Arsenal staged a stirring fightback to keep their Premier League title challenge on course with a 3-1 victory against struggling Southampton on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side were rocked by Cameron Archer's shock opener for the winless visitors early in the second half at the Emirates Stadium. But Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli struck in quick succession to restore order, before Bukayo Saka wrapped up Arsenal's fifth win in seven league games. After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for the last two years, the Gunners are again in contention for their first title since 2004. Saka this week said he expects Arsenal to finally lift the Premier League trophy this season. They sit in third place, one point behind leaders Liverpool, after extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions. Four days after their statement victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Arsenal faced a Southampton side who have managed only one point from seven games since their promotion. Aaron Ramsdale, who appeared 78 times in the Premier League for the Gunners, made his Emirates return and nearly gifted Arsenal an early opener with a sloppy clearance, but Raheem Sterling squandered the chance. Also Read: Mikel Arteta happy with Arsenal's cool heads in late Leicester win Arsenal dominated the first half without testing Ramsdale until stoppage-time when he parried Thomas Partey's strike. In the 55th minute, Sterling was out-muscled by Mateus Fernandes in midfield and he played in Archer, who broke free of William Saliba to fire a deflected shot past David Raya. Southampton's lead lasted just three minutes as Saka dispossessed Flynn Downes before finding Havertz in space, who confidently drilled home for his fourth goal in his last four games. On the hour mark, Arteta introduced Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in a pair of substitutions that turned the tide. Saka's fine cross found Martinelli unmarked in the 68th minute and the winger's side-footed volley went in through Ramsdale's legs. Tyler Dibling's deflected shot hit the foot of Raya's post and Adam Armstrong's effort cannoned onto the bar in a tense finale. But as the Saints pushed for an equaliser, Trossard broke free. Yukinari Sugawara's interception only fell to Saka, who blasted past Ramsdale to keep Arsenal in pursuit of their title dream. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 October,2024 01:11 PM IST | London | AFPMohun Bagan Super Giant defeated city rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club by 3-0 in Matchweek 4 of the ISL 2024-25 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday. Three first-half goals from the Mariners courtesy of Jamie Maclaren, Subhasish Bose and Greg Stewart saw the reigning champions return to winning ways before heading into the international break. The first Kolkata Derby of the ISL 2024-25 season started with the expected intensity with both teams trying to exert their command in the middle to take charge of the proceedings. However, the Mariners struck first through their Australian forward Jamie Maclaren in the eighth minute. The goal came from a corner as Maclaren headed it past Padam Chhetri in goal after Stewart glided the ball in his path in the eighth minute. Buoyed by the early goal, Jose Molina’s men showed exceptional drive as they pressed Mohammedan Sporting and forced them to make errors in midfield. Mohun Bagan Super Giant kept pushing for more goals as they showed impeccable fluidity between their attacking quartet of Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Maclaren and Stewart. They were eventually rewarded when Stewart’s impeccable freekick found Subhasish Bose in the penalty area. The experienced defender came up with a thumping header to double the lead for the hosts in the 31st minute. Five minutes later, the provider turned scorer when Stewart won possession in midfield and drove the ball forward. The Scottish midfielder found acres of space to run into Mohammedan Sporting’s final third before he found the bottom left corner with a vicious effort. Also Read: ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC produce spirited comeback to share points with Kerala Blasters The second half was more of the same with the Mariners pushing forward to add more goals to their tally. Meanwhile, Andrey Chernyshov made wholesale changes at the break to disrupt Mohun Bagan’s intensity. He turned to Cesar Manzoki, Bikash Singh, and Lalrinfela Khiangte to add more energy to their attack. While the hosts kept imposing themselves even in the second period, Mohammedan Sporting gave a better account of themselves after an underwhelming first 45 minutes. With that said, Stewart had a great opportunity in the 66th minute but he scuffed his shot wide. He scored from an identical chance in the first period. The likes of Manvir and Liston also had their fair share of chances but they failed to convert. Mohammedan SC, in between, had a few moments of inspiration but they were thoroughly the second-best team on the night. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will next face arch-rivals East Bengal in the blockbuster derby on October 19 whereas Mohammedan Sporting will be in action against Kerala Blasters at home on October 20. (With agency inputs)
06 October,2024 01:01 PM IST | Kolkata | IANSFrench international footballer Paul Pogba said on Friday his “nightmare is over” after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months. Pogba, who is under contract with Italian giants Juventus until 2026, will be able to return to competitive football from March 11 next year, four days before his 32nd birthday. Also Read: Suarez criticises Uruguay coach Bielsa for mistreating team “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again,” the player said in a statement released to Britain’s Press Association. “This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 October,2024 08:23 AM IST | Paris | AFPJust-retired striker Luis Suarez has criticised Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa for the way he treated players during the Copa America, saying the “friction” hurts.“There were situations at the Copa America that hurt me, but I didn’t say them for the sake of coexistence,” Suarez told the DSports TV channel. Also Read: ‘We, The dominant team’ The relationship between Bielsa and the players was so bad that some are considering leaving the national squad, Suárez said. He retired his 17-year international career a month ago as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer. “You can see that players go with the team and are not enjoying themselves,” he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 October,2024 08:22 AM IST | Montevideo | AP | PTILiverpool beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to remain top of the Premier League as Arsenal and Manchester City came from behind to win on Saturday. City were 3-2 victors over Fulham to stay one point behind Liverpool, alongside Arsenal who saw off Southampton 3-1. Arne Slot has now won nine of his first 10 games since succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, but was frustrated that the visitors invited a late onslaught from the winless Eagles. Also Read: Divanshi secures 2nd gold at Jr World Cup Arne Slot Jota prodded the Reds into the lead from Cody Gakpo’s cross on nine minutes. The Portuguese international was then guilty of missing two big chances to extend Liverpool’s advantage. Palace failed to make them pay, but victory came at a cost for Slot as goalkeeper Alisson Becker limped off with a hamstring injury. “If you score the second you break them mentally,” said Slot. “All the fans kept believing in a result because it was only 1-0, even though in my opinion, we were the dominant team,” he added. Fresh from a dominant win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Arsenal were expected to sweep aside winless Southampton. But the Saints shocked the Emirates 10 minutes into the second half when Cameron Archer fired in his first Premier League goal since a summer move from Aston Villa. The lead only lasted three minutes before Kai Havertz scored for the seventh consecutive home game. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 October,2024 08:19 AM IST | London | AFPNorthEast United FC shared the spoils with FC Goa in a scintillating 3-3 draw in the Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Friday. Both teams went hammer and tongs with their respective frontline while the defenders had a tough day in the office. NorthEast United FC believed they had three points in the bag until Borja Herrera came up with a late stoppage-time goal to split the pie. The Highlanders started the game on the front foot courtesy of their extremely flexible attack, with Jithin M.S., Alaeddine Ajaraie, and Nestor Albiach all interchanging positions. They were rewarded for the bright start as Nestor ran into the FC Goa penalty box like a hot knife through butter before nestling the ball into the back of the net in the sixth minute. He dazzled his way past a crowd of Goan defenders before beating Laxmikant Kattimani in goal. The Gaurs were caught off guard by the pace and trickery of NorthEast United’s frontline as Ajaraie almost doubled the lead within three minutes of their first goal. Minutes later, Goa had a loud appeal for a penalty as Armando Sadiku went down in the box following a shirt tug by Michel Zabaco but the referee was completely disinterested. Also Read: ISL 2024-25: Jamshedpur FC overcome FC Goa 2-1 with injury-time winner Sadiku missed the best chance of the first half when he scuffed his shot wide from five yards following an exceptional low cross from Dejan Drazic. Two minutes later, Jithin controlled a long ball and released Ajaraie in space but the Moroccan’s subsequent effort was deflected out after Odei Onaindia threw his body on the line. In the 45th minute, the hosts earned a penalty after Mohammed Ali Bemammer brought down Drazic in the danger area. Sadiku shouldered the responsibility of taking the spot-kick and hammered home the equaliser. The host had a perfect start to the second period as Boris Singh won possession in the danger area and he released Ayush Chhetri in space in the box, who found Sadiku with an intricate low cross. The Albanian made no mistake to hand FC Goa the lead in the 47th minute. However, the Juan Pedro Benali-coached team retaliated brilliantly in the 51st minute as Jithin, Ajaraie and Nestor combined with the latter slamming the ball past Kattimani to bring the match back on level terms. Five minutes later, the provider turned scorer when Ajaraie won possession in midfield and ran at the FC Goa defence with purpose. The Moroccan continued his goal-scoring streak with a vicious left-footed effort from just outside the box handing the visitors a deserved lead. FC Goa came close to equalizing the score through Akash Sangwan in the 74th minute, but a full-stretched Gurmeet Singh denied his effort. However, the hosts ended the match on a flourish with some relentless attacks. They were finally rewarded when Borja Herrera combined with Drazic and the former hammered it home past Gurmeet in stoppage time. The Gaurs almost found the winner when Drazic found himself in space but Gurmeet held his fort brilliantly, allowing the Highlanders to salvage a point from the match. Lastly, young defender Robin Yadav was given marching orders after he received his second yellow card for unfairly blocking Brison Fernandes. NorthEast United FC will be in action again at home as they will host Chennaiyin FC on October 17, whereas FC Goa will welcome Mumbai City FC on October 19 in an afternoon fixture. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 October,2024 07:10 AM IST | Fatorda (Goa) | IANSThe Indian senior men’s football team will face Vietnam in a one-off friendly match on October 12 following the withdrawal of Lebanon from the tri-nation friendly tournament, at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, with points counting towards the FIFA Rankings. As per the original schedule, India were supposed to face Vietnam on October 9 and Lebanon on October 12. After Lebanon’s withdrawal, the All-India Football Federation requested the Vietnam Football Federation to reschedule the Vietnam-India match to October 12, which was accepted by the VFF. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 October,2024 07:07 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSFIFA has agreed on interim transfer rules aiming to help players change teams and go to the Club World Cup in the United States next June-July. The move on Thursday opens the door for players whose contracts expire on June 30 to sign early as free agents for one of the 32 teams who qualified for the relaunched FIFA club tournament. FIFA’s council approved interim transfer market rules that give member federations the option of opening an exceptional transfer window from June 1-10. If agreements are reached between clubs, the FIFA transfer amendments would let players represent a new team for two weeks from mid-June, before their formal contract expires, in a tournament that is technically still part of the current season. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 October,2024 07:06 AM IST | Zurich | AP | PTICNS (Kandivli) charted their progress by creating a huge upset when they stunned strong title contenders Don Bosco (Matunga) by a solitary goal in the boys under-16 Ahmed Sailor pre-quarter finals of the MSSA inter-school football tournament at the St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, here on Thursday. Coming up with an industrious performance in the midfield and backed by a resilient show at the back, CNS struck the winner mid-way through the second half. Ridhiman Singh found the match-winning goal after receiving a square pass from Anjaney Pandey who was found clear down the right by a long diagonal delivery from their captain Anirvinya Sarkar from his own half. More than the result, it was the performance that was disappointing by Don Bosco. The reigning first division champions were lackluster to say the least. Not being disciplined enough in retaining possession, poor quality of passes from the midfield, apart from wastefulness in front of goal marked large portions of their play. Consequently, they found themselves on the wrong side of the score line. Though it was Don Bosco, who dominated play, both in terms of possession and creating openings, their lack of finishing denied them from seizing the advantage. This eventually proved to be their undoing. Also Read: It’s day won for Bosco boys CNS, on the other hand, were happy to play second fiddle for a major part of the match. They focussed on keeping themselves fairly organised at the back and worked hard in the midfield as they held onto their slender, one-goal advantage till the final whistle. In the other match of the day, an impressive Don Bosco (Borivli) who led by a solitary goal at half-time, ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against Jamnabai Narsee (Juhu) to enter the quarter-finals. Malekai D’Silva, captain Cristiano Lewis and Aarav Kataria struck a goal each while pick of the lot came from substitute Elijah Fernandes, who struck a brilliant free-kick into the top corner.
05 October,2024 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Neeraj AnandBelgium coach Domenico Tedesco named his squad on Friday that will take on Italy and France in the Nations League, with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne missing out through injury. The 33-year-old midfielder had left the question of his international future somewhat up in the air but told Tedesco that he would still be available for selection for the next two years. “I had a long telephone talk with Kevin where, first of all, now he is injured but in general he is very motivated to continue to be with us and to play also the World Cup,” said the Italian coach. “He asked me to be out for this camp and for the November camp to take care of his body.” Napoli star Romelu Lukaku’s name was also missing from the list of 23 as Tedesco decided to rest the striker and allow him “to work individually” as he settles into life in the southern Italian club. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 October,2024 07:05 AM IST | Brussels | AFPErik ten Hag has explained why Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time of Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League game, saying that rotation was the reason as he needs his players “fit and fresh” for Sunday’s Champions League away fixture at Aston Villa. Rashford was outstanding during the first 45 minutes at the Estadio do Dragao, and opened the scoring inside just seven minutes. He then teed up the second, powered home by Rasmus Hojlund, in the 20th minute. Erik ten Hag Rashford continued to torment Porto right-back Joao Mario for the rest of the first period, though Porto managed to level before the half-time whistle. However, when the teams returned after the interval, Alejandro Garnacho had taken to the pitch in place of Rashford. “He is okay,” Ten Hag told MUTV, warding off any worries of an injury issue. “But also Alejandro Garnacho, he is our attacking threat in this moment, and we brought him from the bench. We need fresh players also for Sunday so, yes, it was all in the plan. “We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season. We sub them the players who went off because on Sunday we have another hard game, a good game, so we need players to be available and be fit and be fresh. It’s a quick turnaround to Villa. They have a day longer to recover and we have an away, game, so we want fresh players on the pitch,” he further explained while speaking with TNT Sports. Porto struck again soon after the restart through Omorodion’s second of the game. But, Ten Hag’s side dug in to salvage a draw when substitute Harry Maguire headed in from a corner during stoppage time. Reflecting on the game, the Dutchman said, “We started the game very good, we dominated, scored two good goals, but then we lost control. So, the start was good, the middle part was not good, and then we finished very good. It’s a tough place to go, so coming back from 3-2 we get the equaliser, which is good for the spirit. You see again that the team have a really strong character.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 October,2024 07:05 AM IST | Porto | IANSADVERTISEMENT
