All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United's best performance of the season so far was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo leaving before the end of the 2-0 win over Spurs.

Bruno Fernandes and Fred got the goals as a buoyant Manchester United side saw off Tottenham on Wednesday evening. But that wasn't even half the story.

Indeed, the headlines will be dominated by unused sub Cristiano Ronaldo heading off down the tunnel with four minutes still to play in his side's 2-0 win, which is a shame, as this was United's most complete performance of the season so far.

Despite coming into the game with a chance of moving within a point of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, Spurs were dismantled by their hosts.

Fred and Fernandes ran the show in the middle of the park, so it was only fitting that they both got on the scoresheet as Erik ten Hag's side put their recent Manchester Derby drubbing firmly behind them and re-established themselves as a legitimate contender for a top-four finish in this season's Premier League.

Tottenham's performance may have been rotten, with Antonio Conte's side once again struggling against one of the big boys, but Erik Ten Hag's United were mightily impressive, and full value for the three points, which draws them to within four points of Spurs with a game in hand.

Below, GOAL takes you through the winners, losers and player ratings from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Fred:

The Brazilian's performance had absolutely everything, with Fred both winning the ball back regularly, and using it sensibly. Indeed, he was perhaps unfortunate to not get an assist in the first half when he put a chance on a plate for Rashford in the first half. However, he got his just reward just after the restart. The Brazilian was fortunate to see his strike hit the back of the net via a deflection but he deserved his bit of luck for a dynamic display in midfield.

Bruno Fernandes:

A captain's contribution. Even when things weren't quite coming off for Bruno in the first half, he worked tirelessly to make sure Tottenham didn't have a moment's peace. And then, when it mattered most, with the game still in the balance, he took his chance to seal victory with aplomb. As soon as the ball left his boot, everyone – including Hugo Lloris – knew exactly where it was going, with Bruno bending a bouncing ball into the top corner to seal a huge win for his side.

Diogo Dalot:

Like Fred, he has come in for plenty of criticism in the past but he silenced his critics against Spurs. Pitted against some seriously tricky attackers, the Portuguese proved up to the task. And not only did he nullify the likes of Ivan Perisic and Son Heung-min, he also repeatedly got forward at every opportunity. On a night where United were relentless in everything they did, Dalot embodied exactly the kind of energy and quality that Ten Hag wants from his players at Old Trafford.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Antonio Conte:

The Italian has rarely got his tactics as wrong as he did at Old Trafford. Manchester United were sensational but Tottenham were terrible. Had it not been for Lloris, it could've been four or five nil to the hosts at half time and the onslaught didn't stop after the interval. Conte waited far too long to make changes to a team that was falling flat on its face in a game that was perhaps the greatest example of Tottenham being in a bit of a false position at this stage of the season. They're still well in the hunt for a top-four finish, of course, but recent talk of a title challenge looks incredibly premature right now.

Son Heung-min:

Conte's cause hasn't been helped by the drop-off in form of last season's Golden Boot co-winner. It was another performance to forget for the South Korea captain as he hardly had a sniff against a defence that wasn't willing to give away an inch all night. He regularly had the ball taken off him, his passes weren't quite finding their targets and he left Harry Kane stranded in attack on his own. If Tottenham are to put a run together in the Premier League and Champions League, Son desperately needs to get back to his very best.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

It might be surprising to see a Manchester United player labelled a 'loser' after a fine victory, but how else to describe the Portuguese in the circumstances? Ronaldo probably would have been in this section anyway, even before his latest strop, given United turned in such an impressive performance without him. But his characteristically petulant reaction to being left on the bench was unbecoming of a man once renowned for his professionalism. Former United captain Roy Keane may be among those who believe that Ronaldo has been disrespected by the club this season but there is no excuse for such childish antics. The sooner United get rid of Ronaldo the better, because right now he's becoming a dreadful distraction.

Getty ImagesRatings: Defence

David de Gea (6/10): An ideal evening for the United goalkeeper. Hardly called upon because of his side's dominance and, on the odd occasion where he was required, he didn't put a foot – or a hand – wrong.

Diogo Dalot (8/10): One of the stand-out performances of his season and maybe even his career. Combatted the threat of Ivan Perisic and Son brilliantly and contributed effectively going forward.

Raphael Varane (7/10): Quality, composure and control. It was a far cry from the performances of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as the Frenchman didn't step a foot out of line all game.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10): As Varane was calm and composed, his partner was the opposite, but in a good way. He flew into tackles at every opportunity and seemed to win all of them. His aggressive style compliments the laid-back nature of the man next to him perfectly.

Luke Shaw (6/10): Another solid display from a left-back who is rapidly cementing his spot in Gareth Southgate's starting World Cup XI. Dealt with a very lively frontline well whilst being assured on the ball; he's certainly trending in the right direction again.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesMidfield

Casemiro (6/10): Just as good as the defence behind him. Continues to show exactly why he was the man at the base of that successful Real Madrid midfield but his performance was let down a little bit by a rash challenge that resulted in a yellow card.

Fred (8/10): An all-action performance from his very top drawer. There were so many tackles, interceptions, passes, dribbles and even a goal – albeit a deflected one. He was the stand-out player for the hosts.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10): Feels like a huge goal that he scored in the second half, and an excellent finish too. Struggled in the game until that point but, where his passes and dribbling failed, he made up for them with the kind of relentless pressing seldom seen at Old Trafford recently. On this evidence, it looks like Bruno's back.

Scott McTominay is keeping the Brazilian out on merit – much to the dismay of fans

The message to Casemiro is clear – he is going to have to earn his place in this Manchester United team. The five-time Champions League-winner may have arrived at Old Trafford to great fanfare and with a £60million price tag – but shifting Scott McTominay is proving more of a challenge than many of the midfielders he has dominated on the pitch in such a distinguished career.

He is the latest to realise reputation counts for little in Erik ten Hag’s United revolution.

And rightly so for a club that has signed one super star after another during nine years of failure post Sir Alex Ferguson.

This is a new era under their Dutch manager – and in only a few months in the job, he has proven he is prepared to take the difficult decisions. GOAL takes a deeper look at the situation.

GettyChallenge

Casemiro need only have spoken to former Real teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, to know the situation he would be walking into.

Both have been sidelined in Ten Hag’s early reign. Both have been forced to work their way into his plans – with Ronaldo still yet to fully convince, even after getting his first goal of the season against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesConsequences

Ten Hag is running a meritocracy. Perform for him and he will stand by you. Fail – and there will be consequences, be it a 13km run in the blistering heat or a spell out of the team.

He is a man who was bold enough to sit Real and France legend, Varane, on the bench for the first two games of the season.

He was then brave enough to drop his captain, Harry Maguire, and another England international in Luke Shaw after back-to-back defeats.

Ronaldo was left out, recalled and then dropped again.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – at £50million – has barely had a kick.

Statement

Ten Hag is making an important statement by not thrusting Casemiro straight into his starting XI.

McTominay has responded well after a traumatic start to the season.

Since coming on at half time against Brentford, when United were already 4-0 down, he has become a mainstay.

And he is in the team on merit – operating as an impressive foil to Christian Eriksen, with his energy complimenting the Dane’s control.

To drop him as soon as Casemiro walked through the door would have been the wrong message to send to a dressing room that Ten Hag is only in the early days of developing a relationship with.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesDe Jong

Yet the expectation is that Casemiro will become a pivotal part of United’s system. He may not be the midfielder Ten Hag so desperately wanted to sign in the summer – Frenkie de Jong – but the position of No6 was seen as absolutely critical to his plans.

Casemiro was not his first choice – but he was very much in United’s thinking throughout the transfer window, with interest expressed months before the deal was eventually completed and the pursuit of De Jong abandoned.

There are those who believe he more closely fits United’s needs than the Barcelona midfielder as the ball-winner they have lacked.

Ten Hag sees him as pivotal to his system as both a destroyer – but also a link between defence and midfield. There is hope he can develop an understanding with Eriksen to compare to Real’s legendary midfield trio of the Brazilian, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Who are the most valuable footballers in the world at the moment?

The summer of 2022 saw Kylian Mbappe sign a historic deal with Paris Saint-Germain that made him the most expensive player on the club's star-studded roster.

Mbappe initially appeared to be very close to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, but eventually decided to stay in Paris as the club made him an offer he simply could not turn down.

The Frenchman is currently the most valued footballer in the transfer market with an estimated valuation of €180 million.

He is closely followed by Manchester City's star forward Erling Haaland, who is valued at €170m following his sublime performances in the Premier League.

Real Madrid wonderkid Vinicius Jr. completes the podium with a value of €120m, ahead of England and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham and City ace Phil Foden.

Let's take a look at the full top 25 of most valued soccer players in the world.

Getty Images1Kylian Mbappe | PSG | €180mAdvertisementGetty Images2Erling Haaland | Manchester City | €170mGetty Images3Vinicius Jr. | Real Madrid | €120mENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images4Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund | €110m

How to watch Newcastle against Man United in the Premier League in the US, as well as kick-off time and team news.

It will have been a month and a fortnight since Manchester United picked up their last Premier League win when the take on Newcastle at St. James' Park on Sunday.

▶ Watch Newcastle vs Manchester United live on Sling TV today!

In a repeat of the Carabao Cup final where United defeated Newcastle 2-0 in February as the former ended their six-year trophy drought, now both teams are playing for a top-four league finish this season.

Erik ten Hag's men have since advanced to the Europa League last-eight and FA Cup semi-finals but are winless in the Premier League after the heavy 7-0 mauling at the hands of Liverpool was followed by a goalless draw against Southampton.

Meanwhile, a win on Sunday can take Newcastle level on points with Man United in the top four after the Magpies responded to the 2-0 loss to Manchester City with 2-1 wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S. as well as how to stream live online.

Getty ImagesKick-off timeGame:Newcastle vs Manchester UnitedDate:April 2, 2023Kick-off:11:30am EDTVenue:St. James' Park

The game is scheduled for April 2, 2023, at St. James' Park football stadium located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

It will kick off at 11:30am EDT in the US.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch Newcastle vs Manchester United online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.USA Network, TelemundoFubo, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream

In the United States (US), the game can be watched live on USA Network (English-language), Telemundo (Spanish-language), Fubo, Sling Blue and DirecTV Stream.

(C)Getty ImagesTeam news & squadsNewcastle team news

Miguel Almiron and Emil Krafth are out injured, while coach Eddie Howe has banished Ryan Fraser to train with the Newcastle Under-21s.

Joelinton returns from his two-game ban, but there are many doubtful players for the United game due to injury and illness – although only Anthony Gordon is less likely to make the XI than the trio of Nick Pope, Sven Botman, and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Ex-Man United loanee Martin Dubravka is available in case Pope fails his fitness test.

Newcastle possible XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S. Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Saint-Maximin, Isak, Joelinton

Position Players

GoalkeepersPope, Dubravka, Karius, GillespieDefendersBotman, Burn, Schar, Lascelles, Targett, Lewis, Dummett, Trippier, Manquillo, AshbyMidfieldersGuimaraes, Willock, S. Longstaff, M. Longstaff, Ritchie, Joelinton, Anderson, MurphyForwardsIsak, Wilson, Gordon, Saint-MaximinManchester United team news

This will be Casemiro's second game of his ongoing four-game domestic ban, and Marcel Sabitzer may be a touch and go after picking a knock while on Austria duty, whereas the midfield duo of Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are already the long-term absentees at the club.

The situation is worse for Alejandro Garnacho and Tom Heaton with ankle problems, among the doubts for the tie, but Raphael Varane may be able to shake off his knock to start on Sunday.

Anthony Martial may be in contention for a place in the squad, with Marcus Rashford expected to start despite a recent trouble with his toe.

Manchester United possible XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Sabitzer, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Position Players

GoalkeepersDe Gea, Butland, HeatonDefendersMartinez, Maguire, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw, Malacia, Williams, Dalot, Wan-BissakaMidfieldersMcTominay, Sabitzer, Fred, Fernandes, PellistriForwardsRashford, Elanga, Garnacho, Antony, Sancho, Martial, WeghorstHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

February 26, 2023Manchester United 2-0 NewcastleCarabao CupOctober 16, 2022Manchester United 0-0 NewcastlePremier LeagueDecember 28, 2021Newcastle 1-1 Manchester UnitedPremier LeagueSeptember 11, 2021Manchester United 4-1 NewcastlePremier LeagueFebruary 22, 2021Manchester United 3-1 NewcastlePremier LeagueENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesUseful links

Manchester United team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Man Utd make Hojlund & Kolo Muani their Kane alternatives

Where to watch Premier League clash Chelsea vs Brighton – including team news, kick-off time, TV and live stream details.

Brighton will be looking to continue their impressive run of form since the turn of the year when they host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Seagulls have only lost twice in their last 16 matches in all competitions and are currently sitting in seventh place on the Premier League table. They will be confident of causing an upset against their opponents from London.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have had a disappointing season so far. They are 11th in the standings, without a win in their last five fixtures.

However, they have the quality to turn things around and will be keen to get back to winning ways under caretaker boss and club legend Frank Lampard.

GOAL tells you all you need to know about Chelsea vs Brighton below – including TV, streaming details, team news, squads and kick-off times.

GettyKick-off timeDate:April 15, 2023Kick-off time: 10am EDTVenue:Stamford Bridge

The Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton will be played at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 15. The game is scheduled to kick off at 10am EDT.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch Chelsea vs Brighton online – TV channels & live streams

Country TV Channel Live stream

USN/APeacock

Viewers in the US can stream the game live on Peacock.

Getty ImagesTeam news & squadsChelsea team news & squad

Lampard has confirmed that centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is out of contention for the game against Brighton due to injury.

With the fixture sandwiched between two Champions League legs against Real Madrid, the Blues are expected to rotate the lineup.

Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja are also sidelined with injuries.

Chelsea predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher, Mount; Sterling, Havertz, Felix

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Mendy, Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, SloninaDefenders:Chalobah, Cucurella, Badiashile, Chilwell, James, Silva, Azpilicueta, FofanaMidfielders:Gallagher, Mudryk, Fernandez, Loftus-Cheek, Madueke, Ziyech, Zakaria, Kante, Kovacic, MountForwards:Sterling, Havertz, Felix, PulisicBrighton team news & squad

Ahead of Saturday's game, Roberto De Zerbi has stated that he will need to assess and take decisions regarding the availability of a few of his players.

Jeremy Sarmiento and Tariq Lamptey are not expected to feature against Chelsea whereas Adam Lallana is a long-term absentee. Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill is ineligible to take the field against his parent club.

Brighton predicted XI: Steele; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Sanchez, SteeleDefenders:Webster, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan, VeltmanMidfielders:Mac Allister, Caicedo, Gilmour, Grob, Ayari, March, Buonanotte, MitomaForwards:Enciso, Undav, FergusonHead-to-head record

Three of the last five head-to-head games between Chelsea and Brighton have ended as stalemates at the end of 90 minutes. In the last meeting between the two teams earlier this season, there were two own-goals as Brighton picked up an impressive 4-1 win.

Date Result Competition

October 2022Brighton 4-1 ChelseaPremier LeagueJanuary 2022Brighton 1-1 ChelseaPremier LeagueDecember 2021Chelsea 1-1 BrightonPremier LeagueApril 2021Chelsea 0-0 BrightonPremier LeagueSeptember 2020Brighton 1-3 ChelseaPremier LeagueENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyUseful links

Chelsea team page

Brighton team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

The Three Lions' captain is one of the game's great goalscorers, but he might struggle to secure a summer move to a club worthy of his talent

England's Manchester City contingent turned up for international duty last week looking a little worse for wear but with three more titles to their names. Harry Kane arrived with commemorative, custom-made vinyl records for all of his team-mates to thank them for the role they had played in him becoming the Three Lions' all-time leading goalscorer.

It rather nicely summed up Kane's situation right now. In the two years since Daniel Levy refused to sell the striker to City, Pep Guardiola's side have continued to add to their impressive tally of trophies. Kane hasn't let up either, though. He remains trophy-less, but his reputation as one of the world's best centre-forwards has only been enhanced by the fact that he has continued to score freely for club and country – with his heroics at Tottenham particularly impressive.

After all, Erling Haaland won the Premier League Golden Boot, Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season after scoring a record-breaking 36 goals in his debut season in England – an undeniably outstanding achievement. However, was it really a more praiseworthy goalscoring feat than Kane netting 30 times for a terribly inconsistent Spurs team that finished eighth in the table having lost 14 of their 38 games?

It's hard not to wonder if Haaland would have enjoyed such a prolific campaign in north London – and whether Kane would have proven an even better fit for City's frontline than the Norwegian No.9. We'll never know, of course, and the worry now for Kane – and anyone that appreciates quality strikers – is that he may never get the chance to line-up for a club side truly worthy of his many talents.

Kane clearly remains one of the best attackers in world football, but recent developments in the transfer market appear to have significantly reduced the options available to him this summer…

Getty ImagesManchester United

While Kane was scoring two goals and creating another in England's rout of North Macedonia on Monday night, many United fans couldn't help but admit online that they would be overjoyed to see him strutting his stuff at Old Trafford on a weekly basis next season. There no longer appears any chance of that happening, though – and for pretty much the same reason that Kane failed to force through a move to Manchester in 2021.

Levy is still calling the shots at Spurs, which, let's be honest, is also a major source of frustration for the club's fans, who have seen their team go backwards since reaching the Champions League final four years ago through a combination of the chairman's parsimony and poor decision-making. The net result is that while the goals have continued to flow for Kane, his trophy drought shows no sign of ending anytime soon.

United, of course, have their own boardroom issues, but have, at least, shown real signs of promise and progress under new manager Erik ten Hag, who reportedly viewed Kane as the perfect striker to lead his attack in 2023-22. However, United have reportedly already given up on signing the England star because they do not believe themselves capable of meeting Levy's asking price.

Things could potentially change if a new owner arrives at Old Trafford this summer, but it's now understood that the Glazer family's sale of the club might not be concluded until next season – if at all. So, while it is believed that Kane favours a move to United above all other clubs, the deal looks dead in the water, with the club now looking at younger, more affordable alternatives.

AdvertisementGettyReal Madrid

The 'Kane-to-Madrid' story has been a real rollercoaster ride over the past few weeks. First, Karim Benzema suddenly put Florentino Perez on the look-out for a new No.9 after sensationally deciding to move to Saudi Arabia this summer – a decision so shocking that it reportedly raised both of Carlo Ancelotti's eyebrows. Talk of Kane transferring to the Bernabeu began in earnest.

But then Kylian Mbappe dropped a bombshell of his own by publicly confirming that he has no intention of extending his stay at the PSG beyond 2024. Basically, they need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing next year.

If Madrid are looking for the closest thing possible to a like-for-like replacement for Benzema, they should quite clearly pick Kane. They are both complete No.9s and share similar attributes. Kane would rather remain in his native England, but the presence of international colleague Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital certainly would have made it easier for him to settle.

However, the whole world knows that if it comes down to a choice between Kane and Mbappe, there is only one winner. Madrid want Mbappe, and Mbappe wants Madrid – it's been that way for years. A transfer was always going to happen and it really is only a matter of when at this point. If it's this summer, there is zero chance of Kane joining too.

GettyParis Saint-Germain

But what about Kane moving to Paris to replace Mbappe – or even play alongside the 24-year-old? After all, we know that Mbappe's preference has always been to play off a quality striker. Certainly, with Lionel Messi having been dumped in rather unceremonious circumstances, and speculation still swirling around Neymar, there will be room for at least one more superstar in PSG's attack for next season.

It's worth noting that this rumour is gaining serious momentum of late, with reporting on Monday that Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made Kane his primary transfer target. Their interest certainly makes sense, too. The Qatari-backed club are capable of paying a fee that is likely to be in excess of £100 million ($128m), and Levy would be open to selling Kane to an overseas club.

However, Kane would have his doubts about joining PSG – and they wouldn't just be related to living in another country or trying to learn a new language. There is just so much uncertainty surrounding PSG right now, even beyond Mbappe and his incessant contractual drama. Christophe Galtier is still technically the head coach yet he is believed to be a dead man walking. What's worrying, though, is that no replacement has yet been lined up, with Luis Enrique the latest name being tipped to take over at Parc des Princes after the club failed to reach an agreement with Julian Nagelsmann.

Given Kane knows all about the pain of playing for a crisis club, it's unlikely that he'd want to join another.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyChelsea

With that in mind, what chance do Chelsea have of persuading Kane to join a free-spending club that makes PSG look relatively prudent by comparison?!

One can certainly understand the Blues' interest. The idea of reuniting new manager Mauricio Pochettino with Kane is certainly appealing. The pair enjoyed an excellent working relationship and still speak very fondly of one another. Todd Boehly & Co. have also shown a willingness to spend mad money on players, meaning they could try to make Levy an offer even he couldn't refuse.

But it just seems too far-fetched. As Ian Wright recently told , "It's the only thing Spurs fans wouldn't be able to deal with – Kane going to Chelsea." Levy would essentially be writing a resignation letter if he agreed to let Tottenham's beloved son join their second-most hated rivals.

It wouldn't even make sense from Kane's perspective, either. Granted, he would get to remain in London and continue his pursuit of the Premier League's all-time goals record. However, Chelsea aren't even in the Champions League next season, and for all the talent they've stockpiled last summer, it's still impossible to say whether they'll become serious title challengers in 2023-24 just because they'll now have Pochettino at the helm.

Jurgen Klopp has delivered fitness updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz after seeing the pair give Liverpool untimely injury scares.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Reds battled to win over BournemouthLate knocks led to substitutionsCoach confident no lasting damage sufferedWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds were in Premier League action against Bournemouth on Saturday, with the Merseyside giants having to recover from going a goal down and losing Alexis Mac Allister to a red card on his home debut before securing a 3-1 win at Anfield.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

England international full-back Alexander-Arnold was replaced late on as he limped to the touchline, while Colombian winger Diaz was also substituted in the closing stages after receiving treatment for a knock.

WHAT THEY SAID

Klopp has said of the “painful” blow taken by Alexander-Arnold and whether he could be forced to sit out a trip to Newcastle: “He told me he had a kick which was pretty painful. But as far as a twist or fall, it was a kick. That’s why we changed then but I hope he will be fine.”

The German added on Diaz, who was on target against Bournemouth: “As long as he was fresh and everything he was obviously super. A massive threat for everybody. He is in a good moment, no doubt about it.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

There appears to be little concern regarding the fitness of two key men in Liverpool’s plans, with the Reds having taken four points from their opening two Premier League games in 2023-24 to suggest that they can offer a positive response to the disappointment of finishing fifth last season.

The superstar duo were too slick for the Cherries, with the winger scoring the first goal, and the captain running the game from midfield.

Arsenal avoided a potential banana skin on the south coast to beat Bournemouth 4-0, and they barely needed to get out of second gear.

Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal's opener, reacting quickest in the box after Gabriel Jesus headed Martin Odegaard's superb cross against the post. The second then came after some clever forward play from Eddie Nketiah, drawing Max Aarons into a sliding challenge in the area, and winning a penalty. Odegaard scored the spot-kick, sending Neto the wrong way from 12 yards.

Odegaard won Arsenal's second penalty early in the second half, and Kai Havertz stepped up to score his first goal for the Gunners. Ben White then added a fourth in injury-time with a powerful header.

Saka did limp off late on, which will be a significant concern for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners prepare for a week that will see them face Lens in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Vitality Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Made his first save in the final minute of the first half, saving from Christie to maintain his clean sheet. Gabriel and Saliba often snuffed out any danger before it could reach him.

Ben White (7/10):

Barely challenged and was often allowed to carry the ball up the pitch. Scored the fourth in injury-time with a powerful header after Odegaard's superb free-kick.

William Saliba (7/10):

Excellent early challenge on Solanke denied Bournemouth striker in front of goal. Kept the striker in his pocket for the duration, as the Gunners kept a well-deserved clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Superb tackle denied Billing in the area on the stroke of half-time. Stood up to everything Bournemouth threw at him.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):

Slammed an effort at goal and forced a good save from Neto. Constantly up and down the flank, creating chances, and never tested defensively.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Martin Odegaard (9/10):

Whipped a superb cross into the box before Arsenal's first and scored the second from the penalty spot, sending Neto the wrong way after Nketiah was fouled. Won the penalty from which Havertz scored the third and assisted White's late header. Back to his best after a poor performance in last week's north London derby.

Declan Rice (6/10):

Tidy, often dropping deep to receive the ball from the defence. As elegant a player as you can get, and he continually resisted Bournemouth's press.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Booked for a reckless tackle on Billing in the first half but put it behind him to score the third from the spot.. Arsenal will hope his goal leads to an uptick in his confidence and performances. Subbed late on.

Getty ImagesAttack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Scored Arsenal's first, reacting quickest after Jesus' header rebounded to him. Continually got beyond his marker, and never stopped working. In this form, he's nearly unstoppable. That he limped off late on will be a worry for Arteta.

Eddie Nketiah (6/10):

Always willing to make a run and won the penalty, drawing Aarons into a silly challenge in the area. Couldn't score himself, but a constant threat, and caused Bournemouth plenty of headaches before his substitution.

Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

His header rebounded off the woodwork and dropped to Saka for Arsenal's first goal. Wanted the ball consistently, although he did not have the chances needed to get on the scoresheet himself.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):

On for Zinchenko. Had barely anything to do.

Reiss Nelson (5/10):

Replaced Nketiah but couldn't match his energy up front.

Fabio Vieira (6/10)

Replaced Saka after he appeared to pick up an injury.

Emile Smith-Rowe (5/10)

On for goalscorer Havertz. Should have scored in a one-on-one but sent the ball wide.

Jorginho (6/10):

Replaced Rice late on.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

As comfortable an afternoon as he'll have. Arsenal overpowered Bournemouth and could have won the game by an even more convincing margin. He will be delighted.

Birmingham have been told it would take an “unrefusable offer” in order for Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to sell Elliot Lee.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Midfielder starring for the Red DragonsInto double figures for goals this seasonLinked with move to the ChampionshipWHAT HAPPENED?

The all-action Red Dragons midfielder, who has hit 10 goals through 21 appearances this season, continues to see his stock soar after helping his current employers to secure a record-breaking promotion back into the Football League during the 2022-23 campaign.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There have been suggestions that Lee is registering on Birmingham's transfer radar, with new Blues boss Wayne Rooney in need of inspiration from somewhere after enduring a tough start to his reign at St. Andrew’s. The expectation is that Tom Brady and the Birmingham board will be asked to make funds available for transfers in January.

WHAT THEY SAID

A move for Lee could be made at that stage, but ex-England international Carlton Palmer has told of what it would take to get a deal done: “In my opinion, Lee is a Championship level player playing in a lower division, so it's no surprise to me that he's attracting the attention of Championship clubs. However, Championship clubs would have to make an unrefusable offer as Wrexham are ambitious, financially backed and under no pressure to sell. I'd be surprised if Lee wanted to leave Wrexham at this point, as they are on a mission and are looking to complete back-to-back promotions. I think Birmingham will have to look elsewhere.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?

Lee, who is a product of West Ham’s academy system, joined Wrexham in the summer of 2022 and is tied to a contract that still has a little over 18 months left to run.

Lionel Messi has always been “out of this world”, with adidas taking the Inter Miami superstar to space in their latest advertising campaign.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine icon boasts unworldly abilityGlobal ambassador for adidasContinues to star on and off the pitchWHAT HAPPENED?

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi boasts a lifetime contract with the German sportswear manufacturers – with that deal agreed back in 2017 – and is a popular choice when it comes to fronting promotional material.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi is front and centre in adidas’ ‘XCRAZYFAST’ campaign, with the Argentine icon supposedly seeing a billboard featuring his famous face unfurled on an international space station floating high above the Earth.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi, with his feet firmly on the ground, features prominently in the video as Mission Control inform him that the station in question is orbiting at an altitude of 400km and racing along at 7800 metres per second. The World Cup winner says “great job” after seeing the banner deployed, before stating that the “billboard is incredible” and that he has “always wanted to go to space”.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Adidas first signed Messi up back in 2006, after seeing him burst onto the scene at Barcelona, and he is now a global ambassador for the brand. The all-time great has continued to make plenty of headlines on the field in 2023, with a historic Leagues Cup triumph delivered at Inter Miami on the back of his stunning move to the United States.