Sports
Man Utd Held By Chelsea In First Post-Ten Hag Premier League Game
Moises Caicedo’s strike denied Manchester United victory in their first Premier League game since sacking Erik ten Hag as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim later his month, sprinted down the touchline in celebration after Bruno Fernandes put United in front from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
Caicedo quickly replied for the Blues, who edge above Arsenal on goal different into fourth.
A point leaves United still down in 13th, six points off the top four.
Amorim was not in attendance as he prepares to take charge of Sporting Lisbon for the one of the final times against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
United were far more competitive than in 3-0 demolitions by Liverpool and Tottenham at home this season, but showed many of the same flaws that cost Ten Hag his job.
Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a 5-2 demolition of an under-strength Leicester in his first match in charge to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.
Still a hero among the United fans from his days as a prolific striker, the Dutchman’s name was chanted in a buoyant pre-match atmosphere.
However, a Chelsea side that have lost once in nine Premier League games, provided a much stiffer test for a United side still short on confidence.
Noni Madueke came closest to opening the scoring for Chelsea in the first-half when he headed Cole Palmer’s corner off the post.
It took United time to find their feet as an attacking force but they were unfortunate not to go in front just before half-time.
Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar with a cushioned volley in the last action of a disappointing first 45 minutes from both sides.
Pedro Neto’s burst of pace nearly gave Chelsea a dream start to the second period but the Portuguese winger’s shot flew just past the far post.
The Blues remain overly reliant on Palmer for inspiration.
The boyhood United fan, who began his career at Manchester City before joining Chelsea last year, was kept quiet by Van Nistelrooy’s pairing of Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
Before kick-off only Southampton had scored fewer than United’s eight Premier League goals in nine games this season.
The lack of efficiency in front of goal that Ten Hag often bemoaned was in evidence again.
Garnacho wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring from Fernandes’ cut-back with a tame effort that looped into the arms of Sanchez.
United were gifted the chance to break the deadlock when Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund inside the box.
Fernandes kept his cool to send the Spanish international goalkeeper the wrong way and spark wild celebrations from Van Nistelrooy.
United’s joy was short-lived as Chelsea hit back within four minutes.
A corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Caicedo connected a sweet strike to fire into the bottom corner.
Chelsea should have struck again moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over with Andre Onana stranded.
It was United who came closest in a frantic finale when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew just over.
AFP
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified that he didn’t intend to offend his player Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini infuriated Lookman after criticising the Nigerian international for taking a penalty in Tuesday night’s home loss to Club Brugge.
The Italian declared that the striker was “one of the worst penalty kick takers” he had ever seen.
But, Lookman responded by labelling his manager’s comment disrespectful.
However, Gasperini clarified his position, saying: “He had an extraordinary impact. My words were never meant to be offensive.”
Gasperini spoke at a press conference on Saturday via TMW.
“Yesterday, in Udinese-Lecce, we saw what could have turned into a global spectacle, but fortunately, the players let it go,” he said.
“I would have liked to see a great player like him [Lookman] make a gesture toward [Charles] De Ketelaere, saying, ‘Come on, take the ball, put it in.
“He could become a penalty taker, adding another scoring ability. But I almost feel like there’s a narrative being pushed that Atalanta are in chaos when the reality is quite different.
“I always speak in front of the whole team, this has never even been an issue within the club.
“The player felt offended, but I never intended to offend anyone. In the end, I think it turned out well because there was no unnecessary drama.
“I also appreciated what happened in the Udinese game, with both the players and the coach. Lookman came on against Brugge in an extraordinary way, and his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my opinion,” Gasperini stated.
Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.
Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.
He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.
“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.
I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.
“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.
Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.
They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.
The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.
A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.
Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.
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