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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England vs Greece LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as hosts concede calamitous late goal

England vs Greece LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as hosts concede calamitous late goal

(Getty Images)

England suffered their first defeat under Lee Carsley in a thrilling and frustrating encounter with Greece at Wembley. Having named an attacking and experimental line-up Carsley watched on in shock as his team were outclassed on the turf whilst struggling to utilise the talents of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in a coherent way.

The Greeks should have led at half-time. They had a goal disallowed after Jordan Pickford made some quickfire errors in an uncharacteristically nervous performance. They did lead just after the break with Vangelis Pavlidis weaving through three defenders to slot a low effort past the goalkeeper.

Two more disallowed goals for Greece tells the story of a shaky English defence that lacked substance. The progression nature of the full backs too often allowing space on the counter and leaving John Stones and Levi Colwill with too much to do. In the dying stages Jude Bellingham smoked in a rocket strike that almost nicked England a point.

The deciding moment though came to Pavlidis. England scrambled in the box once again and knocked the ball to the striker who took his chance and secured a first ever win against the Three Lions for Greece.

Relive the Nations League action with our live blog below:

England vs Greece LIVE

  • REPORT: England’s failed experiment gives one answer to Lee Carsley – but asks another about him

  • RATINGS: Saka and Foden fail to shine in Nations League defeat

  • 90+4’ GOAL! Pavlidis wins it in stoppage time (ENG 1-2 GRE)

  • 87’ GOAL! Bellingham’s rocket equalises for England (ENG 1-1 GRE)

  • 85’ DISALLOWED! Pavlidis’ second is ruled out for offside (ENG 0-1 GRE)

  • 83’ GOAL! Pavlidis doubles Greece’s lead in the dying moments (ENG 0-2 GRE)

  • 49’ GOAL! Pavlidis dribbles through the box and beats Pickford (ENG 0-1 GRE)

  • 10’ DISALLOWED! Multiple errors from Pickford result in a Greece goal but it gets chalked off (ENG 0-0 GRE)

No threat from England

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:47 , Mike Jones

Jude Bellingham’s 87th minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also from Bellingham).

A long wait for Solanke

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:44 , Mike Jones

Dominic Solanke made his second appearance for England, six years and 331 days after winning his first cap for the Three Lions. It’s the fourth longest gap between a player winning their first two caps for the men’s side.

England boss Lee Carsley on ITV:

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:41 , Mike Jones

“We were second best for a lot of tonight, it is disappointing. You are going to get set backs and it’s important we respond.

“We tried something different and tried to overload the midfield. We tried it for 20 minutes yesterday, we experimented, and disappointed it didn’t come off. It’s unrealistic to expect too much and we will have to try again. All the goals were from mistakes, which is disappointing.

“It is definitely an option going forward. When you have someone of Kane’s quality though it rules it out when he is available. But in the future you have to have the courage and ability to try things.

“We tried something different. It doesn’t change anything. My remit is to do the three camps.”

Greece goal hero dedicates win over England to George Baldock following former teammate’s death

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:37 , Mike Jones

Greece beat England 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday night, with the match-winner Vangelis Pavlidis dedicating the performance as well as the victory to former teammate George Baldock, who passed away earlier in the week.

Baldock, who qualified to represent Greece through a grandparent, won a dozen caps for the national team and had been in the squad earlier this year. But Greek football was rocked when the national association confirmed on Wednesday that he had been found dead at age 31 in a swimming pool at home, just days after featuring for his club Panathinaikos.

The defender played for Sheffield United for seven years in England, among other teams, before a summer switch to the Greek Super League.

Greece goal hero dedicates win over England to Baldock after death

Pavlidis speaking to ITV about George Baldock:

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:34 , Mike Jones

“It was a really special day for us because of George. We are people and it’s a special night because of him.

“[We have thought about him] a lot since we heard it yesterday. A difficult moment for us because George was part of the team. Special guy. We have to play for him and it doesn’t matter the score today. We gave everything for him.”

Stones offers condolences for Baldock’s family

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:31 , Mike Jones

England captain John Stones on the death of Greece defender George Baldock: “For everyone in the dressing room and The FA, condolences to his family.

“A few of the boys were close to him. We knew it wasn’t an easy day for them. Hendo [Dean Henderson] was close to him, it wasn’t easy for him with that news.”

A night to forget for England

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:28 , Mike Jones

Greece are the lowest ranked (48th) side to beat England in a competitive match since Northern Ireland (116th) in September 2005, and the lowest ever on record to do so on English soil.

A historic night for Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:25 , Mike Jones

Greece have beaten England for the first time ever (drawn two, lost seven). Their goals tonight were their first ever scored at Wembley Stadium.

Greece’s matchwinner: Vangelis Pavlidis

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:22 , Mike Jones

 (EPA) (EPA)

(EPA)

 (Action Images via Reuters) (Action Images via Reuters)

(Action Images via Reuters)

Paul Robinson speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:18 , Mike Jones

The former England goalkeeper said: “Very, very emotional evening for Greece.

“Wembley is empty apart from the blue shirts over in that corner. They’ve made an occasion for what is a very sad day. They’re still on the pitch now.”

The winning moment

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:13 , Mike Jones

It’s probably fair to say that England lost this game rather than Greece won it. Vangelis Pavlidis though had a stormer and took his chances when they came.

What a performance. This is his winning goal:

Greece dedicate win to George Baldock

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:07 , Mike Jones

The Greek team have had a ride of emotions over the last 24 hours. The news that George Baldock had passed away in Athens at just 31 years old will have rocked the squad.

Baldock represented Greece and the players have dedicated this win to him and his family.

 (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

(Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

England captain John Stones on ITV:

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:04 , Mike Jones

“On a personal note, absolutely gutted. To have a result like that with the armband for the first time.

“We prepared like we normally do and it didn’t come off. From the start they put us right under pressure. They were very compact.

“We know the system as players and when we are out there as players we we have to deliver. The onus is on us to deliver – and we didn’t.

“A difficult night, a lot was riding on it for me personally and we saw it as a great opportunity to top the group. We have to move forward.”

Can England win the group?

Thursday 10 October 2024 22:00 , Mike Jones

England can still earn automatic promotion out of League B in the Nations League but they will now need to win, and win big, against the Greeks away from home.

Not to mention, they’ll need to beat Finland and Republic of Ireland again as we can assume Greece won’t slip up against either of those teams.

Bellingham scores a cracker

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:57 , Mike Jones

Let’s rewind a touch. Here’s Jude Bellingham’s equaliser and what a goal this is. It’s also Bellingham’s first goal of the season:

England suffer first defeat under Lee Carsley

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:54 , Mike Jones

Not the night England wanted.

 (The FA via Getty Images) (The FA via Getty Images)

(The FA via Getty Images)

 (John Walton/PA Wire) (John Walton/PA Wire)

(John Walton/PA Wire)

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

England player ratings vs Greece as Saka and Foden fail to shine in Nations League defeat

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:51 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley suffered his first defeat during his role as interim manager of England with a 2-1 loss at Wembley to Greece in the Nations League.

Despite playing a whole collection of attacking options, the Three Lions were largely dismal and lacking cohesion in possession, and lacking bodies and structure out of it, leading to Greece having a succession of chances on the counter-attack.

Vangelis Pavlidis eventually found a route to goal after dribbling through the defence, only for Jude Bellingham to score a late equaliser for what looked like it would prevent Carsley suffering a first defeat – but another defensive mix-up saw Pavlidis rifle in the winner.

Here are the player ratings from Wembley.

Player ratings as Saka and Foden flop in dismal England defeat

FT England 1-2 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:49 , Mike Jones

England suffered their first defeat under Lee Carsley in a thrilling and frustrating encounter with Greece at Wembley. Having named an attacking and experimental line-up Carsley watched on in shock as his team were outclassed on the turf whilst struggling to utilise the talents of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in a coherent way.

The Greeks should have led at half-time. They had a goal disallowed after Jordan Pickford made some quickfire errors in an uncharacteristically nervous performance. They did lead just after the break with Vangelis Pavlidis weaving through three defenders to slot a low effort past the goalkeeper.

Two more disallowed goals for Greece tells the story of a shaky English defence that lacked substance. The progression nature of the full backs too often allowing space on the counter and leaving John Stones and Levi Colwill with too much to do. In the dying stages Jude Bellingham smoked in a rocket strike that almost nicked England a point.

The deciding moment though came to Pavlidis. England scrambled in the box once again and knocked the ball to the striker who took his chance and secured a first ever win against the Three Lions for Greece.

Full-time! England 1-2 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:42 , Mike Jones

90+5 mins: The full time whistle goes.

Greece earn a historic win at Wembley and they deserved it. It was a superb performance from the visitors as Lee Carsley’s experiement didn’t work.

Jude Bellingham almost secured a point but Vangelis Pavlidis stepped up to the plate and his two goals keep Greece at the top of Group B2.

GOAL! England 1-2 Greece (Vangelis Pavlidis, 90+4’)

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:39 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: This one should stand!

England are terrible in defence once more. There’s pressure and a lack of leadership in the box as Greece burst forward. A huge scramble sees the ball squirt out to Pavlidis who takes his opportunity.

Greece go ahead again and that should secure them the points.

England 1-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:37 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: It’s the Greeks who look a little flummoxed now. They deserved to be in front and seem to have been flattened by the equaliser.

They’re happy with a point too. The players are strolling around the pitch, not moving quickly, just trying to take time out of the game.

England 1-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:35 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Is there time for a winning goal? Bellingham thinks so.

A deep free kick is played out to the right before coming back to Alexander-Arnold. He floats a cross to the far side of the box where Madueke arrives and pokes a shot into the side netting.

Five minutes of added time to play. England couldn’t, could they?

GOAL! England 1-1 Greece (Jude Bellingham, 87’)

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:33 , Mike Jones

87 mins: Jude Bellingham rescues England!

That’s a story that’s been played out before. Ollie Watkins is played into the box on the right side of the pitch. He pulls it back and doesn’t find a teammate in the area.

Bellingham runs onto the ball from deep and rattles a rocket towards goal which beats Vlachodimos and brings the Three Lions level at Wembley.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:30 , Mike Jones

85 mins: Reprieve for England!

Greece’s second goal is ruled out for offside as Pavlidis just edge ahead of the ball before Tzolis played the pass across to him. Greece have scored four times tonight with only one of those efforts being legitimate.

What a performance from them.

GOAL! England 0-2 Greece (Pavlidis, 83’)

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:28 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Boom!

Pavlidis doubles Greece’s lead. It’s a quick break through Tzolis down the left side after England give the ball away. Tzolis drives up the pitch, goes into the box and squares the ball to the forward who turns it home.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:27 , Mike Jones

81 mins: The frustration is growing amongst the England players but not so the crowd. They’re trying to encourage England on, get them up the pitch and inspire them to score an equaliser.

Greece aren’t letting them though. They have a good defence and look likely to shut the Three Lions out. Will there be some late drama?

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:23 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Madueke goes on a nice run alongside the edge of the penalty area but there’s no final ball nor a shot meaning his gets dispossessed.

The Chelsea forward then wins a corner with his next attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold curls in the delivery but Tzolis is there to nod the ball away.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:18 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Now then. Here comes Dominic Solanke.

He’s brought on to replace Phil Foden and makes a first appearance for England in seven years following his debut in 2017. Can the Tottenham striker rescue this match for the Three Lions?

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:17 , Mike Jones

72 mins: A long ball comes over the top and finds Jude Bellingham. He has a quick glance at the goalkeeper then looks to lob Vlachodimos from range and gets it all wrong.

The chances goes begging for England and Bellingham knows that was the wrong decision.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:15 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Greece send a corner into the box that Bellingham and Madueke deal with. The visitors recycle the ball and whip it back into the box where Jordan Pickford again fumbles an attempted clearance.

It’s been a night to forget for the England No.1.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:12 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Carsley is trying to be proactive. He’s issuing orders and instructions from the manager’s box and trying to keep the energy levels up.

England’s performance has just been flat throughout the game.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:10 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Can England recover from this position? Under Gareth Southgate there would be a confidence in the team that they were never out of the game.

Is that same belief there under Lee Carsley?

With Watkins on the pitch, there’s a more recognised shape to England with a central focal point. He’s already had one good chance, there’ll probably be another before full-time.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:08 , Miguel Delaney at Wembley

“OK, it can probably be said the experiment is on the brink of failure.

“It is right now on the brink of defeat, as Greece lead 1-0 after Vangelis Pavlidis’s goal. He just managed to work his way through to finish in a way you might expect of a team with so few defensive players. Before getting into the tactical technical detail, it is worth recognising the sad emotion.

“The Greek players were in tears as they celebrated for former teammate George Baldock.

“They have been driven by emotion tonight, but also their focus and fine tactical set-up. Against that, England have looked so shapeless. Is that a surprise when the Premier League’s most productive playmaker is used as a passing midfielder alongside Declan Rice?

“The team is actually so uninspiring – despite so much creativity in it – that it’s hard not to at least muse whether Lee Carsley has picked an inverse Jose Mourinho-style team that is part political point. “This is the team you all wanted.” Will people ask for all the stars again after this?

“It’s almost like he went too far, giving far too much of the creativity that people craved after Gareth Southgate. England could suddenly do with some order.”

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:06 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played at Wembley with England needing to find something special. Ollie Watkins almost brings it after getting played into the penalty area.

He strikes it strongly but smokes the first time shot over the crossbar!

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 21:05 , Mike Jones

58 mins: Lee Carsley makes his first tactical substitution with Ollie Watkins introduced to replace Anthony Gordon. That will give England a target to aim for in the forward line and the Aston Villa striker isn’t afraid to shoot.

Disallowed!

Greece score again after a long ball comes up to Koulierakis. He plays it inside to Pavlidis who carries the ball into the box and sets up a teammate to score.

Pavlidis was offside though and the flag is raised immediately.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:59 , Mike Jones

55 mins: England are wobbling here. They don’t look comfortable at all defensively and Jordan Pickford is called into action to flap a shot away.

The pragmatism of the Gareth Southgate era is not at all on display tonight.

England 0-1 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:58 , Mike Jones

52 mins: With that goal, England have conceded for the first time under Lee Carsley. How will the manager repsond?

Bukayo Saka went down off the ball and had to be taken off the pitch. Noni Madueke is the man called on to replace him which shouldn’t affect the formation.

GOAL! England 0-1 Greece (Pavlidis, 49’)

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:55 , Mike Jones

49 mins: That’s a cracking goal!

England are all at sea at the back as Greece pile the pressure on. Konstantinos Koulierakis drives down the inside left channel before slipping it to Vangelis Pavlidis.

He weaves in between three English defenders then curls a low effort past Jordan Pickford into the back of the net!

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:52 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Nearly!

Alexander-Arnold chips the ball down the line for Saka then sprints up to the penalty area. Saka keeps hold of the ball then slips Alexander-Arnold into the box.

The defender backheels it hoping to set up Foden but his pass is off target and Greece clear their lines.

It was a slick, quick move from the hosts that almost came off.

Second half! England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:50 , Mike Jones

Greece get the match back underway at Wembley.

Lee Carsley hasn’t made any changes at the break so it’s as you were for England. Can they improve and get the opening goal?

HT England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:46 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at Levi Colwill’s heroics and Jordan Pickford’s error that almost resulted in the opening goal:

HT England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:42 , Mike Jones

Anyone fancy a few stats?

England created seven chances in the first half with just one on target. Despite having only 40% possession, Greece almost matched them with six chances and one on target.

Those chances don’t include the attempt that was cleared off the line nor the Greek disallowed goal.

Greece are calm and dangerous and can easily win this game if England don’t come up with a solution.

HT England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:38 , Mike Jones

 (EPA) (EPA)

(EPA)

 (Adam Davy/PA Wire) (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

(Adam Davy/PA Wire)

 (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

(Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Half-time! England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:34 , Mike Jones

45 mins: No minutes of added time to play. The whistle goes with Greece having created the better chances over the first half.

Lee Carsley’s experiment hasn’t worked, will he stick with it or switch things up after the break?

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:33 , Miguel Delaney at Wembley

“Carsley’s experiment hasn’t really worked so far.

“Although England have weathered the way Greece got at them in those opening stages – not a great night for Jordan Pickford – there still isn’t really coherence.

“The team currently looks like what it is: a lot of players out of position. It should be stressed that is actually fair enough.

“If there is ever time to experiment with an England team, it is surely in a Nations League home match when you’ve already won your first two games?”

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:31 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Another England corner, won be the pacey sprinting of Phil Foden and Anthony Gordon.

Trent Alexander-Arnold swings the ball into the middle of the box but once again the Three Lions fail to trouble the Greek defence.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:27 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Alexander-Arnold dinks the set piece into the penalty area this time, looking for John Stones near the back post. The ball gets intercepted and looped into the air before Vlachodimos takes control of it.

Not England’s best set piece.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:26 , Mike Jones

39 mins: The corner is taken short and sent to Palmer. He lifts a cross into the middle but Mavropanos rises higher than anyone else and nods it away.

Foden then wins a free kick in a dangerous position and Palmer willm fancy his chances again.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:25 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Foden and Bellingham combine on the edge of the box with some short, sharp passes but Foden can’t find enough space inside the area to take a shot.

The ball is sent back to John Stones but England come again quickly. They find Bukayo Saka who cuts onto his left foot and shoots winning England a corner.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:23 , Mike Jones

34 mins: England are still trying to get things to click. The players don’t look well drilled enough for this formation to work properly (they aren’t as they’ve only had three sessions to practice it).

What it is doing though is making the game entertaining. The fans inside the ground seem to be enjoying themselves.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:18 , Mike Jones

31 mins: Chance!

A cross comes in from deep with pace on it as Anthony Gordon bursts through the defence. He’s wide open but a ways out from goal when he attempts a headed effort.

He gets plenty of the ball but nods it over the top.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:16 , Mike Jones

29 mins: This is better from England. Palmer is dictating from midfield and tries to feed the ball through a small gap for Saka. Giannoulis intercepts and clears but the Three Lions recover the ball and send it over to Gordon.

Gordon carries it into the box, goes on the outside and wins a corner as Lazaros Rota turns the ball out of play.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:13 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Bakasetas goes form goal from a long way out but is charged down by Declan Rice. The visitors are enjoying their night here as England’s formation is providing them a lot of space to run into.

England’s attacking prowess means they need to control the game and so far they haven’t been able to.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:11 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Close!

It’s end-to-end stuff this. Anthony Gordon takes the ball into space on the left before slipping a pass into the box for Jude Bellingham.

He manages to shift to the right before passing it across to Cole Palmer. Palmer shoots but whips the ball over the top!

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:09 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Chance!

Alexander-Arnold gives the ball away and Christos Tzolis flies down the left hand side. Dimitris Giannoulis makes an overlapping run before cutting it back into the box for Anastasios Bakasetas.

He shoots and drills a low effort at goal only for John Stones to flick it wide before Rico Lewis completes the clearance.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:06 , Mike Jones

18 mins: England don’t look all that confident with this new formation and their defence has suffered for it. Levi Colwill is the only reason the game is still on level terms.

Rico Lewis makes a forward run on the left but gets bungled off the ball and Greece attempt to break. Phil Foden shuffles across and pokes the ball out for a throw in.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:05 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Jude Bellingham makes a fantastic run in behind and is picked out by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bellingham eases into the box from the right side but only has a couple of tough options.

He decides to shoot from a tight angle and fizzes the ball over the crossbar.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:01 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Trent Alexander-Arnold boots the ball forward in order to ease some of the pressure on England’s back line. There were struggling to deal with the Greece press and Jordan Pickford will be low on confidence at the minute after those two mistakes.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 20:00 , Mike Jones

10 mins: Disallowed!

Jordan Pickford is having a nightmare. First up he decides to come out of his penalty area to take control of the ball then takes too long to decide what to do with it.

He passes it to his opponents who then flick the ball at goal and Pickford’s blushes are spared but Levi Colwill clearing the ball off the line!

From the resultant corner, Pickford decides to come for the ball. He misses it and it gets poked to Konstantinos Mavropanos who dinks it into the back of the net only for the offside flag to go up!

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:55 , Mike Jones

7 mins: Oh hello!

Konstantinos Koulierakis clatters into Jude Bellingham who beats him to a loose ball. He takes out the midfielder over to the right side of the pitch just outside the box.

The defender is shown a yellow card and will miss the next match.

Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold stand over the ball. It’s Palmer who strikes the effort and lands the ball just on the roof of the net.

Decent effort.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:53 , Mike Jones

5 mins: Close!

England get caught on the break after Bellingham loses possession. Greece sweep forward quickly and work the ball up to Vangelis Pavlidis.

The forward checks to the right and curls a shot towards the far bottom corner. He strikes it well but Jordan Pickford isn’t interested and watches the ball go wide.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:51 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Rico Lewis releases Jude Bellingham down the left side of the pitch and the Real Madrid star attempts to drive into the box. He loses possession but it comes out to Anthony Gordon who rolls a pass over to Cole Palmer.

Palmer looks to shoot first time but fumbles the ball.

It comes back across to Bellingham who spins and rattles a shot at goal that Odysseus Vlachodimos leaps to his left to push wide of the post.

England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:49 , Miguel Delaney at Wembley

“For a game that isn’t maybe the most momentous, there is some discussion here at Wembley over whether Lee Carsley’s line-up is the most revolutionary England have ever had.

“It is certainly a historic landmark.

“It might just be the first time that England have started a game without a traditional striker or number-nine. That may not be so remarkable in the context of the modern game, but it is for the national team. England have just always had a nine, and not simply in terms of tactics.

“There’s always been that defined front man. Is Harry Kane the last one in that sense, potentially the end of a lineage that goes through Jimmy Greaves and Geoff Hurst to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer?

“His place was taken here by Jude Bellingham, who started as a false nine – although a connected question: at what point does a false nine just become… a nine.

“The game will tell. This low-key historic moment may be the future.”

Kick off! England 0-0 Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:48 , Mike Jones

There is a period of silence before the start of this Nations League match in memory of George Baldock who passed away in Athens yesterday at the age of 31.

England then get the ball rolling.

Will England miss Harry Kane?

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:40 , Mike Jones

England captain Harry Kane has scored 26 goals in 26 competitive home appearances for the Three Lions, scoring on each of his last six such outings (nine goals) – only Steve Bloomer (1895-1899) and Wayne Rooney (2012-2015) have ever scored in seven straight competitive home games for the nation.

Kane has had a hand in 28 goals in his last 28 appearances at Wembley Stadium for England (25 goals, three assists), netting 14 goals in his last 14 games at the ground.

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:40 , Mike Jones

Here come the players.

John Stones is the England captain for the evening and will partner Levi Colwill in central defence against the Greeks. Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are all in the starting line-up and this promises to be a free flowing attacking game.

Will it work?

We’re about to find out…

Roy Keane explains why ‘brilliant’ Cole Palmer is a player ‘you’d pay to watch’

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:38 , Mike Jones

With Lee Carsley opting to start Cole Palmer in an attacking midfield role for England’s Nations League encounter with Greece, much attention was quickly about how to get the best out of the Three Lions side with him involved – and why he could be such an important player.

Palmer was named England’s men’s player of the year recently – though was yet to even collect ten senior caps at the time, with the fixture against the Greeks bringing up his double figures.

But it’s only the start of a journey which must make him a massive part of the plans, be it with Carlsey in charge on a permanent basis or not. That’s the opinion of former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who singled out Palmer’s mindset and technical qualities as the keys to making him such an impressive performer.

Roy Keane explains why ‘brilliant’ Palmer is a player ‘you’d pay to watch’

Bellingham, Foden or Palmer? Lee Carsley knows England need something else entirely

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:35 , Mike Jones

After of course speaking at length about Cole Palmer, Lee Carsley wanted to make one clarification. He has no plans to play the Chelsea star at left-back. The interim England manager last week referenced how Palmer is so talented that he can play there, only for that to cause some commotion.

“I definitely won’t be saying anything like that again!”

Carsley then went on an instructive explanation of one vision for the position – “not like a traditional Ashley Cole kind of thing” – which touched on a far bigger discussion over the forward.

Bellingham, Foden or Palmer? Lee Carsley knows England need something else entirely

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:30 , Mike Jones

This will be England’s 21st game overall in the Nations League (currently P20 W7 D6 L7), while they have the chance to win three successive matches in the competition for the first time, following wins against Ireland and Finland.

England haven’t lost any of their last 17 competitive matches at Wembley (W13 D4) since a 0-1 loss to Denmark in this competition back in October 2020.

The Three Lions have lost just two of their last 23 competitive matches overall (W14 D7), with those defeats coming against France at the quarter-final stage of the 2022 Fifa World Cup and against Spain in the final at Euro 2024.

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:25 , Mike Jones

Following back-to-back 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, Lee Carsley will be aiming to be the first England manager to win his first three competitive matches in charge since Fabio Capello in October 2008 and the first ever to do so without conceding.

Greece are winless in their last 12 matches against nations ranked inside the top five of the Fifa rankings (D6 L6), since a 1-0 win over France at Euro 2004 – their most recent such fixture ended 2-2 however, against France (ranked second) in November 2023.

Cole Palmer in ‘incredible’ place – but England boss Lee Carsley wants him to get even better

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:20 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley says every England player will have to “earn their place in the team” as he indicated no one would be a certain starter. The interim manager also says Cole Palmer can get even “better” due to how much scope he has to improve.

England’s abundance of talent has seen clamours rise behind a number of players to be central to the team, from Phil Foden through to Jude Bellingham and now Palmer. He is considering Bellingham at false nine for the match against Greece.

While Carsley again stated that he has a “a plan in place” that can include all three talents, he evaded the question when asked whether Bellingham would always play if fit.

Cole Palmer in ‘incredible’ place – but England boss wants him to get even better

Pre-match thoughts from Lee Carsely:

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:20 , Mike Jones

“It [Harry Kane’s absence] has given us a chance to try something and be creative with the way we play. We talk about how exciting and creative we can be so I’m looking forward to the game.

“We have a lot of flexibility and you may see a lot of changes. Hopefully it will be exciting. I see all the players interchanging, we have some really creative players.

“Greece have won the last two games, haven’t conceded a goal so we are expecting a tough challenge.”

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:15 , Mike Jones

England have won 16 of their last 21 competitive home matches across all competitions (D3 L2), including each of their last five. The Three Lions have kept six clean sheets in their last nine such fixtures.

Since the inaugural Nations League in 2018-19, no team has won more games in the competition than Greece (W13 D3 L4), who have conceded the fewest goals (eight) and kept the most clean sheets (14) of any nation in that period.

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:10 , Mike Jones

England are unbeaten in all nine of their meetings with Greece across all competitions (W7 D2), keeping a clean sheet in seven of those matches.

Greece have drawn their last two away competitive matches against England, most recently 2-2 in a World Cup qualifier in October 2001, leading twice before David Beckham scored a 90th minute free kick to send the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup.

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:05 , Mike Jones

The Three Lions have played Greece on nine occasions, registering seven wins, drawing twice and losing none.

Their last meeting ended in a 4-0 England win on 16 August 2006. It was a meeting at Old Trafford against Otto Rehhagel’s reigning European Champions which ended in a convincing win for Three Lions manager Steve McClaren in his first game in charge.

Goals came from John Terry, Frank Lampard and a brace for Peter Crouch.

Jack Grealish opens up on Euro 2024 snub and how things are different under Lee Carsley

Thursday 10 October 2024 19:00 , Mike Jones

Jack Grealish still believes Gareth Southgate should have taken him to Euro 2024 but is feeling the love under interim England boss Lee Carsley.

The 29-year-old was a high-profile omission from the summer’s shot at glory in Germany having been part of the team that reached the Euro 2020 showpiece and then 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.

Grealish was “absolutely heartbroken” to be dropped from the expanded pre-tournament selection and Southgate’s decision still sticks in the craw.

Jack Grealish opens up on Euro 2024 snub and how things are different under Carsley

Stones full of praise for Palmer

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:55 , Mike Jones

As part of his pre-match media duties John Stones suggested that he told Cole Palmer not to leave Man City, but is still enjoying seeing his rise at Stamford Bridge.

“I was a huge fan of Cole as soon as he came into our first-team set up, what he brought to the game, how he played as if he was in the park,” he said.

“I was sad to see him leave, I made him aware of that, but what he has gone on and done is a credit to him, how he’s conducted himself, how he’s stepped up in big moments.

“He is in a good moment, and I hope that continues for as long as possible. Scoring in the final, he has experienced those big games now and big moments and hopefully there is more of that to come.”

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:53 , Karl Matchett

And the Greece line up is as follows:

Vlachodimos, Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Giannoulis, Kourbelis, Bakasetas, Siopis, Masouras, Tzolis, Pavlidis

Confirmed team news

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:48 , Karl Matchett

Here’s the lineup for England:

Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis, Rice, Foden, Palmer, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon

England vs Greece talking points

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:40 , Mike Jones

Greece looking to extend winning run

Greece arrive at Wembley as League B Group 2 leaders after wins in the opening two games against Finland and Republic of Ireland.

They are ahead of England on goals scored, so this match could go a long way to deciding who finishes top of the group and therefore wins promotion to League A.

Greece are playing well but have not played in a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They last played England in an international friendly in 2006 when they lost 4-0 at Old Trafford.

England vs Greece talking points

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:36 , Mike Jones

Palmer’s first start?

As the hottest property in the Premier League at the moment, it is strange to think Cole Palmer has yet to start a competitive game for his country.

That stat did not stop him being named as England’s player of the year for 2023/24. Given his form for Chelsea, Carsley will surely select him in his starting XI against Greece.

The interim boss has hinted Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are all unlikely to start together in this international break so which position Palmer may get the nod will be interesting.

England vs Greece talking points

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:30 , Mike Jones

Carsley to cement his position?

Lee Carsley has always maintained that he is on a three-camp mission following his appointment as interim boss in the wake of Gareth Southgate’s exit.

But the former Under-21s manager is beginning to get his feet under the table and has the opportunity to further enhance his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis.

He said that he felt at home on the Wembley touchline during last month’s win over Finland and if his side put on another impressive attacking display against Greece then he could win further support for the future.

England vs Greece talking points

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:24 , Mike Jones

Solanke’s long wait

If Harry Kane is not fit then it could open the door up for Dominic Solanke. The Tottenham striker is back in the England squad for the first time since 2017 when he made a 15-minute cameo as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil at Wembley.

Despite a seven-year exile he always believed he would be back at the top and had his debut shirt framed on his wall at home to use as motivation.

If Kane does not make it, then he will likely be vying with Ollie Watkins for a starting spot.

England vs Greece talking points

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:18 , Mike Jones

Will Harry Kane be fit?

There are big fitness doubts over captain Harry Kane following the injury he picked up playing for Bayern Munich at the weekend.

The striker came off against Eintracht Frankfurt with a knock but was passed fit by England’s medical staff on Monday.

However, he trained individually on Tuesday and with the tight turnaround, it remains to be seen whether the country’s record goalscorer will be fit.

Lee Carsley confirmed that he will not start but a substitute appearance hasn’t been ruled out.

John Stones blocking out Manchester City noise while on England duty: ‘I put a lot of trust in the club’

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:12 , Mike Jones

John Stones says he pays no “attention” to the off-field issues surrounding Manchester City as it is something he “cannot control”, and that his position is to simply “put a lot of trust in the club”.

The centre-half was speaking ahead of England-Greece, in an international week that has been overshadowed by news of the latest legal case involving the Premier League champions.

Monday brought the judgment in City’s challenge against the competition’s Associated Party Transaction Rules, which will see some rules rewritten. That preceded a storm of controversy amid competing claims about who “won”, with new acrimony in the Premier League as City wrote an email to the other clubs threatening further legal action.

John Stones blocking out Man City noise while on England duty: ‘I trust in the club’

Stones to ‘cherish’ captaining England

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:06 , Mike Jones

John Stones is excited for an “incredible moment” as he captains England for the first time against Greece on Thursday.

“It’s definitely everything that I could have dreamed of as a kid,” the defender said ahead of the game.

“For my family to be able to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment and one I can’t thank Lee enough for. It was a great conversation we had last night and one I was a bit speechless in.

“An incredible moment for me, it was a bit more normal today, everything resumed as normal, the preparation, the training that we’ve done and our focus.

“To be walking out with the armband on is an absolute honour and a moment I will cherish forever.”

 (The FA via Getty Images) (The FA via Getty Images)

(The FA via Getty Images)

Stones to captain England

Thursday 10 October 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones

John Stones will lead England out as captain for the first time this evening. He wins his 82nd cap and is looking forward to leading the national team.

“It was a great conversation that I was able to have with John last night, to have that responsibility to ask him to captain the team,” Lee Carsley said.

“It’s a brilliant achievement for John. Something that he deserves – the amount of caps he’s got, the experience he’s got, the level of professionalism that he shows within the squad, the example he is to the younger players.

“It was a great conversation to have.”

Kane won’t start for England

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:54 , Mike Jones

“Harry’s nursing an injury, a small knock,” confirmed interim England manager Lee Carsley when asked if the Three Lions captain was fit for tonight’s game.

“Something that we won’t take a chance with.”

Asked to clarify whether Kane will be on the bench at Wembley, he said: “We’re not ruling him out yet of the game, but he won’t start the game.

“Hopefully he’ll be in contention then for Sunday (against Finland) but, again, time will tell. It’s not something I think we should be rushing.”

Lee Carsley confirms Harry Kane won’t start for England against Greece – ‘We won’t take a chance’

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:48 , Mike Jones

Interim boss Lee Carsley says he “won’t take a chance” with Harry Kane’s fitness in England’s Nations League clash against Greece as the skipper deals with a knock.

A month on from celebrating his 100th cap with a match-winning brace against Finland, the 31-year-old could miss Thursday’s Wembley return against the Group B2 leaders.

Kane sustained a knock during Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday and has been unable to train with the group despite getting the green light to stay with England.

Carsley confirms Kane won’t start for England against Greece

Jack Grealish reveals which England teammate he will never ask to babysit new daughter

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:42 , Mike Jones

Jack Grealish has revealed which of his England teammates he will never ask to babysit his new baby daughter.

The Manchester City player announced the safe arrival of his first child Mila with partner Sasha Ashwood earlier this week.

In an interview with BBC Sport on Wednesday, ahead of England’s match against Greece, Grealish was asked which of his Three Lions teammates would be the best and worst babysitter.

The 29-year-old chose Harry Kane as his preferred favourite, when pressed on his least preferred choice, he chose Bukayo Saka, stating the Arsenal winger might “fall asleep”.

England vs Greece prediction

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:36 , Mike Jones

With England in great form and fully revitalised under interim manager Lee Carsley they should be looking forward to a more challenging outing this evening.

Greece are unbeaten in the Nations League so far but will likely be forced to change their style of play against the Three Lions. It may take a while for the first goal to come but England will look to take advantage when it does.

England 3-0 Greece.

Predicted line-ups

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:30 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we see both teams lining up tonight given pre-match information and how we think the manager’s will see the match playing out. Lee Carsley has a job on his hands fitting Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham into the team so it seems likely at least one will be on the bench.

I can easily see Palmer or Foden starting on the left side ahead of Anthony Gordon though the Newcastle winger impressed in the previous camp and deserves to keep his spot.

England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Colwill; Gomes, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Watkins

Greece XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Bouchalakis, Mantalos; Chatzigiovannis, Bakasetas, Pelkas; Pavlidis

As for the latest odds, it should come as no surprise that England are the heavy favourites though without Harry Kane up front the match will likely be a closer affair than expected.

England win 1/5

Draw 7/2

Greece win 9/1

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

Greece early team news

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:24 , Mike Jones

Greece have been dealt a huge blow to their chances of winning as Fotis Ioannidis sustained an injury during Panathinaikos’ recent Greek Super League clash with Olympiacos and has been left out of the squad.

Vangelis Pavlidis should lead the line as a result with the rest of the squad taking up a more familiar shape. Goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos should win his 45th cap in goal.

England early team news

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:18 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane did not train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday as he recovers from a thigh injury and the England captain is a doubt for this game. He trained indoors on a specialised programme so may be able to feature at some point though a starting place is unlikely.

Ezri Konsa, Morgan Gibbs-White and Kobbie Mainoo all withdrew from the squad on Monday having picked up respective injuries over the weekend. Having returned to the squad for this camp, Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are all in line to start for the Three Lions.

How can I watch it?

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:12 , Mike Jones

This Nations League clash will be shown on ITV1 and ITV X with coverage starting at 7pm BST.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. 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 England vs Greece?

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:06 , Mike Jones

England vs Greece is due to kick off at 7.45pm BST on Thursday 10 October at Wembley Stadium.

 (John Walton/PA Wire) (John Walton/PA Wire)

(John Walton/PA Wire)

England vs Greece

Thursday 10 October 2024 17:00 , Mike Jones

England face their biggest test of the Nations League so far when they welcome Greece to Wembley in a top of the table clash in Group B2.

Neither team have lost a game since the resumption of this tournament with both defeating Finland and the Republic of Ireland in September’s international break.

Greece have made the better start, keeping two clean sheets and scoring more goals (five compared to four from the Three Lions) though there is very little to separate the sides.

Both teams could also be missing their main forward with Fotis Ioannidis out of the Greece squad due to injury and Harry Kane still trying to recover from a thigh problem.

Welcome!

Thursday 10 October 2024 14:54 , Mike Jones

Good evening one and all. England are back in Nations League action at Wembley tonight as they take on Greece in a blockbuster clash at the top of Group B2.

Neither team has lost yet in the competition but both sides are missing their main strikers as Harry Kane and Fotis Ioannidis will sit this one out (Kane may make an appearance off the bench but won’t start).

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 7.45pm.


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How England were beaten by Greece after Pavlidis’ stoppage-time winner in the Nations League

How England were beaten by Greece after Pavlidis’ stoppage-time winner in the Nations League

There was a sombre moment just before kick-off as both teams — and the whole stadium — paid tribute to Baldock, who died this week at the age of 31.

The away team emerged with a white Greece home shirt sporting ‘BALDOCK 2’ on the back. Baldock, who was born in England but qualified for Greece through his grandmother, was capped 12 times.

Then, with the stadium’s big screens showing a photo of Baldock, the England players applauded on the edge of the centre circle while the Greece team stood arm-in-arm. Following announcements in English and Greek, the whole stadium then held still in silence — a minute’s respect that was perfectly observed.

There was even a Greece flag with a Sheffield United badge held up among the England fans, one of many tributes paid to the former Milton Keynes Dons, Sheffield United and Panathinaikos defender.

Those continued during the game itself, with Pavlidis holding up a black armband as he celebrated opening the scoring. His team-mates gathered to lift the same ‘BALDOCK 2’ shirt to the heavens, ensuring the full-back would not be forgotten.


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 (Getty Images)

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.”

 (EPA) (EPA)

(EPA)

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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Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club (The FA via Getty Images)

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture

Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club (The FA via Getty Images)

Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola’s side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United’s latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year – yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.

Meanwhile, it’s Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:

Chelsea FC 4 – 2 Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:02

A sensational four-goal display from Palmer – who truly could have had more – powers Chelsea past Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Despite starting the match the better of the two sides and taking a lead within seven minutes, Hurzeler’s side were then taken apart by an incredible solo performance by Palmer, who became the first player in Premier League history to find the back of the net four times in the opening half of a game. The pick of the bunch was a free-kick from 30 yards out – his third of the day – giving Verbruggen absolutely no chance by putting it right in the top corner. Sanchez gifted Baleba a goal late in the opening period to leave the Seagulls down by two at the interval, but they were unable to get any closer, with Maresca’s side organised at the back, giving their opponents few opportunities to test Sanchez. Both Palmer and Jackson could have added to the hosts’ tally in the second half, but manful defending from Dunk prevented an even greater margin of victory. Chelsea win with an xG of 3.19 ahead of matches this week against Gent and Nottingham Forest in the Europa Conference League and Premier League respectively, while Brighton fall to their first defeat of the year after an output of just 1.05 xG and host Tottenham in eight days. That concludes our commentary of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Brighton – we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:02

FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 4-2 BRIGHTON

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:00

Palmer and Nkunku work a short-corner routine that looks to trouble the Brighton defence, but it’s smartly worked all the way back to Sanchez from the flag, with Chelsea looking to see out the 4-2 victory.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:58

The fourth official indicates five minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:58

Veiga manages to push the ball off the foot of Minteh, with Enciso quick to latch upon it – firing a hurried strike from a long way out that sails high over Sanchez’s crossbar.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:57

Dunk has attempted 100 passes in this game; it’s the third time this season that a Brightonplayer has attempted 100 or more in a single match in the Premier League and more than any other player in this game (ahead of Baleba – 50 passes).

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:55

It looks to be job done for Chelsea, who have less than five minutes to hold on for a third-consecutive Premier League win. Results around the grounds mean that Maresca’s side currently sit in second place – one point behind Manchester City – as things stand, while Liverpool and Aston Villa still have the chance to jump them in the table later this weekend.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:52

Estupinan manages to get into the penalty area near the byline after a Chelsea giveaway in their defensive third, but the left-back has his pocket picked by Gusto, who times his challenge well before winning a throw-in to sap a bit more time off the clock.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:49

Minteh cuts inside from the right and sends a skipping cross into the penalty area for Ferguson, but the striker doesn’t gamble on the delivery, allowing Sanchez to get there first.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Lavia is introduced for just his third Premier League appearance for Chelsea, with the booked Fernandez protected with 11 minutes to go.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Substitution Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck Evan Joe Ferguson

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Jackson is recalled to the bench with an assist – but not a goal – to his name. Nkunku gets a chance to add to his personal tally, after a hat-trick performance against Barrow in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Fofana commits to a late sliding challenge on Enciso, catching the Brighton substitute just outside the penalty area. It’s a free-kick for the visitors, while the Chelsea defender is shown a yellow card.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:44

Brighton are one of four sides still unbeaten in the Premier League this season coming into this weekend’s games, though their last three have all been drawn (two total wins). They’ve never gone unbeaten in their first six games from the start of a top-flight campaign before.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:43

With a quarter-hour left to go in the game, Brighton have not threatened enough in the second half to convince Chelsea they are capable of the comeback. After nine shots and an xG of 0.86 in the first period of play, Hurzeler’s side have only managed three off-target efforts and an expected goals of just 0.05, despite maintaining more than 50 per cent possession before and after the restart.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:40

Chelsea won both Premier League meetings with Brighton last season, despite having a player sent off in each game. It’s one of just two occasions a team has won consecutive meetings with an opponent despite going down to 10 men (also Middlesbrough against Sunderland in 2002), while the Blues have never had a player sent off in three-consecutive meetings with an opponent.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:36

Substitution Georginio Lucius Rutter Yankuba Minteh Moat

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:36

Substitution Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu Julio César Enciso Espínola

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Jadon Malik Sancho Mykhailo Mudryk

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

CUCURELLA SCORES BUT IT WON’T COUNT! Sancho’s inswinging corner is flicked on at the near post by Neto, with the ball dropping kindly to Cucurella inside the six-yard box. The left-back does well to control the ball before whacking it past Verbruggen with a raised boot, but it won’t count after an offside in the build up!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Marc Cucurella Saseta Renato Palma Veiga

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:33

Jackson breaks into the penalty area after a wonderful disguised pass from Palmer and looks to beat the goalkeeper from a close-range left-footed effort, but Dunk slides across and manages to divert the effort wide for a corner.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:33

Julio makes an enterprising run through the middle of the pitch before spreading play out to the right for Rutter. The winger slips a pass into the penalty area for the overlapping Ayari, who goes down after a tangle of legs with Cucurella. The referee is in a good position to spot the incident and allows play to continue, which infuriates the Brighton forwards.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:31

Chelsea make their first change of the contest – sending on even more firepower – with Neto taking over from Madueke on the right wing.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:31

Hinshelwood’s delivery from the free-kick doesn’t quite find Dunk at the far post, causing a bit of a panic in the penalty area, but Cucurella is able to eventually clear the danger quite emphatically.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:28

Ahead of a Brighton free-kick, the referee calls Estupinan and Gusto over to have a word about some pushing and shoving. The visiting left-back needs to be careful – under the close eye of the match official after his earlier booking.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:26

Jackson has been involved in 14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games for Chelsea (nine goals, five assists), two more than he’d managed in his first 27 appearances (nine goals, three assists).

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:24

JUST WIDE! Brighton are caught trying to play out from the back, with Verbruggen’s pass to Wieffer intercepted by a determined Caicedo, who immediately prods the ball forward for his team-mate. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Palmer can’t quite find the back of the net with his right foot, sending it whistling wide of the near post!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:23

Substitution Adam Harry Webster Igor Julio dos Santos de Paulo

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:23

Substitution Mats Wieffer Yasin Abbas Ayari

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:20

Baleba’s interception immediately puts Brighton on the attack, but Rutter chooses the unselfish option, looking to split the lines with a pass for Welbeck, instead of shooting with room ahead of Cucurella. It’s the wrong choice, with Chelsea almost immediately able to clear their lines.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:19

Cucurella and Sancho work an effective one-two pass on the left wing, putting the full-back in a good position for a cross. His high, hanging delivery is attacked by Jackson, who puts his header disappointingly wide of the mark.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:19

CLOSE TO A FIFTH! Sancho’s inswinging corner is headed away initially by Welbeck, but only as far as Palmer 20 yards from goal. Full of confidence, the England international controls the clearance with his knee before hitting a well-timed volley towards goal. The effort forces Verbruggen to cover the top of his goal, but the ball flies narrowly over!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:16

Palmer has become the first Premier League player in history to score four goals before half-time in a single match – an incredible feat for the young forward.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:15

OFF THE LINE BY WEBSTER! Palmer turns provider, scooping an unbelievable first-time cross over the top of Brighton’s defence for Jackson, who manages to hold his run until the last possible second. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the striker rounds Verbruggen and sends an off-balance shot towards the open net – only to be denied by Webster, who comes flying across the goal-line to make an acrobatic stop!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:15

Estupinan charges forward, beating Madueke for pace before threading it through to Mitoma. In trademark style, the winger looks to cut inside ahead of Gusto and have a shot but his touch lets him down, allowing Fofana to cut across and end the move.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:12

Palmer feeds the ball through to Jackson, who waits for the pass to catch up to him before turning and lashing a left-footed shot that’s pushed behind for a corner by Verbruggen.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:11

Chelsea get the match restarted from the kick-off!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:56

Behind by two goals, Brighton have little option but to come forward and attack; a risky strategy considering just how open and porous their back line has been in the first half. Perhaps Moder could be a useful option in the second half to help protect the defence and keep the ball, while Enciso is a possible entrant either in attack, or in the middle of the park to help create more penetration. Minteh is also a danger down the flanks, while Chelsea will be looking to keep everything in front of them and preserve their deserved lead. Lavia could be introduced for just his third Premier League appearance for the Blues – possibly in place of the booked Fernandez – while Nkunku will likely see the pitch in an attempt to improve on his record of four goals in his last three matches.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:56

An absolutely mad first half at Stamford Bridge comes to a close with Chelsea ahead by four goals to two, thanks to a four-goal first-half performance from Palmer and some poor play at the back from both sides. Brighton started the more positive of the two teams, controlling possession and linking up in neat triangles, eventually taking the lead after just seven minutes thanks to Rutter – scoring after Caicedo’s blocked clearance. It appeared an early deficit was just what Palmer needed to get going, with the England international hitting the woodwork and having a goal chalked off for offside – only to find the back of the net three times in the ensuing 10 minutes – including a superb free-kick from 30 yards out. A Sanchez mistake gave Brighton the chance to pull one back through Baleba, but Palmer was once again there to restore the Blues’ two-goal advantage, slotting an acute-angle finish past Verbruggen for four goals in 40 minutes. Enzo Maresca’s side have produced an xG of 1.95 (1.72 of that coming from Palmer alone), while Brighton scored twice on just 0.72.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:55

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 4-2 BRIGHTON

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:54

Hurzeler will just be looking to get his side into the half-time interval, where he can deliver additional instructions after seeing a lot of positives and negatives in the first period at Stamford Bridge. Brighton have certainly had their moments going forward, but look to be missing the presence of both Veltman and Van Hecke.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:48

Rutter gets to the corner of the penalty area and cuts inside ahead of Cucurella before hitting a low drive that’s blocked by a well-placed Fernandez.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:47

The fourth official indicates eight minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:47

Estupinan sends an outswinging corner towards the six-yard box looking for a late goal, but Fofana and Cucurella combine to clear Chelsea’s lines.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:46

Sancho has now contributed an assist in each of his last three games, while Palmer takes his personal tally this season to six goals – only behind Erling Haaland.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:43

Assist Jadon Malik Sancho

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:42

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:42

Madueke sends a skipping cross towards the penalty spot for Sancho on the other side, but a brave Verbruggen comes a long way off his line to make sure he’s first to it.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

MADUEKE GOES WIDE! Chelsea again expose Brighton’s high line, sending the ball right over the top for Madueke. Hinshelwood tries his best to keep pace with the winger but he’s taken out of the play inside the penalty area, only for Madueke to send his acute-angle shot rippling the side-netting!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

Despite already bagging a hat-trick in 30 minutes, Palmer could have even had more this game, with the forward denied by the frame of the goal and a narrow offside margin, in what could have been an outrageous five-goal spell. He’s on top form – replicating his production from last year

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

BRIGHTON PULL ONE BACK! 3-2! It’s a poor goal for Chelsea to concede, with Sanchez virtually passing it right to Baleba 18 yards from goal. From there, it’s a simple finish for the midfielder, who takes a touch to bring the ball under his control before slotting a cool finish past the goalkeeper to pull the lead back to one!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:37

Cucurella is extremely late challenging Hinshelwood for the ball, catching the midfielder and upending him instead. It’s a yellow card for the now Chelsea – former Brighton – full-back.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:32

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:31

Brighton’s defence is yet again breached, with Madueke getting past Dunk and Webster 30 yards from goal, until he’s tripped and send to the ground by a desperate Estupinan. It’s a yellow card for the left-back, while Chelsea demand a red.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:31

Yellow Card Enzo Jeremías Fernández

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:30

Penalty Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:28

Yellow Card Lewis Carl Dunk

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:27

There is a lengthy VAR check after the disallowed goal, with the team of referees checking to ensure that Madueke started his run in an offside position. There is also a case to be made that Sancho was unable to hold his line during the pass across the face of goal as well – with the video assistants agreeing with the on-field decision.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:26

ANOTHER GOAL CHALKED OFF! Chelsea move the ball up from the back centrally, with Jackson picking up possession inside the centre-circle. The striker immediately plays a pass forward for the pacey Madueke, who latches onto it and drives into the penalty area. Looking to provide for a team-mate, he squares a pass across the face of goal for Sancho, who finishes from close range, but yet another offside call denies Chelsea by the narrowest of margins!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:23

Assist Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:22

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:22

PALMER SCORES BUT IT WON’T COUNT! Again looking for the same connection, this time Fernandez puts some air under his pass, lifting the ball over the top of the defence for the run of Palmer from inside his own half. This time, the forward makes no mistake, slotting his finish past the goalkeeper, but he’s denied by the linesman’s flag, with offside the call!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:21

OFF THE POST! INCREDIBLE! Fernandez splits the Brighton defence with a superb pass forward for Palmer, putting the ball perfectly in the forward’s stride. The England international’s first touch lets him down somewhat but he still manages to drag Verbruggen off his line before chipping a cheeky finish over him – only to be denied by the base of the post!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:20

Brighton are moving the ball with speed and purpose in midfield, interchanging neatly in triangles to get past the Chelsea press as they look to build attacks down the wing. Baleba and Hinshelwood have worked well in tandem with their respective full-backs, forcing the hosts onto the back foot early.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:19

INSTINCTIVE SAVE FROM SANCHEZ! Hinshelwood and Baleba link up delightfully in midfield, giving Welbeck the chance to run down the right wing to latch onto the ball. The striker eventually delivers a cross into the six-yard box from a position near the byline, which takes a dangerous deflection on its way through, forcing the Chelsea goalkeeper to stick out an arm and swat it away with a closed fist!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:18

Estupinan’s ensuing corner-kick is floated to the near post, but Jackson is back to do his defensive duties, powering the ball away with his head.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:16

Estupinan delivers a lovely cross into the penalty area looking for the run of Welbeck, with Cucurella forced into a diving header to turn the ball behind for a Brighton corner.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:13

Sancho glides into the penalty area after linking up with Cucurella, but his low, left-footed cross into the six-yard box is a tame delivery that is easily gathered by Verbruggen.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:13

After being looked at both on the pitch and on the touchline, Rutter has been cleared to return to the fray, having given his side an early lead away from home!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:12

Brighton take the lead but there’s no time for celebration, as the medical staff are on to the pitch to take a look at Rutter, who appears to have collided with Sanchez during his headed attempt that led to the goal. Chelsea players are circling referee Peter Bankes looking for a foul the other way, but their appeals are denied, as the goal stands!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:08

Assist Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:08

There are a number of Chelsea players who will be looking to make a good impression against their former club, with Sanchez, Cucurella and Caicedo all coming from Brighton to Stamford Bridge. No doubt the two outfield players will be desperate to score, while the goalkeeper will be looking for a third-consecutive clean sheet; with Jorgensen having featured in Chelsea’s League Cup match against Barrow.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:07

Hinshelwood’s lax pass back to Wieffer is intercepted by Jackson, who plays the ball unselfishly across the edge of the 18-yard box for Sancho. The winger takes a touch to set himself before firing a shot but it’s blocked by a desperate Dunk.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:04

A lovely piece of skill gets Mitoma past Gusto down the left wing, but Caicedo comes across to help narrow down the angle, with the Japan international’s cross eventually caught by Sanchez.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:02

Brighton get the match underway from the kick-off!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

Brighton make three alterations to the XI that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Webster takes the spot of the unavailable Jan Paul van Hecke at centre-back, while Kadioglu is handed a first Premier League start with the absence of Joel Veltman. The final swap is in midfield, where Samuel Adingra is left out for Wieffer.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

Chelsea make one change to the side that beat West Ham 3-0 seven days ago, with Gusto in for Adarabioyo at right-back, which pushes Fofana inside to centre-back.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

BRIGHTON SUBS: Tariq Lamptey, Igor Julio, Julio Enciso, Jakub Moder, Yankuba Minteh, Jason Steele, Yasin Ayari, Evan Ferguson, Imari Samuels.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

BRIGHTON XI (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Ferdi Kadioglu; Carlos Baleba, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood; Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

CHELSEA SUBS: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Filip Jorgensen, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Renato Veiga, Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

CHELSEA XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez: Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up – starting with our hosts!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:38

Just one point and one place behind Chelsea, Brighton have gotten off to a flying start under new, young coach Fabian Hurzeler, with the Seagulls avoiding defeat in each of their first seven matches in all competitions. Despite the positive start, today’s visitors have gone three league games without a win, drawing against Arsenal, Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest. A side usually known for its attacking prowess, Brighton have seemingly found their rhythm defensively, with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding fewer goals after five matches.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:32

Chelsea have bounced back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on the first of September, winning each of their last three matches in all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-0. Yet to experience victory in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful this campaign, Enzo Maresca’s sixth-placed side could jump all the way into second by the end of play today with three points and some help from elsewhere.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:32

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Brighton!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

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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West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after visitors cruise to victory

Chelsea produced a strong performance to capitalise on an abject West Ham United showing and climb into the Premier League’s top four.

An early double from Nicolas Jackson set the visitors on course before Cole Palmer added a third in the second half to make certain of victory for Enzo Maresca’s side. After an unsettled start to the season amid off-field chaos and on-field questions, this was a third win on the bounce for Chelsea as they continue to show signs of real promise under their new manager. Jadon Sancho, making his first start, again impressed while the sometimes profligate Jackson took both of his goals nicely.

It was a rather more fretful afternoon for Julen Lopetegui, the West Ham boss casting a frustrated figure on the touchline. Midfielder Guido Rodriguez was hooked after just 35 minutes as Lopetegui tried unsuccessfully to spark his side into life. Audible boos were heard at half time while plenty of home fans headed for the exit with 15 minutes still to play after another lacklustre performance.

Re-live all the action from the London Stadium in our live blog below:

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

  • Chelsea climb into top four with win over lacklustre West Ham

  • Nicolas Jackson strikes twice as Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho impress in win

  • FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

  • 47’ GOAL! Jackson slides through Palmer, who rifles a high finish past Areola [WHU 0-3 CHE]

  • 18’ GOAL! Caicedo plays Jackson clean through and the striker finishes with aplomb [WHU 0-2 CHE]

  • 10’ CLOSE! Palmer sweeps wide from a quick counter [WHU 0-1 CHE]

  • 4’ GOAL! Jackson sneaks behind the defence to score an early goal [WHU 0-1 CHE]

Nicolas Jackson brace helps Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Julen Lopetegui

14:49 , Chris Wilson

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer secured another away win for Chelsea and raised serious questions about West Ham‘s direction under new boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard looked furious as his expensively-assembled side crashed to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to their London rivals.

Jackson scored twice, the first within three minutes of kick-off, and Palmer added a third just moments into the second half.

It means all Lopetegui has to show for a £120m outlay on nine summer signings since replacing David Moyes is three home defeats, a scrappy win at Crystal Palace and a last-gasp draw with Fulham.

Just five matches in and the London Stadium crowd – many of whom wanted Moyes out despite the Scot overseeing the club’s most successful period in decades – turned on the new manager midway through the second half.

Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Lopetegui

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

15:10 , Chris Wilson

Lopetegui says that West Ham “suffered very early on, [with] two goals”.

“If you want to compete you have to be consistent. After this it is more difficult.

“We had more chances than them in the first half, we had one penalty, maybe two, and we said that one goal is going to be key in changing the match, but after we conceded a goal too.

“[We’re] very sad, very disappointed, for the fans above all, but we know that the league is long, and we have to look forward and have to change things.”

15:02 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca is speaking to TNT now, and he says he is “very happy”.

“They are a very good team, they have some fantastic players, but overall it think we deserved to win the game.

“It’s quite easy, if they [the players] don’t buy [into it] they don’t play!

“They have been open minded, we have been a bit intense, but this is the moment when I need to insist.”

He adds that he is most happy with “Nicolas and Cole, because the way we prepared was to set them against three players. [They scored] the goals but especially the work off the ball.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:57 , Chris Wilson

Bowen is speaking to TNT now, and he says that he doesn’t think “we were ever in the game really”.

“I think the goals they scored were every easy, almost gifts. You have to be switched on at every moment, and they punished us.[We’re] disappointed all round.”

He says that “a number of things” went wrong.

“As a player you have to lead and rally everyone together, but I just thought we gave them too much respect in the end. I dont think we did enough today to punish them.

“We came out second half, almost nothing to lose, and we concede a goal after a minute.

“[It was] a disappointing day, but the game is done, we accept the defeat.

“The games are coming thick and fast.It’s still early in the season, still a lot of games to go, and now it’s about rallying together as a group.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:51 , Chris Wilson

Since making his debut for Chelsea in September 2023, Cole Palmer has contributed to more goals in the Premier League than any other player, with 39 G/A. Haaland is next up, with 38.

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:48 , Chris Wilson

Jackson adds that his confidence is “growing higher with my teammates, they help me a lot and they have confidence in me”

“We keep going. This one is finished and next week we go onto another one.

“The most important thing is for the team to win.

“I am happy to play always. To fight for the team and the team to win is the most important thing.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:43 , Chris Wilson

Palmer and Jackson spoke to TNT after the final whistle, with the Englishman saying that the London Stadium is “a tough place to come”

“A good three points, we are happy.

“Everybody knows he [Nicolas Jackson] is a top player – he needs to keep going. The Chelsea fans and players rate him highly – we know what he is capable of.

“There will always be noise, we try to block it out and listen to the manager. We have a good manager and it can only help us to get better.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:38 , Chris Wilson

While we wait for some reaction, below are the 3pm kick-offs for today.

Aston Villa v Wolves

Fulham v Newcastle

Southampton v Ipswich

Tottenham v Brentford

Leicester City v Everton

Liverpool v Bournemouth

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:33 , Chris Wilson

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FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:27 , Chris Wilson

A dominant display from Chelsea that puts them into second place in the league for now.

The away side were sharp and clinical when they needed to be, and in truth it was a surprisingly easy result for them.

For West Ham, it was an abject performance that was seriously poor in some areas, with some truly terrible defending. The attacking play was better in some places, but you really have to question what Lopetegui was doing today.

FULL-TIME! West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:24 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Tosin blocks Kudus’ shot on the edge of the box and Chelsea counter for the final time, and it ends with Felix driving a low shot just wide of the near post.

The final whistle goes and Chelsea take the three points in this London derby.

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West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:23 , Chris Wilson

92 mins

Chelsea get yet another chance to counter but Felix’s pass to Neto is a little wayward.

Soler is booked for a late challenge on Cucurella, and there’s a VAR review for a red card, but it’s dismissed by the ref.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:20 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time here.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:18 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

This match was decided a while ago and that is reflecting in the final 10 minutes of play, with neither side really looking like scoring now. Chelsea try to counter, but Soler brings down Felix.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:16 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Bowen lays it off to Soler on the edge of the box but his shot is blocked.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:15 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

A bit of pinball in the Chelsea box ends with the offside flag going up anyway. Plenty of empty seats at the London Stadium now.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:13 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

The match is petering out as we approach the final few minutes. Enzo Fernandez is replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:11 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Shouts for another penalty for West Ham, but nothing given before Creswell swings in an inviting early cross that runs across goal and past Soucek and Bowen.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:09 , Chris Wilson

78 mins

Another Chelsea corner is delivered, this one by Neto, but it’s eventually cleared as West Ham fans begin to exit the stadium in their droves. An alarming performance, with a huge lack of intensity from their side.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:05 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Another promising Chelsea counter as it’s flicked to Madueke on the right wing, but his is cleared away for a corner.

Caicedo ends up clipping in the cross to the back post and it’s headed back across goal to Nkunku, who’s unmarked, but he can only direct his header too close to a scrambling Areola.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:03 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

The home side bring on Aaron Creswell and Andy Irving for Paqueta and Emerson.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:01 , Chris Wilson

71 mins

Kudus tries to lead a West Ham counter but he’s scythed down by Cucurella, who is booked.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:00 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Kudus gets in behind the Chelsea defence, but his cut-back cross is caught by Sanchez. West Ham attack again, but once more it’s a poor cross straight into the hands of the Chelsea ‘keeper.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:58 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

More activity now! Two nice combinations in as many minutes from Chelsea as Fernandez lays it off to Caicedo, whose shit is deflected behind.

Felix delivers the corner, but Areola punches it away, though Chelsea win another corner almost straight away.

Fernandez takes this one short, and it ends with Felix floating a ball towards the back post, with the offside flag eventually raised.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:56 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

A lull in activity here, probably due to the changes made by both sides upsetting the rhythm of the game.

A good Chelsea move ends with Felix smashing a half-volley into the side-netting.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:53 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Antonio wins another corner as Chelsea prepare more changes. Once again, out of nowhere, Chelsea clear it and break, and they have a three-on-one. It goes wide to Madueke, and he bursts into the box before firing a shot that’s too close to Areola.

Palmer and Jackson come off for Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:51 , Chris Wilson

60 mins

Disasi’s first major involvement is to head Wan-Bissaka’s cross behind for a corner. Bowen swings it in, but Sanchez collects easily. Chelsea counter, with plenty of space and the numerical advantage, but Jackson and Madueke can’t make the most of it.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:48 , Chris Wilson

58 mins

Wan-Bissaka clips a cross towards the back post that Kudus hits back across goal, but it’s cut out at the last, before Soucek fires at Sanchez from distance.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:46 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

Soler overlaps with Bowen and clips in a cross towards Antonio, but it’s headed away. The home side come again, with Kudus trying to send it long to Antonio, but Sanchez is there to intercept.

Fofana and Sancho come off for Axel Disasi and Pedro Neto.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:43 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

Paqueta dribbles past a couple of men in the box but can’t get the shot away under pressure, before Palmer is fouled on the break.

Michail Antonio and Carlos Soler replace Summerville and Alvarez.

The home crowd boo as Summerville is replaced.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:41 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

West Ham try to mount a decent attack but Paqeuta’s cross is cut out by Tosin, before Bowen gets onto the clipped ball over the top and fizzes a half-volley straight at Sanchez at the near post.

GOAL! West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:38 , Chris Wilson

47mins

GOAL!

Chelsea counter quickly, started by Nicolas Jackson, with the striker holding the ball up in his own half. He makes the one-two with Jackson, who drives towards the box before slipping in a through ball into the path of Palmer. The England winger is on his weaker foot but it’s no problem, as he rifles a high finish past the ‘keeper.

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West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:36 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

No changes from either side at half-time. West Ham attack but it’s cut out.

KICK-OFF! West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:34 , Chris Wilson

Back underway in east London.

HT: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:33 , Chris Wilson

Both sides are emerging from the tunnel again at the London Stadium, so we’ll be back in action soon.

HT: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:28 , Chris Wilson

A poor first half from the home side overall, with the defending for the two goals among some of the worst you will see this season.

In attack, they managed to create some decent opportunities, but this game has got away from them and their defensive fragility looks like it could be revealed again at any moment.

For Chelsea, they’ll go into the break absolutely delighted, but also a little confused as to how they’re 2-0 up while barely having to take their foot off the gas.

The home fans will be hoping for a way back into the game, but it’s difficult to see one at this point, even if Chelsea do sometimes look fragile in defence themselves.

13:25 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:19 , Chris Wilson

A free-kick almost finds its way to Kilman, but the home side win the corner, which is eventually cleared.

The referee blows the whistle and the hosts are booed off at half-time.

A poor performance in the first 25 minutes, with some ridiculous defending, and though they got back into it a bit in the last few minutes, it looks like too little too late.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:17 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Mavropanos heads the free-kick wide, and there’ll be two minutes of added time here.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:17 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

Madueke is in behind down the right and he clips in a cross, but there was nobody there to meet it. Summerville leads a West Ham counter, and he wins a free-kick on the edge of the area.

Fofana is booked for dragging him down.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:15 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Sanchez and Kudus fight for a ball and the West Ham man wins it, but he can only hook a cross well past his teammates before the home side concede a free-kick.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:13 , Chris Wilson

40 mins

Great work again from Kudus to skip past Cucurella in the box and cross it t Soucek, who rifles a low shot straight at Sanchez.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:11 , Chris Wilson

37 mins

Soucek replaces Guido Rodriguez.

Bowen is fouled on halfway, but West Ham can’t build anything as Paqueta runs it out of play.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Summerville leads the home side’s counter as he almost gets on to the end of the through ball from Wan-Bissaka, but it runs to Sanchez.

Tomas Soucek is preparing to come on for the home side.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Once again Chelsea get into the West Ham box too easily down the left, but despite good feet from Sancho they can’t make anything of it.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:05 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

DISALLOWED GOAL!

West Ham think they’ve pulled one back after some great play, but Kudus was well offside.

Nice combinations on the edge of the Chelsea box before the Ghanaian is slipped through, but he had strayed offside before rifling the shot past Sanchez.

The home side have grown into the game in the last five minutes or so, and arguably should’ve had a penalty too!

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:03 , Chris Wilson

29 mins

The commentators say they are ‘surprised’ that hasn’t been given, VAR went with the original decision from referee Sam Barrott. VAR says the contact was ‘fleeting’.

West Ham come again as Bowen sends in a corner, but it’s headed away.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:00 , Chris Wilson

26 mins

Good play from West Ham as they clip it wide to Kudus, who brings it down on his chest and cuts in before hitting a deflected shot to Sanchez.

Moments later there are shouts for a penalty as it looks like Summerville is pulled down, but the ref waves it away. VAR are looking at it, but Chelsea clear.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:57 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Good defensive work from Caicedo to stop the run from Kudus, but the home side win the ball back once more. This is their first little period of sustained pressure.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:55 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

A good defensive header from Colwill gives West Ham a corner after their first good bit of attacking play so far.

Bowen swings it in, but both attempts are headed away before he slips a ball into the box for Paqueta. The Brazilian returns the pass, but Bowen fires well wide after attempting a first-time side-footed finish.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:53 , Chris Wilson

20 mins

West Ham go on the offensive and manage to win a corner, but you’re already wondering whether it’s too little too late.

The ball in is headed away, but the home side keep possession until it eventually runs to Sanchez once more.

GOAL! West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:51 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

GOAL! Another one for the away side! So simple once again.

Enzo lays it off to Caicedo in the centre circle, and the Ecuadorian plays a first time pass that immediately splits the West Ham defence. Jackson is clean through again, and he surges into the box before slipping an accomplished finish past Areola.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

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West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:48 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

The set-piece is taken by Paqueta, but it’s straight at the Chelsea wall. They keep possession but are forced backwards, until Paqueta tries a clipped through ball that runs to Sanchez.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:46 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

West Ham are struggling to settle here, and they don’t look comfortable when defending or in possession.

Another long ball forward goes straight to a Chelsea defender, and the away side are happy to keep possession near their box briefly, before it’s fired wide to Palmer and then Madueke, but the attack breaks down.

Emerson leads the counter but he’s so isolated, though he does well to win a free-kick near the edge of the area.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:43 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

CLOSE!

Sanchez comes to meet the long ball and Chelsea just about manage to clear.

The away side build from the back, with Cucurella sliding in a pass to Jackson in the channel. The striker darts inside and squares it to Palmer, who sweeps a shot just wide of the far post.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:40 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Great play from Bowen to turn Tosin on halfway, and he wins a free-kick. It’s spread wide for Kudus, and he whips in a lovely early cross that just creeps over the head of Summerville.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:38 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

That goal was almost surreal. Jackson was pretty much clean through from halfway! Almost looks like he couldn’t even believe it was that easy.

The home side look to get back into it straight away but the attack breaks down.

Chelsea come again, but Sancho’s pass in-behind runs to Areola.

GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:37 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

GOAL! West Ham have fallen asleep! What on Earth has happened there?

Chelsea win a free-kick near halfway and Jackson takes it quickly. He exchanges passes before making the run in-behind the defence, and he’s in acres of space as he surges into the box.

It’s a tight angle but he produces a great finish to sneak it past Areola.

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West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:35 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Palmer is clipped early on but the referee plays advantage. West Ham maybe giving an indication of what Chelsea are in for there.

The home side get their first chance to counter and it’s led by Kudus. He drives into the box and hits a half-cross, half-shot straight at Sanchez.

West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:34 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

Not a single starter or sub from today’s squad was involved the last time Chelsea won here, in 2021.

The away side have started fairly confidently though, knocking it around the back with plenty of composure.

KICK-OFF! West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:31 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF!

The home side get us underway at the London Stadium.

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

12:25 , Chris Wilson

Not far from kick-off in east London, with both sides about to take their place in the tunnel.

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Maresca speaks to TNT

12:23 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca tells TNT that it “nice to be back” at West Ham, where he “spent almost two years” as assistant manager, “with some good players and good human beings.

“For sure the results are always important. The main thing is to see how the team progress and adapt. I think we’re going in the right direction.”

On Jadon Sancho starting, he says: “It was not simple [choice] because we have more players. But we decided on Jadon and hope it is the right decision.”

Chelsea match facts

12:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea could win their opening three away games of a Premier League season for the first time since 2017/18.

The Blues’ 1-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend ended a run of 20 consecutive away matches in all competitions without a clean sheet.

In 2024, only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have earned more points in the Premier League than Chelsea’s 42.

The Blues have been shown 16 yellow cards this season, more than any other side in the top flight. Eight of those came in their last game against Bournemouth.

Christopher Nkunku has currently scored more goals for Chelsea (6) than he has made starts (5).

Match facts

12:15 , Chris Wilson

West Ham could begin a season with three straight home league defeats for the first time if they were to lose today. The Hammers have faced a league-high 73 shots across their opening four matches, and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 home league games since a 0-0 draw versus Brighton in January.

Lopetegui’s side have won only two of their 12 Premier League home fixtures in 2024 (D6, L4), beating Brentford 4-2 and Luton 3-1.

The Hammers are the first club to play their opening five matches of a Premier League season in London since Charlton Athletic in 2006-07. Their first league game outside the capital isn’t until early November.

Michail Antonio could become the first player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements for West Ham today – he currently has 67 goals and 32 assists.

West Ham v Chelsea head-to-head

12:10 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 122 times, with the first meeting taking place in 1923. Chelsea have won 55 matches, with West Ham winning 44 and 23 ending as draws.

Chelsea have won 30 of the 56 Premier League meetings between the two – they’ve only beaten Tottenham more often in the division (35 times).

The home team won both Premier League matches last season: 3-1 for West Ham at the London Stadium and 5-0 for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

12:05 , Chris Wilson

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(Getty Images)

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(Getty Images)

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Chelsea start WSL season and new era with win

12:00 , Chris Wilson

Their men are in action this afternoon but Chelsea’s women can kick back and relax having got the job done, just about, at Kingsmeadow last night. Jamie Braidwood was there to watch the start of the Sonia Bompastor era.

Chelsea require an unexpected hero to get Sonia Bompastor era off to winning start

Enzo Maresca backs players over strike threat

11:50 , Chris Wilson

Footballers are playing too many games and not enough is being done to protect them, according to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.

In the same week that Manchester City’s Rodri suggested fotballers could strike in response to fixture congestion and a lack of consultation from governing bodies, Maresca said that refusing to play “could be an idea” and hinted he believes players would be right to take action against the number of games they are being made to play.

Chelsea and City are due to take part in FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup in the United States next summer, further limiting the amount of downtime players will get in between seasons following Euro 2024 and ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Asked whether he felt there were too many games in the current football calendar, Maresca said: “Yes, no doubt.

“In terms of games, it’s too much. I don’t think we protect players. We can say what we think and for me it’s completely wrong the amount of games that we have.

“The only ones that can do something are the players and we can help them. In the last two weeks some of the players have tried to explain what they think. I think it’s a good starting point.

“Some of them have said (they could strike). I think it could be an idea for them.”

Rodri warns players could strike over increase in fixtures: ‘We are close to that’

Julen Lopetegui not pre-occupied by potential Lucas Paqueta betting ban

11:40 , Chris Wilson

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has not spoken with Lucas Paqueta about the FA gambling charges and possible suspension hanging over the Brazilian, and admitted he is reluctant to load too much creative responsibility on to the playmaker after a muted beginning to the season.

The 27-year-old is facing a lengthy ban if found guilty of breaching regulations relating to “spot fixing” in four Premier League matches during the 2022/23 season, when it is alleged he deliberately got booked in order to influence the betting market.

The Hammers have made a mixed start to life under Lopetegui with just one win in their first four league fixtures, and are yet to pick up a point at home ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea at the London Stadium.

The limited impact made so far by Paqueta, whose only goal involvement came via a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, has not helped as the former Real Madrid and Spain coach seeks to transform the team’s playing style from the defensive football favoured by predecessor David Moyes into a more expressive brand of play.

The drawn-out nature of the FA’s disciplinary process means the former Lyon winger is likely to be available to play for much of this season, and the manager said he is satisfied with what he has seen so far.

“I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment,” said Lopetegui. “He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want. We’re trying to help him to be better and better. He’s an important player.

“I don’t want to put this kind of responsibility on one player. He has to do the best he can about the offensive phase and defensive phase.

“When he is focused on the defensive work he is a much better player and we try to encourage him to always be focused in a defensive way as well as an offensive way.

“He managed (the betting scandal) in a good way. We try to help him, because until now he is one player more.

“But we don’t talk about (the charges). We talk about football, about the next match and about life. But not about this.”

 (PA Wire) (PA Wire)

(PA Wire)

Ben Chilwell handed Chelsea lifeline as Enzo Maresca considers him for selection

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Chilwell has been handed a Chelsea lifeline after head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed he is under consideration for selection after returning to training with the first team.

The England defender appeared to have no future at Stamford Bridge in August when he was not included in the core group of 22 or 23 players the Italian considered to be his first-team squad, and was told he could leave.

However, he has been named amongst the club’s 25-man squad eligible to play in the Premier League, and ahead of Saturday’s trip to face West Ham Maresca said the situation had changed.

Ben Chilwell handed Chelsea lifeline as Enzo Maresca considers him for selection

Chelsea team news

11:27 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca had made three changes to the side that snuck a 1-0 win against Bournemouth last week. In defence, Axel Disasi drops out for summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo, with Wesley Fofana moving to right-back.

Captiain Enzo Fernandez returns to midfield in place of Renato Veiga, while Pedro Neto drops out for fellow summer signing Jadon Sancho, who got the assist last week along with the man of the match award.

West Ham team news

11:22 , Chris Wilson

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has made just two changes to the side that drew to Fulham last weekend. Kudus moves into the striker position, with Michail Antonio replaced by Crysencio Summerville.

Tomas Soucek makes way for Lucas Paqueta as an attacking midfielder.

West Ham line-up

11:19 , Chris Wilson

West Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Bowen, Paqueta, Sumerville; Kudus.

Subs: Fabianski, Creswell, Soler, Coufal, Antonio, Ings, Todibo, Soucek, Irving.

Line-ups

11:17 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Disasi, Neto, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku.

Team news on the way…

11:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A 12.30 kick off means a bit of morning Premier League team news – we will very soon find out this afternoon’s combatants at the London Stadium. Will Enzo Maresca stick with a settled side? Does Julen Lopetegui have a curveball up his sleeve?

Enzo Maresca urges his Chelsea players to ignore external noise

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Enzo Maresca told his Chelsea players to continue to shut out external noise after they secured a second Premier League win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth last weekend.

The Blues remained in the headlines during the September international break after reports emerged of a rift between co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

It is the latest off-field problem for Maresca to handle after he fielded various questions over the future of several players during a busy summer of transfer activity.

Enzo Maresca urges his Chelsea players to ignore external noise

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

06:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good morning and welcome along to The Independent’s live coverage of the opening clash of the Premier League weekend. It’s to the east of London we head as West Ham prepare to host Chelsea in an intriguing little lunch-time number to whet the appetite ahead of a busy weekend in the English top flight.

Kick off is at 12.30pm BST.


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Jets-Patriots Game Recap | Aaron Rodgers, Green & White Dominate New England

The offense didn’t slow down coming out of intermission, making a three-score game when Rodgers connected with Wilson on a 2-yard scoring pass, the second-year wideout’s first of the season, in the third quarter to extend the lead, 21-3. The Jets’ 18-point margin was their largest third-quarter lead over New England in their last 26 home games (1998 regular-season finale) and the largest in all games in their last 49 meetings (2000).

Looking spry at 40, Rodgers showed mobility to extend the play and gain yards downfield. He had 18 yards rushing, 11 of which came on a scramble along the Jets’ sideline where he took a shot from Keion White.

“This was kind of the first step of in playing the way I know I’m capable of playing,” Rodgers said. “I felt like I was myself quite a few years ago.”

The Jets’ defense didn’t take its foot off the gas while allowing 139 total yards. DE Will McDonald, coming off a 3- sack performance in Week 2 vs. Tennessee, led the Green & White with 2 of the team’s 7 sacks and LB Quincy Williams’ 8 tackles led the team. S Chuck Clark also registered his first sack in green and white and forced a fumble by RB Rhamondre Stevenson that he recovered.

“We talk about a style of play and a standard and just playing with relentless effort,” Saleh said. “Just 11 hats to the ball and I thought we did that.”

With 4:24 remaining the Patriots inserted rookie QB Drake Maye, who was selected No. 3 overall in April’s draft. He drove the ball to New York’s 7-yard line before being dropped for a sack by DE Takk McKinley and Thomas.

Jetcetera
With C.J. Mosley (toe) inactive, Jamien Sherwood started at Mike linebacker. …. Breece Hall‘s second-quarter TD gave him a score in six consecutive games. … WR Garrett Wilson extended his streak of multiple receptions to 31 games. He has caught a pass in every game of his NFL career. … Morgan Moses left the game with a knee injury at the end of the third quarter and rookie Olu Fashanu came in and made his NFL debut. … Rookie RB Isaiah Davis received his first offensive snaps of the season. … The Jets will have a mini-bye this weekend before resuming to action next weekend as the Denver Broncos will pay a visit to MetLife Stadium.


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5 takeaways from New York Jets’ 24-3 win over New England Patriots

Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) sacked by New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) and defensive end Will McDonald IV (99) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

It was a bad night to be Jacoby Brissett. The Patriots quarterback was running around a lot and getting hit plenty.

The Jets decided to blitz a lot more than their first two games and that helped. The defensive front ended up being rewarded.

Those notching sacks for the Jets included Will McDonald IV (1.5), Quinnen Williams (1) and Micheal Clemons. (0.5), among others. In total, Brissett was hit 15 total times as well.

In an added treat, McDonald and Clemons did Jermaine Johnson’s sack celebration as he recovers from his Achilles injury. A nice touch.


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Harry Kane marks 100th England cap with two goals vs. Finland

Harry Kane described his 100th cap for England as a “pretty much perfect” night after scoring both goals in Tuesday’s 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over Finland.

Kane finally broke the deadlock at Wembley in the 57th minute with an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

And the 31-year-old secured the three points for England by doubling his tally 14 minutes from the end with a clever first-time finish following a square pass from substitute Noni Madueke on his international debut.

“As a striker of course on my 100th cap I wanted to score a goal and make the night as memorable as possible and to win the game as well,” said Kane.

“So to score a couple of good goals, a couple of nice finishes and help the team win 2-0 was pretty much perfect so a proud night for me and the family and now we can enjoy it.

“I had enough shots to get a hat trick but [interim boss] Lee [Carsley] spoke about managing some minutes with a lot of games coming up.

“I’ve always spoken about when things are not going your way, trying to use that to bring an energy, a motivation and a hunger not just to prove other people but to prove to yourself that you can keep maintaining this level and keep pushing.

“That’s what I talk about. There will be a time — I’m not sure when — when the level will drop and you won’t quite feel the same but while I feel like I do, I want to keep pushing the boundaries. I think I showed that out there tonight and come October, I’ll be ready to go again.”

The victory means England have started Carsley’s reign with two wins from their opening two Nations League matches after beating Ireland 2-0 in Dublin last weekend.

Kane had earlier been presented with a golden cap by fellow England centurions Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole in a special ceremony before kick-off at Wembley after becoming the 10th men’s player to reach the milestone.

Kane is England’s all-time top scorer with 68 goals during a career in which he has started 87 games and been named captain on 73 occasions.

The Bayern Munich striker made his England debut in March 2015 — marking the occasion with a goal just 79 seconds after coming on.

Kane has played more games at major finals (28) than any other Englishman but is yet to win a trophy having been part of the side that lost back-to-back Euros finals, including this summer’s 2-1 defeat to Spain.


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