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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Blood and injustice: How Manchester United got ‘mad’ and back to winning ways

Blood and injustice: How Manchester United got ‘mad’ and back to winning ways

A day after Erik ten Hag had gone on the attack over reports of his demise, his Manchester United players used their own sense of injustice to fuel a fightback that will have greater influence over the narrative at Old Trafford.

A manager under scrutiny is entitled to counter-punch and in his press conference ahead of facing Brentford, Ten Hag accused journalists of writing fairytales about his future. Equating the press pack with Hans Christian Andersen is a sure-fire way to endear yourself to the fanbase and, having been questioned for much of his two-year reign, Ten Hag doubtless feels he has to project total strength in crucial moments.

Words only go so far, though. Results are what will dictate the reality of Ten Hag’s tenure.

Beating Thomas Frank’s side at home on Saturday was a start but it didn’t come without jeopardy. Indeed, at its core was an episode of gore that imbued Ten Hag and his players with a burning desire to turn things around. That it featured one of the managers’ key signings, whose leadership origin story dates back to their days together at Ajax, only heightened the drama.

Early in the game, Matthijs de Ligt took a novel approach to defending by planting his head into the knee of opponent Kevin Schade as the ball bounced outside the area. With blood pouring down his face, looking like he had made an early start to his Halloween costume, as a result of that collision, De Ligt was forced to the sidelines for treatment as the game continued.

United’s medics chose to try to stem the bleeding by clogging the wound with a jelly-like substance rather than wrapping a bandage around the Dutchman’s head, due to the awkward position of the cut. But into first-half stoppage time, referee Sam Barrott ushered De Ligt off again as it reopened. Rules ban players from continuing with bloody gashes.

De Ligt returned, only to be directed off again by Barrott when Brentford won a corner in the final seconds before the break. De Ligt flapped his arms in irritation and then, as he was being tended to, watched Ethan Pinnock escape Diogo Dalot to head in the opening goal. De Ligt swivelled and booted one of the pitchside balls into the advertising boards.

Afterwards, Ten Hag said: “It was dry blood, so he was already treated for the injury. I didn’t understand why he was sent off. A huge moment, because Brentford is very good at corners and you miss one of your best headers of the ball.”


Matthijs de Ligt complains to fourth official Gavin Ward after Brentford’s opening goal (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

The blood’s viscosity was not a consideration for Barrott but United complained at the timing and circumstance of the official’s implementation of the rules. Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy steps down the touchline to confront fourth official Gavin Ward. Ten Hag directed his anger that way too. Both received guarantees from Barrott in response.

“Definitely we were mad and angry at half-time,” said Ten Hag afterwards. “We felt some injustice and used it as fuel.”

Blame for the concession could go to United’s defending of Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner, or the physios for failing to stop the bleeding the first time, or Ten Hag for declining to simply replace De Ligt. Victor Lindelof immediately got ready to come on when De Ligt initially went down, but Ten Hag was told by his compatriot that he could continue.

There is trust between them since Ten Hag made De Ligt his captain, at age 18, in an intriguing manner.

The pivotal date is March 4, 2018, as Ajax travelled to Vitesse Arnhem needing to win to keep up faint hopes of catching PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie title race. Ten Hag had taken over early in the January, winning four of his first six league matches and drawing two others.

But he tasted his first Ajax loss that day in Arnhem, to a side who had a young Mason Mount, now of United, playing for them on loan from Chelsea. As people began to drift into the Ajax changing room following the 3-2 defeat, several players talked about what had gone against them. They complained about the officiating, which they felt had been skewed towards the hosts. Some pointed out the pitch was awkward to play on. Others felt the weather had been detrimental to their style.

Then De Ligt entered and he did not like what he was hearing. Despite his teenage years, he told his older team-mates to stop blaming other factors and instead look at their own performances, as he would do. He said the only way Ajax would become champions is by improving individually and collectively, rather than pointing fingers.


Bruno Fernandes wipes blood from De Ligt’s head (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

De Ligt had broken into the side the previous season and started the Europa League final, against United, as a 17-year-old, so had some status but this was still a bold move given his age. Ten Hag was greatly impressed by what he considered to be a winning mentality and had an idea.

The next day, having slept on it, he told his coaches that he was going to make the kid captain of Ajax, feeling his unflinching attitude should be recognised. During that morning’s training session, the manager informed his squad.

Six days later, De Ligt led Ajax out at Johan Cruyff Arena for the visit of Heerenveen and opened the scoring with a header after winning the ball in midfield and continuing his run into the box to meet a floated pass by Hakim Ziyech. Ajax went on to win 4-1, although they ultimately lost the title race to PSV.

The next season was one of the best in Ajax’s modern history. They won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup (Dutch football’s FA Cup equivalent), and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, knocking out Real Madrid and Juventus along the way and playing thrilling football before a stunning late meltdown at home against Tottenham cost them a place in the final.

Following spells with Juventus and Bayern Munich since, De Ligt’s start to his United career since being signed this summer has been somewhat checkered. He scored away to Southampton, ghosting into the box as he had done in his first game as Ajax captain, but had such a chaotic performance in the 3-3 at Porto in the Europa League that Ten Hag felt compelled to take him out of the starting line-up for the subsequent trip to Aston Villa.

De Ligt’s injury yesterday was the result of once again engaging early with a situation and being a split-second late.

But his determination to stay on echoes what Ten Hag saw in Arnhem over six years ago and De Ligt did his bit after the break. Late in the game, his aggressive approach won United the ball on the wing and he carried possession down the same touchline where he had earlier shown such fury, eventually crossing so Alejandro Garnacho could test Mark Flekken with a shot.


Rasmus Hojlund, who scored United’s winner, celebrates Garnacho’s equalizing goal (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

By that stage, Garnacho’s volley from Marcus Rashford’s brilliant cross and Rasmus Hojlund’s deft finish from a Bruno Fernandes flicked assist had swung the points United’s way. They had come out flying for the second half, proof that these players are still trying for their manager — even those who have experienced friction at times. Rashford was energised in and out of possession and could have had at least three more assists. Casemiro also had a very good game.

Ten Hag’s selection choices paid off, too. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were starting their first Premier League game alongside Fernandes since September last year — the 3-1 home loss to Brighton — but here, the partnership worked. Lisandro Martinez was near faultless as the makeshift left-back.

Match-going United fans have largely stayed with Ten Hag and his team as well. Hundreds remained afterwards outside Old Trafford for photos. De Ligt, once his wound was fully cleaned up, was one of those who obliged them.

The big caveat is that Ten Hag needs consistent performances like this against the best teams. Only then will his relationship with United truly have hope of ending happily ever after.

go-deeper

(Top photo: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)


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Manchester United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result as Rasmus Hojlund completes turnaround

Manchester United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result as Rasmus Hojlund completes turnaround

Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet as Manchester United bounced back after conceding a controversial goal to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford for their first victory in more than a month.

The win meant United climbed to 10th in the standings on 11 points after eight matches, and eased some of the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, whose job has been the subject of media speculation. Brentford are 12th on 10 points.

United had 10 men on the pitch when Ethan Pinnock headed in Brentford’s goal from a corner deep in first-half stoppage time after referee Sam Barrott instructed Matthijs de Ligt to go to the touchline to stem the bleeding from a gash on his head.

United came out of the break fired up and Garnacho latched onto a cross from Marcus Rashford to fire home from the left side of the six-yard box into the far corner in the 47th minute.

Hojlund put the home side ahead in spectacular fashion in the 62nd when Bruno Fernandes found him with a back-heel pass, and the Dane chipped the ball over goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Manchester United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League updates

  • FULL TIME! Manchester United end five-game winless run with comeback win

  • 68’ GOAL! Hojlund puts United ahead with brilliant chip finish (MUN 2-1 BRE)

  • 48’ GOAL! Garnacho fires equaliser shortly after the restart (MUN 1-1 BRE)

  • 45+5’ GOAL! United behind as Pinnock heads visitors in front (MUN 0-1 BRE)

  • United defender De Ligt was off pitch receiving more treatment for head injury

  • United are on a five-game winless run in all competitions

  • Man Utd XI: Onana, Dalot, de Ligt, Evans, Martinez, Casemiro, Eriksen, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

  • Brentford XI: Flekken, van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer, Janelt, Norgaard, Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter, Schade

Manchester United FC 2 – 1 Brentford FC

Manchester United’s sense of injustice sparks comeback win for Erik ten Hag

17:43 , Richard Jolly

Perhaps it took a sense of injustice to spare Manchester United further ignominy. When the half-time whistle blew, they were losing and losing their rag, Brentford on course for a first win at Old Trafford since 1937, United set for a third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford, a fate they had not suffered since 1979. As it stood, they were the joint lowest scorers in the Premier League, their drought stretching past five hours. The class of 2024 were failing, the class of 2004 fuming. Ruud van Nistelrooy was booked. Darren Fletcher ran after the officials in the tunnel.

Ethan Pinnock’s opener – though actually far less controversial than United imagined – had annoyed their past. Their present responded. The temptation was to call it a much-needed win for Erik ten Hag, though perhaps the scarcity of victories means they all are, but ended with a first triumph in six games, just a fourth in 12 outings this season. The outstanding Alejandro Garnacho delivered a wonderful equaliser, Rasmus Hojlund a decider to cap a show of spirit.

Man Utd’s sense of injustice sparks comeback win for Erik ten Hag

Manchester United vs Brentford

17:06

The full-time whistle sounds and United are 2-1 victors over Brentford at Old Trafford. While the first half saw a bloody De Ligt struggling and touchline-bound, Brentford were decisive in his absence and struck the lead just before the interval. Pinnock rose best from a Damsgaard corner to head into the top-left, and it’s fair to suggest that even with De Ligt on the pitch, that goal would still go in. In the second half, United changed their tune and were inspired by Garnacho’s continued skilful industry. Just two minutes into the new period, the Argentine restored parity with a lovely volleyed finish as Rashford found him on the left channel of the area with a beautifully pin-point pass. Then, after continued offensive impetus, 15 minutes later saw the Red Devils snatch the lead with Hojlund. Martinez won the ball back and played forwards. Fernandes then offered a deft flick to play in the Dane, who obliged to dink the on-rushing Flekken and ultimately provide the decisive goal of the afternoon. United operated at an xG of 1.48, while the visitors stayed at an xG of 0.98. Now, United go 10th in the table, with Brentford down to 12th. Thank you for joining us today, goodbye!

Manchester United vs Brentford

17:02

FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD

Manchester United vs Brentford

17:01

Brentford are keeping United in their area. The hosts don’t react to the dropping ball following a long-throw and then Carvalho drags his effort wide right!

Manchester United vs Brentford

17:00

Brentford keep fighting here and Frank has waved his players forward. Can they level late on?

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:59

There will be five added minutes today.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:56

United’s stand-out star Garnacho comes off to a standing ovation. Noussair Mazraoui is on, fully recovered from recent surgery on his heart.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:56

Rashford enterprise results in a corner on the right for United. Brentford clear, with Mbeumo desperate to break, yet he doesn’t get far. In the next pahse, Yarmoliuk fires over, but the flag is up anyway on Wissa’s run through the back line.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:53

Substitution Jonathan Grant Evans Victor Jörgen Nilsson Lindelöf

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:53

Substitution Carlos Henrique Casimiro Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:52

Mbeumo wins a free-kick deep on the right and after a free-kick cross has the United defence alert, an eventual offside halts the visiting progress.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:51

Substitution Sepp van den Berg Mads Roerslev Rasmussen

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:49

United have numbers forward as Rashford drives at Collins and shoots, yet the move was rather telegraphed and the Irishman can block. Garnacho then pounds one low and hard after De Ligt made good yardage, yet Flekken can save easily, putting his body behind the ball.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:46

Casemiro darts in and Rashford puts the ball into Zirkzee’s path, but again, the Dutchman can’t get it under control. He just can’t catch a break.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:44

Damsgaard tries to wriggle through the Red Devils’ midfield, yet Eriksen ushers him off the ball before then getting fouled himself.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:43

United are just knocking the ball around now with jeers arriving from the home crowd. Zirkzee then gets played in, yet he can’t take it in his stride. Casemiro takes control, yet it’s comfortably wide right.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:39

Brentford’s changes keep coming as Janelt is withdrawn for young Unkrainian Yehor Yarmoliuk.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:39

Hojlund comes off to a brilliant Old Trafford reception following his game-changing dink. Joshua Zirkzee is on for the last 16-plus minutes.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:39

Substitution Kevin Schade Fábio Leandro Freitas Gouveia de Carvalho

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:39

The ball has been in play for a while now, but the referee remembers a foul from Ajer on Hojlund, and the Norwegian is booked.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:36

Dalot has seemingly forgot he’s a defender! He’s tried to race in behind again! The pass for the right-back was just too long, though, and Flekken claimed easily.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:33

Dalot breaks in behind after Onana pings one forward, and with Schade falling, Flekken has to come out and block the Portuguese! Great pass from the Cameroonian keeper!

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:30

Substitution Keane William Lewis-Potter Yoane Wissa Bileko

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:27

United are a complete different team here in the second half. Garnacho is looking electric and puts the ball into an area where there’s no one. Casemiro then crosses and Fernandes heads wide.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:28

Assist Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:25

United have a corner on the left with Eriksen. Hojlund darts in behind and Van den Berg puts it behind. The corner utlimately comes to nothing as a short move is well-read by Brentford.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:22

Norgaard is down now after Fernandes seemingly studs the Dane’s ankle on the right. No card given though.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:20

Yellow Card Christian Thers Nørgaard

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:19

Dalot slides through the back of Lewis-Potter and receives a deserved yellow card.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:18

Manchester United have attempted six shots on target in this match, higher than their season average of 4.8 in the Premier League.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:18

Casemiro has a go from range, and the sun-blinded Flekken saves again! The cap-wearing Dutchman didn’t look too sure where that was, yet he does well in the low sunlight.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:17

Garnacho nearly gets a second! Van den Berg is allowing the winger too much space and he jinks in from the left to fire low. Flekken tips it from the bottom-left corner in agile fashion.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:15

Brentford have conceded three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Only West Ham United (four) have conceded more in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:12

Rashford and Hojlund link up superbly on the edge of the Brentford box and the latter runs inside, yet Pinnock slide tackles superbly.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:12

Goal Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:12

Assist Marcus Rashford

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:11

We’re back underway at Old Trafford as United have work to do.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:04

With that showing, Manchester United have now failed to score a first-half goal in seven of their eight games, more often than any other team in the Premier League this season. Something has to change for Ten Hag if he wishes his keep his job. United’s half chances have culminated in a lowly xG of 0.28. Although Brentford have largely operated on the counter, their xG of 0.83 hints at far more positivity going forward, and their decisive nature in front of goal has illustrated they’re not just early goal gimmick-chasers. United can’t play victim for too long in this one, otherwise Brentford could pull away.

Manchester United vs Brentford

16:00

The interval arrives and Brentford lead 1-0 here at Old Trafford as United are incensed. A relatively non-descript game had panned out to this point with Flekken and Onana only really tested by Garnacho and Norgaard efforts, respectively. Yet, the drama arrived in the final knockings. Earlier in the match, De Ligt for some reason opted to use his head to tackle Schade’s knee and was off the pitch on numerous occasions to get the wound on the top of his skull sealed up. However, as he cleared a late cross from the visitors, it opened up again, and thus he was called off for treatment. Brentford took the corner and Pinnock rose best to head into the top-left corner, and it’s fair to suggest that even with De Ligt on the pitch, that goal still goes in. Dalot didn’t follow the defender’s run and now an offensively blunt United trail with only themselves to blame.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:55

HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 0-1 BRENTFORD

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:52

Brentford have a corner here on the left. De Ligt’s head wound is open again. It’s doubtful he’ll be back for the second half.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:52

Goal Ethan Rupert Pinnock

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:52

Yellow Card Jonathan Grant Evans

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:47

There will be four minutes of added time here.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:47

Damsgaard nearly finds Lewis-Potter behind the United line, but an agile leg from Dalot, it looked like, halted the trouble. United are still forced to defend and De Ligt has blood running down his head!

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:46

Norgaard is frustrated at Casemiro’s theatrics to win a foul off the Dane. Referee Barrott has a chat with the Brentford midfielder to calm him down.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:44

Garnacho forces Flekken to save! Hojlund offers brilliant hold up play and then finds Garnacho who cuts back on his right to fire into the bottom-left. It’s deflected slightly and Flekken can save before it’s smashed behind for a corner. This comes to nothing, yet United keep the pressure up.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:43

Collins is down after Hojlund collides with the defender. The Dane is then played in in Collins’ vacant spot and the centre-back gets up to track back as the striker fires low and wide of the right post. The Irishman wasn’t happy with the referee there. Hojlund was apologetic.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:39

United counter after Lewis-Potter is slow to cross on the left. Hojlund holds the ball up in the centre and Rashford then pings Garnacho through on the left. The youngster drives at goal but his finish is poor and balloons high and wide at the near post.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:38

Casemiro has a go from range, and it’s deflected over for a corner on the right. Norgaard heads away and Fernandes then slams one way over.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:36

Eriksen fires over from inside the box. How on earth has he missed by such a height? Well, it doesn’t matter, as Collins was fouled by Rashford in the lead up and Eriksen has reprieve.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:34

The corner on the left nears Schade, yet Eriksen clears for the hosts.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:34

Onana saves from Norgaard! The Dane turns away from Casemiro with aplomb and fires from a central-right position just outside the box. It’s going in the left-side, yet Onana is agile to tip it away for a corner.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:32

After United eventually deal with Mbeumo, debatably illegally, with an arm across the throat being employed – Fernandes is fouled by Schade as he looks to get Garnacho off and running.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:31

Mbuemo gets left by Martinez and Evans lashes the ball skywards as the winger clearly causes panic as he chases Flekken’s ball from the back just off the right side.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:28

United buzz with intent around the Bees’ box and it goes out to Garnacho. He takes on Van den Berg succesfully and fires on goal. However, Flekken saves well down to his right. The subsequent corner comes to nothing.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:27

Brentford have lost all three of their Premier League away games so far this season – they’ve not begun a league campaign with four straight losses on the road since 1961-62, when they lost their first nine in the third tier. They’ve admittedly looked the brightest out of the two teams so far here.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:23

Flekken drops his claim from the left-sided corner and it has to be cleared off the line with Hojlund lurking!

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:22

The corner falls to Garnacho after De Ligt leaves it. His shot is blocked but the hosts keep coming and Rashford’s left-sided cross is blocked by Pinnock.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:21

United have a corner on the right after Ajer puts a cross behind on that side. Eriksen will take.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:20

So far, Brentford have had 68% possession to United’s 32%. There have been zero attempts on the Bees’ goal so far.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:18

De Ligt is back on, presumably glued up. Brentford have a throw-in on the left with Pinnock. He can launch them. Damsgaard then fires, but can’t get hold of it and Martinez blocks.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:17

Lewis-Potter smashes his free-kick into the wall and United can build out. Reminder, De Ligt is still on the sideline receiving treatment. Untied down to ten.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:16

Well, after De Ligt receives treatment to a gash on the top of his head, it looks like the medics are going to try and strap him up further. It does look like Lindelof will be entering the fray at some point, despite De Ligt’s intent to stay on.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:14

De Ligt is down with a head injury. Schade has flicked the ball over the Dutchman and the defender has headered the German’s knee. Free-kick to Brentford, as the former Bayern man was nowhere near the ball.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:11

Brentford are in possession here, yet United have pressed them deep. Somehow the Bees have well to escape with Ajer, yet his pass on the edge of the United area is intercepted well by Garnacho’s slide. Great recovery.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:09

Mbeumo brings the ball down from a simply sublime Collins cross-field ping and the winger drives at Martinez before jinking back on his left. However,he can’t keep the shot down and it flies high and left of the target.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:07

Manchester United average 0.7 goals per game in the Premier League this season (five goals in seven games), compared to three goals per game across all other competitions this term (12 goals in 4 games).

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:06

Brenford should have the lead here. Janelt crosses excellently from the left and Evans miss-kicks it. Schade misses it too and United survive!

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:05

Fernandes makes a positive start on the left. He drives and fires in a low cross for Hojlund to try and latch onto at the near post. However, Flekken is out to claim.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:03

Onana finds the ball at his feet. He’s out of his box playing like a centre-back. Interesting.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:03

And we’re off. United look to keep possession and not allow the Bees yet another early goal.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:02

Manchester United will kick us off after the coin toss.

Manchester United vs Brentford

15:02

Today’s official is Samuel Barrott, and he leads the players out to the Old Trafford turf. There’s a palpable tension around the place as Ten Hag’s future continues to hang in the balance. Will he get his team firing today? Or will United succumb to the dynamic speedsters from West London? All we know, is that this one should have all the makings of an entertaining watch.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:57

Brentford boss Thomas Frank came within a matter of minutes of securing his side’s first Old Trafford victory since 1937 in the corresponding fixture last season. However, while Scott McTominay’s late strike denied him, hopes remain alive against this inconsistent United team this afternoon. For this meeting, Frank makes no changes to the team that whalloped Wolves 5-3 last time out, with attacking impetus very much in focus with the continued excellence of Bryan Mbuemo. He has scored six goals in his seven Premier League games this season, netting in each of his last three appearances. His next goal or assist will see him become the first Brentford player to register 50 Premier League goal involvements (currently 28 goals, 21 assists).

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:52

Erik ten Hag makes three changes to the Manchester United side that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa last time out in the Premier League. The injured Harry Maguire makes way while Noussair Mazraoui drops to the bench. Kobbie Mainoo is also out of the team. In their place, arrive Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:47

SUBS: Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, Ben Mee, Jayden Meghoma, Mads Roerslev, Ryan Trevitt, Yegor Yarmolyuk, Yunus Emre Konak, Fabio Carvalho, Yoane Wissa.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:47

BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Mark Flekken; Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, Kristoffer Ajer; Vitaly Janelt, Christian Norgaard; Bryan Mbuemo, Mikkel Damsgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter; Kevin Schade.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:47

SUBS: Altay Bayindir, Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Nilsson Lindelof, Jack Fletcher, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Antony, Ethan Wheatley, Joshua Zirkzee.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:42

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:42

Manchester United are hoping their home contest against Brentford will prove to be the start of a more consistent run of form after another turbulent spell in the Premier League campaign under divisive manager Erik ten Hag. Currently, United are in 13th place on eight points after seven matches. Manchester United earned a point in their last Premier League match, drawing 0-0 at Villa Park against Aston Villa, extending their winless streak to three (W0 D2 L1). Brentford defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers in a staggering 5-3 at home in their last league match. This ended a three-match winless streak, and left the visitors in 11th spot on 10 points through seven matches.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:37

Hello everyone, and welcome to live text coverage of the Premier League’s Matchweek eight clash between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Brentford

14:30

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Manchester United vs Brentford

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

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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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Wolves vs Liverpool LIVE: Result and reaction as Salah penalty gives unconvincing Reds win

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Liverpool face Wolves in today’s late kick-off at the Molineux, with Arne Slot’s side looking to retain a place near the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds convincingly beat Bournemouth last time out, recovering from a 1-0 loss to Forest by putting three past their opponents, with Luis Diaz scoring a double.

Wolves took the lead against Aston Villa in their Midlands derby last week, only to lose 3-1 thanks to late goals from Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. Gary O’Neil’s side currently sit bottom of the league, with just one point gained and 14 goals conceded, and are looking for their first win of the season in what will surely be a difficult game against Slot’s developing Liverpool team.

Relive all the action from the Premier League match below:

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

  • Liverpool edge to narrow 2-1 win over Wolves

  • Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty secures all three points to send the Reds top of the Premier League table

  • Basement club Wolves showed heart but remain rooted to the foot of the table

  • FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

  • 61’ GOAL! Salah gives Liverpool the lead after Semedo brought down Jota [WOL 1-2 LIV]

  • 56’ GOAL! Ait-Nouri levels it after a defensive mix-up from Liverpool [WOL 1-1 LIV]

  • 50’ CLOSE! Salah misses an open net after Lemina’s poor pass across goal [WOL 0-1 LIV]

  • 47’ GOAL! Konate heads Liverpool in front just before half-time [WOL 0-1 LIV]

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 1 – 2 Liverpool FC

20:02 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot also spoke to Sky Sports, and he says that in the short term, the results are more important than the performance.

“For the long term you have to look at the performance. I don’t think we started well but you have to give credit to Wolves.

“They overloaded our right side a lot with many players. That’s why it was difficult at the start but second half we came out much better.

“The energy and intensity was much higher than the first 15 minutes.

“I saw the first goal and what stands out is the patience we have. In general we were much more patient.

The Dutchman goes on to praise Gravnberch and Mac Allister, before addressing Liverpool’s status as potential title contenders.

“We have a lot to prove when we come across the top sides. It’s good that we are where we are at the moment.

“I always try to be realistic, Jurgen’s work has been fantastic. We have to prove we can do it in the Champions League and Premier League.”

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:55 , Chris Wilson

Toti Gomes is the Wolves player speaking to Sky, and he calls it “a tough defeat”.

“We started well and we were a bit unlucky suffering the first goal, but we responded immediately in the first half.

“We were not paying attention to some details. We deserved something from this game – at least a point.

“All the details count especially against the big teams. If you do little mistakes they will make a goal and we will suffer.

“It is not easy, but it is a matter of time [until results improve].

“We are not in a good phase, but we have to stick together. We have had tough defeats against big teams but we are going to keep fighting and we have a lot to prove.

“I ask the fans to stick with us, as we are going to keep improving.”

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:48 , Chris Wilson

Konate and Gravenberch have been speaking to Sky Sports, and the former says that the team are “really happy”.

“Wolves were very good today and it was tough for us. We did really well”

Gravenberch says a team like Liverpool “has to be in the top four for sure, but we keep pushing”.

Konate adds that “every game is very hard” in the Premier League.

“But the fans expect three points, and we did it. We have an important game on Wednesday and we have to start the recovery now.

““We missed concentration and we have to work on it. Everything cannot be perfect every time. We need more focus during the game.”

Next up

19:42 , Chris Wilson

Wolves’ next match sees them travel to Brentford on Saturday, for a 3pm kick-off.

Liverpool host Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday, before they too travel to south London – they face Crystal Palace in the early kick-off on Saturday.

FT: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:37 , Chris Wilson

That result puts Liverpool top of the Premier League, with 15 points. They sit one point above Manchester City and Arsenal.

Wolves sit at the other end of the table, bottom with just one point gained and 10 goals conceded.

FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:32 , Chris Wilson

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

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(Getty Images)

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FULL-TIME! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:27 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

Suffice to say that Wolves are playing quite badly. They’re barely even willing to take the risk to throw men forwards as they look for an equaliser.

Another pass is played straight to a red shirt and the referee blows the final whistle!

Liverpool take three points in the end.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:26 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Time for one more Wolves attack, but it isn’t promising much.

liverpool give it away to Toti, who plays it across to Forbs. They go backwards to Lemina before Semedo plays a poor cross straight to a red shirt.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:24 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

A slick move from Liverpool creates an opening in the box and the cross is fizzed across goal by Gakpo, but there’s nobody on the end of it.

At the other end, Alisson collects the ball once more after a brief Wolves attack.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:23 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

Forbs has been one of Wolves’ only bright sparks since he came on, and he tries to get things moving, first with a cross and then with a dribble, but the ball ends up with Alisson.

There’ll be six minutes of added time.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:21 , Chris Wilson

89 mins

This has been a very strange match overall. Both sides have been pedestrian, but Liverpool almost look deliberately so, while Wolves have been forced into it by their lack of quality.

Wolves are really struggling in attack at the moment though, and Liverpool are happy to keep things as they are.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:19 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Robertson comes off for Joe Gomez.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:18 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Wolves are really lacking ideas here, as Forbs is given a yellow card for raking his studs down Robertson’s Achilles.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:14 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

A Liverpool corner goes all the way to an unmarked Jota at the far post, but he wasn’t expecting it and can’t react in time to turn it in.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:13 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Salah wins a corner after bursting into the box, but he’s got a lot more urgency than his teammates at the moment. Robertson swings in the set-piece but Lemina heads clear, before Gravenberch does well to skip past a challenge in the area but then messes up the pass.

19:10 , Chris Wilson

78 mins

Better from the away side as Salah lays off a simple pass to Jones, who fizzes in a low shot that Johnstone gets down to save.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:08 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Some poor decision-making from both sides results in Liverpool making a mistake when they really should’ve scored. Semedo’s shot is charged down by Jones and Salah is clean through just past halfway. He opts to try and play the early through ball but he plays it straight to an orange shirt! Wasteful.

Wolves bring on Doyle for Bueno.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:05 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Andre tries to thread another audacious through ball into Forbs, but Alisson was alert to it. The home side are keeping possession far better at the moment.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:03 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones come on for Diaz and Szoboszlai.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:03 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

Much better from Wolves as Andre wins possession and they sweep it wide to Forbs. He cuts inside Alexander-Arnold to shoot, but Konate has tracked back and slides in to divert the shot behind.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

19:01 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Still fairly pedestrian from Liverpool. They’re playing as if they’re 3-1 up in the 93rd minute, but it seems to be working so far.

Their first injection of pace in a little while sees them win a corner.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:59 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Liverpool are still guilty of some sloppy passes, but Wolves can’t take advantage yet. Cunha is the latest to pick up a loose pass, but he fires wide from distance.

Hee-Chan Hwang replaces Strand Larsen.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:55 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

Half a chance for Salah as Mac Allister wins possession and Liverpool break. They feed it to the Egyptian on the right, and he cuts in and hits a tame shot at Johnstone.

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:54 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Konate is booked for sliding in on Cunha. Wolves may have given up the second goal easily, but they look like they’ve got some confidence from their goal.

GOAL! Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

18:52 , Chris Wilson

61 min

GOAL! Salah steps up and sends Johnstone the wrong way! 2-1.

Wolves 1-1 Liverpool

18:51 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

PENALTY! It’s all happening now.

Alexander-Arnold floats in a cross and it looks like Jota will get a head to it, but he’s dragged down by Semedo! Stone wall again.

GOAL! Wolves 1-1 Liverpool

18:49 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

GOAL! Out of nowhere, Wolves are level!

It’s a mess from Liverpool in truth, too. It begins with brilliant work from Lemina, who breaks free in his half and feeds Cunha. The Brazilian tries to thread the ball to Strand Larsen, but Konate is covering. However, the Frenchman doesn’t deal with it properly and the Wolves man nips in to steal the ball and pass across to Forbs.

The sub stumbles as he tries to hit it under a challenge and the ball rolls to Ait-Nouri, who bundles it into the back of the net!

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:45 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

Still very easy for Liverpool to control this one, even if they haven’t really left first gear. Wolves’ problem is illustrated perfectly as Johnstone collects a cross and there are no options for him to offload the ball to.

Wolves do mount an attack, but Cunha’s cross comes back off himself and off for a corner.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:43 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Bellegarde comes off for Carlos Forbs as Gary O’Neil makes his first throw of the dice.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:41 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

CLOSE!

Johnstone is out of his goal and Lemina gives the ball straight to Salah with a horrible pass across his area, but the Egyptian is forced to take it first-time with his weaker foot and he can’t find the target.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:39 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Cunha is irritated as he beats two men on the wing but the referee deems the ball to have been out of play. The second half has started in much the same way as the first went.

Bellegarde tries to clip in a cross but it hits the side-netting.

KICK-OFF! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:36 , Chris Wilson

The home side get the second half started.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:34 , Chris Wilson

The two sides are re-emerging from the Molineux tunnel, so we’ll be back underway soon.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:32 , Chris Wilson

There have been some suggestions that Wolves’ position and points tally may not be representative of how they’ve played this season, though they’ve offered very little so far this half.

Liverpool haven’t played particularly well, but they’re ahead and also had the best chances overall – they should really be 2-0 up and out of sight.

The away side have a big task on their hands to turn this around, even if Liverpool are a little out of sorts.

HT: Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:27 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:22 , Chris Wilson

The referee brings the first half to an end at the Molineux, and Liverpool go into the break with a one-goal advantage.

Both sides struggled to impact the game for large parts of the first period, but the half ends with Konate rising high to head his side into the lead.

Hardly a classic, but an interesting second half to come. Liverpool are top of the league as it stands.

Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:20 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Bellegarde tries to find a way through but he’s dispossessed. Rather than fly forward for the quick counter, Liverpool are happy to keep the ball and see the half through.

GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Liverpool

18:19 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

GOAL! And the away side are ahead!

They’ve played a few balls into the box, but this one changes things! Jota takes his man on down the left and hooks in a great cross – Ibrahima Konate is there to rise highest and power a header downwards and past Johnstone.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:17 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time here.

It’s Liverpool finishing the half on top at the moment.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:16 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

There’s a real lull in activity at the Molineux as the half draws to a close. The home side try and launch a counter, with Cunha bursting into the Liverpool half and to the box, but there’s no support and he loses out.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:13 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Both sides are still guilty of wasting possession and potential chances, with both also using tactical fouls to disrupt the flow of the game.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:12 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

CLOSE! How has this not gone in?!

Van Dijk finds Robertson with a superb through ball, and the Scot’s cross is equally as brilliant. It’s put between Toti and the ‘keeper, and it’s straight to Szoboszlai, but he can only direct his effort right at Johnstone, and he makes a great save.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Ait-Nouri fizzes a ball across the box but there’s nobody there to convert, and Alisson collects. Wolves can’t seem to recover that early tempo that they showed.

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Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Jota comes in from behind on Lemina, with his foot going down his Achilles, and the Gabonese midfielder stays down for treatment.

The Liverpool man is given a yellow card after a brief VAR check.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:04 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

That free-kick was the first shot on target so far (to provide some indication of the kind of match it’s been).

It’s still pretty stop-start at the Molineux, with little happening of note.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

18:02 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

Liverpool look to have settled now and they’re on top at the moment. They’ve just won a free-kick near the edge of the box as Andre lunges in on Mac Allister.

It’ll be Alexander-Arnold to take – and he fires it straight at Johnstone.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:59 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

Alexander-Arnold plays a brilliant early cross in, but Jota narrowly misses it. Better from Liverpool.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:58 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Liverpool win a corner and it’s Alexander-Arnold to deliver, but it’s a poor ball in. Liverpool come again but Wolves are making life difficult for them, and Johnstone eventually gets it clear.

Not a lot happening for Arne Slot’s side yet, but they’ve grown into it over the last five minutes or so.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:54 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Bellegarde is dispossessed in his own half and the ball is played to Salah, but his cross is poor.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:52 , Chris Wilson

21 mins

Two half-chances for Wolves in as many minutes. The first comes after great work from Semedo, who beats three men on the touchline and delivers a dangerous cross that Alisson has to come out and punch away. It is almost cleared but Lemina dispossesses Diaz and puts another inviting cross in, which is headed away.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:50 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

A pass back to the centre-back from Bellegarde draws an irritated reaction from the crowd. He tries to take on Konate next time, but loses out.

Liverpool lose possession quickly though – they haven’t quite got to grips with this game yet.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:47 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

The attempts to play it out from the back go wrong and Liverpool win a corner. Robertson gets a second chance to deliver and it’s a good ball in, but Wolves manage to deal with it.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:45 , Chris Wilson

14 mins

Diaz’s ball is caught by Johnstone, and Wolves counter, but Bellegarde’s cross has too much on it for Strand Larsen.

No big chances for either side yet.

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Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:43 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Muted shouts for a penalty as Salah is dragged down in a tangle with Bueno as they fought to get to Robertson’s cross, but nothing doing for the referee.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:41 , Chris Wilson

11 mins

Salah curls in an inviting cross as Jota’s making the diagonal run, but it just misses the foot of the Portuguese forward.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:40 , Chris Wilson

9 mins

Cunha tries to get in behind the away defence but van Dijk is equal to it. Liverpool try and break but Szobozslai’s ball to Salah is sloppy.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:38 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Wolves haven’t started badly, and they work a decent combination in midfield between Bellegarde and Ait-Nouri before he latter is fouled. His set-piece delivery is easily dealt with.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:37 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

Alexander-Arnold is given an early booking for kicking the ball away after he’d made a foul.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:35 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Finally a decent half-chance as Wolves attack, with the ball flicked on to Bellegarde before his cross is cut out by van Dijk.

Moments later, the Frenchman snaps at a shot and it’s right at Alisson.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:34 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Van Dijk attempts the long ball over the top to Salah, but it runs to Johnstone. Not much action at the start of this one.

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:32 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Wolves look to make a quick start and they’re on the attack straight away, but it isn’t troubling the Liverpool defence.

KICK-OFF! Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

17:31 , Chris Wilson

The away side get us underway.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

17:27 , Chris Wilson

The sides are in the tunnel and we’re approaching kick-off. Liverpool will go top of the league with a win today remember.

Wolves would climb from bottom to 16th with a win.

17:20 , Chris Wilson

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Wolves match facts

17:15 , Chris Wilson

The home side have lost more Premier League games against Liverpool than they have vs any other opponent – 16.

Wolves have lost 14 of their last 15 against the Reds in the league, with the exception being a 3-0 home win in February 2023.

Gary O’Neil’s side are without a league win so far this season, having drawn one game and lost four. Only in 2003/04 (first seven) and 2019/20 (first six) have they gone longer without a victory from the start of a Premier League campaign.

No Premier League side is on a longer run without a clean sheet than Wolves, who have conceded in each of their last 17 league matches.

Since the start of last season, Matheus Cunha has been involved in more Premier League goals for Wolves than any other player, with 21 – 14 goals and 7 assists.

Liverpool match facts

17:08 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games, keeping a clean sheet in each victory.

In addition, the Reds have kept a clean sheet in 65 per cent of their Premier League games against Wolves.

Arne Slot’s side have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League side so far this season (just one), while no team has shipped more than Wolves’s 14.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist against Bournemouth last weekend was his 59th in the Premier League, moving him level with teammate Andrew Robertson for most assists by a defender in the competition’s history.

Luis Díaz has been involved in six goals in his last four Premier League appearances, scoring five and assisting one. He’s scored a brace in two of his last three for the Reds.

Premier League results

17:01 , Chris Wilson

Here are the other results from around the Premier League then, as we approach the final match of the day.

Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City

Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City

Chelsea 4-2 Brighton

Brentford 1-1 West Ham

Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham

Wolves v Liverpool head-to-head

16:50 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool and Wolves have played a total of 116 matches, with the first taking place in September 1894. Liverpool have won 61, with Wolves winning 37 and the other 18 matches ending in draws.

The Reds won both matches last season, winning 3-1 at the Molineux in September 2023 before securing a 2-0 victory at Anfield on the final dauy of the season.

Can’t defend? Trent Alexander-Arnold out to reinvent himself as Europe’s toughest full-back

16:40 , Chris Wilson

If it seems that Arne Slot is picking on Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Liverpool dressing room, it is not because of a problem between them. Quite the opposite, actually. Because the right-back had an unusual request. He wanted his manager to criticise him, sometimes in front of his teammates. He asked him to mention every time a forward beat him and to brand it unacceptable. It is a punishing approach designed to make him better. He feels that Slot, with his attention to detail and track record of improving players, can help.

There is an understandable focus on their relationship. Alexander-Arnold represented one of the great triumphs of Jurgen Klopp’s management: first his decision not to buy a right-back because he knew of a teenage talent in the ranks, then as an extraordinary creator who reshaped Liverpool’s tactics as the full-backs attacked more than the midfield, and finally as the vice-captain who inverted into midfield.

It did not escape attention that Slot substituted Alexander-Arnold in each of his first three games or that the 25-year-old was unhappy to be taken off against Brentford. It is a cause of some concern that Alexander-Arnold is in the last year of his contract at Anfield. Yet if mentions of his future can involve talk of a free transfer last summer, Alexander-Arnold voiced his own ambition: to become the toughest defender to encounter in Europe.

Can’t defend? Trent Alexander-Arnold out to reinvent himself as tough full-back

Jamie Carragher makes fresh Liverpool title race prediction after Arsenal draw at Man City

16:30 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool sit second in the Premier League table after an impressive bounceback win over Bournemouth at the weekend and Jamie Carragherhas made a fresh title prediction involving the Reds after watching Arsenal’s draw at Manchester City.

Arne Slot’s side responded to their shock 1-0 Anfield defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest a week ago by brushing aside Bournemouth thanks to a Luis Diaz double and Darwin Nunez’s exquisite finish.

That victory has taken them to 12 points after just five games, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stunner for Forest the only goal they have conceded in the league so far this term, as Slot has quickly put his stamp on the side in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.

But despite Liverpool’s strong start, Reds legend and current Sky Sports pundit Carragher admits that Arsenal and City are still above Slot’s men as favourites for the title.

“I think it will be similar to last season where Liverpool are just slightly behind these two teams,” said Carragher on the Gary Neville Podcast. “By next season they could be really improving and maybe looking to go for it when the manager knows everything about his squad.”

Jamie Carragher makes Liverpool title race prediction after Man City-Arsenal draw

Team news

16:26 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot has made two changes to the side that eased past Bournemouth last week in that 3-0 victory.

Alisson returns in place of Kelleher in goal, while in attack Darwin Nunez drops to the bench in favour of Diogo Jota.

Team news

16:21 , Chris Wilson

Wolves have made two changes to the side that lost that Midlands derby last weekend. They’re both in defence, with the injured Mosquera being replaced by Santiago Bueno, and Craig Dawson replaced by Toti Gomes.

Team news

16:18 , Chris Wilson

Wolves XI: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Andre, Gomes, Lemina; Bellegarde, Cunha, Stand Larsen.

Subs: Sa, Doherty, Hwang, Gomes, Forbs, Doyle, Sarabia, Guedes, Pond.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szobozslai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.

Team news

16:12 , Chris Wilson

The line-ups are just a few minutes away…

Prediction

16:10 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool will have enough to come through the match unscathed, piling further misery on to Wolves and cementing their own place near the top of the Premier League.

Wolves 0-2 Liverpool.

Predicted line-ups

16:02 , Chris Wilson

Wolves XI: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Dawson, Ait-Nouri; Andre; Bellgarde, Gomes, Lemina, Cunha; Strand Larsen.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.

Odds:

Wolves 11/2

Draw 16/5

Liverpool 1/4

Wolves team news

15:55 , Chris Wilson

Wolves will be without Yerson Mosquera after the Colombia defender had to be stretchered off against Aston Villa. He will likely be replaced by Santiago Bueno in central defence.

The midfield and attack will likely remain the same as it was against Villa, with Mario Lemina, João Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha having cemented their places in the starting eleven.

In addition, new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen will likely start up front once more.

Liverpool team news

15:50 , Chris Wilson

For Liverpool, Arne Slot has no new injury concerns after the game against West Ham. Alisson is targeting a return for this weekend, though Slot may be forced to go with Caoimhin Kelleher again in goal.

Federico Chiesa could play after featuring against West Ham in midweek, though he is unlikely to start ahead of Salah and the in-form Diaz.

In defence, the usual quartet will likely start, as will Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister in midfield. It remains to be seen whether slot will once again favour Darwin Nunez up front over ex-Wolves man Diogo Jota.

Is Wolves vs Liverpool on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture

15:45 , Chris Wilson

When is Wolves vs Liverpool?

The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, 28 September, at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton.

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with the build-up starting from 5pm BST.

If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool travel to Wolves in Saturday’s late match in the Premier League, with kick-off at 5.30pm BST at the Molineux Stadium.

The Reds have had a good fortnight since the loss to Nottingham Forest, beating AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro before a 3-0 win against Bournemouth at Anfield last weekend.

Arne Slot’s side remain near the top of the Premier League table after five matches of the Dutchman’s tenure, and a win today would help to further solidify their title credentials.

Wolves have had a contrasting start to their season, with Gary O’Neil’s side sitting bottom of the league with just one point gained and 14 goals conceded.

While a win this afternoon would lift the mood at the Molineux, it is difficult to see the home side troubling a Liverpool side that seems to be enjoying its development under a new manager.

Wolves v Liverpool LIVE

15:31 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this evening’s match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at the Molineux.

Wolves head into the weekend at bottom of the Premier League table, having gained just one point over their first five matches.

Conversely, Liverpool start the weekend in second, just one point behind Manchester City, having won four and lost one of their opening matches.


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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)

(Getty Images)

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.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

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.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

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

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

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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Why Manchester United’s 7-0 win over Barnsley could actually mean something

How much should you read into a Carabao Cup third-round win at home to opponents sitting 41 league places below you, who had already lost to your under-21s in their own backyard this season? Not much, probably.

Not beyond the result and the scoreline, at least. Because while anything less than a win would be unacceptable, anything more than a bog-standard two or three-goal victory can have its benefits. Especially if, like Manchester United, you do not hand out a proper thrashing very often.

That this 7-0 win over third-tier Barnsley was the biggest of Erik ten Hag’s time in charge should not really be much of a surprise. That Ten Hag’s previous biggest victory was by only a three-goal margin should.

Remember the 4-1 wins against Real Betis and Chelsea during his first year in charge? Good, solid performances, but not merciless, unrelenting eviscerations of the opposition. They weren’t nights when United were totally and utterly dominant. There have not been many of those at all, in truth.

That has been quite a departure from Ten Hag’s predecessor as permanent manager and you could make a coherent argument that some of the more swashbuckling elements of United’s play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have faded over the past two years. The statistics back that up.

While Solskjaer’s two full seasons in charge brought 233 goals in all competitions, Ten Hag’s brought 196, with Ten Hag only overseeing eight fewer games.

This was United’s biggest win since the 9-0 against Southampton in February 2021, when in retrospect Solskjaer’s side were reaching their peak. This was also the first time United have scored five or more under Ten Hag. That happened 10 times under Solskjaer, including in his very first game.


Marcus Rashford was in fine form against Barnsley (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

Solskjaer was also around the last time United won by a 7-0 scoreline — against Barnsley, funnily enough, with the Norwegian setting up three in October 1997. But how about the last time United lost 7-0? Nobody needs a reminder of where that was, who it came against, and whose watch it was on.

There have been several heavy defeats under Ten Hag but few wins of this kind. This is precisely why, although this was not a night that will define United’s season, it was the type of game and win they have long needed.

That applies on an individual as well as collective basis. This was the first time Marcus Rashford has scored twice in a game since the 3-0 win over Leicester City in February 2023, as his extraordinary form during the middle part of that campaign approached its zenith.

There were flashes of Rashford’s 2022-23 vintage throughout against Barnsley: the nimbleness of feet, the agile shifts of balance to scramble defenders. Even the head-pointing celebration made a reappearance after he scored his first.

It is too early to herald three goals in two games against Southampton and Barnsley as a return to his best, but Rashford is famously a form player and this favourable pair of fixtures may have given him a kickstart that he can sustain.

Another player needing a good night was Antony, whose performance may not have been enough to retain his place, but he at least came away from his first start of the season breaking his duck.

After an intervention by Casemiro, and despite Rashford being on the pitch, he was allowed to take the first-half penalty that he won. It was still only 1-0 at that stage, with only 35 minutes gone, but even then the pattern of the game suggested United would not be short on scoring opportunities.


Antony had a rare night to enjoy at United (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

“They give each other the opportunity to score a goal like the penalty when Antony needs some confidence,” Ten Hag noted. “They are with each other, they are together.”

Then there was Alejandro Garnacho, who made only his second start of the campaign. Ten Hag’s use of the 20-year-old has been striking given he played him from the off in 38 consecutive games between November and the end of last season.

Garnacho’s long summer at the Copa America and international duties with Argentina since are part of that, but with his manager using him more sparingly, he has looked sharper and more explosive and has also started showcasing different sides to his game.

Garnacho’s two goals came with two assists — the first, a sublime cross-field pass to set up Rashford. He is almost playing too well to remain an impact player, which was precisely the problem that led to that long run in the XI last year, but then that is the type of problem Ten Hag is happy to have.


Alejandro Garnacho has been used off the bench this season (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

This win meant all of his fit and available front-three options have now found the net this season and, even before Rasmus Hojlund fully recovers from a hamstring injury, there is set to be some debate over which combination is United’s best.

“There will be rotation,” Ten Hag said. “The conclusion from all of you is not right, that when I pick an XI I drop a player. I pick a starting XI because I know I have to rotate. We have more than 11 players who can be in the line-up of any match in this moment.”

A team that has been known to struggle in attack is quickly becoming oversubscribed with options up top, having hit double figures over their last two games combined. There are caveats aplenty and maybe it proves nothing more substantial than a short-term morale boost, but United needed this reminder they can win and win big.

(Top photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)


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It’s been the Premier League for 17 years – so why is ‘the Premiership’ still so prevalent?

There probably isn’t much that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Rishi Sunak, Rebekah Vardy’s lawyer, Red Bull Formula 1 supremo Christian Horner, Roy Hodgson, Sheffield Wednesday football club, former England cricketer Monty Panesar and probably your dad all have in common.

But one thing that does link them all is seemingly not knowing the name of the top division in English football.

That division is, as you know, called the Premier League. But at one time or another over the past couple of years, the names mentioned above have been among the many to have referred to it as the Premiership.

In fairness, it’s not a name they have just plucked from the ether. It was called the Premiership for more than a decade but it hasn’t been since 2007 — 17 years ago. Yet the moniker still holds firm in the consciousness of a lot of people.

Ratcliffe has consistently referred to ‘the Premiership’ in basically every interview he’s given since buying into Manchester United at the start of this year. Sunak, the UK’s prime minister at the time, cited his favourite team Southampton “being promoted back to the Premiership” in May during a TV interview before Britain’s general election last month.

Vardy’s lawyer referred to the “Premiership” in a slightly laboured football analogy during the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial. Hodgson, who managed in two Premiership seasons and 12 Premier League ones, nonetheless routinely called it the former, doing so as recently as January. Wednesday, of the second tier Championship, put half-time scores for ‘The Premiership’ on their big screen in August 2023 (though it was called that when they were last in it 24 years ago).

There are plenty of other examples.

It was referred to as the Premiership in an episode of British TV quiz show The Chase in 2023. When WAGMI United, the group of crypto and NFT speculators that bought Crawley Town of League Two the previous year, said it was going to take the team into the Premiership, it was pounced upon by people who were keen to prove the new owners knew nothing of English football. Only last week, the excellent Clinton Yates previewed the “Premiership” season in an ESPN podcast.

We could go on. It’s all over the place, and once it’s been pointed out, you can’t help but see it.

Is this a huge surprise? After all, it’s not a wildly different name, only a few letters difference, and people call things the wrong name all the time.

But it remains a fascination (to this writer at least), that the name ‘the Premiership’ had lodged into the consciousness of so many people so firmly, that they can’t shift it, despite a generation having passed since the division was renamed. Barcelona’s Euro 2024-winning winger Lamine Yamal has never been alive for a Premiership game, having been born in July 2007, a couple of months after the rebrand was announced.

To try to explain, we must first give a brief history lesson.

The company, the legal entity, has since its inception always been the Premier League — specifically, the Football Association Premier League Ltd. The division itself was called simply the FA Premier League in its first season, 1992-93. Then from 1993 to 2001, it was sponsored by a lager, Carling, and became known as the FA Carling Premiership.


Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane lift the Carling Premiership trophy for Manchester United in 2001 (Alex Livesey /Allsport)

The initial renaming decision came about because of a sort of marketing technicality, when it came to arranging the Carling sponsorship deal. Those in charge didn’t want to sell the naming rights to the entity, because they had other sponsors who used the logo in their own marketing, and didn’t want to have to use the name ‘Carling’ too. Thus, they came up with something new — ‘The Premiership’, which was just the division, not the company. Bosses at Bass Breweries, which owned Carling at the time, were fans of the new name because, through the Stones Bitter brand, the firm was heavily involved in rugby league.

In 2001, Barclays bank took over the sponsorship and the division had a variety of identities: between then and 2004 it was the FA Barclaycard Premiership, then there was a shift in branding and from 2004 to 2007 it was the FA Barclays Premiership. In 2007 came the name change, so for the following nine years, it was known as the Barclays Premier League. Finally, in 2016 that sponsorship deal came to an end and was never replaced, and it is now simply the Premier League.

Confusing? Well, yes. And therein lies the reason that the Premiership was dropped in 2007: essentially, just to simplify things.

“Nobody ever got it right back then,” says Richard Scudamore, who was chief executive of the Premier League from 1999 to 2014. “It was all a mish-mash, it had all sorts of names and was all over the place.


Scudamore with the Premier League trophy in 2018 (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)

“In the end, I said, ‘This is completely crazy, we’re just going to go with Premier League’. Initially it was Barclays Premier League, then in 2016 it just went to Premier League.

“We tried to clear it up to achieve some sort of clarity and make it more succinct because ‘FA Barclaycard Premiership’ is a mouthful. We tried to narrow the number of words. That worked much better around the world.”

The official press release from 2007, announcing the change in name, said the “decision was taken after extensive research with fans and other stakeholders during the Premier League’s recent re-branding exercise showed the need for a single unified identity”.

When the Barclays deal lapsed, it seemed curious the Premier League didn’t seek a replacement title sponsor, but with international TV rights having become so crucial to its financial success, the theory was that a ‘clean’ brand name would be more valuable than whatever money a new sponsor would pay.

Nonetheless, changing the name of an extremely successful brand is no small thing. Considerable efforts were made to tell the public about the switch, from conventional advertising to making sure that TV and radio were on board.

“Oh yeah,” Scudamore says, when asked if the league would contact media outlets who got the name wrong.“We would have a quiet word with broadcasters all the time — presenters, commentators, co-commentators, pundits.

“We’d have a media launch day every year where we’d go through it, and we’d make a joke of it — ‘This is what we’re not, please don’t call us this anymore’. It was a thing, it was a real thing.

“We would call people out, even internally, round the table at meetings, round the office. It wasn’t like a disciplinary matter, almost like a gotcha — ‘Put a pound in the jar’.”

And yet, those efforts haven’t been entirely successful.

This isn’t a phenomenon limited to the Premier League. There are plenty of companies, brands or organisations that have changed names, but to many people, they will always be the old version.

In the UK, breakfast cereal Coco Pops tried to rebrand to Choco Krispies, which lasted a year before reverting to the old name. A similar thing happened to Britain’s Royal Mail postal service, which tried being Cosignia for a short time in the early 2000s. The arena that the Los Angeles Lakers play their basketball in will, to many, always be the Staples Center, despite it having been called the Crypto.com Arena since 2021. And most people will never actually call Elon Musk’s social media network X.


The Crypto.com Arena is still often referred to as the Staples Center, despite changing name in 2021 (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

This, as sports marketing consultant and founder of Added Time Club Simon Bristow explains, is often to do with when the brand entered our consciousness.

“If you asked a 17-year-old what it’s called, they would say ‘Well, it’s the Premier League, obviously’,” Bristow says. “It’s an era thing. I imagine Jim Ratcliffe’s strongest connection with the Premier League was during the Premiership era.

“It’s the same with fans — it’s people that recognise that era as their strongest memory of being a supporter: maybe it’s when they were going (to watch their team play) home and away, or were most invested in their club being part of ‘The Premiership’. It’s an inherent thing of them thinking of it as that name still, and they’ve never really taken on the change.”

Bristow thinks that because the word ‘Premiership’ still remains in the British sporting landscape, that will add (possibly subconscious) confusion too. The highest division of English rugby union is called the Premiership. So is Scottish football’s top tier.

“People will hear mention of ‘the Premiership’ — they might be listening to a radio bulletin and hear ‘…and in the Premiership today…’, but not really listen properly to the rest, so will think, ‘They’re talking about the football’. It stays in your consciousness.”

Does any of this really matter? Of course not: after all, to most of the general public, the name of the competition comes way down the list of things they care about. But it remains interesting that, even 17 years after the Premier League became the Premier League, to some it still is — and probably will always be — the Premiership.

“In the scheme of things that used to irritate you, it wasn’t in the top 10,” says Scudamore, of those who get it wrong. “In the overall seriousness of life, you can’t give it more importance than that.”

(Top photo: Manchester United celebrate their ‘Premiership’ success in 2007; Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Image


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Anthony Gordon battles with Destiny Udogie at St James’ Park (Reuters)

Newcastle v Tottenham LIVE: Result and final score from Premier League after Alexander Isak restores lead

Anthony Gordon battles with Destiny Udogie at St James’ Park (Reuters)

Alexander Isak scored the winner for Newcastle United with a simple tap-in as they weathered a storm from visiting Tottenham Hotspur to secure a 2-1 Premier League win in an entertaining game at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Harvey Barnes’ first-half opener for Newcastle was cancelled out by a Dan Burn own goal after the break as Spurs dominated the chances in the second period but spurned numerous openings and were beaten by a lightning-quick break from the hosts.

Joelinton’s defence-splitting pass was perfect for Jacob Murphy who, after drawing out keeper Guglielmo Vicario, laid the ball on a plate for Isak to secure the three points for manager Eddie Howe’s side, who remain unbeaten at home since January.

Adding to Newcastle’s delight, their Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali made his first league appearance since being handed a 10-month ban for a breach of betting rules and received a rapturous reception from the home supporters.

Newcastle United FC 2 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur FC

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:42

Newcastle beat Spurs again at St James’ Park, albeit in a little tighter fashion than before. Newcastle are now seven points from nine in an impressive start. The Magpies opened the scoring with Harvey Barnes just before the interval. Lloyd Kelly crossed aptly from the left and the midfielder scored in back-to-back Premier League starts for the first time since November 2022. After the break, this was cancelled out by a rather comical Dan Burn own goal, as Nick Pope failed to deal with Spurs’ offensive pressure. Tottenham kept that impetus until the last knockings, largely inspired by Brennan Johnson, however just couldn’t get the final touch. 12 minutes from the end of regulation time, Newcastle struck against the run of play to win. Jacob Murphy was played in, and squared unselfishly for Alexander Isak to seal Newcastle’s 26th Premier League win over Tottenham, their joint-most against a single opponent in the competition (also 26 v Aston Villa). The Toon have now won both of their first two home matches of a league season for the first time since 2009-10 in the Championship, and first time in the Premier League since 2000-01. Newcastle go fourth after this, with Spurs having to settle for 10th. The hosts ended the game with an xG of 1.57, while Spurs finished with 1.26. Thank you for joining us this afternoon, goodbye!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:30

FULL-TIME: NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-1 TOTTENHAM

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:30

Just before that change, Johnson frustratingly fouls Guimaraes. It’s not looking good for Spurs as Newcastle look to see this one out.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:28

What looks like a final Newcastle change, Miguel Almiron comes on for Gordon.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:28

The free-kick was poor by Gordon. Vicario claims and Spurs start a counter which finds Johnson on the right. He flashes it across the box but no one’s there!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:26

Guimaraes wins a late foul from Kulusevski on the left and look at the passion! He turns and celebrates to the home crowd. They need to push their boys home now. Final stretch.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:24

Spurs are staring down the barrel of yet another defeat at St James’ Park. We’re going to have five minutes of added time here.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:24

Werner is in behind on the right. The legs are tired, but Burn has timed a tackle on the right byline to perfection. It’s another corner. Bergvall takes and it’s cleared for a throw on the right.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:22

It’s a messy attack, but Newcastle don’t care. Isak’s scruffy deflected effort has given the hosts a late corner. The ball is right where they want it. Vicario came for the ball and slipped, yet Spurs are able to clear from the set-piece.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:18

Bentancur is on, and he’s straight in the book. Gordon looks to bring the ball away down the left wing and Bentancur’s tackle is a bit heavy on the old Everton favourite. He got the ball, but it’s more about the follow through.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:16

Substitution Yves Bissouma Rodrigo Bentancur Colmán

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:16

Substitution James Daniel Maddison Lucas Erik Holger Bergvall

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:12

Up the other end, Newcastle have earned a corner of their own. But it’s cleared and Spurs regroup.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:12

Assist Jacob Kai Murphy

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:12

Porro sees a shot blocked, and then it squirms through to Johnson who shows a smart touch in the box on the right! He’s in, but fires way over!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:10

Pope! What a save. He definitely knew where the cameras were, but that had to be made! Maddison was on the edge of the box and put it on his left, forcing Pope to dramatically tip away. From the resulting corner, Porro now strikes from range and Pope tips over again!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:08

Newcastle have a free-kick floated over from the right-centre but it’s wasted. Tottenham counter and Johnson rushes in behind on the right. He crosses low and Guimaraes puts it behind for a corner. This is eventually cleared.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:06

Substitution Wilson Serge Eric Odobert Timo Werner

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:06

The corner comes over, and Dragusin heads wide left of the target.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:06

Guimaraes loses the ball to Maddison in midfield. He plays it to Son, and he finds Odobert. However, Krafth ushers the ball out for a goal-kick with his body. In the next phase, Burn botches a pass and Odobert debatably rushes it with the Newcastle defence all over the place. The recovery tackle comes in and it’s a corner on the left.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:02

After 316 days, Sandro Tonali is back in the Premier League. Longstaff makes way for the former Milan man.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:02

Maddison clips Guimaraes and picks up a rightful yellow card as he stopped the counter.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:02

Murphy forces a save from Vicario and Newcastle fans are up on their feet! It was a well-oiled, yet rare offensive foray from the Toon, and Joelinton found Gordon. He played in Murphy on the left and Vicario saved well at his near-post to put it behind for a corner.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:02

Substitution Lloyd Casius Kelly Lewis Kieran Hall

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

15:00

Johnson has warmed up really well so far. Murphy loses the ball for Newcastle and Kulusevski plays it to the former Forest winger. He goes for a deft low cross, yet Pope claims happily at his near post.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:58

Kelly is pressured on the left, as Johnson robs the ball. It’s eventually retrieved, yet Newcastle are having a bit of a wobble. Johnson then receives the ball again, and Kelly blocks for a Spurs corner on the right offensive side. It’s taken short and comes to nothing, ultimately.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:54

Substitution Harvey Lewis Barnes Jacob Kai Murphy

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:54

This is a dangerous area for a set-piece. Right of centre, about 25 yards out. Porro is interested and he whips one! It’s just high of the top-right corner!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:50

Yellow Card Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:50

Son should’ve passed in the box and a great last-ditch tackle has Postecoglou shaking his head…

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:50

Own goal Daniel Johnson Burn

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:48

Odobert how’s that not gone in? Kulusevski spreads the play out to Johnson on the right. A deflected cross from the former Forest man floats to the back post and Odobert fires over from ridiculously close range!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:46

For some reason, Udogie is high up the pitch and comfortably offside. Maybe stick to what you know…

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:44

What impact can Johnson have on this game? Last season in the Premier League, only Leon Bailey (seven) was directly involved in more goals as a sub than Brennan Johnson (two goals, four assists).

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:42

Isak is played through and this time he’s on! Great tackle from Dragusin to recover!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:42

Kulusevski plays smartly with Son, but can’t get the ball under his control and Newcastle can stab it away. Livramento breaks out down the right past Odobert before Isak is miles offside.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:40

Yellow Card Yves Bissouma

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:40

Spurs start the second half, hoping for a better time than the first period. A lot to do, for Postecoglou’s now more offensively motivated side.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:38

Before the second half resumes, Sarr makes way for Brennan Johnson.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:36

Well, the visitors have it all to do in the second half. In fact, Tottenham have only won one of their last 29 Premier League away games when trailing at half-time (D7 L21). Postecoglou will be wanting to make a more impactful shift on Nick Pope’s goal, while being wary of the continued enterprise of Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes. In the first half, Newcastle worked up to an xG of 0.49, while Spurs found their xG stunted at just 0.29. Discipline has been a point of interest in this one too. The hosts have received three yellow cards in the opening half, only the second time they have done so in a Premier League first-half under Eddie Howe.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:32

Newcastle lead Tottenham at the break here in the North East, thanks to a well-taken Harvey Barnes goal. We’ve seen a relatively open first half so far, and before the officials’ changed around due to Ian Hussin’s quad injury, Tottenham thought they had the lead. However, Cristian Romero’s 12th minute header was ruled out for offside. Following this, Pape Matar Sarr forced Nick Pope into work twice, yet the hosts stayed in it, and, somewhat against the run of play – took the lead in the 37th minute. Lloyd Kelly benefitted from Spurs switching off at a throw and he crossed nicely from the left for Barnes to side-foot home from the centre of the box. With the goal, Barnes has scored in back-to-back Premier League starts for the first time since November 2022 for Leicester City.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:24

HALF-TIME: NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-0 TOTTENHAM

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:24

Maddison is down after the challenge of Burn in the area. It’s initially given as a goal-kick. In truth, it did look as if Maddison got his foot stomped on inadvertently.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:22

It’s been open at times, this half, but now we’re seeing a bit of a scrappy end. Hopefully the second period goes up to the levels we saw before the officials’ stoppage.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:18

Yellow Card Joelinton Cássio Apolinário de Lira

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:18

Isak nearly finds himself played through on the right, but can’t get a lanky leg onto the ball and Tottenham clear.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:16

The set-piece is wasted, and it turns out Longstaff was fouled in the Newcastle box to reset the play.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:14

Longstaff fouls Udogie after he gets caught on the wrong side. Now Spurs have a free-kick in a dangerous area.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:14

Postecoglou is undoubtedly unhappy about the simple concession of that goal. His side need to play up, or can expect a talking to at the break!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:10

Udogie fouls Livramento as the latter strides down the right wing. It’s a silly arm across the newly called-up England man. Gordon to take, can Spurs survive?

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:10

Assist Lloyd Casius Kelly

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:08

Goal Harvey Lewis Barnes

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:06

Kulusevski breaks and while he tries to pick out Odobert, it’s knocked behind for a Tottenham corner on the left. Longstaff blocks! Wow, that was well-worked. Maddison played the ball short to Son and he found Porro on the edge. Straight from the training ground.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:06

Yellow Card Pape Matar Sarr

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:04

Isak makes interesting inroads. It flicks off a Spurs body and now there will be a corner on the left, the seventh of the game in total. Newcastle’s fourth corner of the match is punched by Vicario and eventually cleared

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:02

Newcastle can’t get Spurs pressure away after the set-pieces. It comes to Porro, and he slams one – yet it swirls high of Pope’s goal.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:02

Sarr has another go as Spurs keep building. He curls one to the right side of the goal, and Pope makes a routine stop. Corner on the right.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Spurs are starting to grow in confidence. Maddison is being brought onto the ball a bit more. After the stoppage with the officials, Newcastle are sitting a little deeper.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Yellow Card Lloyd Casius Kelly

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Sarr smashes one low from range and Pope gets down to the left centre of his goal. It ricochets kindly out of danger. That was a sweet strike.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:56

Oderbert goes for a run at his marker on the right. Hopes are high for the Burnley man, yet his shot on Pope’s goal flies comfortably over.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:56

After a brief interval in play, with a new lino, we’re back in action.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:56

It looks like we’re swapping officials here. Linesman Ian Hussin’s quad looks to have gone. He trades places with fourth official Darren Bond.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:50

The corner from Gordon comes in. Joelinton is in there and Vicario fails to punch with confidence. Krafth then shoots and it’s deflected behind for another corner on the left. Lloyd heads over from close range. He just got under the delivery.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:48

Oderbert crosses from the right, but it’s an easy claim for Pope. Up the other end, Gordon latches on to a forward pass down the right. Romero flies back and puts in an excellent challenge for a Newcastle corner on the right.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:46

Romero heads home! But, it’s offside! The ball from the right was superb, and the header powerful through Pope’s hand, yet the lino’s flag stops Spurs’ celebrations immediately.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:44

Botman cuts out a great pass through the Newcastle back line. He then punts it long to Gordon on the right central channel, who touches it inside and plays it across to Barnes on the left. The former Leicester man cuts back on his right and wraps one, yet it’s just wide of the top-right corner! Close!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:42

Since the beginning of last season Tottenham have lost five of their 11 Premier League games without Micky van de Ven (W5 D1) , just two fewer defeats than across the 29 league matches he’s been involved in (W16 D6 L7). Can Dragusin and co. step up?

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:38

The corner is long, yet in the next phase, Isak dispossesses Son and crosses from the right, hitting the bar!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:38

Barnes darts in on the left and Dragusin, the stand-in for the injured Van de Ven, tracks back brilliantly to slide it behind for a corner on the left.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:38

Barnes is making just his eighth Premier League start for Newcastle (16 sub apps). He notably did score on his most recent start versus Brentford in May.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:36

Barnes and Joelinton link up smartly on the left. The Brazilian puts in a low cross, yet Vicario claims with ease. Positive start.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:36

Guimaraes floats in an early free-kick from the centre of the park. Isak tries to bring it down, yet can’t get it properly under control and Spurs clear.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:34

Away we go! This game has never seen a league 0-0, hopefully this goal-centric trend continues!

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:34

The saxaphone rings out at St. James’ Park, and after a brief chat with referee Robert Jones, it seems the hosts will get us under way.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:32

The players are making their way out to the pitch and the atmosphere is building here. There’s a superb homage to Sandro Tonali reading ‘Midfield Maestro From Milano’. He returns after his gambling ban. Since arriving on Tyneside, Tonali has only played 13 times, yet his quality has already made him a firm favourite in Newcastle. Buoyed on by the Wednesday night Carabao Cup win, in which the Italian featured, Newcastle will be looking for a repeat of the drubbing they subjected Spurs to last season.

13:28

Tottenham change two of the side that started in the 4-0 thrashing of Everton as Radu Dragusin and Pape Sarr come in for Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson. Johnson is among the substitutes, but Van de Ven is not in the squad, while forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are both absent through injury. With his inclusion, Wilson Odobert is the first teenager to start back-to-back Premier League games for Tottenham since Ryan Sessegnon on New Year’s Day 2020.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:22

TOTTENHAM SUBSTITUTES: Fraser Forster, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Djed Spence, Alfie Devine, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:22

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Guglielmo Vicario; Destiny Udogie, Radu Dragusin, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro; James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr; Wilson Odobert, Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:22

Newcastle make one change from their last Premier League match as Harvey Barnes comes in for Jacob Murphy, who drops to the bench. Midfielder Sandro Tonali played against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. That was his first appearance since a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations, he is also among the substitutes. Joe Willock is out with a thigh injury. Defender Fabian Schar serves the final game of a three-match suspension.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:12

NEWCASTLE UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Martin Dubravka, Alex Murphy, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron, William Osula.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:12

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Lloyd Kelly, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento; Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff; Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:12

Newcastle won the last Premier League meeting between the clubs, emerging victorious 4-0 at St. James’ Park last season. Alexander Isak led the Magpies with goals in the 30th and 51st minute. Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar were also on target. In fact, the Toon are in the midst of a nine-match home unbeaten streak (W5 D4 L0) dating back to February’s fixture against Luton Town. Tottenham played out a draw in their only prior league contest away from home this season.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:08

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to this live text coverage of Newcastle United v Tottenham from the Premier League’s final weekend before the international break. The Magpies host Spurs at St. James’ Park in a meeting of teams who have yet to be defeated so far this season. Both sides have a win and a draw a-piece. Tottenham’s last league match saw them triumph 4-0 over Everton at home. Newcastle earned a point in their last Premier League match, drawing 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth. They survived a late disallowed goal scare from the hosts in a contentious outing where Joelinton’s clothesline starred.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

13:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

11:30

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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