Click to set custom HTML
0 Comments
2 Manchester United’s nightmare start to the season was brutally compounded by a razor-sharp Newcastle United. The opening phases of play were largely uneventful for both sides, however the Red Devils were able to keep the ball a little better than what they have been serving up recently. However, it would be inaccurate to say that the Mancunian club had any real control over the on-field events. The Brazilian captain for the night, Casemiro, had a decent shot from just outside the area. However, that was largely as good as it got for the Red Devils in the opening half. Erik ten Hag’s team came out with a fighting spirit but that led to a series of clumsy tackles which resulted in both central midfielders, Hannibal Mejbri and Casemiro ending up in the referee’s book. Hannibal in particular was rash as he was in trouble again after 18 minutes. The foul did not warrant a second yellow but it seemed a risk that was not needed at that stage in the game. Unfortunately for United, they were made to pay for the young Tunisian’s foul trouble. In the 26th minute, Newcastle pounced on the ball from a careless Garnacho pass and the Magpies’ full-back Tino Livramento took full advantage. The summer recruit charged past Mejbri, who most likely would have taken one for the team if he hadn’t already been cautioned. Livramento then played a well-placed through ball and Miguel Almiron finished cooly past Andre Onana. If the Old Trafford crowd were expecting a stirring fightback, they were to be disappointed, again. After a speculative shot by United full-back Sergio Reguilon, Newcastle found themselves 2-0 up. United were caught napping at a free kick and after a Harry Maguire headed clearance, Lewis Hall expertly volleyed past the United keeper. The rest of the first half petered out from a United perspective apart from a couple of speculative long range efforts by Dalot and Mount. The Magpies’ fans were in festive mood chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” and cheering their own players every time they touched the ball.The half-time whistle was a welcome relief for a funeral atmosphered Old Trafford. Ten Hag tried to change the game by making a double change at half-time, bringing on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sofyan Amrabat. This resulted in what could be described as a timid fightback as Antony Martial went close after good work by Wan-Bissaka. However, as has so frequently been the case for Manchester United this season, after some promising moments, they were cut to ribbons on the counter. Sofyan Amrabat’s difficult start as a Red Devil continued as he lost the ball in a dangerous area and Joe Willock streamed forward and slotted past Onana once again. 3-0. Game over. United knocked the ball about but their response could be described as all huff and no puff. Again, the Dutch coach tried to change the game by bringing on Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes. Sadly for the home crowd, not much changed. The team from Tyneside always looked comfortable and the team most likely to score. This was most obviously highlighted by Sean Longstaff´s strike that whistled past the post in the 75th minute. Newcastle United also brought on their own reinforcements such as Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier. It must be remembered that the Magpies started with arguably a more rotated team than the Red Devils due to injuries and two enticing fixtures versus Arsenal and Dortmund to come later on in the week. The game ended in a rather damp squib for the Mancunian crowd. Newcastle will not play many easier matches this season. Therein lies the problem for Manchester United. Members of the crowd could be seen streaming out with ten minutes left to play. Devoid of belief in a comeback and who could blame them? It never really seemed on. Manchester United’s defence of the Carabao Cup is over with boos and “you’re getting sacked in the morning” ringing around Old Trafford. Sadly, just another night at the office for the 2023/24 version of Ten Hag’s side. Starting XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon, Casemiro, Hannibal, Mount, Antony, Garnacho, Martial Subs: Amrabat, Wan-Bissaka, Rashford, Hojlund, Fernandes Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/match-report-manchester-united-0-3-newcastle-united-man-united-news-and-transfer-news/ 2
(A score of 6 is around average) Andre Onana 5- Gets low points for being the goalkeeper that conceded two but in reality, he was left helpless by the defence for both. Diogo Dalot 2- His game screams “fatigue” at the moment. Had a torrid time in both attack and defence. Made makeshift fullback Miguel Almiron look like a dynamo on his flank. Was relieved by Ten Hag at half-time, off for Aaron Wan-Bissaka Harry Maguire 4- Was indirectly responsible for Lewis Hall’s goal as his header fell to the player for the second goal. The “renaissance” talks were always premature, the last two games have proved it. Victor Lindelof 3- Restored to his natural centre-back position but there was no improvement in form to show for it. The whole defence looked at sea every time Newcastle attacked and he didn’t help. Sergio Reguilon 4- Can’t really be directly blamed for any goal but was signed as an emergency third option and has played like one. United need more. Casemiro 3- Got his customary booking early in the first half and picked up right where he left off pre-injury. He might actually be done at the top level, at least in a deeper position. Subbed off at half-time. Hannibal 3- Could say he was “eager to impress” but in reality, was just plain poor decision-making as he pretty much dared the referee to send him off throughout his stint. Mason Mount 4- Tested the goalkeeper with a sighter from long range but doesn’t look like a £60 million player right now, let alone a United No. 7. Antony 2- Can’t really say anything about Antony that hasn’t been said already. His bad performances are like clockwork at this point. Biggest blot on Erik ten Hag’s recruitment at United. Alejandro Garnacho 4- Ran fast and hard, but no quality in the final third. Showed why he’s rarely trusted to start games, especially when teams give no space in behind. Anthony Martial 2- Rasmus Hojlund will feel no threat for his place anytime soon. Anonymous display from the Frenchman and ideally, should be one of his last appearances for the club. Substitutes: Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6- Provided crucial thrust and overlap on the right when he came on. If he keeps up the encouraging signs, it will be a huge boost to United. Sofyan Amrabat 3- In competition with Casemiro to see which defensive midfielder is in worse form. Dispossessed for Newcastle’s third. Rasmus Hojlund 6- He’s the crowd favourite at least but the predicament he finds himself in is too much for his 20-year-old shoulders. Marcus Rashford 5- Body language is a perennial problem with him. No attacking impact or impetus after coming on. Bruno Fernandes 5- Missed a good chance to at least open United’s account but nothing going right for the United captain right now. MANAGER ERIK TEN HAG 2: The losses are piling up, and the excuses are shrinking. Newcastle walked to Old Trafford with second-stringers and had United feeling dizzy. Doesn’t get one because at least there was rotation in the starting XI. Otherwise, there’s no structure and identity to United’s play at the moment. The clock is ticking now. Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/manchester-united-0-3-newcastle-united-player-ratings-man-united-news-and-transfer-news/ 2
Fresh off the back of an embarrassing defeat against Manchester City on Sunday, no doubt Erik ten Hag would have been keen to get his side back to winning ways and in the process, relieve some mounting pressure. Ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal. In defence, the United boss gave the nod to Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Sergio Reguilon. Casemiro returned back into the starting XI and slotted next to Hannibal Mejbri and Mason Mount in midfield. Anthony Martial led the line with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony on either side of the Frenchman. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle. United are extremely poor defensivelyThe Red Devils demonstrated some control in the early stages of the work but as has been the norm this season, they could only sustain pressure and possession of the ball for roughly 20 minutes before the opposition grew into the game. Newcastle took some time to get going but when they did, Ten Hag’s men barely had a sniff and primarily played second fiddle. The Magpies created the most chances and got their reward in the 28th minute when Livramento easily cut through the midfield. The Newcastle right-back powered through the middle of the park and effortlessly shook off Mount and Hannibal who were left in his wake. Livramento then passed the ball to Almiron. Dalot looked to be tracking Almiron, but the Portuguese defender lost his man who then went through on goal before putting the ball into the back of the net, beyond the reach of Onana. It was a streak of costly defensive blunders from United which saw Newcastle take the lead. For the second, Dalot was tricked inside his own box by a rival player who used his pace and tricky feet to bypass the United man. Ten Hag’s players failed in their objective to clear the ball which landed on the feet of Lewis Hall just outside the box. Hall fired a shot which Onana could not keep out, to give Newcastle a two-goal lead heading into the break. Newcastle’s third of the match came about as a result of Sofyan Amrabat being harried and dispossessed off the ball. Willock then let loose a shot into the bottom-right corner to all but seal the win for his side and add to United’s woes. This term, United have been made to suffer dearly for their laxity and defensive mistakes. These errors were harshly punished by the Toon who were ruthless in their execution. It’s worrying how easily United are cut open and the number of chances they concede during games. There is simply no cohesion on the pitch and it’s hardly surprising that the backline often finds itself exposed. Ten Hag has recently been speaking about the need to be pragmatic and direct but such a brand of football requires the team to be defensively compact and solid. As the Dutchman seeks to stem the bleeding and get his side back to getting results, the defensive structure is an aspect of the game that will need to be addressed urgently. Aaron Wan-Bissaka barely has a fight on his hands for a starting berthWan-Bissaka was the surprise inclusion in the United matchday squad. The Englishman has not featured for the 20-time English champions since the loss vs. Brighton on September 16. He returned to training just days ago and it seems he was given a clean bill of health to participate if needed against Newcastle. Dalot had a howler during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch and if there were any doubts about whether Wan-Bissaka’s starting status should be immediately restored, these concerns were put to bed. In Wan-Bissaka’s absence, Dalot has been decent and has relatively done a good job but against Newcastle, he proved that Wan-Bissaka does not need to do much to be above him in the pecking order. United in shamblesUnited have now lost eight of their 15 games across all competitions. After the City game, questions started being asked of Ten Hag’s tenure in the Old Trafford dugout and just how safe his job really is as the club continues to struggle. A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that the board and power brokers within United are still backing the 53-year-old coach. However, one gets the feeling that he is no longer as bulletproof as he once was – the pitchforks are certainly coming out. Both at half-time and the final whistle, there were audible boos from the crowd who were clearly exasperated by what they saw. It did not help that the travelling Newcastle supporters incessantly kept singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” in reference to the extreme pressure that is mounting on Ten Hag and his staff. Amidst rumours of unrest in the dressing room and players not really taking to Ten Hag’s methods, it’s not looking good for the former Ajax manager. The players look completely short of confidence and lack any drive or desire to do even the most basic things. The situation on the pitch is just as bad off it, what with the imminent partial investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the uncertainty that his overhaul of sporting operations could bring. United are undoubtedly a club in turmoil and an end to the misfortunes does not seem to be near. Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/three-things-we-learned-as-man-uniteds-misery-continues-after-3-0-defeat-vs-newcastle-man-united-news-and-transfer-news/ Depth on show as the Reds roll on 5 talking points from Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool Liverpool FC11/1/2023 Liverpool are into a League Cup quarter-final after knocking out Bournemouth thanks to a brilliant Darwin Nunez strike in testing south coast conditions. Bournemouth 1-2 LiverpoolLeague Cup Fourth Round, Vitality Stadium Goals: Kluivert 64′; Gakpo 31′, Nunez 70′ Klopp goes big – twiceEight changes were made by Jurgen Klopp to his lineup, but certainly not to massively lessen the strength of the starting lineup. Mohamed Salah captained the side from the start for the first time; this was only his fifth League Cup tie since signing for the Reds, now in his seventh season. Also in were Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Joel Matip – all have been first choice in league play this season at times – while Kostas Tsimikas played, now being the only senior left-back available. Clearly, the boss saw the match as important to win and indeed as winnable – if we were good and if we had the quality on the pitch. It wasn’t just a 45-minute plan either, as was evidenced by a triple substitution on the hour mark. It could have been expected that Mo and Co. might depart then, but no, Jones, Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo were replaced by Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister. Most competitions should be winnable for the Reds, fans might feel; but this one, this year, might just be a little bit more important, and a little bit more winnable with Man City already out. We are in rebuild mode and a spring piece of silverware certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Jurgen didn’t want to needlessly miss out, and he hasn’t.
Defensive standoutsWith three of the switches to the lineup coming at the back, plus another in goal, it could have been the case that we looked ragged, sloppy or lacking cohesion in defence. And while we certainly had a few nervy moments trying to pass out against the wind at the start of the second half, overall it was a strong showing with a couple of impressive outings from Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in particular. The youngster dealt well with both Dominic Solanke‘s movement and attempts to turn and with Antoine Semanyo’s pace and dribbling ability. In addition, more than once he was the one to break the first line with a sudden surge forward 10 metres or so, opening a gap and picking a decent pass. Another test for the rookie, and another one largely passed with flying colours – especially an important late header over his own crossbar. Gomez, meanwhile, was a great outlet down the right first half and produced a couple of big defensive moments, including a header off the line from a corner at 1-0. Joel Matip certainly stepped up second half and performed well, but as a senior we expect exactly that from him.
Squad options impressingWhile not a vintage overall showing, in dismal conditions most players put in a pretty solid showing from a technical standpoint and did a good job tactically. Endo was a case in point: he looks increasingly comfortable in that deepest midfield role, stepping up much higher than even three or four weeks back in matches, winning possession back quickly and being incisive with passes when possible. Jones likewise was diligent on the ball and hard-working in his first domestic match back after suspension, while Cody Gakpo continued his comeback from injury with another close-range goal. Add in those defensive options stepping up to the task with Virgil van Dijk and Co. rested, and it amounted to a very positive workout all around for the squad, showing they can be called upon against top-flight opposition. Perhaps the one who didn’t really check that box on the night was Ryan Gravenberch, who only really managed to come on and commit a series of fouls to leave the Reds under late pressure – but he has already more than shown he has much to offer, too.
Rotation of rolesOf more interest on the night was perhaps Klopp’s willingness to make a few changes to where the regulars, the seniors, lined up. Salah, for example, was very much in the centre-forward zone for most of the first half, a bit of a split at times between a diamond midfield and a very free-roaming, rotating right side in our normal set-up. It was part job-share between Elliott and Szoboszlai, or part the fact the Hungarian had free licence to roam as he wanted: through the middle, high and wide, in and around the English youngster, linking play with Salah. Then, later after the hour mark changes, Trent came into central midfield; not from right-back, as is usually the case, but actively sitting there and playing at the base. It meant Mac Allister could go forward a little more at times, but also that we kept a back four in place with Gomez still present in Trent’s usual spot. The options are great to have but it’s also encouraging to see Klopp trying them out in meaningful, but not entirely risky, match moments.
Trophy chances and the call for relentlessnessNext up it’s Luton Town and a rare trip to Kenilworth Road – another Premier League match which the Reds will expect to win. Looking beyond that, the odds on the Reds to win the EFL Cup were already low; they’ll be bottoming out now after exits for both Arsenal and Man United on the same night as we’ve seen off the Cherries. Everton and West Ham could offer tough teams to face on their day, but Newcastle are the “best” other team left, as such. The one problem, potentially, is that the last-eight encounter will come between league games against United and Arsenal, neither of which will now have the same midweek game to play, obviously. Liverpool are looking strong and continue to roll on. Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/depth-on-show-as-the-reds-roll-on-5-talking-points-from-bournemouth-1-2-liverpool-liverpool-fc/ Liverpool battled their way to a 2-1 win at Bournemouth in the League Cup, with match-winner Darwin Nunez receiving endless praise. The Reds made the trip to a wet and windy south coast, knowing the victory would seal a place in the quarter-finals. It was dominant opening 45 minutes from Jurgen Klopp‘s side, who led through Cody Gakpo‘s poached effort, but they didn’t have things all their own way after the break. Joe Gomez was forced to make a vital clearance on the line to prevent a goal and Justin Kluivert headed home an equaliser midway through the second half. Substitute Nunez then curled home a stunning strike from an angle to put Liverpool back ahead, and they held on in horrible conditions. These Liverpool fans took to social media to react to the Reds’ win.
A really hard-earned victory by an in-form team
– nuneznunez in the This Is Anfield comments
Lots of love for the superb Jarell Quansah…
– Boldizsar Fejervari on Facebook
Nunez deserved his praise too
– Jack O’Lantern in the This Is Anfield comments
– Vlatko Georgievski in the This Is Anfield comments
Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/jarell-quansah-saves-club-millions-as-liverpool-fans-hail-nuclear-nunez-liverpool-fc/
Click to set custom HTML
Liverpool secured a League Cup quarter-final berth with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Bournemouth, with mixed ratings in match that was played in miserable conditions. Bournemouth 1-2 LiverpoolLeague Cup Fourth Round, Vitality Stadium Goals: Kluivert 64′; Gakpo 31′, Nunez 70′ Name – Caoimhin Kelleher – 6 (out of 10)Struggled at times with his distribution and in dealing with aerial balls but really should not be judged too harshly given the nature of the conditions. Still managed some decent stops. Joe Gomez – 8Was a useful outlet as Liverpool dominated the first half and then stuck to his task defensively in the second. Cleared off the line brilliantly at one point. Joel Matip – 7An experienced head who dealt with the dreadful wind as well as anyone. His front-footed defending ensured Bournemouth weren’t as dangerous as they might have been. Jarell Quansah – 8 (Man of the Match)Did not look like a 20-year-old as he helped fend off an aerial bombardment in the second period. Also used the first half to show off an impressive passing range and ability to bring the ball out from the back. Liverpool have a gem on their hands. Kostas Tsimikas – 6As always, a dependable presence at left-back in the absence of Andy Robertson. Did not manage to create as much as he can but did not let anyone down in his defensive duties. Wataru Endo – 6Put himself about and was tidy enough on the ball but struggled to help Liverpool play out when Bournemouth pressed in the second half. Curtis Jones – 6Barely lost the ball as you would expect, but had a largely quiet night before making way on the hour mark. Harvey Elliott – 8Liverpool’s most creative player on the night, as evidenced by the three key passes he put up. It is no coincidence that his shot led to Gakpo’s opener, either. Dominik Szoboszlai – 7Managed four shots and a key pass from an unfamiliar wide position but it only made you long for him to be in the middle where he can influence things even more. Mohamed Salah – 6Not vintage Mohamed Salah but he is always a handful for defences even when chances are hard to come by. Continually showed for the ball. Cody Gakpo – 7Doesn’t get as many chances to show off his excellent hold-up play when starting wide but tried to make himself available. Took his goal well from close-range.
SubstitutesDarwin Nunez (on for Elliott, 60′) – 8 – Kept up his fine recent form with an unbelievable winner. What a player he has become. Alexis Mac Allister (on for Endo, 60′) – 7 – Helped Liverpool play through the Bournemouth press far better than they had been doing. Trent Alexander-Arnold (on for Jones, 60′) – 7 – Similarly to Mac Allister, he helped get Liverpool back on the front foot. Ryan Gravenberch (on for Szoboszlai, 76′) – 5 – Gave away some silly free-kicks that won’t have pleased his manager. Diogo Jota (on for Gakpo, 76′) – 6 – Gave Bournemouth something to think about as they pushed for an equaliser. Subs not used: Van Dijk, Konate, Adrian, Scanlon.
Jurgen Klopp – 9A surprisingly strong selection was justified by the battle that ensued. Can do no wrong at the moment. For the fifth time in nine seasons, his side are into the last eight of the League Cup and his squad will have all the confidence they can make it to Wembley. Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/bournemouth-1-2-liverpool-player-ratings-liverpool-fc/ Liverpool have progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win in tricky conditions at Bournemouth, with Darwin Nunez‘s stunner sealing the result. Bournemouth 1-2 LiverpoolLeague Cup Fourth Round, Vitality Stadium GoalsGakpo 30′ Three days after their latest league victory, Jurgen Klopp named a strong squad in pursuit of making the last eight of the League Cup for the fifth time under his tutelage. Despite making eight changes, the depth of Liverpool’s squad was made apparent despite only Kostas Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah retained from Sunday. The No. 11 – who started as captain for the very first time – played through the middle in attack, with Szoboszlai to his right in another nod to the No. 8’s versatility. Wet and windy conditions did not make for eye-catching football – the rain was coming down sideways – but the Reds made the most of the ball pinballing in the six-yard box for the opener. Cody Gakpo, on his return to the XI following a knee injury, etched his name on the scoresheet after reacting the quickest to two deflections from a Liverpool corner. Szoboszlai was a consistent threat with his angled runs, and while Bournemouth were given some impetus with space left across the Reds’ backline, the Cherries managed just 102 accurate passes in the first 45. HT: Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool
The wind gave the Reds pause for thought in the second half, with any high ball played out from the back held up in the air and inviting Bournemouth pressure as the Reds played out from the back. Joe Gomez had to head the ball off the line as the Cherries harnessed the conditions from a corner, but the Reds could not stop the second inswinger as Justin Kluivert headed the ball into the net for 1-1. Liverpool made one careless mistake after the other to hand all momentum to the hosts, but as we well know it takes only one moment of magic to turn things around, and who other than Nunez to provide it! The Uruguayan was introduced alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, who moved into midfield, nine minutes before cutting onto his right foot and curling the ball spectacularly under the crossbar. Nunez’s seventh goal of the season edged Liverpool back into the lead with 20 minutes remaining, triggering changes from both sides as the Cherries rolled the dice. Liverpool held firm, though, sealing their place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup in their 12th win of the season across all competitions. TIA Man of the Match: Jarell Quansah Referee: John Brooks Bournemouth: Radu; Smith (Aarons 82′), Mepham, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Scott (Moore 81′), Billing (Tavernier 61′), Christie; Semenyo (Brooks 74′), Solanke, Kluivert (Traore 74′) Subs not used: Plain, Senesi, Rothwell, Dango Liverpool: Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo (Mac Allister 60′), Elliott (Nunez 60′), Jones (Alexander-Arnold 60′); Szoboszlai (Gravenberch 76′), Salah, Gakpo (Jota 81′) Subs not used: Adrian, Konate, Van Dijk, Scanlon Next Match: Luton (A) – Premier League, Sunday, November 5, 4.30pm GMT Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/bournemouth-1-2-liverpool-nunez-stunner-fires-reds-into-last-8-liverpool-fc/ Cape Town Spurs registered their first win since their promotion to the DStv Premiership when they stunned Orlando Pirates 2-1 on Wednesday. Also read | Orlando Pirates boosted by the return of Premier League trialist The Urban Warriors hosted the Buccaneers as the underdogs after having not won any of their opening eight league games. However, they pulled the unexpected as they raced to an early 2-0 lead against the Soweto giants at DHL Stadium. Also read | Orlando Pirates to face Cape Town Spurs without three stars Also read | Kaizer Chiefs lay criminal charges against their own fans Lubeni Haukongo opened the scoring in the third minute before Jarrod Moroole doubled the lead for Spurs in the 36th minute. It could have been 3-0 before half-time had Ashley Cupido taken his chance with only Melusi Buthelezi to beat minutes later. Also read | Kaizer Chiefs news: Petersen shielded, no hint he could be dropped ALSO READ | Kaizer Chiefs hit hard by the PSL Pirates did pull one back through Evidence Makgopa in the 43rd minute but that proved to be a consolation goal for them. And that’s because Spurs players threw their bodies at every attempt Pirates tried in the second half. Are you an Amakhosi fan? Click to read the latest Kaizer Chiefs news Sam Ramsbottom produced two brilliant saves towards the end of the match as Pirates looked likely to score what would have been an equaliser. STARTING XI: CAPE TOWN SPURS VS ORLANDO PIRATESORLANDO PIRATES BOOSTED BY RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S RETURNMeanwhile, Orlando Pirates have been boosted by the return of their teenage attacker who’s just completed his trial stint with Premier League outfit Wolves. Relebohile Mofokeng, though, wasn’t in contention to feature against Cape Town Spurs, and his absence was again felt. READ ALL FOOTBALL RELATED STORIES BY ERNEST MAKHAYA HERE… Via https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2023/11/01/cape-town-spurs-stun-orlando-pirates-to-register-first-psl-win/ |