitely improved since making their substitutions, but only one chance of note for them so far. They’ve found a way back into it though, for sure.

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Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:36 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

Enzo Fernandez comes on for Romeo Lavia.

In other news, West Ham have gone 1-0 up against Manchester United thanks to a goal from Crysencio Summerville. Crystal Palace still lead Spurs at Selhurst Park too.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:35 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

CHANCE!

Newcastle come forward and Joelinton releases Willock down the left. He hangs up the cross and Isak heads it towards goal, but James is there to clear it almost off the line!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:32 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Both sides make subs as Madueke makes way for Mykhailo Mudryk for Chelsea, and Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff come on for Miguel Almiron, Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:30 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

Chelsea do look very comfortable at the moment. The away side look like they’re missing Anthony Gordon here.

Hall wins a free-kick near the Chelsea box after Madueke pulls him back. The England winger is booked for the challenge.

Schar lines it up but he curls his effort over.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:28 , Chris Wilson

64 mins

Barnes tries to lead the Newcastle attack as he’s fed the sweeping pass from Guimaraes, but he’s dispossessed.

Tonali is the next player booked for delaying the restart.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:26 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

Palmer feeds Neto down the left, but Chelsea are forced to work it backwards and Palmer’s ball into the box is caught by Pope.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:25 , Chris Wilson

59 mins

Chelsea attack again but the header bounces over and the goal kick is given, though it should have been corner.

Newcaslte try and launch an attack but Hall’s ball forward is cleared.

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Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:22 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

Newcastle have their first real attack of the second half and it’s a dangerous one, as Barnes threads it to the overlapping Isak. He clips a ball towards the back post but it’s great defending from James to head away, almost on his own goal line.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:20 , Chris Wilson

55 mins

Lavia is booked for delaying the restart, and there’s a bit of a lull in attacking activity here as Madueke’s through ball goes out for a goal kick.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:17 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

It feels like a crucial point in the game now, as Chelsea could essentially win it here if they keep this up.

Gusto fires a shot well over, but Newcastle look very ragged and disjointed at the moment.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:16 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Another Chelsea counter ends with Madueke hitting a weak shot at Pope. The home side are dominating once again though.

Newcastle look a bit shocked out there.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:14 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

So the home side are ahead once more – can they keep their lead (or even extend it) this time?

They almost do, as the cross comes in from Madueke. Neto rises early and gets above Livramento, but he crashes his header against the post!

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:11 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

GOAL! And the home side lead within a couple of minutes of kick-off!

Newcastle lose possession on halfway and Caicedo threads it to Palmer. He drives towards the box and hits a low shot to the near post – Pope gets a hand to it but he can’t keep it out!

KICK-OFF! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:09 , Chris Wilson

The away side get the second half underway in West London.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:08 , Chris Wilson

The teams are coming back out at Stamford Bridge, so we’re moments away from the second half.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:07 , Chris Wilson

And back at Stamford Bridge, we have an intriguing second half ahead of us between Chelsea and Newcastle.

The home side certainly dominated large parts of the first half and looked the more dangerous of the two teams. This dominance showed as Nicolas Jackson put the home side ahead within the first 20 minutes.

But the home defence switched off for a moment to allow Isak in to equalise, and since then it has been a little more equal.

Chelsea have certainly been the better of the two sides though, and they’ll fancy their chances of grabbing a win here.

Both sides will certainly need to be more clinical, and more solid at the back, if they are to come away with a win though.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:03 , Chris Wilson

A note from around London – West Ham and Manchester United are currently level at the break, while Crystal Palace are defending a precarious lead at home to Spurs.

HAL-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:00 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:54 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

HALF-TIME!

Probably the last chance of the half as Caicedo and Gusto combine to foul Barnes. Newcastle can swing in a dangerous set-piece here – Hall delivers it but Burn can only direct a header up into the air, and Sanchez collects it.

The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel level after the first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:51 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

Isak is briefly down after being caught by Fofana, but both are fine. Up the other end, Chelsea are penalised as Jackson drifted offside.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:50 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

Sanchez comes off his line well to deal with a dangerous long ball forward.

Hall picks out Barnes with a clipped ball forwards but Gusto does well to recover the ball.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:49 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Chelsea win another corner as Livramento heads Gusto’s cross behind. James delivers the set-piece – and it’s headed behind for another.

Palmer will deliver this one – and Pope punches it behind!

One more in-swinger from Palmer – it’s a dangerous delivery but Pope catches it well.

Worth noting that Newcastle have neither scored nor conceded from a corner so far this season.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:46 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Shouts around Stamford Bridge as Guimaraes avoids a foul after sliding in on Neto.

There’ll be SEVEN minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:45 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

Livramento does well to win a foul from Neto, and there’ll be some brief respite for the away side. At the other end, Colwill is calm enough to play a pass back to Sanchez to clear.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:43 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Barnes leads the Newcastle counter and he feels he’s fouled, but it was a good challenge from Lavia.

Moments after, Burn has his hands on Madueke as he looks to latch onto a long ball forward, but the referee doesn’t give the foul.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:42 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Chelsea are finishing the half in the ascendancy here. Neto – who’s moved onto the right wing for now – hits a deflected shot that has wrong-footed Pope, but the ‘keeper adjusts his feet to make a good save.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:41 , Chris Wilson

39 mins

Another promising Chelsea attack as Palmer shifts it wide to Gusto before Neto has a shot deflected over for a corner.

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Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:37 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Caicedo does well to win the ball back near the Newcastle box. It’s given back to him by Jackson, and the Ecuadorian blasts an effort over from outside the box.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:36 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

So, despite some promising attacking play from Chelsea, they find themselves level. It was a well-worked goal from Newcastle, if not the prettiest.

In other news – Palace lead Spurs 1-0 after a strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:34 , Chris Wilson

33 mins

GOAL GIVEN!

Plenty of tension as VAR takes a while to look if Isak had drifted…but he’s played onside by Fofana’s right boot!

Newcastle are level!

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:33 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

GOAL! The visitors are level!

Tonali and Joelinton exchange passes near halfway before the Italian slides a pass across to Harvey Barnes. The England man plays in Livramento on the overlap and he squares it for Isak to tap in!

Hang on though…it looks like there could be an offside!

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:31 , Chris Wilson

31 mins

Half a chance as Isak’s glancing header at the front post is well over.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:31 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

The match has certainly calmed down a bit but you do get the sense that Chelsea could score whenever they attack.

Newcastle launch a long free-kick from their own half, which ends with Tonali winning a corner as Palmer charged down the cross.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:29 , Chris Wilson

27 mins

Plenty of space in midfield for Chelsea when they look to attack, but it’s Newcastle who have a chance now.

They pour men forward and Isak finds Barnes with the cutback, but the shot is blocked. The away side attack again, but two shots are blocked from within the box and Chelsea counter to win a corner.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:26 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Good work from Caicedo as he receives a poorly judged pass from Sanchez but wriggles free to release Palmer.

The home side come forward again, and Neto beats Livramento down the left and manages to keep the ball in play, but Gusto can’t get a clean connection with the ball at the back post.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:24 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Madueke’s cross is headed down by Jackson but he can’t direct it back to a Chelsea man. The home side are dominating here.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:23 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Chelsea launch another attack and Jackson’s pass forward deflects into the path of Neto, who curls an effort into the gloves of Pope.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:22 , Chris Wilson

22 mins

A lull in activity at the Bridge ends with Palmer drawing a foul and a yellow card as Schar trips him.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:21 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

Newcastle look to answer straight away as Guimaraes finds Almiron with a chipped ball into the box, but the Paraguayan can’t get his effort on target.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:20 , Chris Wilson

18 mins

The home side are definitely ahead now!

It all comes from a Newcastle cross too as the ball in is cleared and it falls to Palmer. On the turn, he threads a brilliant pass to the overlapping Neto and the Portuguese beats Schar down the wing, before lifting his head and finding Jackson unmarked in the area. The striker slots a simple side-foot past Pope for 1-0!

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:18 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

Good work from Fofana to shepherd the ball and head it back to Sanchez. He’s looking alright now.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:17 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

Huge shouts for a penalty from Newcastle as Guimaraes goes down as he burst into the box, but the referee waves it away! VAR will check it presumably…

No matter anyway, as he was well outside of the area.

No goals (except disallowed ones) in the first 15 in any of the three 2pm matches.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:15 , Chris Wilson

14 mins

Palmer’s ball forward is blocked but he has a second chance and feeds through Neto down the left. The former Wolves man wins a corner.

James swings in the corner but it’s good defending from Hall to make the block.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:14 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Quite a lengthy bit of treatment for Fofana but he walks off and he looks like he’ll be okay to carry on. It looks like an issue with his knee .

Newcastle win a corner after Colwill deals with a ball forward to Joelinton, and a poor delivery ends with a Chelsea throw.

On second look, Fofana still looks uncomfortable out there.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:11 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

Hall is dispossessed by Madueke and now it’s the turn of the home side to have possession. Once again, they don’t look in any particular rush in the opening stages.

Newcastle mount a counter that ends with Guimaraes hitting a deflected shot that Sanchez collects.

Wesley Fofana is briefly down after flying into a late challenge to try and stop the counter. He receives a yellow card for the tackle too.

14:08 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

James clips a inviting early ball over the defence but Pope rushes out to clear. Nice idea from the Chelsea captain.

Newcastle have their first bit of sustained possession just into the Chelsea half, but it’s a little pedestrian at the moment.

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DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:06 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

The goal is indeed disallowed as Palmer had stepped slightly offside. A second chance for Newcastle – that was far too easy for the home side.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:05 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

GOAL! The home side are ahead within four minutes!

James plays a pass inside and Jackson turns his man all too easily before sliding in a pass into the path of Palmer. He bursts into the box and slides a low effort across Pope and into the far corner.

Hold on though – it looks like Palmer has strayed offside…

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:04 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Colwill is alert to head away Isak’s clipped cross, before Tonali is penalised for being offside.

Chelsea go on the counter and it falls to Madueke again after good work from Jackson, but the England winger can only drive a shot right at Pope.

Worth noting that Reece James is starting at left-back today, with Gusto in his favoured position.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:02 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Just two points separate these two sides at kick-off, though there have been very different atmospheres around the two clubs of late.

Chelsea have the first meaningful attack as Madueke makes some space before his cross is collected by Pope.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

14:00 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF!

The home side get us underway in west London.

Newcastle have gone just over 600 minutes without a goal from open play – can they change that in a difficult game at Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

13:57 , Chris Wilson

Both sides are starting to emerge from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, so we’ll be underway soon.

Chelsea v Newcastle LIVE

13:55 , Chris Wilson

We’re five minutes away from kick-off in west London.

There are 2pm kick-offs in the east and south of the capital today too – West Ham host Manchester United and Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

13:50 , Chris Wilson

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Chelsea vs Newcastle head-to-head

13:47 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 176 times, with the first meeting dating back to 1907. Overall, Chelsea have won 80, Newcastle have won 56, and 40 have ended as draws.

Chelsea won 3-2 the last time the two teams met – in this fixture last season, when Chelsea won 3-2 in March.

Newcaslte beat the Blues 4-1 at St. James’ Park 11 months ago.

Howe on Gordon

13:44 , Chris Wilson

Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon felt a problem with his groin yesterday and so has travelled to London but won’t feature. He’s not sure how long the England winger will be out.

Match facts

13:40 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have won two of their last four Premier League games against Chelsea, drawing one and losing one. This is as many wins as they had in their previous 13 (D1 L10).

After winning three of their first four Premier League games this season, Newcastle have since failed to win their last four, drawing two and losing two. The Magpies last went five matches without winning in the league in March 2023.

Eddie Howe has won two of his Premier League games against Chelsea in charge of Newcastle – only Alan Pardew (four wins) has beaten the Blues more in the competition for the Magpies.

Howe also beat the Blues four times while in charge of Bournemouth and could be the third manager to win 3+ Premier League games against them with two different clubs, after Kenny Dalglish (Blackburn/Liverpool) and David Moyes (Everton/West Ham).

Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth for Chelsea

13:35 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca admitted Mykhailo Mudryk has been a slower learner than his Chelsea teammates but praised the winger’s performance in his side’s 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.

It was an efficient yet thorough display in Athens to maintain the visitors’ perfect start in the Conference League and the Ukrainian’s contribution was key, scoring the second goal with a brave header as well as setting up two goals for Joao Felix.

Maresca previously challenged Mudryk to seize upon his selection in the starting XI and prove the worth of his £88million transfer fee, and those words were heeded as the 23-year-old had his strongest game of the season in the Olympic Stadium.

Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth

Match facts

13:30 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea’s last three Premier League defeats have come against last season’s top-three sides (0-5 vs Arsenal in April, 0-2 vs Man City in August, 1-2 vs Liverpool last weekend). The Blues are unbeaten in 19 games against all other teams (W13 D6), scoring 54 goals across these matches.

Chelsea have named the youngest average starting XI in the Premier League this season – 23 years, 220 days. They are the only team in Premier League history to get eight games into a season without using anyone over the age of 27.

Cole Palmer has 18 goals and five assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea, while Nicolas Jackson has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances (nine goals, four assists).

Across the Premier League

13:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea’s match is just one of the important matches near the top end of the table today, as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates at 4.30pm GMT.

Much has been made of Arsneal’s potential injury woes, but can Arteta get a solid performance out of a depleted side after a few poor results of late?

There’s also an additional 2pm kick-off today, as Manchester United travel to West Ham hoping to ease some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag. They currently sit 13th in the league on 11 points, one place and one point behind Newcastle.

13:15 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea have lost just one of their 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle, winning 21 and drawing seven. Their last loss against the Magpies was a 2-0 defeat in May 2012 – a game fondly remembered by some for a brilliant brace from Papiss Cisse.

Eddie Howe: “We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club”

13:10 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that his side “need to score goals”, after suffering a small run of games without finding the net.

“It’s been at the heart of everything we’ve done since we’ve been here, to be an attacking team, and we certainly haven’t lost the intent to attack or score.

“I’d just love to see us be free and take those chances we create.

“We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club to keep not just the so-called big names happy, but everyone happy and going in a forward direction.

“I’ve seen it very quickly go the other way. Myself and everyone connected at the club has a big job to try to keep that momentum positive.”

Howe also praised Anthony Gordon as “such a talent” after the winger signed a new deal at the club.

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he asks for ‘more personality’ from Reece James

13:05 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca has told Reece James he expects more personality from Chelsea’s captain as the head coach admitted his squad is without a natural leader.

James made his first appearance of the season in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend following a lengthy injury lay-off and did not travel with the side that beat Panathinaikos in Athens on Thursday.

The last two campaigns have been blighted by knee and hamstring problems for the 24-year-old but he was nevertheless appointed club skipper by previous boss Mauricio Pochettino last August.

“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” said Maresca.

“He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing but I expect more.”

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he makes Reece James request

Team news

12:58 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have made two changes to the side that lost at home to Brighton last week, and both changes come on the wings.

On the left, Miguel Almiron replaces Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon – who is not in today’s squad – drops out in place of Harvey Barnes.

Team news

12:52 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca has made tow changes to the side that slipped to a narrow defeat against Liverpool last week.

In defence, Wesley Fofana replaces Tosin Adarabioyo, while in midfield, Pedro Neto comes onto the left wing in place of Jadon Sancho.

Line-ups

12:47 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella, Enzo, Mudryk, Sancho, Felix, Nkunku.

Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.

Subs: Odysseas, Ruddy, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

12:40 , Chris Wilson

The previous time Chelsea lost to Liverpool they were labelled the “blue billion-pound bottle jobs”. Eight months on, there was a more flattering appraisal, and from the victor. “If I would be a Chelsea manager, I would say if we can play like this at Anfield, we can compete for a top-four position,” said Arne Slot. This wasn’t a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, the extra-time failure against Jurgen Klopp’s kids, or their last trip to Anfield, the 4-1 walloping in January.

There was more respectability in a reverse. “We don’t like to lose, but if we have to, we choose this way,” said Enzo Maresca, who pronounced himself “proud but also upset”. The Italian may have been exaggerating when he said: “We controlled most of the game”. Slot’s verdict on his 2-1 win may have been fairer. “In an ideal world, we would have outplayed them completely but it was an equal game,” he said.

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

Predicted line-ups

12:30 , Chris Wilson

Here are The Independent’s predicted line-ups – we’ll have concrete team news at around 12.45pm.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

Team news

12:25 , Chris Wilson

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are both back available for Chelsea after serving suspensions, while Reece James returned from injury last weekend.

Newcastle, meanwhile, remain without Callum Wilson after a set-back in the striker’s recovery, with Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles also sidelined.

When is Chelsea vs Newcastle?

12:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea vs Newcastle is due to kick off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 27 October at Stamford Bridge.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 1pm GMT. Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.

Is Chelsea v Newcastle on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

12:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea will hope to bounce back from defeat against Liverpool as Enzo Maresca’s side welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.

Having found form under their new manager, the loss at Anfield was the second successive Premier League game in which they had dropped points.

They now take on a Newcastle side that would climb above their hosts with three points, though are without a win in four fixtures.

Eddie Howe’s visitors have drawn a blank in their last two outings and will hope to remedy their attacking ailments here.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

12:00 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s early kick-off between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are looking to return to winning ways after a loss against Liverpool last week, and the Magpies are doing the same after a surprise loss at home to Brighton.

We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.


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How Mohamed Salah’s late goal snatched a point for Liverpool at Arsenal and left Manchester City top

How Mohamed Salah’s late goal snatched a point for Liverpool at Arsenal and left Manchester City top

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Match of the Day post-game, said: “Two times behind, then it’s pleasing to see we can come back into the game, especially with one day less to recover. To be stronger in second half than first pleases me.

“You come here to win but maybe a draw was a result we can take with us, especially after the first half. You know coming here that they have many quality players, you can have difficult moments in the game. Pleased me to score from a set piece.

“We needed that because from open play we weren’t dominant at all. They deserved to be up 2-1 at half time. But the way we showed up second half was impressive.”

Discussing Liverpool’s second goal, he added: “Two minutes before the second goal Trent was closer to the 18-yard box and he got a bit of criticism for the pass. The good thing about Trent is that he tries again and it led to a great team goal.

“Darwin (Nunez) hasn’t played that many games but has to play every game now because we needed him for a goal. He kept going with the energy. In the first 10-15 minutes after half time we were better than in the first half.

“But bringing on three quality players, they bring a lot of energy, and that helped us to get three points.”


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Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Curtis Jones sends Reds back to the top

Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Curtis Jones sends Reds back to the top

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday afternoon as Arne Slot’s side returned to the top of the Premier League table.

An end-to-end first half failed to create any real chances of note before Curtis Jones produced a brilliant block on Cole Palmer, and then raced into the Chelsea box to win a penalty.

Salah converted from the spot and Liverpool were in the ascendancy from there, with Cody Gakpo having a goal ruled out before half-time.

The second half started in a similarly frantic fashion, though Chelsea landed the first blow, equakising quickly after Nicolas Jackson latched onto a brilliant through ball from Moises Caicedo.

But parity was short-lived, as Curtis Jones got to the end of a Salah cross to poke past Sanchez for 2-1 in the 51st minute.

The rest of the half was far less eventful, with neither side managing to fashion a chance of note before seven minutes were added on.

The home side looked to close out the game as the Blues tried to mount some final attacks, and the Reds’ defence stood firm to confirm the three points.

Follow all the Premier League action with our live blog below:

Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE

  • Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League

  • 51’ GOAL! Jones pokes in to give Liverpool the lead again (LIV 2-1 CHE)

  • 48’ GOAL! Jackson equalises after a great ball from Caicedo (LIV 1-1 CHE)

  • 33′ DISALLOWED GOAL! Gakpo taps in but Salah had strayed offside (LIV 1-0 CHE)

  • 28’ GOAL! Salah converts from the penalty spot (LIV 1-0 CHE)

  • 27’ PENALTY! Colwill brings down Jones (LIV 0-0 CHE)

  • Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo

  • Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Liverpool FC 2 – 1 Chelsea FC

Curtis Jones embodies former Liverpool great as questions raised over Chelsea’s title chances

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:33 , Chris Wilson

When Arne Slot had suggested Chelsea were potential champions, it posed the question of whether they could keep up with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. It soon transpired they could not keep up with the Joneses.

Or not Curtis Jones, anyway. Winners are not always scored by the best player on the pitch but, in a match that could shape two clubs’ seasons, this one was. Jones’ display of extraordinary dynamism restored Liverpool to the top of the table. It meant that Chelsea, already beaten by Manchester City, have failed their two biggest tests of the season so far. Liverpool, now seven points clear of them, have passed their toughest.

They did so courtesy of a couple of very different indictments of Chelsea’s transfer business. Many a charge can be levelled at Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital but it was a previous Chelsea regime who let Mohamed Salah leave. With a goal and an assist, he gave them added reasons to regret a past mistake. If Jones is precisely the kind of player the modern-day Chelsea would sell, Liverpool do not need to dispense with homegrown talents for pure profit. Jones joined them at nine. At 23, he had one of his finest afternoons in a red shirt.

Jones embodies former Liverpool great as questions raised over Chelsea’s title chance

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

09:03 , Richard Jolly

The previous time Chelsea lost to Liverpool they were labelled the “blue billion-pound bottle jobs”. Eight months on, there was a more flattering appraisal, and from the victor. “If I would be a Chelsea manager, I would say if we can play like this at Anfield, we can compete for a top-four position,” said Arne Slot. This wasn’t a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, the extra-time failure against Jurgen Klopp’s kids, or their last trip to Anfield, the 4-1 walloping in January.

There was more respectability in a reverse. “We don’t like to lose, but if we have to, we choose this way,” said Enzo Maresca, who pronounced himself “proud but also upset”. The Italian may have been exaggerating when he said: “We controlled most of the game”. Slot’s verdict on his 2-1 win may have been fairer. “In an ideal world, we would have outplayed them completely but it was an equal game,” he said.

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

Curtis Jones praised for shutting down Cole Palmer in Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

09:02 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot was delighted with the contribution from new dad Curtis Jones at both ends of the pitch after he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea that sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League.

Jones tucked in Liverpool’s second goal six minutes into the second half, moments after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser, having already made a crucial block to deny Cole Palmer and then won the penalty from which Mohamed Salah opened the scoring.

Jones thought he had won a second penalty before half-time when he collided with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot but the decision was overturned after a VAR intervention.

Even though that was not to be, it was an outstanding all-round display from the 23-year-old.

Curtis Jones praised for shutting down Cole Palmer in Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

Next up

Sunday 20 October 2024 20:15 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool’s next match takes place in the Champions League, as they travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig on Wednesday. They then travel to London for a huge game at the top of the table, as they face Arsenal at 4.30pm on Sunday, 27 October.

Chelsea travel to Greece to face Panathinaikos in midweek, before they host Newcastle on Sunday at 2pm.

Post-match reaction

Sunday 20 October 2024 20:00 , Chris Wilson

Despite criticising Sanchez, Carragher is full of praise for Chelsea overall.

“I thought Chelsea were excellent,” he says.

“When managers come up against each other they try to do something different to throw the oppositions setup.

“They caused Liverpool problems. In terms of control of the game Chelsea were better, but what let them down was the goalkeeper.

“The thing Chelsea didn’t do enough of in the second half was create chances.

“Liverpool were hanging on at times and they were hanging on to get to the final whistle,” he adds.

Post-match reaction

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:50 , Chris Wilson

From Chelsea’s point of view, the pundits are unsure on the role of Sanchez when they conceded the second goal.

“It’s so poor from Chelsea’s point [of view]. Reece James ambles in there,” says Carragher.

“The goalkeeper is so poor. It was a poor touch from Curtis Jones really, and it’s poor from the goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.

“Sanchez has got to go and win that ball.

“Jones should be terrified that a goalkeeper is coming towards him. You have got to get there and hope it hits you in the face and you keep it out.

“Chelsea need a new goalkeeper if they want to get back to where they want to be,” he adds.

Pundits react on Sky

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:44 , Chris Wilson

There’s plenty more coming from Carragher, Richards and Sturridge on TV.

The first notable comments surround Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who Sturridge is keen to defend.

“Nicolas Jackson is pivotal to the system,” he says.

“He’s good at going into the false nine position. It was a fantastic finish, calm in front of goal.

“I am analysing him on open play. I’m not analysing him on statistics, I don’t think he’s devastating in front of goal, but I think he has what it takes to get there.

“When you’re playing in the spotlight at any top club you are judged because of likes of Drogba, Anelka and Crespo – you’re judging him compared to those world-class strikers.

“I think we have been a bit too critical,” he adds.

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:37 , Chris Wilson

Reece James also briefly spoke to Sky after the match.

“Coming here is always tough,” he said.

“I think we controlled most of the game. They had chances but we had a few chances as well but didn’t take them.

“We are definitely moving in the right direction. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the game,” he added.

“If we step back and look at performances and what we are trying to do, we have come a long way. It is still early days, we haven’t been with the manager long.”

FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:21 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca is next to speak to Sky. He says Chelsea “don’t like to lose or drop points, but I really liked the performance”.

“We deserved something more but the performance was good.

“We controlled most of the game. We had chances, we had possession. We don’t like to lose, but if we have to choose this is the way. The team was brave on and off the ball.

“I don’t think this game defines where we are. We prepared in the best way, it worked quite well. You have to take chances, but overall I am very happy with the players.”

On refereeing decisions, he adds: “I didn’t see anything in terms of decisions from the referee. The only thing I can see is in this stadium is is something the noise of the crowd.

“The only thing I can say is the referee is there to make decisions. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong. Sometimes it is because of the noise [of the crowd], but overall I think they did OK.”

FT: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:07 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot is understandably delighted as he speaks to Sky.

“The most important thing, if you want to have a chance of winning a game like this, is that you work so hard, which we did,” he says.

“In the meantime, we created a few very good chances, and were a bit unlucky with some decisions,” he adds.

“I think it could’ve been a crucial decision to overturn the referee’s decision [on the penalty]. If you look at it on a screen, you still feel it is a penalty.”

He adds that he thinks the early last-man challenge from Tosin on Jota was also a red card.

“The fans helped us a lot, it probably comes from these decisions.

“In the end, a good win against a very strong Chelsea,” he says, before adding that Curtis Jones put in a “very good individual performance”.

“Curtis had a difficult job, he had to control Cole Palmer, which is not easy. He was very important for us on both parts of the pitch.

“Everybody who saw the game knows it wasn’t easy. For us it’s very good that we made a bit of a gap now.”

FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 19:02 , Chris Wilson

On Sky, Jamie Carragher has hailed Jones’ performance, calling it a “throwback”.

“Curtis Jones was brilliant, he was outstanding,” said Carragher.

“He’s still at that stage where he doesn’t know for certain if he is first choice, when you have got Gravenberch and Mac Allister.

“But what a performance that was, when you think of the quality on the pitch and the money that has been spent. For a local lad to be player of the match.

“I wonder if Arne Slot is going to go back in for Zubimendi in January, but when you see how he played today you think ‘no’.

“He has to now do it on a consistent basis.”

FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:56 , Chris Wilson

Matchwinner Curtis Jones is first to speak to Sky.

“We came away with a win, it’s the most important thing obviously,” he says.

“I had it in my mind, if I can keep Cole [Palmer] quiet then that’s a large part of the game.

On the penalties, he says: “I never dive, I felt the contact, so I went down”.

“If you want to play in this team, you’ve got to run, you’ve got to have energy, you’ve got to help out.

On his goal, he adds: “There’s been times when I’ve arrived in the box and it’s been a first-time one. I thought it was going to come and it did, and I was fortunate enough. I got the goal.”He finishes by calling his newborn daughter “a little dream”.

Premier League table

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:52 , Chris Wilson

That result means Liverpool return to the top of the league table. The Reds sit on 21 points, one above Manchester City and four above Arsenal.

Chelsea miss the chance to enter the top three, and they stay sixth, on 14 points.

FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:47 , Chris Wilson

So, an entertaining match comes to an end at Anfield and Liverpool return to the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds probably deserved the win in the end, though Chelsea produced a good performance to take them all the way. However, in attack, Chelsea couldn’t create enough and paid the price for a couple of defensive lapses.

Arne Slot’s side have answered yet another question thrown at them, and if they carry on like this, they may work themselves into the title conversation.

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:40 , Chris Wilson

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FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:35 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME!

The referee brings the match to an end and Liverpool return to the top of the table!

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:34 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

Whisltes around Anfield as Chelsea come forward, but the attack breaks down after a foul from Nunez. That one was harsh.

Chelsea mount what must be a final attack…the ball is squared to Gusto but his shot is blocked!

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:33 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Liverpool have a rare attack and Salah threads it to the overlapping Diaz, but he’s flagged for offside.

From the Chelsea counter, Gomez slides in brilliantly to cut the pass out, and Liverpool come forward again. The attack is led by Diaz, who weaves into the box before cutting outside and curling an effort past the far post.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:31 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Chelsea are in possession but it’s a little too pedestrian to threaten the home side. They do fashion a half-chance though, as Neto clips a ball towards the back post. Nkunku is running in but he has to stretch too much as he gets a foot to it, and he can only direct it behind.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:29 , Chris Wilson

92 mins

Palmer skips past a challenge but is brought down by Mac Allister, and it’ll be a set-piece in dangerous territory for Chelsea.

Palmer delivers the cross but Veiga heads over from about six yards!

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:27 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

Liverpool do mount a rare attack and it ends with Caicedo committing a foul midway into the Chelsea half.

There’ll be an additional seven minutes at Anfield! Liverpool throw forward the men for the free-kick when the board goes up, but the set-piece comes to nothing.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:26 , Chris Wilson

89 mins

Liverpool are certainly looking to close out the game at the moment, as opposed to pouring numbers forward looking for a third. Chelsea aren’t threatening a lot, to be honest, but you’d think they’ll have at least one more chance.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:25 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

It does feel as though the next 5 minutes or so could go a long way towards shaping both clubs’ seasons – win and it is easier to call Liverpool title challengers, lose and it is more likely the best-case scenario for Chelsea is fourth place. An open affair means a comeback is feasible, but so is a bigger win. Either way, there feels one more goal left in this game.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:24 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Liverpool try pressing high but Chelsea make their way out of it thanks to some good passing and a shimmy from Caicedo. The home side win a free-kick in the end though after a tired challenge.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:23 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Gusto is down briefly after a heavy challenge from Mac Allister. He’s okay to carry on though.

Chelsea attack and it ends with Gomez putting it behind for a corner. Gusto clips the ball in towards the back post, and it’s headed away for a throw, before Neto is dispossessed as he tried to knock it past Gomez.

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Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:19 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

Will there be another big chance in this match? Common sense would say yes, but it really doesn’t feel like it at the moment. Both sides are playing in quite a pedestrian manner, and a lot of the earlier energy has left the game for now.

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:17 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Sanchez tries to launch a Chelsea counter but Nkunku is scythed down by his compatriot Konate. He is booked for his troubles.

Alexis Mac Allister comes on Jones for in midfield, while Alexander-Arnold comes off for Joe Gomez.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:16 , Chris Wilson

79 mins

Diaz is brought down by Veiga near halfway and the Portuguese is booked.

Liverpool try and launch an attack but there’s no space between the lines, so they work it back to Konate, before Diaz eventually fizzes a low shot too close to Sanchez.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:14 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Alexander-Arnold delivers the cross from the set-piece but it’s headed away too easily. Liverpool collect the ball again, with Salah sending it forward to the overlapping Szoboszlai, but his cutback it cut out by Fernandez.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:12 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Badiashile bundles into Nunez and he concedes a naive free-kick near the byline.

Chelsea make another change as Noni Madueke makes way for Christopher Nkunku.

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Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:10 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Both sides are struggling to keep the ball for sustained periods, and there have been few attacks of note since it went to 2-1. Chelsea will certainly feel like they’re still in it though.

Szoboszlai’s pass is cut out by Fernandez and it runs to Neto, who surges towards the box and unleashes a shot from distance that bobbles past the far post.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:07 , Chris Wilson

71 mins

Lovely play from Neto to get away from Alexander-Arnold and poke it to Palmer. He has Jackson to his right but he opts to shoot, and it’s blocked.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:06 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Nunez gets a booking after a late challenge on Badiashile. Needless.

Veiga clips a ball forward and it’s an awkward one for Alexander-Arnold, as it’s not quite running to Kelleher, but the duo deal with it eventually.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:05 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

A little bit of commotion as Badiashile looks to have pushed over Nunez, but VAR waves it away.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:02 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

Luis Diaz comes on for Gakpo for the home side. His first involvement sees him try to latch on to Salah’s chipped through ball, but there’s too much on it.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:01 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

Palmer’s free-kick hits the wall and bounces out for a corner.

Fernandez takes, with Gusto eventually putting the ball into the box, but Chelsea are penalised as Nunez is sent tumbling over.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:00 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Neto plays in a looping cross that falls to Madueke, though he can only direct his volley straight at Kelleher.

Chelsea win it back quickly, before Neto wins a free-kick on the edge of the box after drawing the foul from Gravenberch. A few yards in front of where Palmer scored against Brighton.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:57 , Chris Wilson

60 mins

Lovely play from Salah and Gravenberch as they exchange passes before the former fizzes a great diagonal pass to Gakpo. The Dutchman drives at the Chelsea defence before cutting inside and firing over.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:55 , Chris Wilson

58 mins

Chelsea are enjoying more of the ball at the moment, though Robertson nips in to win possession. Not a lot happening at the moment.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:53 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

It is a game that increasingly appears to revolve around Curtis Jones who, at various points, may have denied Chelsea a goal with a block, earned Liverpool a penalty, seemed to have got them a second and has now scored. He has been terrific. And, of course, he cost Liverpool nothing whereas Chelsea now have the £222m double act together, in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:53 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

The game has settled a little after those two early goals. Chelsea launch an attack as Veiga feeds Neto, but his cross is collected by Kelleher.

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:51 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

Chelsea respond to the setback by making a triple change. Lavia, James and Tosin come off for Enzo Fernandez, Renato Veiga and Benoit Badiashile.

GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:49 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

GOAL! The home side are ahead again almost straight away, and it comes from their best player on the day.

Salah collects on the right and he cuts inside before swinging in a lovely cross. Jones has made the deep run and he takes a brilliant touch to get it out of his feet before poking it past the onrushing Sanchez.

A great finish.

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GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:46 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

The goal is given! Far too easy from a Liverpool point of view, but well worked from Chelsea and a great through ball from Caicedo.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:45 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

DISALLOWED GOAL! This will be close!

Jackson latches onto a through ball and he’s clean through in-behind. He drives towards the box and slots it past Kelleher with ease.

The flag goes up but it looks like Jackson was quite clearly onside.

KICK-OFF! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:42 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool get the second half started.

Chelsea made a change at the break – Sancho comes off for Pedro Neto.

HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:41 , Chris Wilson

The two teams are re-emerging from the Anfield tunnel, so we’re moments away from the second half starting.

HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:37 , Chris Wilson

It was just one minute and 54 seconds between Jones’ brilliant block on Palmer and then him winning the penalty. Small margins.

Liverpool dominated somewhat after their goal, and were unlucky to have a second ruled out after Salah strayed offside.

Chelsea have shown flashes of what they can do, especially with Madueke on the right wing, but they need to get Palmer into the game more.

HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:32 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:26 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

HALF-TIME!

Szoboszlai is booked after pulling back Palmer and then kicking the ball away.

The free-kick is the last event of the half as James’ delivery is then headed away by the Hungarian. The referee then brings the first half to an end at Anfield.

An entertaining 45 minutes for the neutral, and Chelsea have performed okay despite trailing, but they’ll know that the game can escape you quickly at Anfield, as it so almost did.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:24 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

CLOSE! The ball is played forward to Madueke on the right wing and he’s got plenty of space. So does Palmer, and Madueke lays it off to his England teammate, but Palmer fires over.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:23 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

We’ve had the allotted added time, but there’ll be another couple of minutes.

Chelsea launch a counter, led by Madueke, but Nunez wins the ball back. Liverpool try to go on their own counter, but Caicedo does well to dispossess Szoboszlai.

PENALTY OVERTURNED! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:21 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Surely this will be overturned. It was a good challenge from Sanchez in the end!

The Spaniard came out and made the first contact with the ball, with the follow-through bringing down Jones.

It’s overturned, as is the yellow card for Sanchez.

PENALTY! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:20 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!

Another penalty for the home side, but not as clear as the first. Liverpool attack and Nunez threads a great through ball into the path of Jones. Before he can hit it, Sanchez comes out and drags him down, but Sanchez might have got a touch.

There’s a VAR review…

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:18 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Play resumes with a Liverpool attack but Nunez is flagged for offside.

Gusto tries to launch an attack but he’s forced to play it backwards, before Robertson gets the better of Madueke as he slides in to give away a corner.

There’ll be five minutes of added time here.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:16 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“A spell to show how Liverpool’s players and crowd can drive each other on. Anfield became louder and angrier,  even the usually calm Arne Slot showing dissent, and the team became more urgent. The indirect effect may have come in the goal and, with Cody Gakpo having another disallowed, almost a second. Chelsea were blown away at Anfield last season. Now the test for Enzo Maresca’s new-look side is to show more resilience.”

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:15 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

Maresca uses the break in play to speak to his players. Jackson limps off the pitch for now, but he looks like he could run it off.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:14 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Salah plays a lovely through ball with the outside of his foot into the path of Gakpo, but the Chelsea defence does well to track back and clear.

Jackson has just gone down in the middle of the pitch with nobody around him. He’s holding his right knee as he receives treatment.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:12 , Chris Wilson

39 mins

Sancho shows too much of the ball to Alexander-Arnold but he wins a corner. James’ ball in is cleared, and Chelsea have to work the attack again from a throw.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:10 , Chris Wilson

37 mins

A promising Liverpool counter-attack ends with Szoboszlai latching onto a through ball in the box, but he can only direct his shot straight at Sacnhez.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:08 , Chris Wilson

35 mins

Not a lot has happened since that disallowed effort, with Chelsea not yet having an opportunity to get back into the game.

Liverpool are enjoying plenty of possession, but the majority is in their own half.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:06 , Chris Wilson

33 mins

Liverpool think they have another but it’s offside.

Sanchez played it straight to Jones, who slipped a pass through to Salah, with the Egyptian playing the ball across for Gakpo to tap in. However, Salah had strayed offside in the build-up.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:04 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

A ball forward almost falls to Nunez, but Sanchez did well to sweep it away for a throw. Liverpool win a corner right after, but the opportunity comes to nothing after Alexander-Arniold’s cross goes straight to Sanchez.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:03 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

Liverpool have been forced into making a change here, as Jota comes off for Darwin Nunez.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:01 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

GOAL! The home side are ahead.

Chelsea try and delay the taking of the penalty and Jackson is booked.

Salah steps up to take it – and he rifles past Sanchez, sending the Spaniard the wrong way.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL! Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 17:00 , Chris Wilson

27 mins

PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL! Stonewall.

Liverpool attack and Salah tries to force a shot through, but it bounces into the path of Jones. He’s wrestling with Colwill as he tries to get his feet sorted, and the Chelsea man brings him down for a clear penalty.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:58 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

CLOSE!

Madueke skips past Robertson again and cuts back a dangerous ball that falls to Palmer, but his shot is blocked.

Moments later, Salah leads a counter-attack and is brought down in the box, but the referee waves it away.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:57 , Chris Wilson

24 mins

Liverpool have some sustained possession around halfway, but there are no runners for the midfielders at the moment.

Salah tries to start an attack by playing it forward to Jota, but the Portuguese loses the ball under the challenge.

Moments later, James is dispossessed near his own box and the home side think they have a chance, but the foul is given for the challenge on the Englishman.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:54 , Chris Wilson

22 mins

The home side’s attacking play has been a little disjointed, and Maresca will likely be the happier of the two managers so far. Chelsea have had the better of the ball, but they haven’t managed to link their attacking play together yet.

James swings in a cross and Kelleher hesitates to come for it, so Alexander-Arnold nods it behind for a corner.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:53 , Chris Wilson

20 mins

CLOSE!

Liverpool play the long ball forward and James cushions it back to Sanchez. He takes too long on the ball and fires his clearance straight at Gakpo, but luckily for the Spaniard it bounces off Gakpo and straight into his gloves.

Moments later, there’s a brief VAR check for a penalty as Sancho goes down under the challenge from Alexander-Arnold, but nothing is given.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:50 , Chris Wilson

18 mins

Sancho wins a throw deep into the Liverpool half after Alexander-Arnold pokes the ball away. Chelsea try and launch a quick long throw into Jackson in the box, but Kelleher comes out to collect.

The away side come forward again, but it’s all a bit too pedestrian as the Liverpool defence falls back into shape.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:48 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

Caicedo feeds a ball in to Jackson, but he’s a little too isolated at the moment against Konate and van Dijk.

Chelsea come forward again and Sancho releases Gusto on the overlap, but his cross is blocked by Konate and it goes for a goal kick.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:46 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

No chances yet for either side. Chelsea are happy to work the ball across the pitch, before Madueke beats Robertson down the right. His cross is too powerful though.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:45 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Sanchez plays a brilliant ball 80-odd yards up the pitch right into the path of Sancho. The winger lays it off to Gusto, but he blasts a shot well wide.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:43 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

Liverpool are pressing high and it’s won them the ball a couple of times, the latest being after Sanchez is forced to kick long and Madueke can’t control it.

In contrast, Chelsea aren’t pressing anywhere near as high. The home side enjoy a bit of possession in their own half and near their box, but there’s not a lot happening right now.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:40 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Home fans are screaming for a red card as the long ball is played over the top and Jota tries to run free, only to be dragged down by Tosin.

It’s a similar situation to Saliba’s red card yesterday, but the referee only gives Tosin a yellow. Colwill was close by to latch on, so that’s probably saved him.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:38 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

James and Lavia combine well on the edge of the Chelsea box, the former winning the ball in the tackle before the Belgian skips past another challenge.

The away side attack but Sancho is stopped easily by Gravenberch.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:37 , Chris Wilson

5 mins

Jones does well to skip past both Caicedo and Palmer in midfield, and Liverpool have an attacking opportunity that ends with Salah firing at Colwill’s hand. Shouts for a free-kick, but nothing given.

Caicedo is down after landing off-balance after that challenge on Jones, but he’s trying to run it off for now.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:35 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Great play from Lavia to sell the dummy and skip away from the challenge to get Chelsea out of a tight position. The away side attack but James’ early cross is headed clear by Konate.

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:34 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

A few exchanges of possession as both sides look to settle early on.

Tosin gives away possession near his own box but Liverpool recycle possession back to van Dijk.

KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:32 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF!

The away get us underway on Merseyside.

Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:28 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at Anfield:

“Arne Slot may have learnt the lesson of Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest by benching their three South Americans today for the first game after an international break – though Alexis Mac Allister, who felt ill on the plane back from representing Argentina, was not ready to start anyway. For Chelsea, Reece James’ first start of the season means there will be a focus on the injury-hit captain in a suspension-hit defence.”

Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:25 , Chris Wilson

The teams are in the tunnel at Anfield, so we’re only moments from kick-off.

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(Getty Images)

Match facts

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:23 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League away games against Liverpool (drawing five and losing three.

Along with Liverpool, Chelsea are one of two sides with a 100% away win rate in the Premier League this season.

Only Manchester City (17) have scored more goals than Chelsea (16) in the division this term, and only Tottenham boast a higher xG (15.0) than the Blues (14.7).

Enzo Maresca is looking to become only the fifth manager to win each of his first four away Premier League games, with one of the previous four to do so being his counterpart in this match, Liverpool’s Arne Slot.

Chelsea pair Cole Palmer (11) and Noni Madueke (4) have created 15 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, the most of any duo.

Match facts

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:18 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Chelsea, though five of these have ended level. Having lost three consecutive league games against Chelsea between 2013 and 2014, the Reds have now lost just two of their last 19, winging seven and drawing 10.

Liverpool have conceded the fewest goals (two), kept the most clean sheets (five), and have the lowest expected goals against figure (5.2) of any side in the Premier League this season.

Mohamed Salah has four goals in 13 Premier League games against his former side, averaging a goal every 257 minutes against the Blues. He only has a worse minutes-per-goal rate against Burnley.

Is Liverpool v Chelsea on TV?

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:15 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of how you can watch the late-afternoon match today – we’re around 15 minutes from kick-off.

Liverpool vs Chelsea is due to kick off at 4:30pm BST on Sunday 20 October at Anfield.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on these channels beginning at 4pm. Subscribers can stream the action on Sky Go or Now TV.

What the managers have said

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said that today’s match “is a special game for all of the clubs”.

“Liverpool is a nice environment, fantastic. We are excited to play this kind of game. All the games we have played until now have not been easy. We are going to do our best.

“I don’t think Sunday’s game defines where we are. In this moment, we have to be focused on things we need to improve.

“We have Liverpool and then two or three more games. Nottingham wasn’t an easy game, or Brighton, West Ham away or Bournemouth away.

“[The] Premier League is the best league in the world and the toughest league in the world,” he added.

When asked on how he feels about his club’s start to the season, the Italian said: “[I’m] very happy because what I expected in terms of players, level and style, I can see clearly that is there.

“It doesn’t matter in this moment who is going to play, you can see clearly how we want to play.”

What the managers have said

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:05 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in a press conference ahead of today’s game, Arne Slot said that he is “looking forward to a very interesting game”.

“Chelsea does really well. If you look at the league table then they are the ones that might be our toughest opponent.

“But it’s not always about the league table. Sometimes it’s about the form of the day, it’s about their game plan.

“We had some difficulty with Wolves as well, who are bottom of the league, I think. But it is a challenge, that’s for sure,” he added.

When speaking about Liverpool’s tough run of upcoming fixtures, he said: “I think we have to judge us as a team after this spell of games – not three of them but six, seven or eight of them.

“Then we know better how we act and how we perform if we play tough Champions League games and tough league games.

“That is normal in everybody’s season and we know how difficult it is.”

Conor Bradley has fond memories of Liverpool’s ‘special’ games with Chelsea

Sunday 20 October 2024 16:00 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday will bring back special memories for Conor Bradley.

Fresh from captaining Northern Ireland in Tuesday’s 5-0 rout of Bulgaria in Belfast, the 21-year-old has returned to the club’s Kirkby training ground with a spring in his step before their next Premier League match.

Taking the armband for his country was just the latest step in Bradley’s outstanding 2024, and two meetings with Chelsea feature prominently in that story.

The first came on January 31 in a 4-1 win over the Londoners at Anfield, as Bradley got his first Liverpool goal and added two assists in a man-of-the-match display.

Conor Bradley has fond memories of Liverpool’s ‘special’ games with Chelsea

Arne Slot confident uncertainty over future of key Liverpool trio will not prove a distraction

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:55 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot insisted he will be involved in contract talks with Virgil van DijkTrent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah by saying it would be “weird” if he was not consulted and shrugging off suggestions the right-back would be distracted as Real Madrid’s interest in him has become more public.

Liverpool’s captain, vice-captain and top scorer are all out of contract at the end of the season but Slot is adamant it is not an issue for him and he would only be worried if he reached the last day of the campaign with their futures still up in the air.

The Dutchman is Liverpool’s first head coach – predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s job title was manager and he had more control, albeit without getting his way when he wanted to keep Roberto Firmino and James Milner in 2023 – meaning sporting director Richard Hughes will assume overall responsibility for talks with the three key players. Slot confirmed, though, that he will play a part in discussions.

Arne Slot confident uncertainty over future of key trio will not prove a distraction

Chelsea cannot rely on Cole Palmer to solve all problems – Enzo Maresca

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:50 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca warned his Chelsea players they cannot rely on Cole Palmer to “solve all our problems” as they prepare for a gruelling run of Premier League fixtures, beginning with Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Following the game at Anfield, in which the head coach will be without suspended pair Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana in defence, the Blues play Newcastle at home before travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Arsenal then visit Stamford Bridge to round off a three-week spell in which the potential in evidence during Maresca’s first seven games will receive a thorough inspection, with the team’s top-four credentials put to the test.

Chelsea cannot rely on Cole Palmer to solve all problems – Enzo Maresca

Liverpool vs Chelsea head-to-head

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:45 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 190 times, with meetings dating back to Christmas Day in 1907.

As ist stands, Liverpool have won 90, with Chelsea winning 61. 49 have ended as draws.

As alluded to earlier, the two teams have had a range of high-profile meetings, from Champions League semi-finals to last season’s Carabao cup final, which Liverpool won 1-0.

In the league last season, the two sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in their league opener, while Liverpool won the return fixture 4-1 in January.

What Liverpool’s brutal seven-game run will reveal about their season under Arne Slot

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:40 , Chris Wilson

The best beginning to a reign made by any Liverpool manager is only a start. Arne Slot has found ways of deflecting the compliments his immediate impact at Anfield has generated. He has referenced the reality that some of his predecessors’ medal collections are sufficiently impressive that they do not need to be judged by their first 10 games or an early-season status as league leaders. He has cited the relatively kind fixture list: Liverpool have played the teams currently occupying 17th, 11th, 14th, 10th, 13th, 20th and 18th places. Their Carabao Cup win was against the club in 12th. Their Champions League victories were against the sides sitting sixth and 13th respectively in Serie A.

And now it gets harder. Liverpool’s next month amounts to a barometer of their prospects, a test of whether they are title challengers, potential Champions League winners, able to retain the Carabao Cup that proved Jurgen Klopp’s last trophy. It is Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal, Brighton, Brighton again, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, a seven-game stretch that could derail Liverpool’s ambitions or serve as a springboard to a challenge on multiple fronts.

For Slot, it amounts to a voyage of discovery. Have his first 10 games given him a clear idea of what Liverpool can achieve or is he still trying to find out himself?

What Liverpool’s brutal seven-game run will reveal about their season

Liverpool v Chelsea – the tale of a recent English ‘rivalry’

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:35 , Chris Wilson

Around 220 miles separate Anfield and Stamford Bridge, but despite the distance between theses two clubs, they have played out one of English football’s most intriguing rivalries since the early 2000s.

By the time Roman Abramovich took over the Blues in 2003, the historic gap between the two clubs had closed, with Liverpool remaining a force despite their inability to challenge for titles. But the Blues soon took them over, with the hiring of Jose Mourinho kickstarting a golden era.

And (despite a 3-2 Chelsea win in that year’s League Cup final) the rivalry between the two clubs can perhaps be traced to a match that was key in one of Liverpool’s most famous successes – their 2005 Champions League win.

Luis Garcia’s ghost goal at Anfield in the second leg of the semi-final won the tie for the Reds, and marked the first in a run of high-octane, high quality matches between the two sides, including another Liverpool win (this one on penalties) in the Champions League semi-finals in 2006/07, a 4-3 aggregate win for Chelsea in the 2007/08 semi-finals and a 7-5 aggregate win (including a 4-4 at Stamford Bridge) for Chelsea in the 2008/09 quarter-finals.

Since 2003, the two clubs have also met in two FA Cup finals and three League Cup finals.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Will Liverpool beat the Blues?

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:30 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are seeking a third successive win over Chelsea in all competitions for the first time since November 2011, when they recorded a sequence of four.

Victory this weekend would also see Liverpool record a 50th Anfield success over Chelsea in league football, while their next goal will be their 250th in all league encounters against the Londoners.

Liverpool vs Chelsea team changes

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:25 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot makes three changes to the Liverpool team that defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in their final match before the international break.

Alisson is injured so Caoimhin Kelleher will be in goal while Andy Robertson takes up his place at left-back ahead of Kostas Tsimikas. Further up the pitch, Alexis Mac Allister is replaced with Dominik Szoboszlai.

For Chelsea, the big news is that captain and right-back Reece James returns! The defender has recovered from a long-term injury to take his place in the starting line-up.

Elsewhere, Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella drop out with Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia brought back in.

Liverpool vs Chelsea line-ups

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:15 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Team news

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:10 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of the early team news – we’re around five minutes away from knowing the line-ups.

Liverpool will be without Alisson, while Harvey Elliott continues to recover from a fractured foot. Federico Chiesa could be available after recovering from an unspecified injury which ruled him out of Italy’s internationals.

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended, though Reece James is back in training after a period out with a hamstring injury.

Reece James injury latest after Enzo Maresca provides update on Chelsea star’s return

Sunday 20 October 2024 15:00 , Chris Wilson

Reece James is fit to return for Chelsea against Liverpool after his latest injury with Enzo Maresca revealing a new plan to ensure the right-back remains fit.

James has not featured for the Blues this season after sustaining another hamstring issue.

But after training with the group over the international break, Maresca can call on the 24-year-old for the trip to Anfield.

Chelsea handed boost as Enzo Maresca provides Reece James injury update

Liverpool vs Chelsea team news: Alisson injury blow for Reds as Reece James nears Blues return

Sunday 20 October 2024 14:55 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea travel to face Liverpool as Premier League football returns following the international break, but the Reds have been handed an injury blow ahead of the weekend.

Alisson is set to remain on the sidelines for the clash against Chelsea after sustaining a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace.

Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise in goal, with Arne Slot confirming the Brazil remains out for a “couple of weeks” due to the problem.

Reece James has trained over the international break and will be in the squad on Sunday, while Maresca must contend without suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.

Liverpool vs Chelsea team news: Alisson injury blow for Reds as James nears return

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Arsenal loss ‘accident waiting to happen’ after red – Mikel Arteta

Arsenal loss ‘accident waiting to happen’ after red – Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side’s defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday was “an accident waiting to happen” after William Saliba was sent off in the first half.

Bournemouth won 2-0 thanks to goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert after Saliba was shown a red card for a challenge on Evanilson after 30 minutes as Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the campaign.

It is the third time this season Arsenal have been forced to finish a match with 10 players, leaving Arteta frustrated that his side’s lack of discipline cost them points.

“We are obviously very disappointed with the result and gutted because we have to play again in that context,” he said. “This time was even more difficult than the previous two we faced this season.

“Playing for 65 or 68 minutes with 10 men at this level is just an impossible task. It’s an accident waiting to happen, not to get the points.

“I cannot fault the team for their effort, their commitment, how intelligent they are to play in the way that we have to do it.”

Declan Rice was sent off in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at home to Brighton earlier in the season, while Leandro Trossard was also shown red in the 2-2 draw against title rivals Manchester City.

Arsenal host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.


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In Arsenal’s quest for perfection, the small errors carry big consequences

In Arsenal’s quest for perfection, the small errors carry big consequences

For all the work that has gone into widening the ‘small margins’ Mikel Arteta and his players reference so often, Arsenal continue to undermine themselves. Two underhit backpasses sealed their fate in Bournemouth on Saturday night, with Leandro Trossard’s one leading to a William Saliba red card and Jakub Kiwior’s resulting in the hosts scoring a decisive second goal late on.

This 2-0 loss was the third time Arsenal dropped points in the Premier League this season, with each of those occasions accompanied by a red card for one of their players.

Declan Rice and Trossard’s dismissals in the draws against Brighton (1-1) and Manchester City (2-2) respectively were more debatable than Saliba’s here. Even so, Arsenal putting themselves in these positions is not a sustainable recipe for title challengers.

“We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games and we got away with it at home to Brighton and away at Manchester City,” Rice told Sky Sports, the game’s UK broadcaster, after their first defeat of the season. “We can’t make silly mistakes.

“You need all your best players on the pitch at all times. The belief is so high and we will stick together. This is football. Whatever happens, the most important thing is that you stick together and stay in the right direction.”

Some perspective is important.

This was Arsenal’s first away Premier League loss of the calendar year, with Arteta’s side winning 10 and drawing two before their trip to the south coast.

That record stretches back into last season, a campaign that deserves to be revisited properly. While Arsenal were excellent after the new year, speaking in the summer, captain Martin Odegaard said: “It is easy to look at one game but you have to look at the whole season. We didn’t have the consistency to win it. We have to earn it. We know we can improve. That’s what we are working for. It is just small details and how to deal with a long season.”

In 2023-24, Arsenal’s consistency wobbled in relation to how they gifted teams away goals in the first half of the season. It saw them drop seven points at home against Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham as they finished two points behind champions City.


A frustrated Mikel Arteta at the Vitality Stadium (Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

On Saturday, those kinds of wobbles were seen again in Trossard and Kiwior putting Saliba and David Raya in precarious situations.

Arteta was correct in his post-match press conference when saying: “They (the players) have the best intentions. Willy (Saliba) has never done anything like this and he doesn’t do it on purpose, or what happened with the second goal.” It was the first time Saliba had ever been shown a red card in his seven seasons of league football.

He was also correct to call it “an accident waiting to happen not to get the points” after going down to 10 men on 30 minutes when Saliba was sent off for tripping Evanilson as the Bournemouth forward chased Trossard’s wayward ball.

All Arsenal could do for the rest of the first half was react to the situation they found themselves in and survive. They understandably showed more personality in possession with 10 men against Bournemouth than they did against City last month but, once again, a match hinging on split-second decisions is not helping them.

Gabriel Martinelli had a positive impact in his first few minutes on the pitch after replacing Trossard but should have done better in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. His shot to the far post, one that he has despatched many times previously, was telegraphed and proved to be yet another turning point. Bournemouth were 1-0 up mere minutes later after Ryan Christie finished off a clever corner routine Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover would have been proud of.

Jover’s work at set pieces has been one of the key reasons behind ‘small margins’ working more in Arsenal’s favour in recent years. The 18 Premier League red cards received since Arteta’s first game in charge on Boxing Day 2019, five more than any other team in the division over that period, go some way to closing them again but not by themselves.

Sometimes, a plan may not come together as envisioned. Arsenal seemed to be drifting even with 11 men as their midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey and Rice struggled to flow properly.

Rice and Merino had freedom to roam across midfield in that first half-hour but Bournemouth’s aggression out of possession made progressing the ball into that part of the pitch difficult.


Raya concedes a penalty by bringing down Evanilson (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “Next week will be crucial to understanding how close (the injured Odegaard) is.” Those two home games against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday and Liverpool next Sunday will likely be too early for the Norwegian to return from the ankle problem that has already sidelined him for over a month but how Arteta sets up his midfield — and now his back four — will be an area of debate.

Ethan Nwaneri came on for what proved another confident cameo. Despite Arsenal already being 2-0 down, he still had a zip to his passing and even took over corner-taking duties from Rice. A start against Liverpool would be unlikely, but Shakhtar’s Champions League visit could provide a decent chance to see how the 17-year-old performs as the side’s creative spark in midfield for longer than the 10 minutes he got here.

In defence, Kiwior stepping in as a right-sided centre-back replacement was expected. He first filled in there during Saliba’s injury absence in 2022-23 and has done so occasionally since. His substitution after the mistake for Bournemouth’s second goal, where the Polish defender’s underhit backpass allowed Evanilson to seize on the ball before he was brought down by Raya, setting up Justin Kluivert to score from the spot, was slightly unexpected, however.

Pre-match, Arteta also said that Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber were all “quite close” to making the matchday squad. White and Zinchenko did so, with Timber missing out. This won’t be an issue against Shakhtar, as Saliba can play, but ensuring Timber is fit for Liverpool could now be vital.

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Arteta explains Saka absence: ‘There was no point pushing him’

Kiwior did not play badly, other than his error, but trust will be needed in whoever replaces Saliba next Sunday. Timber has built that at both left-back and right-back. If fit, he could be the problem-solver Arteta is looking for, with both the Netherlands international and White able to play either at right-back or central defence.

Just one match into a third block of games this season, Arsenal have already been more regularly stress-inducing than their manager, players or supporters would have liked. Despite all this, even if they lose further ground to Liverpool and City when they play their matches today, it is too early in the season to catastrophise.

How they responded in the absence of their captain last month, with five wins and two draws, showed how Arsenal could adapt to survive in the Premier League. It would be nice, however, if they went one weekend without needing to adapt to absurd circumstances.

(Top photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)


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Manchester City vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as hosts edge past Cottagers

(Getty Images)

Manchester City will want to avoid any more slip ups when they host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in the league with the same number of points as Arsenal, but have dropped points in two successive matches.

City have struggled in the absence of Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury ruling him out for the rest of the season, and Kevin De Bruyne who could make his return against Fulham.

But City will be hoping their dominant 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions LEague has had a similar effect on their league form.

Fulham have started the season in solid form, currently in sixth after winning three and losing just one of their opening six matches.

Follow all the live action in the blog below:

Manchester City vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League updates

  • Man City take on Fulham in the Premier League

  • 88’ GOAL! Rodrigo Muniz pulls one back (MCI 3-2 FUL)

  • 82’ GOAL! Jeremy Doku makes it three (MCI 3-1 FUL)

  • 47’ GOAL! Kovacic adds a second for City (MCI 2-1 FUL)

  • 32’ GOAL! Mateo Kovacic fizzes in equaliser (MCI 1-1 FUL)

  • 26’ GOAL! Andreas Pereira flicks Fulham into lead (MCI 0-1 FUL)

Manchester City FC 3 – 2 Fulham FC

Manchester City vs Fulham

17:03

Manchester City rack up a club-record equalling 30th Premier League game without defeat, as the Premier League champions edge out an enterprising Fulham side, winning 3-2 at the Etihad. A double strike from Kovacic ultimately proved decisive, as the influential midfielder equalised after Andreas Pereira had given the Cottagers a shock lead, then fired home a brilliant second shortly after the break. Second-half substitute Doku later lashed home City’s third, before a late goal from Rodrigo Muniz offered Fulham some hope of snatching a point. City – who finished with an inferior xG of 1.55 to their visitors’ 2.4 – sit second in the table, level with Arsenal and just one point behind leaders Liverpool. They will resume with a game against Wolves after the international break; meanwhile, Fulham host Aston Villa next time out. That’s all from today’s live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:55

FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 3-2 FULHAM

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:54

Yellow Card Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:51

Yellow Card Ederson Santana de Moraes

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:51

There are to be at least five added minutes for stoppages at the end of this match, so Fulham can still hope to grab a late leveller.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:47

Substitution İlkay Gündoğan Matheus Luiz Nunes

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:47

Fulham are back on the ball, dominating possession, but they surely know that the chance to salvage something from this game has gone. It’s been a persistent display from the Cottagers, but they’ve just lacked precision in the opposition box.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:45

Manchester City have now scored five goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half this season, more than any other team in the Premier League. That killer instinct sets them apart from the rest.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:41

Assist Rico Henry Mark Lewis

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:40

Goal Jérémy Baffour Doku

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:40

It’s all Fulham now, as the Premier League champions sit back and defend, hoping to preserve their slim advantage. Whatever the final result, Marco Silva’s men will come out of this game with immense credit – they certainly belong towards the top end of the table.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:36

Substitution Philip Walter Foden John Stones

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:36

Gvardiol has to lunge in to block Jimenez inside City’s area, clearing his lines with a crucial challenge. Marco Silva is readying more substitutes, as he perhaps senses that a point could be up for grabs here.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:36

Substitution Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:36

Substitution Kenny Joelle Tete Timothy Castagne

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:35

Substitution Alexander Chuka Iwobi Reiss Luke Nelson

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:34

Another spell of pressure ends when Iwobi’s low ball into Jimenez just escapes from the Mexican striker, who looked poised to strike from the edge of the area. Cue frustrated groans from the away fans.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:33

Fulham continue to probe around their hosts’ penalty area, but Robinson and then Traore are both kept at arm’s length by City defenders. Marco Silva is urging his side on from the touchline – they proved during the first half that they can pose plenty of problems.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:30

For the first time in the second half, Fulham are enjoying an extended spell of possession. It’s all in their own half, however, and City are happy to sit back and stay compact in their team shape.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:28

SAVE! Ederson foils Traore again! The latter is set free down the left and arrows in on goal, but his Brazilian counterpart is quick to narrow the angle and smothers a close-range shot with a crucial save! City are still vulnerable to the counter-attack.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:25

CLOSE! Lewis controls the ball brilliantly and fires a first-time volley towards the target from 20 yards out, but it’s kept from sneaking into the net by an inadvertent touch from Haaland! His intervention sees the ball travel wide by a matter of inches – unlucky!

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:24

Substitution Sander Gard Bolin Berge Thomas Cairney

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:24

Substitution Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira Emile Smith Rowe

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:22

Yellow Card Calvin Chinedu Bassey

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:21

Substitution Jack Peter Grealish Jérémy Baffour Doku

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:20

Substitution Manuel Obafemi Akanji Kyle Andrew Walker

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:20

Again teeing up a team-mate on the edge of the area, Bernardo Silva lays a pass off for Foden, who fires over the crossbar from around 20 yards out. It was always rising.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:18

Now in total control – albeit with just a one-goal advantage – Manchester City’s chances of claiming maximum points are 87% according to Opta’s live win-predictor. Fulham? Just 2%.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:17

Rising to the challenge of replacing Rodri in the champions’ midfield, Kovacic has not only scored twice today but he’s also dictating play, picking the ball up from his defence and spraying it around confidently.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:15

Grealish tries to pick out Haaland with a cross into the box from the left flank, but Robinson is alert and heads it away. Fulham can’t full clear their lines, though, and City’s constant pressure resumes.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:13

Since half-time, Manchester City’s share of the ball has been a remarkable 87%. They are patiently probing around Fulham’s area, and the away side are not able to escape on the break like they did before the interval.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:11

City’s dominance of this second half continues, as Foden fires over a cross from the right and Haaland slightly mistimes his jump before heading the ball off target. That was well wide, but the hosts have stepped up several gears since the break – Guardiola will have made his thoughts quite clear.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:10

Kovacic has scored his third goal in the Premier League this season – already a new career high. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva has now set up three this term, and he has assisted four goals in eight top-flight appearances against Fulham.

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:05

Goal Mateo Kovačić

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:04

Manchester City kick off, and we are back under way at the Etihad!

Manchester City vs Fulham

16:00

Should Manchester City merely avoid defeat today, they would extend their remarkable unbeaten home record to 50 matches, becoming just the fourth English top-flight team to reach that milestone, after Liverpool (85 between 1978-1981), Chelsea (74, 2006-2008; then 58, 2004-2006) and Sunderland (50, 1890-1893). However, as things stand they would slip three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool going into the international break.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:56

A brave first-half performance by Fulham sees the London club on level terms with Premier League champions Manchester City, as the half-time whistle blows with score at 1-1. After absorbing plenty of early pressure – with Gundogan and Haaland both missing good chances – the Cottagers struck first, when a moment of magic from Jimenez set up Pereira’s close-range finish. City bit back soon after, as Kovacic crashed in a low shot from the edge of the area following a corner. A wide-open encounter is reflected by both teams’ xG, with Fulham on 1.35 to their hosts’ 1.17 so far. Perhaps today is the day City’s long winning run over their capital-city counterparts finally ends?

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:49

HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 FULHAM

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:49

There will be just one minute of stoppage time added to the end of this first half, so Fulham’s job is almost done.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:47

Having been quite bold over the preceeding 20 minutes, Fulham are back in numbers now, aiming to keep the scoreline level until half-time. They surely deserve to been on equal terms at the break.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:46

MISS! After making his way to the left byline, Grealish stands up a lovely ball towards Bernardo Silva at the back post. The midfield maestro ghosts into the perfect position to finish, but his header loops over the far post and out of play! That should’ve hit the target!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:44

While Fulham may have only had half as many shots – and attempts on target – as their opponents so far, they have increased their possession share by almost 15% over the past 20 minutes. It’s impressive stuff from the Cottagers.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:42

Fulham are pushing hard for a second goal before the break, as Jimenez has a scuffed shot blocked by Kovacic, then City are forced to concede a corner. Marco Silva must be delighted with how his team are playing today: ususally they excel at Craven Cottage, but they’re taking the challenge to England’s dominant side in Manchester.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:39

Following City’s latest corner, Fulham break at speed again, confidently committing bodies forward in numbers. So far, they’ve caused their hosts plenty of problems in that manner; this time, it all comes to nothing.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:38

The hosts have got their tails up now, as Foden and then Lewis see shots blocked by Bassey inside Fulham’s area. Then, Gvardiol tests Leno with a low effort which seems to be creeping wide, but the German goalkeeper still tips it behind for a corner.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:34

Fulham have actually registered three of their four Premier League wins over Manchester City at the Etihad, albeit their most recent victory there was way back in April 2009, under Roy Hodgson. Can they do it again today, more than 15 years later?

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:33

Goal Mateo Kovačić

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:33

CLOSE! Fulham counter again, and Iwobi spins his marker before setting up a 10-yard strike for Traore. The winger can’t keep his effort on target, though, and despite beating Ederson he also lifts the ball over the crossbar! City are living dangerously here!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:28

Assist Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:27

Goal Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:26

After Tete charges upfield, past several tame challenges, Robinson swings over a low cross from the left; Lewis reads it and cuts out the danger, allowing Ederson to take back possession.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:24

A 25-yard free-kick from a central position is taken short to Lewis, who then tries to switch play but spectacularly fails. It’s another wasted set-piece situation for the hosts, who have lost a little of their early momentum.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:23

Manchester City’s long winning run over Fulham continued when they last met, when the reigning Premier League champions cruised to a 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage towards the end of last season. So far today, though, they’ve been kept at bay.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:19

SAVE! Ederson keeps the scores level! Powering his way past Lewis just outside the area, Traore almost finishes off a rapid Fulham counter-attack. He works his way clear through on goal, but Ederson races off his line to make a sharp stop! Great goalkeeping, but the Fulham winger should’ve scored!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:17

Bassey blocks a threatening low cross from the right byline, before Foden’s inswinging corner is met by Haaland at the back post. Under pressure, the latter can only guide his tame header straight at Leno. City are getting ever closer to making their 73% share of possession pay.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:14

After Iwobi’s hopeful shot from a wide angle on the right is deflected behind, Fulham’s subsequent corner is met by a leap from Jimenez. He can’t control his header, though, and City clear their lines.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:13

A rare foray upfield by Fulham results in Jimenez winning a free-kick from Ruben Dias, who holds his opponent back. However, it comes to nothing, and Manchester City resume their total dominance of possession.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:11

Once again, Foden tees up Haaland on the edge of the area. This time City’s star striker opens up an angle to shoot, but his low effort is slightly scuffed and runs straight towards Leno, who gathers the ball safely.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:10

Haaland steps up to the free-kick and drives it low and hard; however, it thuds into Bernardo Silva, who was placed on the ground in front of Fulham’s defensive wall. The hosts have made a mess of that set-piece routine.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:08

Lukic pulls Lewis back by the shirt and concedes a free-kick in dangerous territory, but he avoids a booking. City will have a chance to strike at goal from around 20 yards out, in a central position.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:07

JUST WIDE! Now Haaland comes close! Played in by a precise Foden throughball, the Norwegian striker takes aim but angles his low shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post! Fulham escape again!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:06

CLOSE! Gundogan misses a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring, firing wide of the right-hand post when left in space near the penalty spot! That’s a great opportunity spurned!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:05

Gundogan finds Haaland on the right byline, and the latter’s cutback is blocked behind for Man City’s first corner. Akanji attacks the cross, but commits a foul and concedes a free-kick to Fulham.

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:02

Fulham kick off, and we are under way in Manchester!

Manchester City vs Fulham

15:02

Emerging into the sunshine from the tunnel, both teams are out on the pitch, and kick-off is now just moments away!

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:58

Making just one change to the XI that started in Nottingham last week, Fulham boss Marco Silva brings Berge into midfield, replacing Smith Rowe. After scoring three goals in as many games, Jimenez starts up front; fellow striker Carlos Vinicius is sidelined by a calf injury.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:53

After making six changes in midweek, Guardiola recalls several senior stars, including goalkeeper Ederson and centre-back Ruben Dias. There is only one switch from the draw with Newcastle last week, though: Foden replaces Walker, with Lewis starting at right-back. Once again City will be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:48

SUBS: Steven Benda, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, Tom Cairney, Reiss Nelson, Timothy Castagne, Issa Diop, Emile Smith Rowe.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:48

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic; Adama Traore, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi; Raul Jimenez.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:42

SUBS: Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:42

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:37

Fulham have made their best start to a Premier League campaign since 2003, accruing 11 points so far to claim sixth place in the table – just three points behind today’s hosts. Since losing to Manchester United on the opening weekend, the Cottagers have put together a five-game unbeaten run in the English top flight, winning both of their last two matches. After beating Newcastle 3-1, last week they edged out Nottingham Forest, winning 1-0 at the City Ground thanks to a Raul Jimenez penalty.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:37

After being held to their second successive Premier League draw by Newcastle United last week, Manchester City then returned to winning ways with a comfortable success against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. On the domestic front, Pep Guardiola’s side sit four points behind leaders Liverpool after the Reds beat Crystal Palace in today’s early kick-off, so they will be keen to continue their dominance over Fulham. City have won each of the clubs’ last 16 meetings across all competitions – the longest winning run one team has had over another throughout English football league history.

Manchester City vs Fulham

14:32

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium!

Fulham team news

13:49 , Sonia Twigg

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Andersen, Robinson, Lukic, Iwobi, Berge, Pereira, Traore, Jimenez.

Man City team news

13:49 , Sonia Twigg

Man City made a few changes for the trip to Slovan Bratislava, but have only made one from the draw at Newcastle last weekend.

Phil Foden replaces Kyle Walker, with Rico Lewis expected to play at right back.

Man City XI: Ederson, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis, Kovacic, Gundogan, Silva, Grealish, Foden, Haaland.

Manchester City vs Fulham

13:00

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…


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Samuel Omorodion beats Matthijs De Ligt to score Porto’s second goal (AFP via Getty Images)

Porto v Manchester United LIVE: Result and final score as Harry Maguire saves Red Devils in Europa League

Samuel Omorodion beats Matthijs De Ligt to score Porto’s second goal (AFP via Getty Images)

Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.

Porto vs Manchester United LIVE

  • Manchester United face Porto in the Europa League, kick-off at 8pm | Live on TNT Sports

  • United boss Erik ten Hag fighting for his job after last week’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Spurs

  • Porto sit second in the Primeira Liga, with six wins from seven games

  • Porto XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion

  • Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.

  • GOAL! Marcus Rashford fires visitors in front, Porto 0-1 Man Utd (7 min)

  • GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund adds second after another Diogo Costa error, Porto 0-2 Man Utd (20 min)

  • GOAL! Pepe knocks in rebound to pull one back, Porto 1-2 Man Utd (27 min)

  • GOAL! Samu Omorodian heads hosts level, Porto 2-2 Man Utd (35 min)

  • GOAL! Omorodion adds another to complete comeback, Porto 3-2 Man Utd (50 min)

  • GOAL! Harry Maguire heads late equaliser, Porto 3-3 Man Utd (90+1 min)

FC Porto 3 – 3 Manchester United FC

Ten Hag: ‘Judge us at the end of the season’

23:00 , Will Castle

Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United fans to trust the process after clawing back a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League this evening.

“We will get there,” he said on TNT Sports. “Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us in the end of the season.

“I said the same last season, just wait. We are in the process, we will improve, and we have now two seasons where we achieved finals.

“Just wait, we have to develop and progress this team. We will work and we will continue.

“We will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. It’s strong spirit they want to achieve.

“We are in the direction. We have that good mentality, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Bruno Fernandes sees red again

22:50 , Will Castle

Bruno Fernandes saw red for the second time in as many games after being shown two yellows for two very similar high challenges.

Of course, his red against Tottenham was overturned earlier this week. But for ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, today’s dismissal was totally justified.

“The Tottenham one was not a red, he was unlucky. I don’t think he was unlucky tonight,” he said.

“The first one, because it’s early on in the game, they’ll probably give a yellow for that just because your foot is high.

“It doesn’t need to be. Let him bring the ball down and win it on the ground.

“If you’re on a booking, you can’t make that challenge. Just go head it.”

Ten Hag still has the dressing room, says Maguire

22:45 , Will Castle

Harry Maguire says his teammates still have faith in Erik ten Hag after heading home a late equaliser to spare United’s blushes in Porto.

“Definitely,” said Maguire when asked if the players still believed in the manager.

“To be honest, I’ve played for this club now for six years, so I know how it works, and when you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure, but also the manager does.

”He’s experienced enough. He’s been in the game long enough. He’s been at this club long enough that I’m sure he’s learned how to deal with it and it’s part and parcel of playing for this club or managing this club.”

Harry Maguire earned the late point (Luis Vieira/AP) (AP)Harry Maguire earned the late point (Luis Vieira/AP) (AP)

Harry Maguire earned the late point (Luis Vieira/AP) (AP)

Ten Hag: Rashford substitution was for rotation

22:34 , Will Castle

Erik ten Hag has quelled fears that Marcus Rashford’s half-time substitution was forced by injury, insisting that Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction was purely based on rotation ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.

“We have to rotate,” he said on TNT Sports. “Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season.

“On Sunday we have again another hard game, a good game, so we need the players to be available and be fit and fresh.”

Tough times at the Estadio do Dragao

22:30 , Will Castle

Ten Hag’s ugly European record

22:27 , Will Castle

Relief will likely be the prevailing emotion for Manchester United fans after snatching a late draw at Porto.

However, it’s yet another game without a win in Europe for Erik ten Hag.

Owen Hargreaves laments ‘ridiculous’ turnaround

22:24 , Will Castle

Owen Hargreaves was far from pleased at his former side’s capitulation during the middle portion of today’s outing against Porto.

“There was a lot going on,” he said. “There were so many holes defensively.

“Manchester United didn’t stop any crosses, and then to go 3-2 down after being 2-0 up was ridiculous.

“The middle part of the game was crazy. That’s what it’s been like for a couple of years.”

Paul Robinson: ‘The manager has not lost the dressing room’

22:13 , Will Castle

Former England goalkeeper believes Man United desire to find a late equaliser proves that Erik ten Hag still has the backing of the players.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “We said, ‘why was he bringing on Maguire and Evans?’ That’s why.

“Corner in from Eriksen and Maguire rises with a powerful header – Porto have no-one on the posts and they pay for it. Powerful strong header.

“That shows spirit and a team where a manager has not lost the dressing room.

“Yes, they have been outplayed at parts but they have shown a lot of character and a lot of determination.

“With 10 men they have pressed and it looks like they will walk away with a point.”

Has this kept Erik ten Hag in a job?

22:03 , Will Castle

Full-Time: Porto 3-3 Manchester United

22:00 , Will Castle

Manchester United leave it late to salvage a point as Harry Maguire emerges from the Estadio do Dragao as the hero on the night.

United were two goals to the good in 20 minutes thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund but were pegged back to 2-2 before the break, with Samu and Pepe drawing Porto level.

Samu then gave the Portuguese giants the lead after the restart and came ever so close to seeing out the win – only for the Maguire to rise above the rest in added time to snatch a draw at the death.

Erik ten Hag could have been in serious trouble had United left Porto empty handed tonight.

An enthralling European encounter.

Porto 3-3 Manchester United

21:56 , Will Castle

90+4 minutes: Jonny Evans wins a free-kick in United’s half. That’ll cool things off for a second.

It’s been an incredible game and you have to think the visitors will take a point.

Seconds to play.

GOAL! Porto 3-3 Manchester United

21:54 , Will Castle

90+1 minutes: GOAL! HARRY MAGUIRE TO THE RESCUE!

Superb corner delivery by Eriksen and it’s the substitute Maguire who leaps above the rest, getting over the ball and brilliantly heading past Costa to equalise.

What drama. Has that just saved Erik ten Hag’s skin?

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:52 , Will Castle

90 minutes: Five minutes added on. Five minutes to salvage something for Manchester United.

Two corners conceded by Porto in quick succession. Let’s see if they can make something of this.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:50 , Will Castle

87 minutes: Save! Superb stop from Costa to tip over Garnacho’s dipping shot from range.

United are running out of time.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:49 , Will Castle

84 minutes: It should have been four.

Deniz Gul finds himself with half the pitch to break into and has Galeno in support, but decides to go for goal himself.

His effort is saved and the ball gets cleared.

RED CARD! Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:45 , Will Castle

80 minutes: RED CARD! For the second game running, United’s skipper is shown red.

Bruno Fernandes goes in with a high boot to meet a cross and appears to catch his man on the face.

It’s an honest attempt to win the ball but the Porto players are furious, and the ref deems it a second yellow card offence.

He may feel hard done by as after closer inspection at the replay, it didn’t actually look like his boot made any contact.

But dangerous play is dangerous play, and United are down to 10.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:40 , Will Castle

77 minutes: A few substitutions.

For Porto, Samu makes way for ex-Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic. A superb display from the striker with two goals to his name.

Eustaquio also makes way for Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira.

United make a double defemsive change, with Martinez and De Ligt making way for Evans and Maguire.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:37 , Will Castle

75 minutes: Manchester United are pushing for an equaliser, peppering the Porto box with crosses and dominating in possession.

That said, nothing too troubling for the hosts to deal with thus far.

Porto might be sitting back but United need to be wary of not getting caught out on the break.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:34 , Will Castle

72 minutes: De Ligt latches onto the aerial ball but his header lacks power and it’s a comfortable stop for Costa.

Garnacho then cuts inside with the intent of firing one into the far corner, but his shot his blocked for the corner. The resulting delivery comes to nothing.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:33 , Will Castle

70 minutes: Fernandes goes for it again from outside the box, but shoots high and wide.

The way Costa is playing tonight, you can understand why getting shots away regardless of position may be the best policy for United. That’s their 20th effort of the night.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:30 , Will Castle

68 minutes: Attacking changes from Ten Hag as Zirkzee and Antony enter the fray.

Hojlund and Amad make way.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:28 , Will Castle

65 minutes: Save! Another big stop from Onana to prevent this going from bad to worse, getting down low to divert Samu’s effort away for a corner.

Resulting delivery nearly causes problems for United as Galeno pokes goalwards, but the Red Devils are able to clear.

Joshua Zirkzee is said to be getting stripped.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:26 , Will Castle

64 minutes: That might have gone out of the stadium!

Lisandro Martinez goes for the spectacular half volley from about 35 yards out – and as you’d expect from a centre-half, it goes high, wide and out of shot.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:25 , Will Castle

62 minutes: Mazraoui fires a pretty weak bobbling effort from the edge of the box – but it’s a poor parried save from Diogo Costa, who palms it right into the danger area with Garnacho closing in.

Garnacho is off balance and can only shoot high and into the side netting. But it’s another error by the highly-rated Portuguese shot-stopper.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:20 , Will Castle

57 minutes: United are spending more and more time on the ball – Porto, now with the lead, are sitting back and trying to frustrate their opponents.

Unable to break into the box, Garnacho unleashes a viscious effort from range to sting the gloves of Costa.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:18 , Will Castle

54 minutes: It’s United’s turn to search for an equaliser.

Bruno Fernandes fires an effort across the goal, hitting it with power but it goes well wide. Nothing to worry about for Costa.

Christian Eriksen then gets played into the box and takes the ball to the byline, but his pullback rolls straight into the arms of the keeper.

A better delivery and that could have been a golden opening for the visitors.

Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:14 , Will Castle

52 minutes: Chelsea fans will be watching this tonight rueing the fact their side couldn’t get a deal for Samu over the line back in August, which reportedly fell apart when finalizing the control.

He looks like a ruthless goalscorer and a real talent. Definitely one to watch this season.

GOAL! Porto 3-2 Manchester United

21:12 , Will Castle

50 minutes: GOAL! THEY’VE TURNED IT ON ITS HEAD!

It’s that man Samu again with an EMPHATIC finish, who fires into the roof of the net after a pullback from Pepe.

They were 2-0 down. Now they’re 3-2 up.

Big response required from Manchester United now – a massive test of character.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

21:09 , Will Castle

47 minutes: Save! Big stop from Onana to deny Francisco Moura, who found himself in acres of space breaking in behind.

Far too open from United. Early second half jitters.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

21:06 , Will Castle

46 minutes: We’re back underway.

Half-Time: Porto 2-2 Manchester United

21:06 , Will Castle

Alejandro Garnacho is getting ready to come on for the start of the second half – and it’s Marcus Rashford who comes off.

You can only presume that’s due to an injury, because he was on fire in that first 45.

Potential blow for Ten Hag.

Half-Time: Porto 2-2 Manchester United

21:01 , Will Castle

Marcus Rashford is showing his true worth on the European stage.

Half-Time: Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:54 , Will Castle

What a half of football we’ve just watched.

After a frantic 45 minutes, there is nothing to seperate the two sides going into the break.

United seemed in control of the contest inside 20 minutes, with Rashford and Hojlund giving Ten Hag’s side an early advantage.

However, two goals in the space of seven minutes pegged the visitors back as Samu and Pepe brought parity for Porto.

Prime Thursday evening entertainment. Long may it continue.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:50 , Will Castle

45+2 minutes: United fans will be LOVING what they are seeing from Marcus Rashford.

He’s terrorising Joao Mario down that left-hand side and once again drives into the box, dancing past defenders before firing a shot away, only for it to be blocked.

Best player on the pitch so far.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:48 , Will Castle

45 minutes: Three minutes added on.

Searching Porto ball sent in behind for Galeno to chase, but Onana gets there first.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:48 , Will Castle

44 minutes: Worrying moment for United fans as Lisandro Martinez goes down with an injury.

The Argentinian has endured a horrible time with injuries as of late, so Ten Hag will be relieved to see him get to his feet after receiving treatment.

He’s back on the pitch and seems ok.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:45 , Will Castle

42 minutes: Last ditch defending from Porto as Fernandes lofts a delightful ball into the box.

Pinball on the edge of the six yard box before Casemiro gets a shot away, well saved by Costa for a corner.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:43 , Will Castle

40 minutes: End-to-end stuff here.

It’s been frantic for the most part in this 40 minutes, and after a decent spell of Porto pressure, United are pushing again.

Hojlund leads a charging break into the opposition half and slots a searching ball into the box for Amad to chase, only for it just bypass the Ivorian.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:39 , Will Castle

37 minutes: This is the fourth time in ten matches that Man United have conceded two goals or more this season.

Even when in control of the contest, United are leaking goals.

Porto 2-2 Manchester United

20:37 , Will Castle

35 minutes: GOAL! Just like that, Porto are level!

Porto’s main route of attack this half has been twofold: Joao Mario cross, Samu Omorodian header. That’s exactly what’s paid dividends here.

At the second attempt, Samu bravely latches on to Mario’s delivery to head past Onana into the roof of the net.

What a game we have on our hands.

Porto 1-2 Manchester United

20:33 , Will Castle

30 minutes: Important few minutes for United here as Porto look to build up some momentum.

Joao Mario whips in another dangerous ball, but Mazraoui produces an effective defensive header to get the ball out of harm’s way.

As Amad Diallo tries to bring the ball away, Omorodian puts a forearm in his back and gets a yellow card for his troubles.

GOAL! Porto 1-2 Manchester United

20:30 , Will Castle

27 minutes: GOAL! Porto are back in it!

Brilliant delivery into the box is met by Samu, whose header forces a fantastic save from Onana.

However, his parry falls right into the path of the charging Pepe who puts in the rebound.

The Dragao erupts, and we have a game on.

Porto 0-2 Manchester United

20:27 , Will Castle

24 minutes: Marcus Rashford is looking like a different player tonight.

Another driving run into the box from the winger before drilling one towards Costa, who on the other hand is very much having an off night.

The most confident he’s seemed in months.

GOAL! Porto 0-2 Manchester United

20:24 , Will Castle

20 minutes: GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund is back in the starting XI for the first time this season – and he’s back on the scoresheet!

Rashford turns provider this time to slip Hojlund through, who sees his left-footed effort just creep over the line before Diogo Costa scoops it away.

It’s another error from the keeper, who got a big arm to it and should have really kept the shot out. But again, United will not care.

Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:20 , Will Castle

19 minutes: Porto might have gone behind early but it hasn’t stifled the home faithful who are still in full voice.

Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:18 , Will Castle

17 minutes: Very close to a second from Rashford as his curling delivery bypasses everyone before just going wide of the wide post. Diogo Costa rooted to the spot.

Two corners then go awry for the visitors.

Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:17 , Will Castle

14 minutes: Big block by Martinez as Samu receives the ball behind the penalty spot before firing an effort goalwards.

At the same time, there’s hopeful appeal for a penalty from Galeno, who claimed Dalot was pulling his shirt. Referee having none of it.

Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:14 , Will Castle

12 minutes: Porto haven’t let the wind go out of their sails and are playing with intent for an equaliser.

They earn a corner that comes to nothing, but are nonetheless peppering Onana’s box – Samu is the obvious target.

Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:12 , Will Castle

10 minutes: Another attempted ball in behind to Rashford, with a lot of their attacking play coming down that left hand side.

Diogo Costa gets there first and collects.

GOAL! Porto 0-1 Manchester United

20:10 , Will Castle

7 minutes: GOAL! They’ve been largely on the back foot in the early stages, but it only takes one chance.

Direct play from Marcus Rashford to drive into the box, before cutting in and firing towards the bottom left corner of Diogo Costa’s goal.

The keeper gets a foot on it and should do better, but the visitors won’t care. An early boost for Erik ten Hag.

Porto 0-0 Manchester United

20:05 , Will Castle

4 minutes: Porto have had three flurries into the final third in as many minutes and are very much on the front foot here during the early stages.

Joao Mario enjoying the ball down the left flank and playing it into Samu Omorodion, who has already had a shot blocked.

Porto 0-0 Manchester United

20:02 , Will Castle

1 minute: KICK OFF! We’re underway.

Porto showing early signs of promise and quickly force Onana into his first save of the evening.

Great noise coming from the home fans.

Here come the teams!

20:00 , Will Castle

The Estadio do Dragao welcomes the teams after a pretty spectacular display from the Porto fans, put on in celebration of the club’s 500th game in their home stadium.

Kick-off imminent.

Ten Hag: ‘We need a reaction’

19:52 , Will Castle

Tonight could well be a massive game for the future of Erik ten Hag, who is under the microscope as Manchester United boss.

There is real scope that a bad performance tonight could cost him his job – and as such, he’s made one final plea to his players.

“We have to see a reaction. Of course, we need a reaction,” he said on TNT Sports.

“We have to do everything well. It’s a very good opponents and it’s a challenge, but we want those challenges. We need to have the winning mentality that things will go well.

“When things are going wrong, that’s the moment you have to keep the faith.”

 (EPA) (EPA)

(EPA)

Gary Neville lays into ‘absolutely disgusting’ Manchester United performance

19:45 , Mike Jones

Gary Neville slammed an “absolutely disgusting” performance from Manchester United as Tottenham won 3-0 at Old Trafford to increase the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

“The big story today is that in that first half,” he said on Sky Sports. “You can’t say it came from nowhere because Manchester United have been inconsistent all season, but they have chosen to put in their very worst performance, their very worst possible showing.

“It was an absolutely disgusting performance in that first half in effort, quality, everything you want in a football team and there are going to be questions to answer for that group (of players) and the manager in the next week.”

Jamie Carragher unimpressed by Man Utd’s £42m signing: ‘He’s out of position all the time’

19:39 , Mike Jones

Jamie Carragher singled out Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt for criticism and said the £42 summer signing was “out of position all the time” during the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

In a segment on Monday Night Football, the former Liverpool centre-back highlighted three incidents during the first half at Old Trafford where Spurs were able to counter-attack against United and said De Ligt was at fault.

The Netherlands international and former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich defender has only made four Premier League starts for United but has been caught out in the defeats to Liverpool and now Spurs.

Carragher unimpressed by Man Utd’s £42m signing: ‘He’s out of position all the time’

More from Vitor Bruno

19:33 , Mike Jones

“I’ve heard a lot of people saying that they have a rope around their necks,” said Bruno when asked by United’s form.

“But, no, no, we are just looking at our objective and that is to reach the next stage. We always see them as a threat, not as a good point to take them on.

“We have to just be ourselves and look at them the way the way we have to look at them, with respect, a lot of respect, with a lot of individuals.

“I know what you mean talking about their last match, but we must see the whole not the last one.”

Countdown to kick-off

19:32 , Will Castle

Just under half an hour to go until things kick off in Porto.

Erik ten Hag will be desperate for his side to bounce back from Sunday’s disastrous defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, but Porto will no doubt pose a difficult challenge.

Rasmus Hojlund is back up top – can he prove the difference?

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Pre-match thoughts from Porto coach

19:27 , Mike Jones

Porto coach, Vitor Bruno, says he is expecting Man Utd to be a tough team to beat tonight despite them going through a rough patch in terms of form.

Bruno said: “Even though Manchester United are going through a difficult period, it’s a club with history and European experience, which has great individual values.

“We cannot underestimate them. At the same time, we must always aim to achieve victory, because representing this club means that.”

Erik ten Hag on facing Porto

19:21 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag spoke about what he is expecting from tonight’s match saying: “We know that Porto are a good team, with good players and good strategy. We have to play good football to get a positive result. The way they attack, with dynamism and creativity, and the way they defend, with aggressivness, will be a real challenge for use.

“The team is frustrated, due to the defeat at the weekend and also for not winning in three games. When we are not winning, we get very disappointed. But we have to turn things around, with all the players having to be up to the task in every game. Opponents are always 100 per cent motivated against us and we have to be prepared for that.”

The last time Porto hosted a Premier League heavyweight

19:19 , Will Castle

The Estadio do Dragao is not an easy place to visit – just ask Arsenal.

Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start

19:15 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United’s poor start to the campaign is nothing “to panic about” as the under-fire manager ignores talk of the sack and focuses on ending the season with more silverware.

May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City was the high point in a miserable campaign and helped save the Dutchman’s job after lengthy deliberation by ambitious Ineos.

But Ten Hag’s third season in charge has begun in alarming fashion, with Sunday’s 3-0 home humbling by Tottenham ratcheting up the pressure on the United manager.

Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start

Travel nightmare for Man Utd fans

19:15 , Will Castle

There will be a fair few empty seats in the away end of the Estadio do Dragao this evening after a flight that was supposed to be carrying some 180 Manchester United fans was cancelled.

Supporters were left waiting at Manchester Airport for a gruelling ten hours before being informed their flight would not be taking off due to the fact there were no landing spots available in Porto.

Varela on striving to win

19:09 , Mike Jones

Porto midfielder, Alan Varela, says his team owe it to the fans to try and defeat Manchester United when they clash in the Europa League tonight.

Varela said: “We work at all times to win. In the first round that didn’t happen but we want it to happen now. The fans deserve it. The quality this squad has makes us believe in that, even if on the other side is a strong opponent like Manchester United.”

Porto team news

19:06 , Will Castle

Only one change for Vitor Bruno’s Porto to the side that started their 4-0 win over Arouca on Sunday as Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio replaces Nicolas Gonzalez.

Porto starting XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion. Subs: Ramos, Djalo, Grujic, Fabio Vieira, Vasco Sousa, Ivan Jaime, Namaso, Andre Franco, Deniz Gul, Martim Fernandes, Goncalo Borges, Rodrigo Mora.

Man Utd team news

19:04 , Will Castle

Rasmus Hojlund makes his first start of the campaign as Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the side that got beaten 3-0 by Tottenham on Sunday.

Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee all drop to the bench while Kobbie Mainoo misses out after being forced off against Spurs through injury.

Coming into the starting XI are Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo.

Man Utd starting XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Lindelof, Maguire, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.

Antony on drew with FC Twente

19:03 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s first Europa League game resulted in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against FC Twente last week.

“We were quite sad after the Twente game,” said winger Antony when asked about the game.

“We wanted the win and we had to analyse this afterwards but we’ve analysed the game now and the errors committed. But now we are ready for the next game and to get the three points.

“We need to focus on our game, not on them, and believe in our work and everything we have been doing in training. That way, we can get things right during the game.”

Antony on facing Porto

18:57 , Mike Jones

“Porto are an excellent team,” Man Utd winger Antony told the club’s media team ahead of flying out for the Europa League encounter.

“But we also have an excellent team. It will be a difficult game with Porto being at home but we will be well prepared ahead of the tie.

“I have heard a lot about the Estadio da Dragao, from Casemiro as well, as he played for Porto. It is a great stadium right? We are going to have a difficult game that we need to prepare well to have a great game.

“I know Pepe, I played with him with the national team and he is a great player. Brazilians always have something to offer.“

Will Porto come out on top?

18:42 , Mike Jones

Despite being beaten 3-2 by Bodo/Glimt in matchday one, the Portuguese side registered a whopping 28 shots, their most in a European match since they played Roma in 2019.

With such a high shot count things could easily get away from Man Utd who’s defence has not been as strong as it would like so far this season.

Porto vs Man Utd

18:36 , Mike Jones

The two clubs have met eight times with Manchester United winning three of these fixtures in comparison to Porto’s two victories.

The last time United visited the Estadio do Dragao, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range effort sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

Can the repeat that success tonight?

Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime

18:30 , Mike Jones

The defence calls the Tottenham No 10. “Even [James] Maddison when he gets up, he said it was a foul but never a red card,” insisted Bruno Fernandes. And if it was an accurate version of events; but even if with a star witness, he was pleading in vain. “I don’t think it was a red card,” said Erik ten Hag. “I don’t know why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen,” added Fernandes

There is a simple answer to that: because Chris Kavanagh’s initial decision was correct, because a high challenge connected with Maddison’s leg when nowhere near the ball. Fernandes’s lunge looked reckless and out of control, the sort that could be deemed dangerous. Cut through the Portuguese’s grumbles, however, and there was one pertinent comment. “I let my teammates down with one man down,” said Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime

Manchester United injury news

18:24 , Mike Jones

Here is a round-up of Manchester United’s injury concerns:

Kobbie Mainoo – The midfielder was substituted during the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham but trained with the squad this week and appears to be fully fit.

Mason Mount – Mount came on against Spurs only to be taken off again with a head injury. He sat out of training this week but it is thought to be a precautionary measure after he suffered a minor cut, rather than any concussion. He is a doubt for Porto but is likely to be available for the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.

Harry Maguire – Maguire missed the Tottenham game with an unspecified knock in training, but he was back in training this week and is expected to be available.

Victor Lindelof – Lindelof is back in training and the Swedish defender could make his first appearance of the season in the coming weeks.

Luke Shaw – The full-back’s injury troubles have continued this season but he could be back later this month after progress from his calf strain.

Leny Yoro – The big-money signing is not expected to be fit until November after fracturing a foot bone. “Yes, he is doing very well,” Ten Hag said last week. “It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon, is that he is now in the right planning process.

“He is in the right spot and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”

Tyrell Malacia – The full-back missed the entire 2023-24 season with a knee injury, but he was named in United’s Europa League group stage squad to suggest a return is imminent. However, Malacia has still not featured in team training so November is a likely return.

Manchester United still in ‘transition’

18:18 , Mike Jones

Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag, reiterated his claim that the team are in “transition” but can still achieve their targets this season.

Having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years in charge, Ten Hag believes United can challenge for silverware again.

“From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change,” he said. “We had to replace some older players and bring new players in. Our choice was to bring young players in and you know that takes time to get the messages on board, to get a game model on board and to introduce a new culture that takes time.

“In the meantime, you have to win and I think we have proven in the last two years, and we win. And I’ve proven in my career that always I will win. The last six years I have [won] eight trophies.

“We have to embed the game model, we have to embed a stronger team as we have now and so we have to work on our problems and give the solutions. We have a good potential on players so once it’s embedded we will go and we will drive, and I’m sure we will achieve the targets we have set for this season.

“That is always winning trophies and finishing as high as possible of course in the league because that is definitely a very important purpose for us.”

Man Utd need to keep up ‘belief’ says Ten Hag

18:12 , Mike Jones

Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, says his players need to keep believing that they can turn their form and results around.

“The most important is always keeping the belief,” he told Sky Sports. “You stay in the game by keeping the belief. That’s the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything.

“We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on.”

Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat

18:06 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United’s “most important” problem to solve is improving the team’s self-belief ahead of important fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa this week.

The manager is under increased pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but is set to be given the trips to Porto and Villa before the international break.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag insisted that he is not worried about losing his job if results do not go United’s way and said the club are “together” under the new ownership.

Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat

Man Utd players ‘mad’ about recent results

18:00 , Mike Jones

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that his team are ‘mad’ and ‘disappointed’ about their recent results and he’s backing them to turnaround their recent form/

“As always when we are not winning, we are very disappointed and we are also mad, mad with ourselves and especially when you lose a game like Sunday,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s delayed news conference.

“We are mad and from the madness we have to get motivation and go onto the next game.”

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What are Man Utd’s next fixtures?

17:54 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag is set to remain in charge of Manchester United after calling for more time after the dismal defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

United have made their joint-worst start to a Premier League season after losing three of their first six games – including 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Spurs at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is set to be given United’s next two games, which are tough trips to Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

United’s visit to Villa Park comes on Sunday and is followed by the October international break, which could spell bad news for Ten Hag if results continue to go against him.

Benni McCarthy talks Erik ten Hag

17:48 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto and Blackburn striker told Portuguese outlet ZeroZero. “They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.

“Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Manchester United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’

17:42 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” and “passion” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

A damaging defeat to Tottenham has led to renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future after he narrowly avoided losing his job this summer.

It continued a difficult start to the season for the club that has left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just two wins from their first six games.

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Man United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’

Porto vs Man Utd prediction

17:36 , Mike Jones

It is impossible to predict how United will play on any day, though expect a shaky and nervous performance after recent results and pressure.

The fact that Porto fell to a loss against Bodo/Glimt does offer encouragement though, and Erik ten Hag will likely rest fewer players than his Portuguese counterpart.

Porto 1-1 Manchester United.

Predicted line-ups and latest odds

17:30 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we see the two teams lining up to face one another this evening. Man Utd should elect for pace in the forward line with Bruno Fernandes controlling play in midfield once more:

Porto XI: Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Varela, Gonzalez; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion.

Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

As for the latest odds from the bookmakers. United’s indifferent form means that they are only slight favourites to triumph this evening with Porto close behind at 17/10. But, with home advantage the Portuguese side may have the edge with the fans.

Porto 17/10

Draw 9/5

Man Utd 13/10

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Man Utd’s early team news

17:24 , Mike Jones

For United, Sunday’s nightmare against Spurs was made worse by the injury to Kobbie Mainoo, who limped off shortly after Fernandes’ red card. It is unknown how long the England international will be out for, but this game will certainly come too early.

In his absence, expect Casemiro or Christian Eriksen to return to the United side. Fernandes will likely start too, considering he has to sit out the next three league games.

In defence, expect ten Hag to line up with what seems like his preferred back five, with Dalot and Mazraoui as full-backs.

In attack, it may be time to start Rasmus Hojlund as ten Hag fights to save his job, with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho likely to start on the wings.

Porto’s early team news

17:18 , Mike Jones

Porto have no new injury concerns after their straightforward 4-0 win over Arouca last weekend. However, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, is a major doubt after suffering a muscle injury in early September.

Summer signing Samu Omorodion will lead the line, with Galeno, Pepe and Vasco Sousa likely playing behind the striker.

Nico Gonzalez and Alan Varela will anchor the midfield, with Joao Mario, José Pedro, Nehuén Pérez and Francisco Moura the probable back four.

How to watch Porto vs Man Utd

17:12 , Mike Jones

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

When is Porto vs Manchester United?

17:06 , Mike Jones

Porto vs Manchester United kicks off at 8pm BST tonight, Thursday 3 October, at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.

 (Action Images via Reuters) (Action Images via Reuters)

(Action Images via Reuters)

Porto vs Man Utd

17:00 , Mike Jones

Manchester United travel to Portugal to face Porto on Thursday evening in the second match of their 2024/25 Europa League campaign.

The Red Devils are under immense pressure after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham last week, with rumours circulating that Erik ten Hag has just two games to save his job – this fixture and the weekend’s match away to Aston Villa.

United began their Europa League campaign with a timid, worrying 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente, and they travel to northern Portugal to face a Porto side that sit second in the Primeira Liga, having won six of their seven league matches.

It’s set to be a tense affair at the Estádio do Dragão, and with an unsettled United likely without Kobbie Mainoo, who knows what may happen as these former Champions League winners meet in Europe’s second-string competition.

Good evening!

09:03 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Europa League action as Manchester United face Porto in the league phase.

The Red Devils are in desperate need of a win after a series of draws and a humiliating defeat to Tottenham at the weekend in the Premier League.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in that match but will be available for this evening’s fixture as United look to secure their first European win of the season.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.

Man United salvage draw as defensive woes continue

23:07 , Will Castle

Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.

Harry Maguire salvages a Europa League point for 10-man Manchester United




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Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s second against Bologna (Action Images via Reuters)

Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after Mac Allister and Salah on target

Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s second against Bologna (Action Images via Reuters)

Liverpool secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Bologna at Anfield, to continue their flawless start to the 2024/25 Champions League season.

Alexis Mac Allister struck after just 11 minutes, with Mohamed Salah adding another in the second half to put the game beyond Bologna.

The Reds began their European campaign in an impressive manner, easily beating AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro in what will be one of their most difficult fixtures of the competition’s new league phase.

However, with teams including Real Madrid and German champions Bayer Leverkusen to come, Arne Slot has already secured a crucial three points in his first European night at Anfield.

Bologna have lost both a manager and some key players since qualifying for the competition last season, and they currently languishing in 13th place in Serie A with just seven points, having drawn their opening Champions League match 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates below, as well as the reaction to the evening’s other Champions League matches:

Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE

  • Liverpool face Bologna in their second match of the Champions League league phase, with kick-off at 8pm BST | Live on TNT

  • The Reds host the Italian side having won the first game of their campaign 3-1 against AC Milan at the San Siro

  • Bologna drew their first game in the competition 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk

  • Liverpool XI: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold

  • GOAL! Alexis Mac Allister scores – LIV 1-0 BOL [11’]

  • Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

  • GOAL! Mohamed Salah scores second – LIV 2-0 BOL [75’]

  • Full time: Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

Liverpool FC 2 – 0 Bologna FC 1909

Mac Allister speaks after the match

22:22 , Sonia Twigg

Mac Allister said to TNT Sports: “I’m really happy personally but for the team. He [Alisson] made some good saves. Sometimes I think we need to defend better, at least Ali showed how good he is. I’m happy for him and for the team.”

On his goal: “Yeah to be fair it is quite hard [to miss] you could. A goal is a goal, in this team when we make a run Mo [Salah] can see everything. Really happy for him, I think it was a good night for everyone.

On still transitioning to life under Arne Slot: “It is clear we are in transition, we are happy with the ideas, we are trying to get there. There is room for improvement, that’s why we work very hard every day.”

Full time: Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:51 , Sonia Twigg

Full time: Illing-Junior has a good chance with a volley at the edge of the box but cannot direct it goalwards, and that will be the final moment of action.

Ultimately Liverpool were the better side and deserved the three points, although Bologna had a goal disallowed for offside and their intensity did cause problems.

Job done for Liverpool, and their flawless start to the Champions League continues.

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:48 , Sonia Twigg

90 minutes: There are three minutes of added time and Bologna have a free-kick just outside the Liverpool box.

Orsolini takes it and it deflects from the wall behind for a corner.

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:45 , Sonia Twigg

87 minutes: The Bologna manager is just letting frustrations get the better of him as he punches the dugout chair while his side fail to beat the first man from a free kick.

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:40 , Sonia Twigg

82 minutes: The intensity has just gone slightly after Liverpool’s second goal, but Bologna are keeping their high press and they have shown in this match that they can be dangerous.

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:36 , Sonia Twigg

79 minutes: Bologna make two changes after their defence was stretched again, giving Liverpool another chance before the flag went up.

GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

21:32 , Sonia Twigg

75 minutes: GOAL! What an incredible strike from Mohamed Salah!

He curls the ball into the corner to double Liverpool’s advantage.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:30 , Sonia Twigg

73 minutes: Szoboszlai attempts an unorthodox scorpion kick to try and play Salah in and it almost works, but the ball was just slightly too far ahead of the Egyptian winger.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:26 , Sonia Twigg

69 minutes: Gakpo and Tsimikas seemingly getting ready to come on as Arne Slot prepares to make another round of substitutions.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:23 , Sonia Twigg

66 minutes: Another ball from Szoboszlai across the box is just out of reach of Diaz.

Liverpool still have their slender lead.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:21 , Sonia Twigg

64 minutes: Salah curls a chance narrowly wide of the target, and Liverpool have come close, but still not added a second in the game so far.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:20 , Sonia Twigg

62 minutes: Diogo Jota comes on for Darwin Nunez, that seems pre-planned at bang on the hour mark, but can the new Liverpool forward find the second that has alluded them so far.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:17 , Sonia Twigg

60 minutes: Liverpool have a corner and a chance to add to their lead but it fails to beat the first man, and Salah’s second delivery is also intercepted.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:14 , Sonia Twigg

57 minutes: Bologna have a chance to counter-attack and they manage to carve out a shot with Urbanski firing well wide of the shot, which was always rising, but it was a good chance.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:10 , Sonia Twigg

53 minutes: Liverpool have had most of the ball since the restart, and there’s another chance to build, but Diaz’s ball is intercepted before it finds Robertson and the attack is thwarted.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:08 , Sonia Twigg

50 minutes: Liverpool commit forward and pass it around but Bologna have a lot of players back and the reds are struggling to find a way through.

Mac Allister tries to find Alexander-Arnold but he takes a heavy touch and the goalkeeper smothers the ball.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:04 , Sonia Twigg

47 minutes: Nunez has a chance! The cross from Salah was floated and just too far behind the striker and he cannot get enough power on it.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

21:02 , Sonia Twigg

46 minutes: Liverpool get the second half underway

Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:52 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos from the first half:

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

 (Peter Byrne/PA Wire) (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:47 , Sonia Twigg

Half time: Liverpool go into the break with the lead, but there were enough chances for Bologna that the reds and Arne Slot will want to address as they go into the second half.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:43 , Sonia Twigg

42 minutes: Salah goes down in the box but the referee is not drawn into giving anything.

Both sets of players may well be looking forward to half time with how energetic this match has been.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:39 , Sonia Twigg

39 minutes: Konate and Beukema have both been shown yellow cards for a bit of pushing and shoving for a Liverpool corner which is punched away by the goalkeeper.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:37 , Sonia Twigg

37 minutes: Since the Bologna onslaught, the game has calmed down a bit slightly as Liverpool have the chance to build again, but Diaz’s touch lets him down and the visitors are able to clear.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:33 , Sonia Twigg

33 minutes: Save! Alisson has to be alert to push the shot from Urbanski wide!

Liverpool are weathering the storm a bit after their early possession.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:32 , Sonia Twigg

32 minutes: Post! Bologna have just grown into this game, and Liverpool don’t look entirely comfortable playing out from the back.

The shot rebounds off the post and Liverpool have been handed a let off.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:31 , Sonia Twigg

The latest from Karl Matchett:

Three times in attempting to play short from goal kicks, Liverpool have lost possession – Alisson is complaining that he’s not being given the right options, though Slot has already spoken that at times he must be ready to go more direct if that’s the case. A fortunate escape from the second occasion, as Konate deflected the effort onto the bar, but the home side’s defensive concerns so far have been largely of their own making.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:29 , Sonia Twigg

29 minutes: Chance! Nunez tries his luck at the other end of the pitch, driving forwards and then shooting rather than passing, but the shot was always rising and sails over the bar.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:29 , Sonia Twigg

28 minutes: Woodwork! A loose ball from Liverpool has been capitalised on by Bologna who take the shot, it deflects onto the crossbar and goes out of play.

That was a bit of a let off for Liverpool.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:26 , Sonia Twigg

26 minutes: Virgil Van Dijk has been shown a yellow card for an arm in the neck of a Bologna player.

It might be a bit harsh.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:23 , Sonia Twigg

23 minutes: Nunez has a shot, it drops perfectly for him, but the angle was too tight and he didn’t get the contact with the ball he would have wanted and fires straight at the goalkeeper.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:19 , Sonia Twigg

19 minutes: Chance! Liverpool probably should have scored, it was almost perfect for Szoboszlai at the far post but that was a big chance missed for Liverpool.

Bologna are struggling to contain the threat of Salah down the right.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:17 , Sonia Twigg

16 minutes: Offside goal! Darwin Nunez has the ball in the back of the net but it has been flagged for offside, he just didn’t hold back enough when starting his run, that would have been the ideal opportunity to go 2-0 up.

Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:15 , Sonia Twigg

Here’s the take so far from our reporter Karl Matchett at Anfield:

It hasn’t quite been one-way traffic, but Liverpool have looked comfortable and confident from the get-go and their midfield is well on top – it’s no surprise that two key components from that area of the pitch combined for the opening goal. Some of the switches of play from defence to wing have been excellent, preventing Bologna from squeezing play or staying compact, and Mac Allister’s run from deep has made the most of that space.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Bologna

20:11 , Sonia Twigg

11 minutes: GOAL! Liverpool have taken the lead!

The cross from Mohamed Salah was inch-perfect and Mac Allister was only a couple of yards out when the ball just glides off his foot and into the net.

Goal disallowed! Liverpool 0-0 Bologna

20:10 , Sonia Twigg

10 minutes: Goal disallowed! Dallinga has the ball in the back of the net, and thought he had put the visitors ahead at Anfield, but the flag goes up for offside and the goal will not stand.

That’s an early warning for Liverpool though.

Liverpool 0-0 Bologna

20:09 , Sonia Twigg

8 minutes: Liverpool are definitely playing a high press, and Nunez is working hard to chase down the goalkeeper and defenders when they get the ball.

Whether this an early tactic, or if they planning on playing the whole match at this tempo remains to be seen

Liverpool 0-0 Bologna

20:06 , Sonia Twigg

6 minutes: Liverpool have kept up the tempo from their early start, and it is a big night for Darwin Nunez, who has a chance to impress his new manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool 0-0 Bologna

20:02 , Sonia Twigg

2 minutes: It’s a stunning ball across the box and Diaz is just unable to reach it, Bologna nearly turned the ball into their own net, but it has been a high tempo start from Liverpool.

Liverpool 0-0 Bologna

20:00 , Sonia Twigg

1 minute: Bologna kick the game underway

Liverpool fans boo Champions League anthem

19:58 , Sonia Twigg

The teams are out, the Champions League anthem has been played, and the match is about to get underway.

Some sections of the Liverpool crowd booed the Champions League anthem.

Liverpool vs Bologna

19:54 , Sonia Twigg

You’ll Never Walk Alone is being played and sung around the ground and the players are about to emerge from the tunnel.

Liverpool vs Bologna

19:52 , Sonia Twigg

The match will get underway in just 10 minutes’ time so here are some photos from around the ground as the atmosphere heats up:

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

 (EPA) (EPA)

(EPA)

 (Peter Byrne/PA Wire) (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

What Slot has said

19:45 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot said that he sees “things we have to improve if we want to stay where we are”.

“Every fixture is difficult in the Premier League and we have to do things better. But one of the reasons we can stay up there is we have a lot of quality.

He went on to add that Liverpool “cannot accept mediocrity” and need to show “the highest standards every day”.

On Bologna, he said: “We know how difficult it is to play against a team that man mark.

“We don’t underestimate them at all because that is not what they deserve after their finish last season.”

He finished by adding that he is hoping for “a special night for everyone involved”.

Liverpool match stats

19:30 , Chris Wilson

Bologna will be Liverpool’s 10th different Italian opponent in European competition, after Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, Genoa, Milan, Fiorentina, Napoli, Udinese, and Atalanta.

The Reds have lost three of their last five at home to Italian sides (W2).

Liverpool have won each of their last 10 group or league stage games at Anfield in major European competitions.

They have scored two or more goals in their last nine in a row. Their last defeat was to an Italian side – they lost 0-2 to Atalanta in November 2020.

The Reds also lost 3-0 to Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season.

Mohamed Salah could become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive home games in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League. He has scored in all four of his appearances at Anfield in his previous season in this competition (four goals in 2022/23).

Arne Slot’s perfectionism will be defining factor of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign

19:20 , Chris Wilson

As Arne Slot looked forward to his first European night at Anfield, Alexis Mac Allister harked back to his Champions League bow. Which was all of two weeks ago. As the Liverpool midfielder noted, it is remarkable he had won the World Cup before even playing in the premier club competition. “For some people it was a surprise I won a World Cup but I made my debut against [AC] Milan in the Champions League so it is quite crazy,” the Argentina international said.

But, swift as Mac Allister’s rise was, it was nonetheless a sign of Liverpool’s enduring appeal that they could recruit him when in the Europa League. Slot was in the Champions League last season but, while Jurgen Klopp is a Champions League winner and four-time finalist, his predecessor was not.

The Dutchman nevertheless has particular reasons to relish Bologna’s visit to Anfield. “I am privileged enough to work at Feyenoord where Champions League nights last season were also really special. People tell me it will be even more special here tomorrow,” he said.

Slot’s perfectionism will be defining factor of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign

Liverpool v Bologna head-to-head

19:10 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have never previously met in a competitive fixture.

The Reds currently sit 12th in the Champions League’s new league phase table, though they have played a game less than many teams. In the Premier League, Slot’s side sit top of the league with 15 points, one above both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Bologna are seven-time winners of Serie A and finished fourth last season, though they are struggling in 13th this season, with just seven points. They have lost several key personnel since last season, including manager Thiago Motta (who moved to Juventus) and Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee.

The unintended effect of the new Champions League – and why Liverpool can benefit

19:00 , Chris Wilson

Heading into the first few weeks of the new Premier League season, one of the most frequent questions aimed Arne Slot’s way was that of rotation. At Feyenoord, he candidly explained, there was little reason to switch up his first team too much; fewer league games, one fewer domestic cup to navigate and more difficulty in reaching the latter stages of Europe. His final campaign at the Eredivisie side saw Slot’s team play only 48 matches – and that included the Johan Cruyff Shield, the Dutch season-opener, and going the distance to win the KNVB Cup.

A few weeks later and the new Liverpool boss has shown a deft hand at altering his lineup without, so far, dramatically reducing the quality on show; while the performance against West Ham was somewhat stutteringafter nine changes, so too was the win over Wolves with a regular first XI in place.

League Cup aside, Slot has shown an early preference for making a couple of switches, keeping the bulk of his starters in situ and letting others find form and push for places two or three at a time. Cody Gakpowas perhaps the first to stake his claim; more recently, Curtis Jones has done likewise.

The unintended effect of the new Champions League – and why Liverpool can benefit

Liverpool team news

18:48 , Sonia Twigg

Liverpool made one change, with Darwin Nunez starting against Bologna and Diogo Jota on the bench.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold

Subs: Jaros, Kelleher, Gomez, Endo, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Morton, Bradley, Nyoni

Team news

18:38 , Chris Wilson

The line-ups will be announced in just under 10 minutes, but here’s a reminder of the early team news.

The Reds have Alisson back and have three potential absentees as a result. Harvey Elliott is definitely out, while Federico Chiesa has suffered a muscular injury that could rule him out until the international break. Darwin Nunez, who missed the weekend game through illness, is the other doubt.

Lewis Ferguson, Oussama El Azzouzi and Tommaso Pobega are the three likely absentees for Bologna.

Liverpool suffer Federico Chiesa injury blow – but another forward set to return

18:30 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has suffered an injury blow that denies him a first Champions League night at Anfield and could rule him out until the international break.

The Italy international has a muscular problem that means he will sit out Wednesday’s game against Bologna and makes him a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Manager Arne Slot believes it will be a particular blow for Chiesa, a £10m summer signing from Juventus, to miss a match against against a team from his home country.

Liverpool suffer Chiesa injury blow – but another forward set to return

Arsenal’s impressive win over PSG shows the Champions League has surrendered its competitive edge

18:20 , Chris Wilson

A “big Champions League night” that ended up being quite a nice run-out for Arsenal. Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain looked less a sportswashing project and more a youth project. The level of superiority in this 2-0 win is again to Arsenal’s credit, but should also be a worry for Uefa.

This was one of the big-name fixtures that the new Champions League was sold on – more games between the best, more fixtures, more, more, more – and yet it didn’t really feel like either side treated it as a match of much consequence. It was a world away, say, from 2000-01 when Lyon came to North London and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal absolutely knew they had to do something.

If it is by now becoming tedious to read about these issues, it is worth remembering that such themes only arise because very little of consequence happens on the pitch. Here, in just the second of eight games, Arsenal got the win that already puts them more than halfway to the top 24.

How the Champions League surrendered its competitive edge

Prediction & odds

18:10 , Chris Wilson

Odds

Liverpool 1/6

Draw 6/1

Bologna 14/1

Prediction

The Reds to record another home victory against a side struggling to match their own exploits of last term.

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna.

Predicted line-ups

18:05 , Chris Wilson

LIV – Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Jota

BOL – Skorupski, Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis, Freuler, Aebischer, Urbanski, Orsolini, Castro, Ndoye

Team news

18:00 , Chris Wilson

The Reds have Alisson back and have only two potential absentees as a result – Harvey Elliott, who is definitely out, and Darwin Nunez, who missed the weekend game through illness.

Lewis Ferguson, Oussama El Azzouzi and Tommaso Pobega are the three likely absentees for Bologna.

Is Liverpool vs Bologna on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League fixture

17:50 , Chris Wilson

When is the match?

The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 2 October at Anfield.

Where can I watch it?

All Champions League games are shown on TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 2 and can be streamed for subscribers on the discovery+ app.

You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.

Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE

17:40 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool will attempt to make it two wins from two in the new-look Champions League, with their first home encounter of the European campaign coming against Serie A side Bologna.

The Reds won in relative comfort at the weekend despite a poor overall performance against Wolves, but have generally been impressive this term and sit top of the Premier League table. They also saw off another Italian outfit in AC Milan in the first gameweek in Europe.

Bologna haven’t faced Milan yet in their domestic league, but they sit four points behind them and nine places lower in the table after managing just two wins from six to-date, 12th following a home draw with Atalanta at the weekend.

Arne Slot may opt to change one or two from his starting lineup following a low-key weekend outing, particularly given the lack of real concern over progression from this stage of the Champions League.

Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE

17:31 , Chris Wilson

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Liverpool and Bologna.

Arne Slot’s side face another Italian side in their second match in the competition this season, having put in an impressive performance in their opener as they beat AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro.

Bologna have had a mixed start to the season and drew their opener 0-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk, though a trip to Anfield is certain to give them another gear in tonight’s match.


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Erling Haaland scored City’s third (AP)

Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after McAtee and Foden score

Erling Haaland scored City’s third (AP)

Manchester City eased to a 4-0 victory against Slovan Bratislava in the second match of their 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

With over 20 shots in the game, Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Phil Foden adding a second in the 15th minute. Erling Haaland and James McAtee doubled the visitors’ lead in the second half to ensure the comfortable victory.

Pep Guardiola’s side sit second in the Premier League after a somewhat disappointing draw against Newcastle last weekend, and they’re looking for their first three points of the new European campaign this week after drawing 0-0 at home to Inter Milan last time out.

The Cityzens have lost Rodri for the remainder of the season and will be without Kevin De Bruyne in the Slovak capital, though they come up against a Slovan Bratislava side that lost 5-1 to Celtic in their European opener on 18 September.

Follow all the latest Champions League updates with our live blog below:

Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City LIVE

  • REPORT: Man City defeat Slovan Bratislava in their second Champions League match

  • FT Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

  • 74’ GOAL! James McAtee scores fourth (SLB 0-4 MCI)

  • 58’ GOAL! Haaland adds a third (SLB 0-3 MCI)

  • 15’ GOAL! Foden doubles the lead! (SLB 0-2 MCI)

  • 8’ GOAL! Gundogan scores! (SLB 0-1 MCI)

ŠK Slovan Bratislava 0 – 4 Manchester City FC

Manchester City brush Slovan Bratislava aside, but performance hints at key weakness

22:19 , Sonia Twigg

Manchester City eased to their first victory of this season’s Champions League as they brushed Slovan Bratislava aside 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday.

Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden put them in command before Erling Haaland’s 42nd goal in 41 appearances in the competition and another from substitute James McAtee added the gloss.

City also hit the woodwork three times in a dominant performance that added impetus to their campaign after their draw with Inter Milan earlier this month.

Manchester City brush Slovan Bratislava aside, but performance hints at key weakness

Full time: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

22:10 , Sonia Twigg

Phil Foden said after the match: “Yeah amazing. Great result, great atmosphere as well. It’s nice to play in the Champions League again.

“Very happy with the performance, I know there’s still things I can work on and get better, I’m still a little bit rusty. Like I said I’m happy with my performance and the team performance.

“I love it, the atmosphere is very good, it was a great experience.”

Full time: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:49 , Sonia Twigg

FT: City may leave Bratislava disappointed they didn’t add more goals to their tally.

After having the opening shot of the game, the home side did not find a foothold in the game, and City eased to victory.

Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:46 , Sonia Twigg

90 minutes: There will be two minutes of added time.

Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:45 , Sonia Twigg

88 minutes: Doku wins a corner. Gundogan takes it and Stones heads it towards the goal, but it’s a good save from the Slovan goalkeeper.

Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:40 , Sonia Twigg

84 minutes: Doku has caused problems down the wing all match and shows no signs of stopping as he puts another ball in the box looking for a player in burgundy, but it’s cleared and City will mount another attack.

Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:38 , Sonia Twigg

80 minutes: City are on the hunt for a fifth, the ball is pulled back towards Grealish, but he wasn’t quite ready and nothing comes of it.

GOAL! James McAtee! Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City

21:31 , Sonia Twigg

74 minutes: GOAL! James McAtee scores his first Champions League goal after being chipped in by Phil Foden and he takes a touch before firing into the back of th net.

Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

21:27 , Sonia Twigg

70 minutes: City have had 20 shots tonight, but still just the three goals to show for it. Bayern Munich scored nine in their opening Champions League match and after the first round of fixtures were top of the table.

Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

21:26 , Sonia Twigg

69 minutes: With all the substitutions, the intensity of the match has just dropped slightly, although City continue to dominate possession.

Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

21:20 , Sonia Twigg

63 minutes: Changes for Slovan, the captain has just been taken off by his dad, the coach. He also spent time in Man City’s youth team along side Kieran Trippier many years ago.

Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

21:17 , Sonia Twigg

60 minutes: That will be Haaland’s last involvement and he comes off to be replaced by James McAtee, Ruben Dias on for Akanji.

There was a brief VAR check for a penalty, but City have not been given a chance to add to their tally.

GOAL! Haaland strikes – Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

21:15 , Sonia Twigg

58 minutes: GOAL! The moment Slovan get forward they are broken immediately and Haaland is played straight through the middle of the two centre backs, he takes the ball round the goalkeeper and just slots it into the back of the net.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

21:14 , Sonia Twigg

57 minutes: City are struggling to turn their possession into goals, it might be entirely last-ditch defending with the occasional punt up front for Slovan, but they have still not conceded since the 15th minute.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

21:10 , Sonia Twigg

53 minutes: Chance! Haaland has moved cleverly at the far post to beat his marker, he jumps high but his header is way off target.

Another chance for City goes begging.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

21:07 , Sonia Twigg

50 minutes: It’s just wave after wave of City attacks, Doku has a cross blocked, then the ball doesn’t quite fall for Haaland and it’s scrambled clear.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

21:04 , Sonia Twigg

47 minutes: Foden has been nutmegged! He might have scored already but he has been completely done there, that was a nice bit of skill from the Slovan player.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

21:02 , Sonia Twigg

46 minutes: The second half is underway

Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:53 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos of the first half:

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:46 , Sonia Twigg

Half time: Phil Foden could have had a hat-trick himself, and City have hit the woodwork three times in addition to their opening two goals.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:45 , Sonia Twigg

43 minutes: City will be pleased with how they’ve gone at half time, although it remains to be seen how big a part goal difference will play in the final table and they could be on the hunt for a few more in the second half.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:40 , Sonia Twigg

40 minutes: Foden fires another volley wide after the goalkeeper stuck his leg out to deny a Savinho ball across the box.

Gundogan hits the woodwork for a third time! The goalkeeper was just watching the ball but it hit the woodwork between the post and crossbar.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:38 , Sonia Twigg

38 minutes: Foden has had another shot but drags it wide, Slovan then had a chance to try and build possession and ended up with a free kick in the City half which will relieve some pressure, even though it doesn’t beat the first man.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:35 , Sonia Twigg

35 minutes: After 34 minutes of play, Slovan have completed less than 50 passes, while City are nearing 250.

That sums up the discrepancy between the sides in this Champions League clash.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:33 , Sonia Twigg

32 minutes: But after committing, Slovan are almost hit on the break, Doku sprints forward and puts the ball across the box, but it’s just behind Erling Haaland and he cannot capitalise.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:32 , Sonia Twigg

30 minutes: It is starting to feel like a case of when rather than if City will add another. The crowd have kept going inspired by the person on the mike.

Slovan get forward, but the ball doesn’t fall in the box for them to create anything.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:27 , Sonia Twigg

26 minutes: POST! Foden tried his luck from distance, the goalkeeper can only parry it onto the post and hope it bounced favourably which it did.

City have a strong lead and they could easily have more!

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:24 , Sonia Twigg

23 minutes: Post! Doku has hit the woodwork! Another chance for City, and they’re already comfortably ahead.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:21 , Sonia Twigg

20 minutes: Slovan are just camped outside their box and cannot get clear, it’s going to be a long night for them if this continues.

The crowd have not stopped though.

Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:17 , Sonia Twigg

17 minutes: Haaland should have made it three! He had a great chance to put the ball into the back of the net, but it was too close to the goalkeeper who was able to make the save.

GOAL! Phil Foden scores! Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City

20:16 , Sonia Twigg

15 minutes: GOAL! Phil Foden doubles City’s lead! It was a perfect strike in his first start this season, expertly curled into the corner.

Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City

20:14 , Sonia Twigg

12 minutes: As expected, City have dominated the possession and given the heavy beating at the hands of Celtic, Slovan might just have to weather the storm for as long as they can.

GOAL! Gundogan scores for City! Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City

20:09 , Sonia Twigg

8 minutes: GOAL! City have broken the deadlock, Gundogan scores his first goal since coming back to City, it’s deflected into the back of the net giving the goalkeeper no chance

Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City

20:04 , Sonia Twigg

4 minutes: Haaland drives on the edge of the box and pulls the ball back in the direction of Phil Foden, but the ball is behind hi and the home side are able to clear.

Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City

20:03 , Sonia Twigg

2 minutes: Chance! Slovan Bratislava have had an early chance! They break on the counter attack and the shot is just wide of the goal!

Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City

20:01 , Sonia Twigg

1 minute: Man City kick the game underway

Slovan Bratislava v Man City

19:58 , Sonia Twigg

The teams are out, the Champions League anthem is being played, and the match is about to get underway.

Slovan Bratislava v Man City

19:55 , Sonia Twigg

Instead of drums, Slovan Bratislava have a female violinist and another woman playing the electric guitar, they are getting the fans well and truly up for this one.

Slovan Bratislava coach on facing Man City

19:50 , Mike Jones

Vladimír Weiss Sr said: “We will welcome one of the best teams in the world. They won the Champions League a year ago.

“Our opponents are the favourites not only for this match, but for the whole competition. We have to enjoy it. I believe that with the fans behind us we can reach our limits.”

City head to Slovakia

19:44 , Mike Jones

Manchester City will take on Champions League debutants Slovan Bratislava on a run of only one win in four games and trying to adjust to the loss of lynchpin Rodri.

Pep Guardiola changed shape away to Newcastle at the weekend with Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis sitting in front of the defence, but they were far from their fluid best in a 1-1 draw and further refinements are clearly needed.

City are clear favourites in Bratislava, where avoiding defeat will see them match Manchester United’s record of 25 games unbeaten in this competition.

Man City’s Champions League successes

19:37 , Mike Jones

This is Man City’s 14th successive season in the Champions League. They have featured in every campaign since 2011/12 and have reached the knockout stages in each of the last 11.

Having claimed the club’s first Champions League title in 2022/23, Pep Guardiola’s side won all six group games for the first time last season to finish six points clear of RB Leipzig in the standings.

That was the seventh successive season in which City had come first in their group.

City then beat Copenhagen in the round of 16 but lost an epic quarter-final against eventual champions Real Madrid – the third season in a row in which they had faced the Spanish side.

Slovan Bratislava vs Man City

19:30 , Mike Jones

Slovan have won all four home European matches this season – scoring 14 goals – as many victories as in their previous 13 games (six draws, three defeats).

Weiss Jr on his time at Man City

19:22 , Mike Jones

“I have the best memories of my time at City,” said Slovan Bratislava’s captain when reminiscing about the start to his professional career.

“It was an amazing achievement to break through to the first team at a young age with the players that were already in the squad. With time, there were better and better players and with Mancini coming in, my chances were getting smaller.

“I am always going to watch City, not just because they’re my first club but because they play the best football in the world for me. To watch City for me is a pleasure. I’m following the club and it’s a club that’s always going to stay in my heart.”

A City homecoming for Weiss

19:15 , Mike Jones

Vladimir Weiss Jr moved to Manchester as a teenager and came through the City Academy. He scored in the 2008 FA Youth Cup final as City’s youth side defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy.

Weiss then played five times for the senior team before joining Bolton Wanderers, Rangers and Espanyol on loan before eventually moving to Pescara on a permanent deal in 2012.

Now, he captains Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League and the former City winger will look to get one over on his old club.

Arsenal and Man City’s heated rivalry has just reached a new level of tension

19:07 , Chris Wilson

Mikel Arteta eventually felt he had to speak, specifically in order to quieten things down. You couldn’t have a clearer indication of how the Manchester CityArsenal tensions had reached a peak, after all, than Pep Guardiola himself willingly bringing up the “115 charges”. Some City officials had previously bristled at the media or anyone else mentioning the prospect of the club being punished, and yet here was their most important football figure putting it front and centre of the week’s biggest story.

That showed how affected Guardiola had been by Arteta’s admittedly open-ended comments from Tuesday. The Arsenal manager had spoken about how he has “all the information” on City, having worked at the club for almost four years. Arteta was actually talking about gamesmanship, given all the criticism of his own team over “dark arts”, but the way it was said could have easily been portrayed as talking about the hearing. Guardiola evidently felt that way.

This was also why Arteta took the opportunity to indeed make clear what he meant, and cool those tensions a bit.

Arsenal and Man City’s heated rivalry has just reached a new level of tension

Vladimir Weiss on Pep Guardiola

19:00 , Mike Jones

The Slovan Bratislava manager spoke with praise about his opposit number tonight: “I like many coaches – Ancelotti, Klopp, Bielsa – but Guardiola is unique.

“He had changed football. Every player in the team plays in his position and all of them know what their job is on the pitch. This approach makes him a special and outstanding coach.”

Slovan Bratislava team news

18:57 , Sonia Twigg

Slovan Bratislava XI: Takac, Blackman, Kashia, Bajric, Wimmer, Savvidis, Ignatenko, Barseghyan, Tolic, Weiss, Strelec.

Subs: Trnovsky, Hrdina, Voet, Medvedev, Marcelli, Mustafic, Mak, Zuberu, Pauschek, Gajdos, Szoke, Metsoko.

Manchester City team news

18:50 , Sonia Twigg

Pep Guardiola makes six changes for his side’s match against Slovan Bratislava, with Ortega, Stones, Nunes, Savinho, Foden and Doku all coming into the side.

Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Nunes, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland.

Subs: Ederson, Carson, Walker, Dias, Kovacic, Grealish, Silva, McAtee.

The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence

18:38 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City began without one of the outstanding individuals of last season. No, not that one. Or not just that one, anyway. Rodri was the most conspicuous absentee at St James’ Park on Saturday as, barring an injury to Erling Haaland, he will be for the rest of the campaign. But Phil Fodenstarted on the bench. His bit-part role has been camouflaged by the sudden realisation that Rodri will have no part to play in the next nine months, but it is less than six weeks since Foden was anointed PFA Player of the Year.

It is an understatement to say his candidature for a second successive award has had a slow start. City have played six league games this season. Foden has begun none. Euro 2024 was why he was an opening-day replacement against Chelsea. He missed two matches through illness, spent the next as an unused substitute and came on in the last two. Perhaps it is a fact that points to potential improvement for City: Foden, scorer of 27 goals last time around, could provide an injection of excellence for a Rodri-less side.

The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence

Man City prepare to face Slovan Bratislava

18:30 , Mike Jones

The training sessions are done and dusted ahead of kick off at 8pm tonight.

 (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

 (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

 (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

Stones on Rodri’s recovery

18:22 , Mike Jones

“[Rodrigo’s injury] was difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he’s doing well, recovering,” Stones said, “It’s sad for the standard he has set over the last season has been incredible.

“We know what a key player he is for us, but we want him to be back quickly. We know it will be a long time, but we have a lot of quality players capable of filling in in that position.

“He was in good spirits. Now he knows what’s happened and knows his process to get back, he’s come to terms with it. He is over in Spain with his family. He needs to take time now to relax and recover as best he can.”

Stones ready to ‘fullfil’ Rodri role

18:15 , Mike Jones

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the campaign after having to undergo surgery in the wake of an ACL injury sustained in last week’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

City teammate John Stones says he is ‘100 per cent’ ready to fill the midfield void left by Rodri’s absence if called on by Pep Guardiola.

He said: “If called upon 100%. It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me [but] I enjoyed it.

“Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.

“And hopefully we can recreate even better moments than the Champions League final.”

 (Action Images via Reuters) (Action Images via Reuters)

(Action Images via Reuters)

Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri

18:08 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City appear to have suffered a major blow with Rodri set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.

The midfielder was substituted in the first half of the clash of Premier League rivals at the Etihad Stadium, with the club confirming that he has suffered ligament damage.

It is an injury that may render the 28-year-old unavailable for the rest of the campaign, leaving Pep Guardiola without his key midfield fulcrum.

While the Manchester City manager often rotates elsewhere, Rodri is firmly established as a vital figure at the base of midfield and rarely misses the club’s biggest games.

But an expensively-assembled squad does provide Guardiola with a number of alternative options as he looks to replace the Spaniard:

Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri

Slovan versus English teams

18:00 , Mike Jones

Slovan Bratislava won two of their first three games against English clubs with both home first legs – 2-0 against Tottenham in the 1962/63 European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final and 1-0 against Derby in the 1975/76 European Cup first round.

They went on to lose those ties 2-6 and 1-3 on aggregate and have since lost seven of their subsequent nine matches against English opposition, drawing twice.

The last outing against an English team came in the 2019/20 Europa League where Slovan lost 1-2 at home and 0-1 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the group stage, making it five successive defeats by English teams.

Slovan play with ‘courage’ says Guardiola

17:52 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola is anticipating a tough test for his players this evening when they take on Slovan Bratislava and explained how watching their match against Celtic showed him that City’s opponents play with courage.

“This is a team that I would say plays with courage,” he said, “I saw the game against Glasgow Celtic and they were not scared to play.

“Not scared to link with their striker and they want to try it. The Champions League it doesn’t matter, I always have incredible respect for all the teams, especially when you play away.

“Hopefully we can be an aggressive team again and take a result.”

Guardiola provides De Bruyne update

17:45 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola says that he is hoping Kevin De Bruyne will be back in contention for selection after the October international break.

The midfielder was forced off during City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan earlier this month and missed their next three matches with a thigh issue.

“Hopefully after the international break he [Kevin] will be back,” Guardiola said, “Everybody is ready – we will put out the best team possible to compete and beat them.”

Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery

17:37 , Chris Wilson

Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City confirmed the Spanish midfielder has successfully undergone surgery.

Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

“He had surgery this morning,” Guardiola said. “ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”

Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery

Slovan Bratislava vs Man City prediction

17:30 , Chris Wilson

Man City should easily be able to make it a first win in Europe this term, even with rotations in the squad and probably the starting 11. They should also triumph in style and comfort.

Slovan 0-4 Man City.

Slovan Bratislava vs Man City predicted line-ups and latest odds

17:22 , Chris Wilson

Here’s how we think the two teams will line up against each other this evening though there is always the possibility that Pep Guardiola springs a surprise with the players at his disposal:

Slovan Bratislava XI: Takac, Blackman, Kashia, Wimmer, Medvedev, Kucka, Ignatenko, Barseghyan, Tolic, Weiss, Strelec

Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Nunes, Kovacic, Savinho, Foden, Grealish, Haaland

As for the latest odds from the bookmakers, it should come as no surprise that City are the overwhelming favourites to win this one despite playing away from home:

Slovan 50/1

Draw 17/1

City 1/25

What is the early team news?

17:15 , Chris Wilson

Rodri is Man City’s main injury concern with the midfielder out for the long term. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are also sidelined, but City will hope Kevin de Bruyne is back to full fitness to play some part at least.

Lukas Pauschek is out for Slovan, while Kenan Bajric is a doubt. Their attacking line should include former Man City starlet Vladimir Weiss, now aged 34, and one of Slovakia’s starting forwards from their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with England, in David Strelec.

When is Slovan Bratislava vs Man City?

17:07 , Chris Wilson

The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 1 October.

Most Champions League games are shown on TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 1 and can be streamed for subscribers on the discovery+ app.

You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.

Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City

17:00 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City will be looking for their first win in the new Champions League format when they head to Slovakia on Tuesday, to take on Slovan Bratislava.

Pep Guardiola’s side are on an unusual run of just one win in four games across all competitions, though the others were all draws and they have faced Arsenal and Inter Milan in that run. Even so, failing to beat Newcastle last time out will have irked the reigning Premier League champions, as they lost top spot to Liverpool in the process and have now kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games.

Slovan Bratislava have won seven out of eight domestically and sit top of the Super Liga as a result, but were absolutely hammered by Celtic in their Champions League opener, losing 5-1 in Glasgow.

That result raised questions of competitiveness in this expanded league format, and even on home soil they must be fearing the type of scoreline an in-form Erling Haaland might be able to raise.

Good evening!

14:15 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Manchester City travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in their second league phase fixture.

City’s opening Champions League match ended in a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and Pep Guardiola’s team head into this match in need of a win. They also drew 1-1 with Newcastle in their latest Premier League outing having also failed to beat a 10-man Arsenal team just before.

Slova Bratislava are perhaps the perfect team for City to face. They lost their first Champions League match 5-1 to Celtic and with City’s added firepower it could be another difficult night for the Slovakian side.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.


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Wolves vs Liverpool LIVE: Result and reaction as Salah penalty gives unconvincing Reds win

(Getty Images)

Liverpool face Wolves in today’s late kick-off at the Molineux, with Arne Slot’s side looking to retain a place near the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds convincingly beat Bournemouth last time out, recovering from a 1-0 loss to Forest by putting three past their opponents, with Luis Diaz scoring a double.

Wolves took the lead against Aston Villa in their Midlands derby last week, only to lose 3-1 thanks to late goals from Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. Gary O’Neil’s side currently sit bottom of the league, with just one point gained and 14 goals conceded, and are looking for their first win of the season in what will surely be a difficult game against Slot’s developing Liverpool team.

Relive all the action from the Premier League match below:

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

  • Liverpool edge to narrow 2-1 win over Wolves

  • Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty secures all three points to send the Reds top of the Premier League table

  • Basement club Wolves showed heart but remain rooted to the foot of the table

  • FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

  • 61’ GOAL! Salah gives Liverpool the lead after Semedo brought down Jota [WOL 1-2 LIV]

  • 56’ GOAL! Ait-Nouri levels it after a defensive mix-up from Liverpool [WOL 1-1 LIV]

  • 50’ CLOSE! Salah misses an open net after Lemina’s poor pass across goal [WOL 0-1 LIV]

  • 47’ GOAL! Konate heads Liverpool in front just before half-time [WOL 0-1 LIV]

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 1 – 2 Liverpool FC

20:02 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot also spoke to Sky Sports, and he says that in the short term, the results are more important than the performance.

“For the long term you have to look at the performance. I don’t think we started well but you have to give credit to Wolves.

“They overloaded our right side a lot with many players. That’s why it was difficult at the start but second half we came out much better.

“The energy and intensity was much higher than the first 15 minutes.

“I saw the first goal and what stands out is the patience we have. In general we were much more patient.

The Dutchman goes on to praise Gravnberch and Mac Allister, before addressing Liverpool’s status as potential title contenders.

“We have a lot to prove when we come across the top sides. It’s good that we are where we are at the moment.

“I always try to be realistic, Jurgen’s work has been fantastic. We have to prove we can do it in the Champions League and Premier League.”

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:55 , Chris Wilson

Toti Gomes is the Wolves player speaking to Sky, and he calls it “a tough defeat”.

“We started well and we were a bit unlucky suffering the first goal, but we responded immediately in the first half.

“We were not paying attention to some details. We deserved something from this game – at least a point.

“All the details count especially against the big teams. If you do little mistakes they will make a goal and we will suffer.

“It is not easy, but it is a matter of time [until results improve].

“We are not in a good phase, but we have to stick together. We have had tough defeats against big teams but we are going to keep fighting and we have a lot to prove.

“I ask the fans to stick with us, as we are going to keep improving.”

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:48 , Chris Wilson

Konate and Gravenberch have been speaking to Sky Sports, and the former says that the team are “really happy”.

“Wolves were very good today and it was tough for us. We did really well”

Gravenberch says a team like Liverpool “has to be in the top four for sure, but we keep pushing”.

Konate adds that “every game is very hard” in the Premier League.

“But the fans expect three points, and we did it. We have an important game on Wednesday and we have to start the recovery now.

““We missed concentration and we have to work on it. Everything cannot be perfect every time. We need more focus during the game.”

Next up

19:42 , Chris Wilson

Wolves’ next match sees them travel to Brentford on Saturday, for a 3pm kick-off.

Liverpool host Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday, before they too travel to south London – they face Crystal Palace in the early kick-off on Saturday.

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:37 , Chris Wilson

That result puts Liverpool top of the Premier League, with 15 points. They sit one point above Manchester City and Arsenal.

Wolves sit at the other end of the table, bottom with just one point gained and 10 goals conceded.

FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:32 , Chris Wilson

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(Getty Images)

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(Getty Images)

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(Getty Images)

FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:27 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

Suffice to say that Wolves are playing quite badly. They’re barely even willing to take the risk to throw men forwards as they look for an equaliser.

Another pass is played straight to a red shirt and the referee blows the final whistle!

Liverpool take three points in the end.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:26 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Time for one more Wolves attack, but it isn’t promising much.

liverpool give it away to Toti, who plays it across to Forbs. They go backwards to Lemina before Semedo plays a poor cross straight to a red shirt.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:24 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

A slick move from Liverpool creates an opening in the box and the cross is fizzed across goal by Gakpo, but there’s nobody on the end of it.

At the other end, Alisson collects the ball once more after a brief Wolves attack.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:23 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

Forbs has been one of Wolves’ only bright sparks since he came on, and he tries to get things moving, first with a cross and then with a dribble, but the ball ends up with Alisson.

There’ll be six minutes of added time.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:21 , Chris Wilson

89 mins

This has been a very strange match overall. Both sides have been pedestrian, but Liverpool almost look deliberately so, while Wolves have been forced into it by their lack of quality.

Wolves are really struggling in attack at the moment though, and Liverpool are happy to keep things as they are.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:19 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Robertson comes off for Joe Gomez.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:18 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Wolves are really lacking ideas here, as Forbs is given a yellow card for raking his studs down Robertson’s Achilles.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:14 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

A Liverpool corner goes all the way to an unmarked Jota at the far post, but he wasn’t expecting it and can’t react in time to turn it in.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:13 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Salah wins a corner after bursting into the box, but he’s got a lot more urgency than his teammates at the moment. Robertson swings in the set-piece but Lemina heads clear, before Gravenberch does well to skip past a challenge in the area but then messes up the pass.

19:10 , Chris Wilson

78 mins

Better from the away side as Salah lays off a simple pass to Jones, who fizzes in a low shot that Johnstone gets down to save.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:08 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Some poor decision-making from both sides results in Liverpool making a mistake when they really should’ve scored. Semedo’s shot is charged down by Jones and Salah is clean through just past halfway. He opts to try and play the early through ball but he plays it straight to an orange shirt! Wasteful.

Wolves bring on Doyle for Bueno.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:05 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Andre tries to thread another audacious through ball into Forbs, but Alisson was alert to it. The home side are keeping possession far better at the moment.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:03 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones come on for Diaz and Szoboszlai.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:03 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

Much better from Wolves as Andre wins possession and they sweep it wide to Forbs. He cuts inside Alexander-Arnold to shoot, but Konate has tracked back and slides in to divert the shot behind.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:01 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Still fairly pedestrian from Liverpool. They’re playing as if they’re 3-1 up in the 93rd minute, but it seems to be working so far.

Their first injection of pace in a little while sees them win a corner.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:59 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Liverpool are still guilty of some sloppy passes, but Wolves can’t take advantage yet. Cunha is the latest to pick up a loose pass, but he fires wide from distance.

Hee-Chan Hwang replaces Strand Larsen.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:55 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

Half a chance for Salah as Mac Allister wins possession and Liverpool break. They feed it to the Egyptian on the right, and he cuts in and hits a tame shot at Johnstone.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:54 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Konate is booked for sliding in on Cunha. Wolves may have given up the second goal easily, but they look like they’ve got some confidence from their goal.

GOAL! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:52 , Chris Wilson

61 min

GOAL! Salah steps up and sends Johnstone the wrong way! 2-1.

Wolves 1-1 Liverpool

18:51 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

PENALTY! It’s all happening now.

Alexander-Arnold floats in a cross and it looks like Jota will get a head to it, but he’s dragged down by Semedo! Stone wall again.

GOAL! Wolves 1-1 Liverpool

18:49 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

GOAL! Out of nowhere, Wolves are level!

It’s a mess from Liverpool in truth, too. It begins with brilliant work from Lemina, who breaks free in his half and feeds Cunha. The Brazilian tries to thread the ball to Strand Larsen, but Konate is covering. However, the Frenchman doesn’t deal with it properly and the Wolves man nips in to steal the ball and pass across to Forbs.

The sub stumbles as he tries to hit it under a challenge and the ball rolls to Ait-Nouri, who bundles it into the back of the net!

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:45 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

Still very easy for Liverpool to control this one, even if they haven’t really left first gear. Wolves’ problem is illustrated perfectly as Johnstone collects a cross and there are no options for him to offload the ball to.

Wolves do mount an attack, but Cunha’s cross comes back off himself and off for a corner.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:43 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Bellegarde comes off for Carlos Forbs as Gary O’Neil makes his first throw of the dice.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:41 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

CLOSE!

Johnstone is out of his goal and Lemina gives the ball straight to Salah with a horrible pass across his area, but the Egyptian is forced to take it first-time with his weaker foot and he can’t find the target.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:39 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Cunha is irritated as he beats two men on the wing but the referee deems the ball to have been out of play. The second half has started in much the same way as the first went.

Bellegarde tries to clip in a cross but it hits the side-netting.

KICK-OFF! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:36 , Chris Wilson

The home side get the second half started.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:34 , Chris Wilson

The two sides are re-emerging from the Molineux tunnel, so we’ll be back underway soon.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:32 , Chris Wilson

There have been some suggestions that Wolves’ position and points tally may not be representative of how they’ve played this season, though they’ve offered very little so far this half.

Liverpool haven’t played particularly well, but they’re ahead and also had the best chances overall – they should really be 2-0 up and out of sight.

The away side have a big task on their hands to turn this around, even if Liverpool are a little out of sorts.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:27 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:22 , Chris Wilson

The referee brings the first half to an end at the Molineux, and Liverpool go into the break with a one-goal advantage.

Both sides struggled to impact the game for large parts of the first period, but the half ends with Konate rising high to head his side into the lead.

Hardly a classic, but an interesting second half to come. Liverpool are top of the league as it stands.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:20 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Bellegarde tries to find a way through but he’s dispossessed. Rather than fly forward for the quick counter, Liverpool are happy to keep the ball and see the half through.

GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:19 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

GOAL! And the away side are ahead!

They’ve played a few balls into the box, but this one changes things! Jota takes his man on down the left and hooks in a great cross – Ibrahima Konate is there to rise highest and power a header downwards and past Johnstone.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:17 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time here.

It’s Liverpool finishing the half on top at the moment.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:16 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

There’s a real lull in activity at the Molineux as the half draws to a close. The home side try and launch a counter, with Cunha bursting into the Liverpool half and to the box, but there’s no support and he loses out.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:13 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Both sides are still guilty of wasting possession and potential chances, with both also using tactical fouls to disrupt the flow of the game.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:12 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

CLOSE! How has this not gone in?!

Van Dijk finds Robertson with a superb through ball, and the Scot’s cross is equally as brilliant. It’s put between Toti and the ‘keeper, and it’s straight to Szoboszlai, but he can only direct his effort right at Johnstone, and he makes a great save.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Ait-Nouri fizzes a ball across the box but there’s nobody there to convert, and Alisson collects. Wolves can’t seem to recover that early tempo that they showed.

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Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Jota comes in from behind on Lemina, with his foot going down his Achilles, and the Gabonese midfielder stays down for treatment.

The Liverpool man is given a yellow card after a brief VAR check.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:04 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

That free-kick was the first shot on target so far (to provide some indication of the kind of match it’s been).

It’s still pretty stop-start at the Molineux, with little happening of note.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:02 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

Liverpool look to have settled now and they’re on top at the moment. They’ve just won a free-kick near the edge of the box as Andre lunges in on Mac Allister.

It’ll be Alexander-Arnold to take – and he fires it straight at Johnstone.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:59 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

Alexander-Arnold plays a brilliant early cross in, but Jota narrowly misses it. Better from Liverpool.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:58 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Liverpool win a corner and it’s Alexander-Arnold to deliver, but it’s a poor ball in. Liverpool come again but Wolves are making life difficult for them, and Johnstone eventually gets it clear.

Not a lot happening for Arne Slot’s side yet, but they’ve grown into it over the last five minutes or so.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:54 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Bellegarde is dispossessed in his own half and the ball is played to Salah, but his cross is poor.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:52 , Chris Wilson

21 mins

Two half-chances for Wolves in as many minutes. The first comes after great work from Semedo, who beats three men on the touchline and delivers a dangerous cross that Alisson has to come out and punch away. It is almost cleared but Lemina dispossesses Diaz and puts another inviting cross in, which is headed away.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:50 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

A pass back to the centre-back from Bellegarde draws an irritated reaction from the crowd. He tries to take on Konate next time, but loses out.

Liverpool lose possession quickly though – they haven’t quite got to grips with this game yet.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:47 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

The attempts to play it out from the back go wrong and Liverpool win a corner. Robertson gets a second chance to deliver and it’s a good ball in, but Wolves manage to deal with it.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:45 , Chris Wilson

14 mins

Diaz’s ball is caught by Johnstone, and Wolves counter, but Bellegarde’s cross has too much on it for Strand Larsen.

No big chances for either side yet.

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Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:43 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Muted shouts for a penalty as Salah is dragged down in a tangle with Bueno as they fought to get to Robertson’s cross, but nothing doing for the referee.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:41 , Chris Wilson

11 mins

Salah curls in an inviting cross as Jota’s making the diagonal run, but it just misses the foot of the Portuguese forward.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:40 , Chris Wilson

9 mins

Cunha tries to get in behind the away defence but van Dijk is equal to it. Liverpool try and break but Szobozslai’s ball to Salah is sloppy.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:38 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Wolves haven’t started badly, and they work a decent combination in midfield between Bellegarde and Ait-Nouri before he latter is fouled. His set-piece delivery is easily dealt with.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:37 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

Alexander-Arnold is given an early booking for kicking the ball away after he’d made a foul.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:35 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Finally a decent half-chance as Wolves attack, with the ball flicked on to Bellegarde before his cross is cut out by van Dijk.

Moments later, the Frenchman snaps at a shot and it’s right at Alisson.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:34 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Van Dijk attempts the long ball over the top to Salah, but it runs to Johnstone. Not much action at the start of this one.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:32 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Wolves look to make a quick start and they’re on the attack straight away, but it isn’t troubling the Liverpool defence.

KICK-OFF! Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:31 , Chris Wilson

The away side get us underway.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

17:27 , Chris Wilson

The sides are in the tunnel and we’re approaching kick-off. Liverpool will go top of the league with a win today remember.

Wolves would climb from bottom to 16th with a win.

17:20 , Chris Wilson

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Wolves match facts

17:15 , Chris Wilson

The home side have lost more Premier League games against Liverpool than they have vs any other opponent – 16.

Wolves have lost 14 of their last 15 against the Reds in the league, with the exception being a 3-0 home win in February 2023.

Gary O’Neil’s side are without a league win so far this season, having drawn one game and lost four. Only in 2003/04 (first seven) and 2019/20 (first six) have they gone longer without a victory from the start of a Premier League campaign.

No Premier League side is on a longer run without a clean sheet than Wolves, who have conceded in each of their last 17 league matches.

Since the start of last season, Matheus Cunha has been involved in more Premier League goals for Wolves than any other player, with 21 – 14 goals and 7 assists.

Liverpool match facts

17:08 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games, keeping a clean sheet in each victory.

In addition, the Reds have kept a clean sheet in 65 per cent of their Premier League games against Wolves.

Arne Slot’s side have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League side so far this season (just one), while no team has shipped more than Wolves’s 14.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist against Bournemouth last weekend was his 59th in the Premier League, moving him level with teammate Andrew Robertson for most assists by a defender in the competition’s history.

Luis Díaz has been involved in six goals in his last four Premier League appearances, scoring five and assisting one. He’s scored a brace in two of his last three for the Reds.

Premier League results

17:01 , Chris Wilson

Here are the other results from around the Premier League then, as we approach the final match of the day.

Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City

Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City

Chelsea 4-2 Brighton

Brentford 1-1 West Ham

Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham

Wolves v Liverpool head-to-head

16:50 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool and Wolves have played a total of 116 matches, with the first taking place in September 1894. Liverpool have won 61, with Wolves winning 37 and the other 18 matches ending in draws.

The Reds won both matches last season, winning 3-1 at the Molineux in September 2023 before securing a 2-0 victory at Anfield on the final dauy of the season.

Can’t defend? Trent Alexander-Arnold out to reinvent himself as Europe’s toughest full-back

16:40 , Chris Wilson

If it seems that Arne Slot is picking on Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Liverpool dressing room, it is not because of a problem between them. Quite the opposite, actually. Because the right-back had an unusual request. He wanted his manager to criticise him, sometimes in front of his teammates. He asked him to mention every time a forward beat him and to brand it unacceptable. It is a punishing approach designed to make him better. He feels that Slot, with his attention to detail and track record of improving players, can help.

There is an understandable focus on their relationship. Alexander-Arnold represented one of the great triumphs of Jurgen Klopp’s management: first his decision not to buy a right-back because he knew of a teenage talent in the ranks, then as an extraordinary creator who reshaped Liverpool’s tactics as the full-backs attacked more than the midfield, and finally as the vice-captain who inverted into midfield.

It did not escape attention that Slot substituted Alexander-Arnold in each of his first three games or that the 25-year-old was unhappy to be taken off against Brentford. It is a cause of some concern that Alexander-Arnold is in the last year of his contract at Anfield. Yet if mentions of his future can involve talk of a free transfer last summer, Alexander-Arnold voiced his own ambition: to become the toughest defender to encounter in Europe.

Can’t defend? Trent Alexander-Arnold out to reinvent himself as tough full-back

Jamie Carragher makes fresh Liverpool title race prediction after Arsenal draw at Man City

16:30 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool sit second in the Premier League table after an impressive bounceback win over Bournemouth at the weekend and Jamie Carragherhas made a fresh title prediction involving the Reds after watching Arsenal’s draw at Manchester City.

Arne Slot’s side responded to their shock 1-0 Anfield defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest a week ago by brushing aside Bournemouth thanks to a Luis Diaz double and Darwin Nunez’s exquisite finish.

That victory has taken them to 12 points after just five games, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stunner for Forest the only goal they have conceded in the league so far this term, as Slot has quickly put his stamp on the side in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.

But despite Liverpool’s strong start, Reds legend and current Sky Sports pundit Carragher admits that Arsenal and City are still above Slot’s men as favourites for the title.

“I think it will be similar to last season where Liverpool are just slightly behind these two teams,” said Carragher on the Gary Neville Podcast. “By next season they could be really improving and maybe looking to go for it when the manager knows everything about his squad.”

Jamie Carragher makes Liverpool title race prediction after Man City-Arsenal draw

Team news

16:26 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot has made two changes to the side that eased past Bournemouth last week in that 3-0 victory.

Alisson returns in place of Kelleher in goal, while in attack Darwin Nunez drops to the bench in favour of Diogo Jota.

Team news

16:21 , Chris Wilson

Wolves have made two changes to the side that lost that Midlands derby last weekend. They’re both in defence, with the injured Mosquera being replaced by Santiago Bueno, and Craig Dawson replaced by Toti Gomes.

Team news

16:18 , Chris Wilson

Wolves XI: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Andre, Gomes, Lemina; Bellegarde, Cunha, Stand Larsen.

Subs: Sa, Doherty, Hwang, Gomes, Forbs, Doyle, Sarabia, Guedes, Pond.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szobozslai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.

Team news

16:12 , Chris Wilson

The line-ups are just a few minutes away…

Prediction

16:10 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool will have enough to come through the match unscathed, piling further misery on to Wolves and cementing their own place near the top of the Premier League.

Wolves 0-2 Liverpool.

Predicted line-ups

16:02 , Chris Wilson

Wolves XI: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Dawson, Ait-Nouri; Andre; Bellgarde, Gomes, Lemina, Cunha; Strand Larsen.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.

Odds:

Wolves 11/2

Draw 16/5

Liverpool 1/4

Wolves team news

15:55 , Chris Wilson

Wolves will be without Yerson Mosquera after the Colombia defender had to be stretchered off against Aston Villa. He will likely be replaced by Santiago Bueno in central defence.

The midfield and attack will likely remain the same as it was against Villa, with Mario Lemina, João Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha having cemented their places in the starting eleven.

In addition, new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen will likely start up front once more.

Liverpool team news

15:50 , Chris Wilson

For Liverpool, Arne Slot has no new injury concerns after the game against West Ham. Alisson is targeting a return for this weekend, though Slot may be forced to go with Caoimhin Kelleher again in goal.

Federico Chiesa could play after featuring against West Ham in midweek, though he is unlikely to start ahead of Salah and the in-form Diaz.

In defence, the usual quartet will likely start, as will Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister in midfield. It remains to be seen whether slot will once again favour Darwin Nunez up front over ex-Wolves man Diogo Jota.

Is Wolves vs Liverpool on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture

15:45 , Chris Wilson

When is Wolves vs Liverpool?

The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, 28 September, at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton.

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with the build-up starting from 5pm BST.

If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool travel to Wolves in Saturday’s late match in the Premier League, with kick-off at 5.30pm BST at the Molineux Stadium.

The Reds have had a good fortnight since the loss to Nottingham Forest, beating AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro before a 3-0 win against Bournemouth at Anfield last weekend.

Arne Slot’s side remain near the top of the Premier League table after five matches of the Dutchman’s tenure, and a win today would help to further solidify their title credentials.

Wolves have had a contrasting start to their season, with Gary O’Neil’s side sitting bottom of the league with just one point gained and 14 goals conceded.

While a win this afternoon would lift the mood at the Molineux, it is difficult to see the home side troubling a Liverpool side that seems to be enjoying its development under a new manager.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

15:31 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this evening’s match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at the Molineux.

Wolves head into the weekend at bottom of the Premier League table, having gained just one point over their first five matches.

Conversely, Liverpool start the weekend in second, just one point behind Manchester City, having won four and lost one of their opening matches.


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