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Arsenal scorch European giants as Gianluigi Donnarumma struggles in return
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Champions League

Arsenal scorch European giants as Gianluigi Donnarumma struggles in return

Arsenal posted their first win of the 2024-25 Champions League group stage with a highly impressive 2-0 triumph over fellow European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain in London. Kai Havertz and Bukhayo Saka scored first half goals to ignite a packed Emirates Stadium on Wednesday (AEST) and make amends for a drab 0-0 stalemate with Atalanta in their opening game of the competition in September.   "They were absolutely phenomenal in that first half," Mark Bosnich said on Stan Sport. "They've been threatening this type of performance all season, a complete performance - and that's what you've seen in the first half. PSG's star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma - who earns a reported $19m per year - should have done better with both goals. The Italy No.1 was indecisive for Leandro Trossard's test...
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has Tottenham red card overturned
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has Tottenham red card overturned

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his red card against Tottenham on Sunday overturned following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal, the Football Association has announced. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United is shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Old Trafford on September 29, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) The Portugal midfielder was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for a high tackle on James Maddison during the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. United appealed against the decision and the Football Association has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal. Fernandes, who was facing a thre...
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Chiesa ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Bologna
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Champions League

Chiesa ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Bologna

One of Liverpool's summer signings will miss the Champions League clash with Bologna after sustaining a minor issue in training. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on September 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) The recent arrival was not present with the rest of the squad for their open session in front of the media on Tuesday morning. Diogo Jota was also absent but Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expects him to be in the squad to face the Serie A side at Anfield. Slot said: 'Diogo missed two sessions after the Wolves game as he took a knock. I'm expecting to be with u...
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Napoli Encountering Issues with Kvaratskhelia Renewal
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SERIE A

Napoli Encountering Issues with Kvaratskhelia Renewal

Napoli had a meeting with the agents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on Monday to discuss the much-awaited extension, but more talks will be necessary to finalize the agreement. Another one will take place in the coming weeks. NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 29: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Monza at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 29, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the club’s offer has been on the table since July. His wages would increase from €2M to €6M including add-ons. He’d earn as much as Romelu Lukaku and therefore be the highest-paid player on the squad. Napoli and the Kvaratskhelia camp will convene again aft...
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Arsenal have golden chance to show Arteta progress in PSG litmus test
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Champions League

Arsenal have golden chance to show Arteta progress in PSG litmus test

Rooming with Ronaldinho, playing with Jay-Jay Okocha and making his Champions League debut aged just 18, it is no wonder Mikel Arteta has such fond memories of his time at Paris Saint-Germain.Arteta was just a teenager back then, sent out on loan by Barcelona to gain first-team experience, but his 18 months in the French capital had a profound effect. LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City FC at Emirates Stadium on September 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) The first seeds about one day becoming a manager were planted thanks to the way head coach Luis Fernandez trusted him and Arteta a...
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AC Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League
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Champions League

AC Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League

Champions League action returns as reigning Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen play host to AC Milan at the BayArena. MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 27: Paulo Fonseca, manager of AC Milan, interacts with Alvaro Morata of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Lecce at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The Rossoneri is coming off a 3–0 victory over Lecce in Serie A, Paulo Fonseca's third win across all competitions as the new Milan boss. The win was also Milan's second-straight win in league play following its 2–1 triumph over rival Inter Milan at the previous weekend that has it in third place in the Serie A table. Fonseca will look to keep the momentum rolling in a bid to pick up his first three...
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Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto’o faces 6-month ban by Fifa for misconduct
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NEWS

Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto’o faces 6-month ban by Fifa for misconduct

Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) chief Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending the national team's matches for six months after violating Fifa's disciplinary regulations, football's governing body said on Monday (Sept 30). Former Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto'o arrives for the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on May 17, 2024. The 74th FIFA Congress is taking place in Bangkok with member associations voting on a range of issues including confirmation of the host nation or nations for the 2027 women's football World Cup. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images) The former Barcelona striker has been president of Fecafoot since 2021 and will now be barred from all men's and women's games across various age groups. "The...
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Italy probe eyes mafia link to AC Milan, Inter Milan ‘ultras’
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SERIE A

Italy probe eyes mafia link to AC Milan, Inter Milan ‘ultras’

Italian police arrested 19 people accused of criminal ties with the powerful 'Ndrangheta mafia group in a move that decimated the fan clubs backing Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan. STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2024/09/24: Official Serie A match balls Puma 'Orbita' are seen in a row prior to the Coppa Italia football match between Torino FC and Empoli FC. Empoli FC won 2-1 over Torino FC. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) Prosecutors said at a news conference on Monday that possible charges include criminal association, with the use of "mafia methods," extortion, assault and other serious offenses. According to the wide investigation, the criminal ring was linked to 'Ndrangheta -- the Italian mafia organization that has emerged in recent...
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Man United make Erik ten Hag decision ahead of Aston Villa
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United make Erik ten Hag decision ahead of Aston Villa

Manchester United are expected to stick with manager Erik ten Hag ahead of facing Aston Villa. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Erik ten Hag Manager / Head Coach of Manchester United as his team acknowledge the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Old Trafford on September 29, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Ten Hag has already insisted he’s “not thinking” about his future at Old Trafford, despite being under huge pressure in the wake of an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday that left the Red Devils down in 12th in the Premier League table after six matches. Next up for Ten Hag and his players in the league is a trip to Villa Park on Sunday (2pm), with a match a...
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Szczesny to arrive in Barca on Monday to complete move
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TRANSFERS

Szczesny to arrive in Barca on Monday to complete move

Wojciech Szczesny is now expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday to complete his move to the club after coming out of retirement. The goalkeeper will fly into the city for a medical and then sign a deal that runs until the end of the season, according to Polish outlet Meczyki. Szczesny is also then expected to watch Barcelona’s Champions League match against Young Boys from the stands. The goalkeeper had been expected at Barcelona last but week but it does seem now that the move is going ahead as planned. There’s been talk Szczesny only wants to come if he’s first choice which should make things interesting after he signs. La Liga is due to pause for an international break after next weekend’s clash with Alaves, giving Szczesny time to work on his fitness and get used to his new club for...
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Atalanta Suffer Massive Injury Scare in Bologna Draw
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LALIGA

Atalanta Suffer Massive Injury Scare in Bologna Draw

Problems keep piling up for Atalanta at the start of the new campaign as Marco Brescianini faces a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines. The former Frosinone midfielder picked up an injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bologna at Renato Dall’Ara. Brescianini tried to break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime when he latched on to Sead Kolasinac’s cut-back on the edge of the six-yard box. Despite a delightful first touch, the Atalanta star caught the turf as he was trying to pull the trigger, injuring himself in the process. The 24-year-old immediately asked for medical attention. However, he refused to leave the pitch despite being treated near the end-line. Moments later, he collapsed to the ground again and had to hobble off the field in pain, with Lazar Samardzic taking...
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Kane’s late injury overshadows Bayern’s 1-1 stalemate with Leverkusen
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BUNDESLIGA

Kane’s late injury overshadows Bayern’s 1-1 stalemate with Leverkusen

Harry Kane went off injured as Bayern Munich were held 1-1 at home by champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga yesterday. Robert Andrich put the visitors ahead after 31 minutes in Munich but Aleksandar Pavlovic pulled leaders Bayern level eight minutes later with an incredible long range shot. England captain Kane, who was largely anonymous in front of goal, hobbled off with a foot injury with four minutes remaining after a collision with Leverkusen’s Amine Adli. Coach Vincent Kompany said it was “too early” to know the extent of the injury but he was hopeful Kane would be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Aston Villa. “I don’t have the exact information but hopefully it’s just a bit of pain and we’ll get him back this week,” said Kompany. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl...
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Flick’s first misstep sees Barcelona’s unbeaten run end
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LALIGA

Flick’s first misstep sees Barcelona’s unbeaten run end

A first loss of the season had to come at some point but the manner of the humbling at Osasuna could easily have been avoided. Notwithstanding that one can sympathise with why Hansi Flick rotated his starting XI, multiple changes virtually handed the win to the team from Pamplona. On another night, if Barca’s second half chances had gone in, the Blaugranes could even have walked away with all three points, but frankly they wouldn’t have deserved it. Flick’s tactical nous was on show throughout the game, and his switches certainly affected things. Over the course of the season under this manager, Barca will undoubtedly win more than they lose. But he cannot escape criticism for leaving the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marc Casado and Inigo Martinez on the bench. One, or maybe two at a p...
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Liverpool go top of Premier League with 2-1 win over hapless Wolves
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool go top of Premier League with 2-1 win over hapless Wolves

Ibrahima Konate headed home his first ever Premier League goal and Mohamed Salah converted a penalty as Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (Sept 28). Arne Slot's men have 15 points after six games, one more than both Manchester City and Arsenal, while Wolves are bottom with a single point. "Feels good [to be top], you want to be up there but it doesn't tell me that much at the moment," Slot told Sky Sports. "If you look at Wolves they are down in the table but they played much better than that today. "After 19 games, it'll tell me something but not after six." Konate scored in first-half injury time after Diogo Jota beat his man down the left then served up a pinpoint cross that the 25-year-old cen...
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Martinez double at Udinese fires Inter level with Serie A leaders
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SERIE A

Martinez double at Udinese fires Inter level with Serie A leaders

Lautaro Martinez struck his first goals of the season for Inter Milan with a brace in Saturday's 3-2 win at Udinese which moved the champions level with Torino and local rivals AC Milan at the top of Serie A. Davide Frattesi's deft finish after just 43 seconds was followed by Argentina forward Martinez's strikes moments before and after half-time. The win in Udine saw Inter bounce back from Milan derby defeat last weekend and move up to 11 points after six matches. Torino, who host Lazio on Sunday, currently hold top spot by virtue of second-placed Milan and Inter having played a game more. "After the derby we kept quiet and worked hard and I think you saw that on the pitch," said Martinez to DAZN. Martinez's brace will be great news for coach Simone Inzaghi whose team host Red Star Belgra...
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Leipzig’s young stars on song in big win over Augsburg
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BUNDESLIGA

Leipzig’s young stars on song in big win over Augsburg

Benjamin Sesko scored twice in five minutes as RB Leipzig's young attack combined superbly to beat Augsburg 4-0 at home on Saturday. Sesko struck twice and laid on an assist for fellow 21-year-old Xavi Simons, who himself assisted a goal for 24-year-old Lois Openda. After 10 minutes, Sesko drilled a low shot into the bottom left from outside the box to open the scoring, leaping high to head in a David Raum cross shortly after. Augsburg had a chance to fight their way back into the match when Leipzig gave away a penalty midway through the first stanza but Jeffrey Gouweleeuw's effort was well saved by home goalie Peter Gulacsi. Openda beat Augsburg's offside trap just a minute into the second half, latching onto a Simons pass to put Leipzig 3-0 up. Simons then got on the scoresheet himself, ...
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Manchester City Draws to Newcastle United, Drops Points in Consecutive Games
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City Draws to Newcastle United, Drops Points in Consecutive Games

Manchester City was held to a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United at St. James' Park after an Ederson challenge resulted in an Anthony Gordon penalty. Saturday marks the first time since Dec. 2023 that City has dropped points in consecutive Premier League games. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester City FC at St James' Park on September 28, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images) Pep Guardiola's side last dropped points in back-to-back outings when it side drew to Tottenham Hotspur and lost to Aston Villa last season. City nearly lost to Arsenal last weekend at the Etihad Stadium if not for a John...
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Arsenal likely to drop out of race for Bundesliga star
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TRANSFERS

Arsenal likely to drop out of race for Bundesliga star

Arsenal will hope to return to winning ways when they welcome struggling Leicester City to The Emirates on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners battled to a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City last weekend, despite having ten players for the entire second-half. Mikel Arteta will have been pleased by his side’s performance at The Etihad, despite conceding an equaliser deep into added time. The Foxes arrive in North London without a win in the league so far this term, although they are unbeaten in their last two. Ahead of Saturday’s match, it has emerged that Arsenal are unlikely to pursue a move for one of the Bundesliga’s biggest stars. According to GiveMeSport, the Gunners aren’t likely to make a formal offer for Bayer Leverkusen tar Florian Wirtz. It is claimed that Arse...
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Man City ‘planning move’ for Barcelona star as Catalan outfit ‘reach agreement’
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TRANSFERS

Man City ‘planning move’ for Barcelona star as Catalan outfit ‘reach agreement’

Manchester City are reportedly planning to move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong next year, with a deal during the January transfer window not being ruled out. Frenkie de Jong is presenting the 2024-25 FC Barcelona squad at the Luis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on August 12, 2024. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images) The Citizens are expected to enter the winter market for a new central midfielder, having been hit with the news that Rodri will be out for the remainder of the campaign with a serious knee injury. Torino's Samuele Ricci has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but according to Fichajes, De Jong is also firmly on the Manchester club's radar. The 27-year-old's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire in June 2026, ...
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Guirassy scores twice in Dortmund’s 4-2 comeback win over Bochum
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BUNDESLIGA

Guirassy scores twice in Dortmund’s 4-2 comeback win over Bochum

Serhou Guirassy scored twice and won a penalty as Borussia Dortmund overturned a two-goal deficit to beat local rivals Bochum 4-2 in the Bundesliga on Friday ahead of facing Celtic in the UEFA Champions League next week. 27 September 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund - VfL Bochum, Matchday 5, Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Bochum's Anthony Losilla in action. Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Bernd Thissen/picture alliance via Getty Image...
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