The Spain vs Turkey match in Seville provided the type of theatrics that qualifying a world cup implies; Spain was passed through to the 2026 world cup but only after being made to sweat by Turkish who were extremely determined. The first minutes were an indication that the match was not going to be a predictable show. Spain had come with a build-up an impeccable record of defense and a welcome to play in their own homes, yet Turkey was not going to be to be intimidated and they turned a seemingly ordinary qualification game into an emotional yet thrilling game that left the fans at the edge of their seats up to the final whistle. Spain had a perfect opening to the night. Dani Olmo made his first start in the first four minutes and it was a calm finish following a cut-back by Marc Cucurella. It was an assured blow, one that was executed correctly and at the right time and representative of the manner in which Spain have performed during this qualifying campaign: flowing, accurate, and brutally effective. This objective also strengthened the role of Spain as the strong force of the Group E and at one time, it appeared that the game will be played as the hosts expected. Turkey however stood up remarkably resilient. They endured the early stress of Spain and slowly developed into the match launching higher and optional errors. At the eve of halftime their perseverance rewarded them. Deniz Gul had some room within the box and without any panic, fed the ball around Unai Simon, breaking Spain’s streak of five matches without conceding. The equalizer gave the contest a new life and all of a sudden the atmosphere inside the stadium changed. Belief had been obtained in Turkey and Spain reawakened into the thought that they were not yet certain of their qualification. The second part started with tension and Turkey took advantage initially. Salih Ozcan rolled a low ball into the bottom-left corner in the 54 th minute, shocking the home crowd and giving Turkey a 2-1 lead. The streak of 30 plus competitive games that Spain had had without drawbacks and defeat in the face of Luis de la Fuente seemed to be under threat at one point. Spain perfected to shake, and Turkey to lean. The visitors had the momentum, and tension was beginning to build up in Seville. At last, Spain retaliated with the power of a side made of big game. Eight minutes later, having already fallen behind, Mikel Oyarzabal, who is one of the most in form forwards in the entire of Europe throughout the qualifying phase, pounced on a rebound following an effort on the line by Yeremy Pino. The Real Sociedad star gave the ball to the net with his sixth goal of the season tying the game to 2-2 and calming down Spanish fans. There, Spain reclaimed authority, and, with the goal, in charge, turned the speed, and Turkey could not make the mess they had made them before. Spain might have scored on the subsequent occasion as well, as Olmo twice struck a goal against the Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who was playing his finest game. At the other end, Baris Yilmaz almost made the highlight of the night after keeping Simon on his toes with a brilliant save with an audacious overhead split. Both scenes were an indication of the tension to the end which characterized this Spain vs Turkey match. In the end, the draw was enough. Spain ended first in group E, victorious and on a high on the way to 2026. Turkey did not manage to pull off the miracle but still has pride and a spot in the play-offs. It was but England (and that also only) which defeated European qualifying without losing a single goal–testimony of how infrequently Spain actually arrived. The Spain vs Turkey game was everything that a fan could ever wish to see early goals, strategic struggles second-half developments and performances of the game. Spain ensured their spot in the 2026 world cup with determination and talent whereas Turkey demonstrated that they were a team and able to unsettle the European giants. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

Sesko Injuries Knee and Drops Man Utd Striker on a One Month Sideline. Sesko knee injury has come at the most unfortunate moment to Manchester United. With the club building up to a busy winter, new arrival Benjamin Sesko today seems likely to be out without action to the tune of a month after injury to the knee joint during the Premier League draw at Tottenham Hotspur on 8 November. This setback of the striker does not just hurt the attack depth of United but also made the squad arrangements more difficult before the major international events. To begin with, time of the injury might hardly have been better. Sesko, an arrival at PS74m in August, had been gradually developing into his position under Ruben Amorim after being brought there by United on paying 74m to RB Leipzig. However, he did not complete the game and was obviously weak as he exited the field after joining the game as a second-half substitute against Spurs. In the beginning, Amorim has confessed that he had no idea how serious the injury was. There were almost immediate assurances by club sources that the Slovenian international had not suffered serious injuries. However, later examinations established that he would be disqualified to play the qualifiers the World Cup in Slovenia and would probably lose an estimated four weeks of domestic matches. Nevertheless, the loss of Sesko extends the offensive resources of United when Amorim is in most need. His injury is likely to coincide with the away of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo towards the African Cup of Nations, that begins on 21 December in Morocco. The fixtures may accumulate rapidly in December, although there is no expectation that Premier League clubs will contract players to leave at the first opportunity available. On 15 December, the United play Bournemouth at Old Trafford one of the number of games that could be too early in the year to bring Sesko back. Last but not least, a concrete update should be provided to the fans. Amorim will then hold a press conference prior to Monday night Premier League game against Everton at Old Trafford and clarify the recuperation period of Sesko. Although the first estimate is four weeks, the club is yet to consider the level of the knee problem. The rate at which Sesko would recover will be determined by the response of the treatment in the next 2 weeks. Knee injuries are unpredictable and United will not be in a hurry to rehire a player who is a significant long-term investment. It is also possible that the manager has to change strategies in the absence of Sesko. His physical weight can provide something that the other members of the forward squad do not provide, and its loss will force the organisation to get creative, either by making system changes or by providing more minutes to younger forwards. A frustrating blow to Manchester United is the Sesko knee injury that comes at an opportune moment in a season and a busy winter programme coming to the fore Amorim now reads the prospect of negotiating various key games without a fully fit forward line. Although the injury is not serious, its timing makes planning of the squad a bit more difficult than challenging to the depth of United. Everyone will be waiting the next press conference of the manager to give a more open view of the situation, yet at this point, the fanbase must pray that the recovery of Sesko will proceed unproblematic and fast.   Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Portugal vs Armenia was a dramatic display of Portugal depth, style and attacking authority with the Selecao smashing their guests 9-1 to secure an entry to the 2026 World Cup in spectacular style. Given the fact that, following his red card in the game against the Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended, there were doubts whether the Portuguese could retaliate with a result matching the humiliating defeat suffered in the midweek. All those suspicions were all washed away within a very short duration as Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves played unforgettable hat-tricks, leading a statement game which reaffirmed Portugal as one of the most dangerous opponents in Europe. The game was launched with a sense of urgency to demonstrate the fact that Portugal were not merely on a mission to win the game but they were out to redeem themselves. To begin with, Fernandes struck a threatening free-kick in the top corner unleashing Henry Avagyan of Armenia in an emergency, which fell on the goal line where Renato Veiga, after seven minutes, tapped back in goal. The initial breakthrough sparked the players off and heightened the pace of the game before it took a different turn when Eduard Spertsyan came in to save a save and level the match in an up-close melee. Portugal responded swiftly, viciously as well. Goncalo Ramos took advantage of an awful back pass by Artur Serobyan by putting Portugal back ahead with the instinct of a poacher. The objective dragged Portugal into complete domination and after that point, it was impossibly to slacken them down by Armenia. This was followed by the entrance of Joao Neves as the frustrating goal player of the game, giving a beautiful first time shot on the outside of the box during the opportunity to bring it to 3-1. his calmness was superb in a gamer of his youth, and it heralded the commencement of a night he shall live to know forever. Neves succeeded this act of genius by another consisting of a beautiful free-kick, bent under the bottom of the bar, just prior to the interval. The strike acted as the reminder of his increasing influence and technical prowess. Then, on first-half stoppage Ruben Dias was taken down in the box and Bruno Fernandes scored the penalty to end the first half with an expansive 5-1 yardage. The second part was without pity. Early on again Fernandes fired, completing a brilliant run made by Ramos and his pressing and ingenious support. His ingeniousness between the lines dissected Armenia in twenties, and when Carlos Forbs was foiled in the area, Fernandes struck his hat-trick with his usual composure at the spot. The Manchester United captain was able to lead and show creativity in dominating the pace of the match in the absence of Ronaldo. Armenia which was the 104th in the world seemed to be more conquered by the swiftness and the flow of the Portuguese. And as his defensive form broke down, Neves was able to score himself his own hat-trick with a deft finish that emphasized his ever-increasing image as one of the most rounded young midfielders in Europe. In the ninth goal in stoppage time, Francisco Conceicao rushed home with a low effort to give one of the most decisive performances in any qualifying campaign by the Portuguese. The unity and balance shown by Portugal was what was notable during the evening. The team has lost its all-time record goal scorer, but still appeared to be smooth and enough, with Fernandes, Neves, Ramos, Cancelo, and Vitinha all linked up. The team led by Roberto Martinez responded strongly to the situation of the defeat against Ireland, and it is shown that their offensive stance is not dependent only on the presence of Ronaldo in the team. Rather, it is the multi-dimensional threat that this side of Portugal possesses that can crack down on the rivals in the middle of the field, the wide point, or a direct run through the centre. And lastly, winning was not only about qualification, it was also about once again asserting ambition. The message meant to their fans and other teams preparing in 2026 World Cup Portugal is a developing team, not afraid and capable of losing any game to the experienced heads and young talents who can assume leadership at any given time. The win over Armenia was an indicator of a team that is deep, hungry  and tactically clear, which is the key ingredient going into the major tournament of the world. To sum up, the 9-1 victory that Portugal achieved over Armenia was a statement victory, demonstrating their ability, attitude, and quick-strikingness. Fernandes and Neves shine with two hat- tricks each and the team fills the void in Ronaldo brilliantly and with a clear drive forward. Their route to the World Cup is guaranteed- and their ceiling can only be described as incredibly high. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Scotland resuscitated after World Cup dream almost dies is the only fitting way to describe one of the most surreal, dramatic and emotionally exhausting nights Scottish football has experienced in years. Even, in Piraeus before the final whistle had been blown a shriek echoed the Tartan Army grouped in a corner of Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis but not a shout of triumph but a shout of revival. Scotland had lost 3-2 to Greece in their supposedly automatic qualification and it looked like their campaign was dead but they are given a lifeline by Copenhagen, which seemed like the most impossible thing. Denmark 2 Belarus 2. An outcome that was like fiction but playing out in real time, despair evoked to disbelief and ultimately to hysterical joy. Initially, the evening appeared to be a ghastly night. Scotland had three goals in handicap, Denmark were 1-0 ahead and the world was calculated with a machine that just mangled dead, automatic qualification was dead. The ideal was shattered and crushed underfoot by Greek supremacy and Scottish military weakness. However, on passing the hour, the spirits started gaining–in Greece and in Denmark. It turned out to be a double experience to all spectators: bodies in Piraeus mind in Copenhagen. The stunned feeling was felt when Belarus, who is number 103 in the globe, came level with the Danes who are numbered 20 most. Ben Gannon-Doak brought back one to Scotland seconds later and suddenly there was hope again. But this was followed by the world of the absurd. As the Scottish supporters were still assimilating the Belarus first equaliser, the word went round Denmark 1 Belarus 2. An outcome that no gambling merchant, analyst or fan with an excessive sanguine mind cases had bet on. Tartan Army went bang with fresh faith and within days, Ryan Christie put it 3-2 in Greece and the supporters in the away end erupted. Goals were coming in throughout Europe and each of them was re-writing the destiny of the World Cup campaign of Scotland in real time. The Greek previously, as a nation an exceptionally hospitable country to the Scottish defence, but then that it might seem to have been turned into a piece in a thin budgeted horror-film easy to get into, and hard to counter–were now put in the wrong. Scotland, triumphant as dead were heaving themselves to their surfaces again like a resurrected monster that will not rest in its grave. At last, the night has lapsed into a frenzy of opportunities, rescues, playing-cards, and Heart Well-Wishers. Scott McTominay had made a spectacular save out of Odysseas Vlachodimos; Tasos Bakasetas had received a red card to leave the home fans wildoning and Scotland continued to rumble forward, hoping to get at least a goal which would have done nothing to change the result but would have given a signal before the decisive game on Tuesday. And then the long agonising wait. Players loitered on the field. Fans held their breath. Denmark winner would have smacked the dream dead at the start. Minutes seemed like hours, hours like days, at least until Parken Stadium issued their confirmation almost four minutes later full time, Denmark 2 Belarus 2. The dream was alive again. Andy Robertson smiled afterward and as may be the happiest captain to walk off after being beaten. Winner takes all at Hampden, Andy Robertson grinned. Fact, Scotland had no call to be bailed out. They were chess-boarded with by Greece 45 minutes, and cut into the defence whenever they pleased. Craig Gordon ensured the scores were not humiliating but Grant Hanley and John Souttar seemed powerless as Christos Tzolis and young Konstantious Karetsas were brimming with magic. In the first half Scotland yielded half a dozen shots on target–the largest number they had had in nearly ten years. That performance gave Steve Clarke not only food for thought, but a feast of issues before the decision in Denmark shape, mentality, personnel, urgency all the departments require improvement. But, amidst all this turmoil and tragedy of the first hour, Belarus gave Scotland the most outlandish escape which can ever be imagined. It was a weird night as Clarke himself referred to it, containing an insinuation that the 2-1 victory over Belarus last month, much derided at the time had actually become much more significant than anyone supposed. He did not hesitate to admit that Scotland were blessed. They were. He also demanded that his players need to believe in themselves more but at the same time mentions the last 20 minutes in Piraeus as the benchmark they would go to Hampden with. Eventually, though, Scotland resuscitated with World Cup dream almost dies is not merely a headline, but the emotional truth of the evening which had all the necessary elements fear, hope, collapse, revival and a miracle performed by the most unpopular quarter. At this point, all is to be lost and the message is straightforward correct the mistakes, ride the fire and take advantage of the occasion. Hampden awaits. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

England perfect qualifying has put the team of Thomas Tuchel on the verge of history, as the Three Lions keep crushing through the campaign of the 2026 world cup with impeccable efficiency. Seven matches, twenty goals, no conceded of these-figures that suggest utter supremacy, and acts which have brought England one match nearer to an achievement no other European team ever made. They are ready to meet Albania and it is easy to compute by winning the match and having a clean sheet, England is going to have a perfect defensive and offensive ration that is not matched anywhere in the continent. To begin with, the Group H run of England has stood out in terms of results and the fact that they have controlled matches with ease. The political campaigns in England in the past were characterised by poor qualifying, goal line formations and unexpected twists that will be remembered by past generations of the supporters of England. But the times of Tuchel have turned the movie around. The systematic organization of his side, his perceptions and fierce charges have made qualifying, never a tense voyage, a procession of assurance and self-confidence. This run has also brought England to an elite club of European countries; four teams only have ever accomplished a qualifying cycle with a flawless 100 percent hit rate; these are Spain, Netherlands, West Germany and Germany. Germany, who made the final effort so late, in 2018, notoriously did not have the capability to bring that form into the finals but England will have that bridge to worry about when they are there. They are now on the verge of achieving something that would in turn highlight the distance they have traveled. Yet, the recent hegemony by England also points to the extent through which the qualifying has transformed over the decades. The team had previously had to fight through intense stressful groups, and it has lost both in 1974 and 1978. When Terry Butcher played in Sweden in 1989, blood began to fly or when David Beckham scored an injury-time free-kick in Greece in 2001, we are reminded because the road to world cups used to demand emotional and physical heroics. But such moments, dramatic as they were, underline also how much there has been a change in standards. The national side is now joining qualifying campaigns with a high expectation of control and not chaos and the supporters are already virtually considering qualification as a given. Indeed, England are yet to fail to get to a world cup since the early 90s and have not lost a world cup qualifier since 2009, a march of 38 unbeaten games. Lastly, the defence principles of this England ideal qualifying run deserve their special mention. At the heart of it is Jordan Pickford, who has had arguably the best of his international careers. The goalkeeper of the Everton club has already broken two national records: ten clean sheet games in all competitions and nine in competitive games only. These figures are higher than those of Gordon Banks, one of the most treasured personalities in the history of England and this goes to depict how great Pickford has done this year. He made a final offer on behalf of England in October 2024, when Greece inflicted an unwarranted defeat on Wembley by winning the Nations League. Since that time Pickford has been as white as a linen sheet. His mastery of the penalty area, better distribution, and perfect concentration has opened England into excessive hardness to crack open. The record of England in attack is equally high. They have won 19 consecutive matches the longest streak of their 115 year history. The Three Lions have made 46 goals during this era, giving them the third longest scoring streak in their history, only shorter than those in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries- an era so far off in the past that a 2002 goalless draw remains the only interruption in 80 matches. And England here enters upon a historical year. In case they beat Albania, they will have an 2025 with a 9/10 match winning ratio- meaning that their win rate is ninety per cent of the total 10 match wins, only being successful in 2 instances post 1900. Their only and thus far singular setback, the 3-1 friendly defeat with Senegal, had no effect on their competitive flow whatsoever and had scarce bounced off the collective memory. To sum up, it is more than a statistical miracle that England managed to achieve the perfect run in its qualifier, but it was a team that has been able to adopt structure, consistency, and maturity under Thomas Tuchel. Their skill to provide more defensive firmness with attack speed has remodeled anticipations with regard to the national team. Another victory–it will hopefully be another clean sheet–will carve their names in European football history. It is yet to be determined whether this domination is to be subjected to the world cup per se but England have positioned themselves as one of the most feared competitors in the continent. The last step is now awaited in Albania, where perfection can be reached. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Hallgrimsson on Ronaldo that everyone was talking about after the dramatic red card on Cristiano Ronaldo at the defeat of Portugal against the Republic of Ireland in the qualifier to the World Cup. What should have turned out to be an enjoyable resumption of the role of the city of Dublin by the Portuguese captain has since resulted in controversy, skirmishes between the two sides and the war of words that has seen the temper of Ronaldo called into a lot of question as well as the fitness of the player to appear at the World Cup. It became one of the most dramatic in the long history of Ronaldo playing internationally, and Hallgrimsson on Ronaldo has been the ideal narrative chip to a game that had all the elements goals, tension, VAR recent events and managerial brain games. Ronaldo had come smiling to Dublin and when asked about it, he said that he would make a good boy, perhaps as he had a feeling of the jeers he was going to get at the hands of the crowd in Ireland. To begin with, Ireland shocked the stadium as Troy Parrott hit twice during the first half, making there 2-0 in a situation where Ronaldo was left playing a more enraged role. The situation was boiled down to the last drop directly after the hour mark when Ronaldo and the Irish defender, Dara O’Shea, fought to occupy the penalty area. Cameras had filmed Ronaldo seemingly stabbing O’Shea in the back with his elbow as a cross was headed towards her. O’Shea fell to the ground and the Irish players ran around the referee and the spectators went crazy. Referee Glenn Nyberg first gave Ronaldo a yellow card. But following the recommendation of the VAR to look into the footage on the pitch-side monitor, all that changed. Going back to pitch, Nyberg came up with a straight red and Ronaldo was shocked. The 40 year old superstar instead went away applauding sarcastically to the crowd of the Irish supporters and walked to the head of the Republic of Ireland, Heimir Hallgrimsson in a rapid exchange of hot words and eventually walked out. It was a theatrical moment, and this preconditioned the quote that was to take its headlin Hallgrimsson about Ronaldo. Given the opportunity to comment on the exchange, Hallgrimsson gave the line that immediately went viral in the social media “Perhaps I got inside the head of Ronaldo. The Irish manager had claimed before that Ronaldo had bribed the referee in the previous victory of Portugal over Ireland in October when the Portuguese captain failed to score a penalty, and still appeared to influence the referee. That comment evidently became tension during this match and even Ronaldo himself made an allegation at Hallgrimsson having mind games during his pre-match press conference. Nevertheless, Hallgrimsson denied that his statements were relevant to the red card. In his opinion, it was Ronaldo himself who was guilty of rashness. The Irish boss added that the two even had what he termed as a handshake, minor joke even after the confrontation on the sidelines. Nevertheless, Hallgrimsson about Ronaldo remained the focal point of the night because he furthered his argument that the Portugal captain must have lost his temper under pressure. A very contrasting view was given by the manager of Portugal, Roberto Martinez who came out in a strong defense of his captain. Martinez also reminded reporters that Ronaldo had not been sent off on 226 occasions in his Portuguese matches of which he was named and his disciplinary record was to be credited. He claimed that the contact appeared not as good on the camera image as it was in reality and that Ronaldo had been pushed, held and pulled in the box almost an hour. According to the eyes of Martinez, O’Shea ducked too much and the referee might have been compromised by some influences, at least after Hallgrimsson expressed what Ronaldo could do to referee beforehand. Another twist to an existing over the top plot was the comparison between Hallgrimsson and Ronaldo and Martinez and Ronaldo. Lastly, there is the focus on what the red card entails. It is indubitably clear that Ronaldo will be suspended in the next qualifier of Portugal against Armenia. Nevertheless, more worrisome is the duration of the ban this may become. Violent behavior will automatically result in a minimum of three game suspension according to FIFA regulations and therefore Ronaldo might miss the first matches of possibly his only world cup appearance assuming that Portugal will be automatically qualified. In case Portugal finds itself in the play-offs, then he serves the suspension in the play-offs. The incident will be looked into by a disciplinary committee and Hallgrimsson on Ronaldo will most probably feature in the narrative they explore which they will or will not be admitting to. What was to be a nostalgic trip back to a city where Ronaldo had made his initial Real Madrid appearance turned out to be a love-filled memory one to remember. He had come into Dublin with a smiling face, but left in the storm of debate, criticism and doubtful results. And a single line, Hallgrimsson on Ronaldo, has caused the Ireland manager to guarantee an echo of the final whistle over the ensuing debate. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Liverpool vs Man City: Guardiola makes 1,000th Game Statement Win 3-0. The Man City vs Liverpool was meant to be a tense rivalry between two giants in the premier league. Rather, it became a statement with a resounding 3-0 on the part of Pep Guardiola, the message reverberating way beyond the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola did not merely celebrate his 1,000th game in the managerial role on the night he needed to impress everyone to remind them why Manchester City are the gold standard of English football. It was not a matter of three goals and three points. It was concerned with purpose, domination and the reversion to brutal domination. It started with the rocketing head by Erling Haaland, through Jeremy Doku unstoppable runs and all were screaming City are back and they mean business. The 1,000th match that pep Guardiola faced could not have been any better than that. The Spaniard, who is described as a footballing visionary, celebrated the event with one of the greatest tactical masterpieces that continue to remind about his everlasting genius. There was uncertainty of whether Guardiola would restore the appetite in this City team following a rare slip last season. Each pass and press and pattern of play appeared to be a part of a great design. Even when he was in trouble, City was composed and was able to pass possession on with ease and slice towards Liverpool as though it were a breeze. Guardiola did not only control this game but he took it over and again, just as he has done in adjusting and re-inventing his squads every single year. To Liverpool, this Man City vs Liverpool battle became a stern awakening call. What began as a game with balanced optimism went to the sombering effect. The men of Jurgen Klopp, who were usually intense, were surprisingly one-dimensional and distracted. The middle which was their engine room was overwhelmed by the energy and accuracy of the City. Virgil van Dijk believed that he had scored after a great header to put his team on par, but the goal was overruled on account of him interfering with the position of Andy Robertson in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma. That decision was the conclusion of the night of Liverpool a combination of misfortune, wrong moment and the fact that City was simply better than the opponent. This loss means that it has lost five out of six games in the Premier League and the title danner of Liverpool is now on a thin thread. City could not have lacked in the side was not composed or cohesive like Slot. This was the place where perhaps there existed a purpose that represented the football philosophy that Guardiola had. At min 37, Match created a piece of naked beauty. City began in more than half way through their own half and made 19 passes which were greeted by gasps of the crowd. It concluded with Matheus Nunes floating a cross into the box when Erling Haaland was high above Ibrahima Konate to head a goal. The Etihad erupted. This was not solely a scoring point but one with control, confidence and chemistry. Better still, Haaland had missed a penalty earlier on in the game. But heroes strike back and he did that, tallying his 99th goal in the Premier League with the usual header that drowned any rumors of reserve. Jeremy Doku was the one player who was the spark of life of Man City vs Liverpool. The Belgian winger ended up torturing Liverpool defence throughout the night with blistering pace and attacks, in-outing Conor Bradley. Doku was never a bad prospect, but under Guardiola, he has turned into a ruthless, refined, killing machine. Jeremy Doku was the player who illuminated Man City vs Liverpool should there have been such. The Belgian winger agitated the defense of Liverpool throughout the evening and turned Conor Bradley inside out with blind breaks and dazzles. Doku has always possessed crude ability, but such a weapon under Guardiola now has been refined and made lethal. This defeat is not the end of the sufferings in Liverpool. However, in its transfer market the team has spent nearly PS450 million yet it is unbalanced. Once regarded as the creative catalyst, Florian Wirtz does not fit in the physical mayhem of the Premier League. Hugo Ekitike had been held down and Alexander Isak, who had recovered from injury, was never brought on the pitch. The battle of rebuilding confidence and at the same time accommodating new faces is now daunting in front of Slot. The crack in defense and mentality was revealed in the Man City vs Liverpool game. Unless a u-turn is made soon, the Reds will find themselves even lower than the top four, not mentioning the race to the title trophy. his staff and his fans to make me receive this gift, he said. Targeting to play 1,000 games here in Manchester is a special thing. It was a glimpse of humility that is not common with an obsessively perfectionist man. But on this night even he was permitted to smile. He looked back at his formative years at Barcelona B, which made him the coach he is at Present. It was not only a milestone achieved personally but it was also an example to demonstrate that his philosophy Mohist philosophy still rules. The Man City-Liverpool match was a message, not a rivalry. The 1,000th game in the career of Pep Guardiola will not be remembered only due to the result, but the message this game sent. Manchester City are not dead, they are starving and they are coming to take the title yet again. Liverpool, in the meantime, have to do some soul searching. Their propagandA is not past yet, but the difference in social classes was obvious. Arsenal will be peeking through its window and will clearly see what this will entail: City is in full swing and when that occurs, there is only one way it

Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane goals as Everton beat Fulham . Everton also finally broke the three-match winning streak in the premier league which was now 2-0 over Fulham at Hill Dickinson stadium as Iwell. The decisive ones were Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane with the goals as the men of David Moyes have found their pace and strength before the home audience. The Toffees were patient and tough in defeating an ailing Fulham who despite many early obstacles two disallowed goals like the Toffees; they have been too close to the relegation zone. The first half proved a tale of domineering which had no reward to Everton. Moyes controlled the possession, made some opportunities and struck the woodwork yet two of the goals were disallowed due to offside before Gueye scored at the brink of the first half. Thierno Barry, who was summer signing, in need to get his first goal on English soil, believed that he had done so midway into the first period and only to realise the flag was raised after Iliman Ndiaye was called offside in the buildup. A few seconds later, James Tarkowski, a defender, headed a goal similar to the one that the hosts had been denied, but once again, there was a VAR query that stopped it. The anger of the crowd was very intense, and the temper of Moyes in the touchline swelled in signalling six minutes of stoppage time. But relief soon followed. Fulham had cleared a corner poorly and the loose ball hit Idrissa Gueye who had beaten Bernd Leno with a 12 yards slam. The persistence of the Toffees was lastly paid off and they headed into halftime with a justifies 1-0 lead. Everton made strong performances to begin the second half seeking a second goal that will seal the game. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who did impress with his efforts and goal, was seemingly about to make the advantage twofold following a delicious build-up when one more time the flag was raised over the third Everton goal being ruled guilty of offside. After going forward with little in the first half, Fulham started to be more ambitious in the second half. The ineffective Raul Jimenez was brought on in place of Rodrigo Muniz, who came the closest to having drawn. Never put much to the test the England goal-keeper was still on his guard as the visitors advanced. The defense by Tarkowski and Michael Keane of Everton was on the tall. Another one of the most memorable moments was the proceeds of Iliman Ndiaye, who went back brilliantly to strike a goal-bound shot by Kevin that would have been a definite equalizer except that Ndiaye produced the goal-saving act. And that clearance was the mark of a new found confidence in Everton, a mark of a new self-confidence after weeks of bad play. Michael Keane Seals the Win So, after nine minutes it was possible to see their insurance goal by Everton. A perfect corner was given by dewsbury hall, and the highest leape of all came to Michael Keane, a glance of a header, or it might have been a shoulder, at the extreme corner, leaving Bernd Leno with no opportunity. Hill Dickinson Stadium was celebrating at the goal and it could be seen that Moyes was relieved on the touchline. This performance was a reminder to the manager that despite the mounting pressure in the recent weeks under his watch, there is still the fighting spirit in what is happening at Everton. After this the Toffees made the tempo, and with smart possession keeping obtained frustrated a Fulham side that appeared to have run out of thoughts. This piece of paper was as precious to Moyes as the three points were, because his side had lost the previous five matches of their league programme. Moyes Is Motivated by Team Exhibition. David Moyes commended his players after the match because of their strength and personality. Nobody would have felt disappointed after the forbidden goals in the beginning, he said, but the boys held to the scheme, kept themselves down, and got their due. This was a positive performance indeed. Midfield control by Gueye, creativity of Dewsbury-Hall and leadership of Keane at the back were all impressive. Toffees are capable of maintaining the clean sheet and controlling the pace of the game at the end of it, which will give Moyes confidence as the Everton are striving to reach the top half of the Premiership. The win is a turning point to Everton as it thoroughly unleashed its aggression, patience and discipline in tactics as it was able to bring down a cunning Fulham. Although the Toffees are yet to polish their attack, this win gives a boost of confidence before they encounter their next matches. In the case of Fulham, the problem is even deeper as lack of performance when out of the ground puts them into a relegation fray. Provided that Moyes manages to continue such a momentum, Everton may still be able to be consistent and ascend up the ladder of the Premier League. In the case of Silva, it has become so imperative that Fulham fixes the travel sickness. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Tottenham Manchester United: De Ligt Headers Late to draw a 2-2. It was a battle of the Premier League that had it all goals, drama, injury, and a gorgeous last minute goal. Spurs were denied the three points as Tottenham vs Manchester United ended 2-2 after Matthijs de Ligt plunged his powerful header into stoppage time, much to the disappointment of the Spurs team in North London. The outcome saw each of the two sides ponder on lost opportunities and instances of sheer genius in an electric match-up. The match started as both teams attempted to establish their rhythm at the start of the game. With a vibrant home crowd, Tottenham pushed up and forward through the wings and transferred the ball very fast. Meanwhile, Manchester United appeared to have its approach to it arranging itself to deliver a counter-strike yare and accurate. United was the one to open the score in the 31st minute. Spurs was overcome by Bryan Mbeumo, who glanced above the Spurs defense and headed a pinpoint cross by Amad Diallo to make the visitors 1-0. The action was typical of United, fast, any build up and a finish. Ever since then Tottenham had to chase. Xavi Simons was attempting to dictate the game in the midfield and Richarlison and Brennan Johnson did everything to break the fresh line of attack by the United players. The defense of the visitors, directed by De Lilt and Maguire, held long a part of the first half, however. The second half also witnessed the rejuvenated Tottenham. Manager Ange Postecoglou decided major modifications which saw speed being added in the left hand side, with Wilson Odobert replacing Randal Kola Muani. This move was successful as Spurs started stretching the defense of United. They were finally compensated in the 83rd minute after having persevered as Mathys Tel -who had just emerged as a substitute, sent home the cross of Destiny Udogie, to keep the score at 1-1. The aim electrically frenzied the audience and put the tide squarely in the favor of Tottenham. At 95 minutes the clock seemed to defeat United. They were already wounded both in Maguire and Sesko, and with all substitutions exhausted, they were practically weakened. However, as is the spirit of the United, they could not give up. Bruno Fernandes crossed in an irritating position on the right, and there stood Matthijs de Ligt–lifting him higher than the rest and forcing a header in the highest position into the upper right hand. The home fan silencer was the equalizer and jubilation echoed triumphantly on the United bench. Not only did De Ligt save an important point but his Tactic also demonstrated the ability of United to survive in a tight situation. It was the moment which better fitted the character of such rivalry in the Premier League. The game was not lacking in physical battles as well. Cristian Romero, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison were all listed in the referee book due to factors ranging between aggressive challenges or over the top celebrations. Manchester United was no exception as they also experienced their fair share of woes. Maguire hobbled off later in the second half and Sesko seemed to draw a muscle late in the game when United had depleted their bench – just at a time when the its players were tired of being relieved. These events contributed to the desperate nature of a game that had a wild change of direction at both ends. The strategies of both teams were different. Tottenham favored accumulation in midfield with Udogie and Odobert to make use of the flanks. United on the contrary concentrated on small and backward defending and quick attacks. There were major fights of the game which include Simons vs Ugarte in the middle, Odobert vs dorgu in the left and Richarlison vs De Ligt in the air battle. The intensity did not decrease even during added time as both parties continued to press towards the winning goal. Tottenham had the better of possession statistically, but United had more quality chances. While it was Fernandes who made all the consumerartive decisions on behalf of the visitors, he went down again with his assist, and was in the right corner once more. In the instance of Tottenham the draw will be the equivalent of two points dropped. They were seconds to winning but failed to cling on to it. Nevertheless, there were good indications in the performance- especially the influence of the young players such as Tel and Odobert. In the case of Manchester United, the turnaround to their strengths demonstrated how strong and adaptable they were. They had sustained a few injuries and had a succession of changes in tactic, but they found a way back. The defense leadership of De Ligt and the innovation of Bruno Fernandes are important resources that they need in their pursuit of a top four. The Tottenham vs Manchester United match served as a reminder as to why the Premier League football is something that can never be matched. Both groups possessed character, heart and readiness to fight to the very end. Both managers are left wondering as the dust settles. Will Tottenham be able to turn the wins on the field? And are they capable of United clearing up their defensive lapses, and remaining slick in the attack? One thing is certain, whatever the season is, it is never predictable and nights such as these are what are combining to make English football so magical. 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Ismaila Sarr Crystal palace three words fast becoming synonymous with excitement, pace and purpose. As Eberechi Eze went off to Arsenal in the summer it raised the question how they can replace the creativity and goal seeking ability he has left behind. Probably at least nothing that Eze had scored or assisted on 169 appearances, that memorable 40 goal, 28 assists FA Cup winner at Wembley had not already made him an icon of the club. But here came Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr and the change has been nothing short of shocking. His mediocrity in wrapping the win over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday in the 3-1 gave Crystal Palace not only their first European home victory but affirmed his increasingly prominent position as the new talisman of the club. This season Sarr has been on fire, scoring eight goals in 15 games altogether in any competition. A combination of touch speed, movement smarts and impeccable finishing all that has made him indispensable was contained within his performance against AZ Alkmaar. Since the first blast the backline of the Dutch side was tormented by Sarr as the early hits at the post won, by persistent attempts to break through and win a penalty were received, and finally, twice scored a goal to prove the victory. All of these aspects were on display and included his confidence, calmness, and chemistry with forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, giving us an idea of a Palace attack that has developed and changed through the management of Oliver Glasner. To begin with the presence of Sarr was tonal. In minutes his scalding speed obtained panicked defending at the hands of AZ Alkmaar. Palace had the ideal pass towards the leadership when goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu Oduro trapped him in the box but Mateta missed a penalty which would have been a goal. Yet Sarr’s hunger never waned. He almost scored a few moments later with a thumping head, which pushed him off and then scored with a poke just before halftime. The definition of precision and poise was his second goal, a traditional counterattack finish upon receiving a sharp pass by Mateta. It was all summed up by former Palace defender Joel Ward on TNT Sports: Sarr is flying. There is so much that he brings to the team and with sufficient space in front of him, there is hardly a defender who can handle him. His coolness this evening was excellent.” Such speed and control has turned Sarr into a nightmare to defenders – and the fans of the Palace have been relieved of the worry that their life would finish without Eze. Nevertheless, it is not only a matter of personal genius that Sarr has reached the top, but also a testament to the professional flexibility of Glasner. The Austrian manager has developed a framework that now depends on fluidity and transition play that allows Sarr the freedom to wander and utilize space between defenders. Sarr can time his runs, as Mateta tends to play deep to remove the opponents out of position and, therefore, could have become a creator and a finisher. This synergy was identified by Glasner himself, who said Sarr is an important player who opens space to others with his movement and sprinting strength. The move by Palace to take Sarr out of Marseille in 2024 at a cost of approximately PS12.5 million and which was initially to cover the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich now seems one of the best business moves in the history of the Premier League. What happened to be viewed as a gamble has become a masterstroke. The 27 year old has already contributed four goals in his three previous matches and is already posing to overtake his goals of previous season which was 12 goals in all competitions. The reason why Glasner has such faith in Sarr is paying off in a handsomely way. The Palace boss declared he was handling expectations very well with him. He reminds me of his finishes with Brighton and Arsenal last season, the same accuracy the same composure. He has tremendous speed and applies it wisely. That makes him unique.” That athleticism and maturity, in fact, is the difference maker in Sarr. He is not merely running fast he is running smart and he frequently determines the rhythm of the interventions of Palace. Lastly, the triumph on Thursday had a wider meaning besides personal genius. It was the first time Crystal Palace had a victory at home in the UEFA Conference League in its history and it was a landmark event both to the club and its fans. The losses to AEK Larnaca in their last domestic game had placed their campaign in Europe in doubt and the impressive play on AZ Alkmaar confirmed them. The 3-1 victory obtained with the help of vigor, accuracy and associated will, proved Palace as one that could be regarded as the true participants of the tournament. Glasner was naturally pleased at the time. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. The first one is never the same. The environment was amazing and the squad demonstrated exceptional personality following the final outcome. My hope is that this night will be the first of many similar ones. His optimism is well-founded. The Sarr Mateta rhythm, Palace midfield settling perfectly since Eze left, there is a strong feeling of a growth of pace at Selhurst Park. The loss of two attacking stars Eze to Arsenal and Olise to Bayern perhaps would have ended the crisis of most clubs. In the case of Crystal Palace, it was an agent of rebirth. And central to this resurgence is Ismaila Sarr who is instigating his allure and most importantly his fearlessness with an angle on what the Palace attack may appear like in the post Eze times. 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Galatasaray vs Ajax was played at the Istanbul lights, few of them could have imagined how superior one man will be. Nigeria football star, Victor Osimhen produced a master piece in the game of football, a hat-trick that not only enabled Galatasaray to set up their victory in the commanding margin but also wrote his name in the books of Nigerian football history. This performance made Osimhen not only take his team to a vital victory but also made him the all time top scorer in European competitions in Nigeria taking over the position of Obafemi Martins. It was a power, precision and poise day, the type of performance that characterizes elite strikers. Ajax was in the game and it was in dire need of a result. After losing their opening three games in the Champions league the Dutch giants were under pressure to recover their pride. Their performance, although not vintage in the first half, enabled them to maintain at least a level with a huge assist of the experienced goalkeeper Remko Pasveer. In the first half, Osimhen was rejected by Pasveer twice. The former happened when the Nigerian striker tore off Josip Sutalo and fired a long range shot almost point-blank but it was parried. Another attempt was a desperate one, and was prevented twenty seconds later by a leaping save that left Ajax in the game. In addition to Galatasaray controlling the game they failed to carve an opening before the halftime. The ingenuity of Leroy Sane and the strength of Kerem Akturkoglu were stretched to the limit at Ajax, both the hosts defending the end line, insisting on the draw that led to a 0-0 result with tact and some sort of fortune. But immediately the tide changed drastically after the break. It took Galatasaray only 14 minutes of the second half to persist, but their efforts paid off, and it was Osimhen who eventually put Ajax to the test. The idea was typical Osimhen that of pure striker instincts. His timing was perfect and he ran in front of defender Sutalo and met the teasing cross of Sane as he crashed a thumping header past Pasveer and the wavering attacks of Galatasaray were insatiable. Then it fell to the penalty, which was granted following a check on VAR which showed that the ball had bounced off the leg of Youri Baas and hit his arm. Osimhen came and easily hit a loose ball in the net and left Pasveer misguided. Several minutes later lightning struck a second time. Anton Gaaei was inside the box trying to block a cross but the referee indicated the spot again. This time Osimhen has not wasted opportunities and sent the ball high in the upper-right corner no good, no more doubt no denying. The hat-trick was equal and so was the demolition. Galatasaray players were in high jovial mood around their striker as they were watching history unfolding just before them. This is not just the historical three points won by Osimhen but historical points. His 25 th European competition goal made him the highest scorer in European football in Nigeria overtaking former European football goalscorer Obafemi Martins of Inter Milan and of Newcastle United. Osimhen is still on an upward trajectory at the age of 26. He scored six goals in this season champions league edging such world legends as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe which speaks of his consistency and maturity. A combination of athleticism, calmness and tactical astuteness is making the Nigerian forward one of the most feared strikers in Europe. Any touch, any run, any finish is full of confidence. As Galatasaray rejoiced, the crisis of Ajax increased. The fourth consecutive loss of the champions league in their lives, this was probably their most embarrassing one. The Dutch, who at one point in time were an icon of excellence across Europe, find themselves at the bottom of the table with 14 goals having only scored a single goal in the four games. Their inability to counterattack and their lack of innovation has been ambitious during the campaign. Manager John van ‘t Schip now has gigantic pressure to restore morale and identity. The iconic philosophy of attacking as introduced by Ajax to the football scene is gone and it was replaced with insecurity and vulnerability. To Galatasaray, this was not merely a ball game victory, but a declaration of purpose. The Turkish legends are now in a comfortable position of securing the top eight and the automatic placement in the knock-out rounds since they have fit into the top eight after being at the ninth position in the league phase. Galatasaray have found their European identity back under Okan Buruk vicious, structured in front of goal and ruthless. The presence of Osimhen, Sane and Akturkoglu in the attack has given it a dynamic quality and the availability of Lucas Torreira in the midfield has given it a demanded balance. The win might be a catapult to Galatasaray restoring its prestige in the continent. The Galatasaray vs Ajax match will be remembered as the night of power, precision and pride by Victor Osimhen. That hat trick did not only guarantee a win, it triggered a restart of history in Nigeria football and a revival in Galatasaray football dreams in Europe. To Ajax, it was just another lesson on their downward spiral a shadow of their great old and could not muster the energy to play the fast and rough style of continental football. With the Champions League still in full swing, there is no use doubt that Victor Osimhen has come to town as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe and Galatasaray have a magic man who can drive them far into the knockout stages.   Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

Club Brugge vs Barcelona was starting in Belgium not many people predicted such an outburst of the champions league match. It was an unforgettable evening that came with six goals, two overruled VAR, three comebacks and one piece of individual brilliance by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. It was a game that was full of controversy, skill, frustration and total chaos and both parties walked out of the pitch feeling that they had given their all but it is not enough. The mood in the Jan Breydel stadium was also electric with Club Brugges causing a fearless start. Within half an hour, they had earned their aggression. The 21 years old Portuguese winger Carlos Forbs ran over pitch of Barcelona high defensive line and passed the ball back to Nicolo Tresoldi who tapped the ball home. The feast of Brugges did not last long though. Only two minutes later, Barcelona retaliated with accuracy. Fermin Lopez delivered a low cross with his left and Ferran Torres was ready to strike a first time finish passed past the keeper. The initial encounters were of the exalted kind – end-to-end football, pressurizing to the break, and attacking motives not wanting. But it was wrong to suppose that the pace would reduce, as the fans were to do. Forbs et Brugges Punish Barcelona Defence Shaky. Beginning with Fermin Lopez striking the post with a curling shot that had appeared to be heading directly to the top corner – the first of three occasions that Barcelona would be denied by the woodwork. And that was followed by another moratorium of the defensive line of Barca. Christos Tzolis cut through their high press, getting Forbs to the position where he cut him and Brugge was brought back in goal against Wojciech Szczesny. It was a conclusion which displayed calmness, yet, what was more to the point, it revealed the frailty of Barcelona in the defensive. Forbs, an unscoring loan player at Wolves all of last season was the surprise of the night. His speed and timing time and again gaffed a sluggish Barcelona back line. Barcelo was not an easy surrendering comrade. They were controlling the ball probing the goalkeeper and striking the woodwork again twice first by knocking it in with a header by Jules Kounde, then with the thunderbolt of a 30-yard shot by Eric Garcia. It all paid off when Lamine Yamal managed to take centre-stage and this persistence of the Catalans culminated. Lamine Yamal: The Teenager who Played Like a Star. This was a goal worthy of the glorious Barcelona attacking tradition as Lamine Yamal at the young age of 17 years produced a goal. Taking the ball on the right flank, he tricked through two defenders, exchanged a one-two pass with Dani Olmo, dodged another defender and carelessly fired into the net. It was an objective that reminded one of Lionel Messi during his younger age – blazing, an all-purpose, and completely impeccable one. Yamal had scored with an equaliser 2-2 and changed the tide towards Barca. But the hosts were not done. After missing a good opportunity, Forbs reconciled himself a few moments later. He attached himself to a through ball by Hans Vanaken who had just the right weight and he chipped it over Szczesny to goal Club Brugge 3-2. A controversial moment then ensued. Brugia was sentenced to a penalty by Anthony Taylor when Alex Balde seemingly tripped Forbs in the box. The decision was however given to be reversed after a long VAR review and this greatly surprised the home fans. Barcelo availed himself of their reprieve to the uttermost. The right cross of Yamal which seemed a dangerous one was charged by Christos Tzolis turned against himself in one move, and made a hero then a villain. 3-3, and yet even the play had not ended. VAR Drama Brugges deprives Victorious Win. During the stoppage time the stadium erupted with Romeo Vermant sliding into defend Szczesny who had dallyed on the ball and then passing it to an empty net. Brugues felt as though they had won a masterpiece against Barcelona but briefly. However, the goal was disallowed after a foul on the Polish goalkeeper and this was a controversial decision following the intervention of VAR. The last whistle was soon to come, awarding the two teams a draw and leaving them both, apparently, exhausted. A Night of Mixed Emotions To Club Brugge, the outcome was a two-sided one. Three times they had been leading and the penalty had been earned, and they even expected to have gained a late goal. But they only came out with one point. It was a magic night said Forbs at the end of the game. We had known that their high line was in places to be taken advantage of, and it was so. I would have scored higher but I am proud of the team. Manager Nicky Hayen shared these sentiments saying his side performed remarkably courageously against one of the highest ranks in Europe. It was the best reason to tell why football is the most unpredictable game on earth as a perfect example was the Club Brugges vs Barcelona clash. It was a night to remember with six goals, controversies of VAR and breakout performances. In the case of Brugges, it was evidence to show that they are one of the best in Europe. In the case of Barcelona, this was a reminder that talent is not enough, defensive discipline and tactical awareness should come after that. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Chelsea vs Qarabag was under the hot lights of Baku and not many expected the Azerbaijan team to bother the billion pound Blues. However, what unfolded was a almost-historic drama which witnessed Enzo Maresca and his men claw a 2-2 draw courtesy of an equaliser hero struck by Alejandro Garnacho. It served to remind us that in football, reputations do not count much when one is determined and opportunity is presented.. Electricity dispersed in the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. The crowd of more than 32,000 and some shoulder to shoulder outside the given seats gave the crowd a screaming belief atmosphere. Qarabag, whom people love to call underdogs in the whole of Europe was prepared to prove history wrong in an oppressive battle against a heavyweight of the Premier League. Chelsea opened goals through the young 18 year old Estevao Willian. He neatly interconnected with other Brazilians Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos in cutting inside and lowly shooting on Mateusz Kochalski in the 16th minute. The initial objective ought to have put the visitors at bay, however, it gave Qarabag a fresh start. It was persistence that created the equaliser of the hosts. Striker Camilo Duran threatened and harassed the teenage defender of Chelsea Jorrel Hato whose shot crashed against the post with the quickest reaction recording Leandro Andrade, which volleyed him over the net and Sanchez, Robert. An hour or so later there came Qarabag. The evening turned to be even worse, when Hato was hit by a cross by Leandro Andrade, which hit his arm in a box. Marko Jankovic volunteered and systematically delivered Sanchez to the offside to the penalty spot. Belief in the stadium as the home crowd burst out, Qarabag had put Chelsea up 2-1. To put in perspective Qarabag lost all the seven games it had played before against English teams. The two previous fixtures they had with Chelsea had been a totalled defeat of 10-0. But this was a new chapter. Their star players the Azeri champions who are worth only 22 million against 1.5 billion team at Chelsea are doing better against their star visitors. What it brought was not only a draw to Qarabag but was a sign of the improvement. The refugee club was formed in 1951 and forced to leave their home in Agdam by war and this club has since acted as a source of hope. Their manager Gurban Gurbanov of 17 years in the position has developed a side that is fearless regardless of the financial and logistic constraints. Having already defeated Benfica and Copenhagen in this season, the spirit but not the resources has been the hallmark of the Qarabag campaign in the champions league. Their tie with Chelsea solidifies such a reputation and gives a much-needed wakeup call that the heart of football still beats most in its stories of underdogs. The evening provided deep concerns on rotation and consistency to Chelsea. It is now 85 changes in a season, made by the side of Maresca in only 16 games a record of any other team in the Premier League. Although rotation makes the squad fresh in four competitions, it creates a break in rhythm and chemistry. The teenagers such as Hato, George and Gittens are experiencing, and at that point, errors are very expensive. Estevao can be the exception of the rule, a young star who is able to flourish amid the pressure. However, without such important contributors as Fernandez and Garnacho, the dynamic in Chelsea is killed. Wounds create an additional worry. The fact that Lavia pulled out early, presumably with a quads problem, is further continuation of his troubled debut at Stamford Bridge after 55 million transfer at Southampton. A draw two goals to two in the game between Chelsea and Qarabag was a wake up call. It showed the weaknesses of defense, the dangers of excessive rotation and the vagaries of European football. In the case of Qarabag, it was a night of confirmation evidence that through perseverance and adaptive discipline one can oppose even the most wealthy clubs. Chelsea will face a significant challenge of regaining its momentum to the new league phase of the Champions League as the two teams look ahead, with Qarabag developing some confidence they will bring to their next battles. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

The Manchester City recovered quickly once again with Erling Haaland Double scoring one again, as the team recovered its second position in the premier league table with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in the Etihad stadium. Having lost to Aston Villa the previous week something that is very uncharacteristic of his team the prolific Norwegian striker made his men retaliate strongly against the Englishmen. Haaland scored a brace which was later on by Nico O’Reilly leaving City squarely in the position to overtake its leaders Arsenal by six points. The premature composure of City was tried when Bournemouth believed they had taken the lead in a minute. Eli Junior Kroupi, a teenager gained the net by attaching himself to a David Brooks cross but a flag was immediately raised to indicate that the player is offside. That defeat dimmed the initial Bournemouth fire and gave City an opportunity to get their stride on. The breakthrough came within a time range of 17 minutes only. The headed pass by Rayan Cherki was flicked and Haaland ran through his middle and as usual, ran past his man and finished surgically. The celebration of the Norwegian, a retro to his robotic routine, was met with deaf cheers and an indication that the main man of City was back in business. Nevertheless, the Cherries were not passive and they were not willing to play passengers. Only eight minutes after that a spark at one corner started off the box in City. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was under pressure, stabbed helplessly with his punches, and Tyler Adams was the most responsive to crash in the splash back. This was the first goal of the American midfielder in English football, and the time to enjoy it, although Donnarumma claimed foul which was turned down by the referee. This balancing act created a sort of discomfort in the hosts, though with Haaland out on the field any feeling of uneasiness did not last very long. Cherki and Haaland corrupted together with fatal impact again. One forced shot between the two cut the defence of Bournemouth down the middle and Haaland calmly rounded Djordje Petrovic and slotted into an unguarded net. This was his 13th Prem goal of the season and his 26th overall. That was the strike that brought back City to its own, and henceforth it was like the champions elect had been thrown into cruise mode. Haaland might have easily had a hat-trick–a dainty chip at the end of the first half was superbly driven out by Petrovic, and a curled shot a few minutes into the second period flew just over. Bournemouth at least did not give it up. Kroupi kept pressing the defence of City and early in the second half he had to make a sharp save by Donnarumma. But the decree of City finally came through. At the hour mark, the youthful Nico O’ Reilly- playing as a mature man of all ages and all costs, rode past the midfield and crossed one of the goals with a sharp, low shot into the bottom corner with the game over. The objective emphasized the depth in attacking by City whereby the young players who graduate in the academy easily fill the gaps when they are required. This victory also exhibited a great psychological recovery of the loss at Villa Park. They had been accused of defensive lapses and some lack of energy in that loss, but Guardiola responded in such a professional manner as it was in a powerful way. Their rushing pace was reinstated their aggressive encroachment gripped Bournemouth possession and their forward three headed by the ever threatening Haaland seemed now invincible again. It was not only about goals in the case of the Norwegian, but also about his presence, movement, and the connection he forms with Cherki and Foden to continuously put the opposition on its toes. Guardiola cleverly used his substitutes by recalling Rodri in his first transaction in one month since he again suffered with a hamstring injury. This move by the Spaniard brought more balance to the midfield. Within the last ten minutes Phil Foden who was playing his 200th league game with City at the age of 25, played a significant role by supporting the goal of O’Reilly and telling the ball where it needed to be. The nine home league wins in a row that City has beaten Bournemouth with now make phenomenal record, a welcome to their mastery at Etihad. In the case of Bournemouth this was one of what could have been. The game would have had another course had the initial strike of Kroupi not succeeded. Nevertheless, to the men of Andoni Iraola there are reasons to feel positive. It was a good idea, good energy and good structure of their department and readiness to go to the game to City. The spirit was evident in the goal set by Tyler Adams and the desire of the team to fulfill their roles, which has seen the team record an impressive start to the season although the team lost key players back in the summer. In their first matches, having suffered only two defeats, However, Haaland had the day story. His double against Erling Haaland also enabled confidence in City after his Erling Haaland Double as well as cemented his position as the deadliest forward in world football. His 13 goals in November in the league put him incredibly on the road to another Golden Boot and his capacity to recover after a goalless match is the epitome of his hunger. Eventually, it was an assertion by City which meant that the champions are not even close to giving up. Arsenal can stay ahead but World Haaland finds his goal scoring form again and Rodri is rejoining the fray and Guardiola are picking up steam once again. When the supporters of the City walked out of the Etihad, they were aware of one thing with Haaland in charge, anything goes in the

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta are taking on an aura akin to one that is novel and thrilling. The 2-0 defeat over Burnley was not just a three point addition to the standings, but another display of superiority, another nail to the statement that this form of Arsenal had finally come to a 22-year old victory in the Premier League. Five matches in a row seven clean sheets in a row and a feeling of control in all its games – Arsenal stands an aura of being a complete team. It is not merely form, it is structure, mentality and trust. I do not see a weakness, announced Alan Shearer on BBC Sport and that view appears to reverberate more than loud speakers across both pundits and fans. To begin with the figures speak it all. Arsenal have won at Turf Moor and is seven points ahead of the top after playing one extra match than some of its competitors. But the more remarkable thing then is that they are winning. It is against Burnley having a reputation of being a team that is very well disciplined in defence that Arsenal resorted to set-pieces an arsenal that has now become synonymous with them this season. They opened their opener in a corner, their eighth goal of the campaign the most that any side had in their first ten league games. Their 12 out of 18 goals in the Premier League have been a result of dead ball positions the highest per goal situation by a team in a single season. It is strategic development in the hands of Mikel Arteta crafted plan, smart execution and physical domination. Alan Shearer has praised the strategy of Arteta putting Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in higher positions to open the set-pieces but said, “They are making overloads and is ever devising to threaten. But out of the objectives there is the strongest asset of Arsenal their defense. Their last concession came on September 28 with Newcastle, and that is an unbroken run of seven clean sheets in all competitions the best in the club since 1999. When they are able to close Slavia Prague in a week, they will have equalled a record in existence since 1903. Even a late free-kick that Marcus Edwards (Burnley) hit against the post almost ended that run did not strengthen the defensive character of Arsenal. They have only had a single shot on target in their four most recent league matches which is an unbelievable demonstration of control and focus. The physicality of Arsenal may be seen as the main feature of the change the chain has made under Mikel Arteta. This is a team that a couple of seasons ago had been accused to be soft-centered. Now, they thrive on the fight. It is best explained by former City defender Nedum Onuoha: “Everybody knows, we need a fight, it will be a fight. Should it be a footballing game, it can be a footballing game. They are not artists anymore, delicate artists, Arsenal have become disciplined warriors. This investment in the squad by Arteta has been significant. Last summer Arsenal had to spend approximately PS250 million to create depth and it already comes in handy. However, though Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke were injured, their replacements have performed perfectly well. Men such as Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice have risen to the occasion so there is no drop in the level of intensity. It is the depth which they contain, when one of them falls the one on top comes up, as Onuoha expressed it. This is what is making them be classified as favourites they are made to last. Liverpool, who had made a good start suffered four match defeats before recovering against Aston Villa. Manchester City have already been strangely found to take three losses through defeats. Arsenal on the other hand have proven today to be reliable a term that could not be used to describe them during the last ten years. Gary Neville, the former captain of United, is of the opinion that the title is within reach. “Arsenal are reliable. You can trust them,” he said. “This is your title, Arsenal. It is so young and yet it is really through to it. What is even more, this Arsenal team has an atmosphere of composure and dominance that can be attributed to maturity. They can answer whether it is the technical circus or the gutter warfare. They are not merely playing Arteta ball they are actually playing it. And lastly, this team confidence is a thing that could not be touched. You feel faith in every move by the players. The starvation of this season of tea-time escapes has been flung into a focus instead of a frustration. Arsenal do not lack desperation, they are focused. So, is this Arsenal’s time? All the signs point that way. This may be the very year when promise becomes proof with Mikel Arteta at the helm of the club with a tactically astute, defensively sound, and emotionally intelligent coach. The lines of Shearer still echo I can not find a flaw. Perhaps, perhaps not even the rest of the Premier League. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

A different feeling, Another emotion that is how my performance was described by Ruben Amorim who had sat down to write about the performance of Manchester United following a drastic draw with Nottingham Forest. The Red Devils demonstrated some real stamina having recovered a two goal deficit to draw a point with the firsts after months. It was more than a mere comeback in any piece of paper it was a symbolic act that things could actually be on the change at Old Trafford. This was no longer the United of old, brittle, nervous and vulnerable after yielding. Although Amorim had a group of men that were not impeccable, they demonstrated the grit and calm that the fans had been longing to see. The spirit was different. The energy was different. In other words, it was a feeling of different. First, let’s set the stage. United had been dismal in trying to lose ground only eight starting points behind since Amorim took over. They had collected nothing but one point in their past six games since they drew at Bournemouth in last April. The script was already familiar when Forest tore the game upside down with two swift goals at the City Ground: another one was on the cards. However, this time, United was not going to fall. Their side was torn open and it was Amad Diallo, who is more than once criticized of his choice as a wing back who made a sensational even draw. The fact he has gone outside the box with nine minutes left and, with eight minutes to go volleyed a point by hitting the ball thunderously that was not only a point; it was the shift in mentality that Amorim has been preaching. The message of the manager following the match was very clear. Back then, if we had such bad five minutes and had two goals scored against us we would not recuperate. It is of a different feeling to day he said. You can feel that we could not win this game but we shall not lose. It is one of the sentiments a big team must occasionally experience. A significant portion of that is through the addition of new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. They are personalities who are contagious. When Forest fans jeered Cunha simply pointing to his badge was all he did but this is an action, which speaks volumes about the character. In the meantime Mbeumo, has been an insatiable engine of havoc in the forward, and continually harassing and besieging the defences. These players have added a competitive edge – a desire to win that Amorim has desired in his team. Nevertheless, with the development of Amorim side, all are not finding their place in the new order. Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have to deal with unpredictable future. Both were not part of the Forest draw although United pursued the game. Together they have covered a little more than 200 minutes of the action in the Premier League this grain. Amorim acknowledged that he was not keen on interrupting the flow of games but he also indicated that there could be a few players who would soon demand to go to the toilet particularly those players afraid they could be removed in the world cup. Amorim thought there was a lot of quality on the bench. Nevertheless, I think that sometimes, I want to say that, if I had to break the game I had to break it too often. In the second half we were getting better at the time so I did not feel like adjusting anything. Such a choice puts Zirkzee and Mainoo on the periphery. Mainoo nearly joined Napoli in the summer and Zirkzee is said to be willing to go back to Italy. The Africa Cup of Nations in December might complicate their lives even more and both Mbeumo and Amad will leave on a temporary basis. As congestion of fictions increases, rotation will eventually have to be adopted – yet Amorim believes they will get their day in the sun. It is only a moment, you see, they know, he said. Nothing to do with quality it is, and we have a lot of games. And lastly, in addition to the strategy and the choice of players there is the change, which is less noticeable but more vital at the same time, a cultural one. Amorim has started instilling the spirit that Uniteds used to be united that has been characterized by: the thinking it is not over until the last whistle. The aspect that defeat is to be prevented at the cost of victory which no matter how far away is cannot be realized. This might not seem as tough, yet to a team that has so many times crumbled under limelight, it is a physical development. The draw with Forest was not celebrated as a victory yet it was the way, as it was an opportunity to gain something, i.e. progress. The feedback of the players and the manager himself was an indicator that the level is increasing. It is all about confidence, Amorim stressed. This was after proving that we can have a bad moment but then have three good games this year. We simply have to keep up with the game till the end of the last 10 minutes. It is the lesson Manchester United will take with them. They are not a finished product yet. There is still discrepancy, still to improve. At least there is some basis of faith and unity taking shape where none has existed too long. This, according to Amorim was another feeling, as this could be merely the beginning of something bigger in Manchester United. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

The Reds turned Liverpool vs Crystal Palace into a night to forget since the experimental line up of Arne Slot did not bring the expected results as they lost in a 3-0 Carabao Cup match at Anfield. The transformed side loaded with young talents was not able to face with the experience and intensity of Crystal Palace. The first half of Ismaila Sarr and the third goal of the day caused by Yeremy Pino secured the victory, sending Palace to the quarter-finals and Liverpool to the exit of this very competition that they had won in the previous four seasons. To Slot, who had ten changes on the losing team against Brentford this was a risk that had been calculated poorly. His young team seemed there to be valiant and immature and the outcome made the fans wonder whether Liverpool squad profundity can support their across all the contests title goals. The defeat was the sixth of the seven matches that Liverpool have won which is a cause of concern since the defending champions of the Premier League are to endure a tall season that has a series of matches. Even though Slot would have explained his choices based on the congestion of fixtures and player exhaustion, the result itself demonstrated the potential and dangers of putting faith in young people to the top. The choice of Slot in creating a team has caused eyebrows to be raised even before the kick-off. The defeated team (3-2 in Brentford) changed ten players and the midfield and attack were occupied by three teenagers, Rio Ngumoha (17 years old) and Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison (both 18 years old). The age of the bench of 21 years and above revealed that Liverpool is very rich in youth talent and at the same time they have a weakness in terms of senior options. The fact that Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai who are regulars in the first team, were absent, only heightened the difficulty. Although there has been hype about the academy products at Liverpool, they were inexperienced as they went up against a physically mature and given their tactical discipline side at Crystal Palace. The gamble by Slot seemed to have been rooted in the belief in the system and not in any individual quality but in high heavy-knockout games the experience counts. The team of Palace manager, Oliver Glasner possessed a strong side and he felt the opportunity to seize it as soon as the team sheets were published. The Eagles managed to have a purposeful and calmed approach to the game led by captain Marc Guehi whose unsuccessful summer transfer to Liverpool provided an additional intriguing back story to the whole situation. Their breakthrough became on the second half of the first half by using defensive lapses. The gifted misplaced touch by Joe Gomez gave Ismaila Sarr the goal and within no time, he missed being able to net the goal after being given the assist by Yeremy Pino. Four minutes later the tie was practically closed. The building system of the palace was astonishing. They emphasized the choice were selective, manipulated transitions and punished all Liverpool mistakes. Glasner, who was already triumphant against Liverpool twice in the previous season, both in the Community Shield and the Premier League is now celebrating three victories in three months over the Reds. A bright side to Liverpool was the fact that Rio Ngumoha had delivered an electric performance. The Edmund Kemper scorer was once again a beacon in a otherwise black dark night the teenage winger who was already the youngest player to score in the club history. Working on the left though frequently crossing the centre, Ngumoha flaunted in the style of his era with vigour, speed and precision, subjecting the Palace defence to ceaseless trial. The crowd of the Anfield in the air reacted with a sense of excitement whenever he received the ball. His dribbling without fear and inventiveness emphasized the fact that many in Liverpool believe he was a generation talent. But the inexperience on his side was too great to be covered by even his genius. In each penetrating charge there was a lost pass, or a back-pass out of place. Ngumoha resembled a man in a serious defeat but so did Liverpool, in its dependence upon the energy of youth and the want of experience. Liverpool was a disorganised defence. The communication and coordination were not high with Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo all playing back three in an improvised manner. The ambitions of Palace were gifts the result of forgetfulness and not genius. Gomez and Sarr committed errors to score the first and second goals respectively, which were suggestive of a team without the defensive leaders. Slot fell short, and the frustration of Slot could be seen when it was pouring at Anfield. Things only got worse when defender Amara Nallo an 18 year old who had come on as a second half substitute was sent off after receiving a straight red card instead of getting there when only a clear goalscoring opportunity presented itself, as he took Justin Devenny down. The sack of lunch concluded all Liverpool in one evening–a good evening, it was, yet an innocent one. The long held dreams of a late Liverpool resurrection were suppressed when Yeremy Pino scored the third goal of Palace in the 88 th minute. This was an appropriate conclusion of a game that was both efficient and clinical. Home fans were mocked by the spectators in the away section, chanting Can we play you every week. They deserved to be happy, their team had demolished the champions of the Premier League in their own home arena. This victory was the continuation of a great campaign in the case of Glasner. Those on his side are yet to get to the quarter-finals and will now play against Arsenal, have been pitting expectations at par. It is the worst possible time

Chelsea strikers issues are once again under the limelight with the reappearance of Liam Delap after several months of injury at a time when the Blues are in dire need of goals. Following a frustrating 2 goals to 1 loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge manager Enzo Maresca blamed a lack of creativity in his team coupled with poor crossing which has dogged the team throughout the season. As the forward players fail to perform and the results have been all the more erratic the introduction of Delap to the Carabao Cup match against Wolves could not have been much better timed. Striker who is 22 years old, having paid 30 million to Ipswich Town in the summer, has been out with a hamstring injury that he suffered when playing in the 2-0 victory over Fulham in August. His return provides some hope of a comeback to a side that is finding it especially hard to get its act together in the last third of the season and with the domestic cups being the only real prospect of a trophy cup in the hands of Chelsea, Maresca realizes that timing is of the essence. Maresca clarified that the reentry of Delap would be done on a gradual basis. The Italian coach has been wise in his rotation of players and usually prioritized player fitness as compared to quick fix. Nonetheless, he still understands the importance of a natural striker being back in the competition. The goal output of the attack contributed little to the output and the confidence is lacking as well as Joao Pedro who is the PS55 million summer addition of Brighton is suffering a serious goal shortage. The presence of Delap will help take off some of that burden on Pedro who began the season well with five goals and three assists in competitions including his star performance in the Club World Cup. Nevertheless he has not registered whatsoever during his last seven games which makes Maresca call upon him one among three players who require being sheltered. Together with a pair of midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Pedro has suffered a poor performance, which shows the impact of tiredness and lack of regularity in the busy Chelsea timetable. It is hard to play when you are not 100 per cent and you are in this league, that is all Maresca. Joao Pedro is not a number nine who would give 20 goals annually. He is an excellent player, however, a striker of a different type than one would be Lewandowski or Haaland. Nonetheless, the issues in the club of Chelsea have way more than Joao Pedro. Attacking activity of the club in the frontline has been disastrously low. No forward has made more than two goals in all competitions since 13 matches have been attended. Rather, the goals are driven by midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo who have four goals each in scoring and this is a statistic that can summarize the overall offensive limitations of the team. Cole Palmer the prospective star performer, has been unable to make three full appearances all this season because of a groin injury and is not likely to be available again until December. Another costly Borussia Dortmund acquisition Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has only recorded one assist in the ten games. It is the same with Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao Willian, and even Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte all of them providing glimpses of quality but not really posting the required consistency in the figures. Maresca admitted that one had to share a responsibility throughout the whole front line. It has to be six, seven, eight, nine and ten goals by our five attacking players, said he. That is how we were able to achieve the previous season levels of success, not because we would depend on a single player to do so. Maresca has also still managed to find tactical means of making Chelsea competitive. The Blues have been second in the premier league when it comes to the goals scored in set play second only to Arsenal. They also became the first club of the season to have 10 goal scorers in the league who had different names; a factor that although they do not have a prolific goal scorer, they have still been efficient in the forward line. At last the discussion will turn to the so-called number nine curse of Chelsea, famous bad omen haunting the strikers of this club over the past 20 some years. Since 2006, the shirt has been donned by a list of big names who did not live up to their expectations, including Fernando Torres and Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Even Tammy Abraham, who had a fairly successful time, was not able to disrupt the narrative entirely. However, Liam Delap does not seem concerned. He dismissed any idea of bad luck when questioned of curse in the Club World Cup. I am not the kind of person that believes in curses he said confidently. It is nothing more than a number at the back of your shirt. I like it and it is not pressurized. Such a psychological power could be a much needed thing in Chelsea at the moment. Delap is indeed physical, uses his movement and insistence in coming forward to bring a different dimension to the system used by Maresca. His arrival will enable Joao Pedro to play a little deeper or wider to play, not bearing the entire scoring load. The Wolves game as Chelsea go to play in the Carabao Cup is a risk as well as an opportunity. A loss would increase the question on how Maresca had been implementing his tactics and recruitment strategy, whereas a triumph, which would hopefully have been informed by the comeback of Delap, would rekindle confidence in the project. Liam Delap coming back is not simply the termination of an injury-freudal leave but a sign of hope that literally resetting a Chelsea a team that is

Super Cup 2025-26 in a very exciting fashion was taken off by Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC revealing their intentions early on and registering authoritative wins in their group openers. It was 3-0 again in Group C as Punjab FC beat Gokulam Kerala and in Group D, Mumbai City FC delivered a forceful 4-1 victory over SC Delhi. Both the shows were precursors of what will undoubtedly be a thrilling tournament in Goa. Punjab FC had a very noticeable beginning to their Super Cup 2025-26 game as they shattered Gokulam Kerala FC with a callous first-half act. Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello goals provided the Shers with an ideal beginning to the group stage. Punjab was intentional right at the start of the match. It took only a minute before Samir Zeljkovic fired a thunderbolt directly into the goal of Gokulam, who was challenged by Shibinraj Kunniyil. This came to fruition when Suhail made a cross over the left flank and it went flying off Gursimrat Singh and round into the net to the horror of Shibinraj. It was a happy chance and yet one who grew out of the early aggression of Punjab.The Shers, as the name implies, never gave up. Kipgen brought another good save on the Gokulam keeper and the resultant corner was crossed precisely to Rebello, who received the cross and passed a perfect cross to an unmarked Nikhil Prabhu who scored the second goal confidently. In the case of Gokulam Kerala 20 minutes of opening were a nightmare. Two objectives have been lost and they are finding no rhythm to play, Malabarians must climb the mountain with a stroke of genius in order to it. Eduardo Martinez gave hope, going painfully near on two occasions, in both cases turned back by the crossbar, each on a curling free kick and once an open play pass. But they did not give Gokulam a clear chance which was caused by the organization and defensive compactness of Punjab. This frustration set in because all the attacking attempts by the team were countered by the well organized Punjab backline. It was on the verge of Gokulam stabilising that Punjab came a second time. Suhail became a provider two minutes before the halftime, producing local favorite Princeton Rebello. It was a classy finish by the Goan midfielder who pumped a low shot into the bottom corner making the score 3-0 which acted as a military coup before the first half concluded. Punjab FC Takes the Win Composurely Gokulam played in desperation in the second half. Four straight corners in the middle of the half were hopeful enough until the defense of Punjab, which was headed by Prabhu and Zeljkovic followed. Goalizer muheet joined the battle and made some fantastic save to save a powerful free kick by Alfred Moya to keep his clean sheet. The last striking institution in the game was five minutes prior to a full time when a sub goalie, Gokulam trijoy diaz was given a straight red card due to a reckless high boot hit to Ricky Shabong. That accident was the to-cap of Gokulam, his bad night of misfortune missed opportunities, and misbehaviour. The last few minutes were handled appropriately with Punjab FC sitting back, keeping the ball and making an intelligent counter. This win places them in an advantaged position in respect to their next match of Group C with Mohammedan SC on November 2. Mumbai City FC Beats SC Delhi. In case the victory of Punjab was overwhelming in nature, the victory of the Mumbai City FC was overwhelming in character. The Mumbai City easily defeated SC Delhi 4-1 in their Group D match in the Super Cup 2025-26 with their familiar style of attacking fluidity and pressing. It was created at an early stage as Jorge Pereyra Diaz opened the score in the seventh minute burying a rebounded ball when Delhi goalkeeper misjudged a low drive. It was then that Mumbai legitimized their total control and dictated pace and taxed the Delhi defense by their cutting interplays. The star was Vikram Pratap Singh who scored twice with a combination of speed and accuracy. The first was the result of a slick finish with Brandon Fernandes and the second, which occurred in the deepest of stoppage time was a thunderbolt strike, which bang, struck the underside of the bar. Among the objectives of Vikram, Jorge Ortiz included a third target with a fine finish in the box. It was somewhat of a relief to Sporting Club Delhi to find a consolation goal to the midpoint of the second half, but that did not change the nature of the game much. Mumbai was still pressing high, recycle possession effectively and create scoring opportunities whenever they wishes. Coach Petr Kratky side was fully deserving of the title contenders defense tight, midfield ingenious and upfront accurate. Not only does this win put Mumbai City on top of Group D, but also issues a mighty warning to the other competition. Both Punjab FC and Mumbai City have made some statement projects yet the Super Cup 2025-26 is only just starting. The strength of Punjab is its balance, a strong defensive formation and supported by fast targeted attacks. The Shers appeared unified and famished, which might take them deep into the tournament. However, the play of the Mumbai City FC also displayed the vulnerability of a leading team persistent pressure, tactical variability and ruthless finishing. They have an advantage over the majority of the competitor teams in their thoroughness in targeting talent. In the case of Gokulam Kerala and SC Delhi it comes as a wake-up call. Gokulam should be more disciplined on defense and Delhi should tighten their defense line such that they are not overrun again. Both parties possess the flair to retaliate but have a long way to go following their initial losses. Leveling the Super Cup Kick-off 2025-26 in Style. Two superb performances marked the initial edition of the Super

The competition tag of the Arsenal title contenders is no longer a compliment, but feels like a fact. The side of Mikel Arteta have now transformed into full-fledged almost-men to the most complete and consistent force in the Premier League. After being plagued by end of season crashes, Arsenal are currently playing as a machine. They have eliminated historic weaknesses, perfected the margins and constructed a merciless identity that has them four points ahead of the pack as the biggest tests of their skill lie in the past. This isn’t hype. Fact, strategy and the perfume of champions in choosing. The flawed end to last season was characterized by dwindled points, 10 throughout the games against Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace. The Arsenal title contenders have already defeated all of them in this season. Frustration has been turned into fear owing to those thin margins. And it is not that Arsenal are taking teams they are smothering them. They have already taken on Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle Away and Manchester city at home and yet they are in the lead. It is the first good beginning they had since Invincibles. They are referred to as set-piece FC by people, yet Arsenal are elite. Lowest number of goals conceived, lowest number of opportunities given to them  they should be number one. This Arsenal is not a team that is about to blow up  it has blown up already. Spending 250m during the summer, eight signings, including two of the main reinforcements such as Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera, Arteta has finally acquired the depth of the squad that he long desired. Arsenal have the tightest defence in the league and second highest goal tally despite the several number of injuries. Former Gunner Theo Walcott feels it is the question of fear and belief: Arsenal is able to do anything now. Teams are afraid of them. They do not give up, they do not get hysterical. That is what the club is believing in. Where season past Arsenal had worked emotionally, this one works mechanically confident, cold, and clinical.The foundation of the turnover in Arsenal is their defence. Set-Piece Precision: The Arsenal Secret Superpower. On the one hand, open play football offered by Arsenal is slick, whereas on the other hand, their set-pieces are surgical. The numbers are staggering: The highest number of goals- 11 goals by set-pieces. Dead-ball situations have contributed 69 percent of their overall goals. Gunners have scored 2 more set-piece goals than any other team in the Premier League (Chelsea 9). This strength has provided imperative outcomes Gabriel opener against Atletico Madrid, pinpointous deliveries by Rice and Saka to overcome inert low blocks. The opponents are aware that it is coming; they just can do nothing with it. The combination of height and timing and delivery puts Arsenal at disadvantage compared to Liverpool in terms of structure of winning the title that worked in Liverpool in 2019. Set-pieces have become Plan B, Plan A, with no real Plan C alternative, the ideal blend with their mastery of possession. In spite of the accolades, Mikel Arteta is not in cloud nine: We become where we are because we have been consistent. Nothing though, without continuing to improve. It is that attitude which characterizes these Arsenal title rivals. All of the clean sheets, all of the set piece routines, all of the squeaking wins it is all part of something, not a party. There is a reason why Arteta plays the game with intensity on his side. All the players are aware of his position, and all systems  press, transition, recovery are practiced to the letter. It is an organization that spawns faith. And faith and more than a brightness makes a good team a champion. In raw numbers, they are top in the Premier League on just about every key defensive statistic: Clean sheets: 6 Goals conceded: 3 Shots faced: 72 Shots on target faced: 19 Expected goals against (xGA): 5.3 That is not good but is championship level. The Saliba Gabriel partnership has grown on to be the finest of its leagues. Saliba can foresee the danger before it is formed, Gabriel rules the box as a silent master. Even having a rested Saliba, new signing Mosquera was apparently ready to be put into the system. The fact that they did not concede in 385 minutes highlighting their defensive streak makes them so effective and domineering in their title contender efficiency and control. They also conceded only one shot on target against Crystal Palace and that was a deflection. Their tightness, passing trigger and organization is now a textbook sample of how Arteta described his tactics to be. On the one hand open-play football offered by Arsenal is slick whereas on the other hand, their set-pieces are surgical. The numbers are staggering: The highest number of goals- 11 goals by set-pieces. Dead-ball situations have contributed 69 percent of their overall goals. Gunners have scored 2 more set-piece goals than any other team in the Premier League (Chelsea 9). This strength has provided imperative outcomes Gabriel opener against Atletico Madrid, pinpointous deliveries by Rice and Saka to overcome inert low blocks. The opponents are aware that it is coming; they just can do nothing with it. The combination of height and timing and delivery puts Arsenal at disadvantage compared to Liverpool in terms of structure of winning the title that worked in Liverpool in 2019. Set-pieces have become Plan B, Plan A with no real Plan C alternative, the ideal blend with their mastery of possession. We become where we are because we have been consistent. Nothing though, without continuing to improve.It is that attitude which characterizes these Arsenal title rivals. All of the clean sheets, all of the set piece routines, all of the squeaking wins it is all part of something, not a party. There is a reason why Arteta plays the game with intensity on his side. All the players are aware of