Football

Brentford kicked off their Premier League campaign with a resounding 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, despite the absence of star striker Ivan Toney. The Bees' triumph was orchestrated by goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, while Crystal Palace's lone goal came from an own goal by Ethan Pinnock.Brentford manager Thomas Frank had opted to leave out Toney amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Bees proved they could cope without their talisman, as they showcased the depth and resilience that characterized their impressive 2021/22 season.The match began with a moment of controversy as Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi was caught out of position, allowing Mbeumo to race onto Wissa's pass and fire home the opening goal. Palace responded with a flurry of attacks, but their efforts were thwarted by a combination of Brentford's resolute defense and some questionable refereeing decisions.Eberechi Eze had a brilliantly executed free-kick ruled out for a foul, while Odsonne Edouard's goal was chalked off for offside. Brentford, however, remained unfazed and doubled their lead when Wissa bundled home a rebound after Dean Henderson parried Nathan Collins' shot.Palace continued to press for an equalizer, but Brentford's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken making several crucial saves to deny Eze. The Bees' victory was a testament to their collective spirit and tactical discipline, as they showed they can compete with the Premier League's top teams even without their star striker.

The Premier League 2024-25 season kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between Chelsea and defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Both teams will be eager to start their campaigns with a victory, but Chelsea face an uphill battle against a formidable City side.Chelsea have not tasted success in their last six Premier League encounters with Manchester City, drawing twice and losing four times since their 2-1 away win in May 2021. However, the Blues have a strong record in their opening matches, having accumulated 67 points, second only to Manchester United's 21 wins.Manchester City, on the other hand, have won their Premier League opener in 12 of the last 13 seasons, with the exception of a 0-1 defeat at Tottenham in 2021-22. They will be without Oscar Bobb and Rodri for the match, while Chelsea will miss Conor Gallagher, whose future remains uncertain.In terms of head-to-head records, Chelsea hold a slight edge with 69 wins compared to City's 65. Their last two Premier League meetings ended in draws.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed concerns about the size of his squad, while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of defending their title."We have to conquer it again, because they are not going to give us the Premier League for the 24/25 season," Guardiola said. "We have to live with that, but I know what we have to do. Point by point must be won."The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India and streamed on Hotstar.

The Premier League kicked off its new season with a bang on Saturday, as Liverpool and Arsenal secured victories while Mohamed Salah and James Milner etched their names into the record books.Liverpool's reign under Arne Slot commenced with a 2-0 triumph over newly promoted Ipswich. Salah's second-half strike marked his ninth goal in Premier League season openers, surpassing the previous record held by Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Frank Lampard.Arsenal, last season's runners-up, also claimed a 2-0 home win against Wolverhampton. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka found the net for the Gunners, who are expected to challenge Manchester City for the title.Newcastle overcame adversity to defeat Southampton 1-0 despite Fabian Schar's early red card. Joelinton's goal secured the three points for the Magpies.Everton endured a disappointing start, losing 3-0 at home to Brighton. Ashley Young's dismissal in the second half compounded the Toffees' misery.Brighton's victory was made even more remarkable by James Milner's record-breaking appearance. At 38 years old, Milner became the oldest player to start 23 seasons in the Premier League, surpassing Ryan Giggs' previous mark.Aston Villa edged out West Ham 2-1, while Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth played out a 1-1 draw. Forest's Danilo suffered a broken ankle in the match, casting a shadow over the occasion.Ed Sheeran, Ipswich's famous supporter, witnessed his team's defeat from a VIP box. Despite the loss, Ipswich's attacking style promises to provide entertainment throughout the season.

Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, setting the tone for a season filled with aspirations of dethroning Manchester City.Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, heading home a pinpoint cross from Bukayo Saka. The England winger then sealed the points after the interval with a thunderous strike, leaving Wolves with little chance.Arsenal's dominance was evident from the outset, with Ben White and Saka testing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa early on. The visitors showed little attacking intent, allowing Arsenal to control the tempo and create numerous chances.Havertz's goal was a testament to Arsenal's attacking prowess, with Saka's delivery finding the German forward in the perfect position. Wolves responded briefly, but Arsenal remained in control, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli coming close to extending their lead.After the break, Arsenal continued to press, with Havertz and Thomas Partey going close. Wolves had a brief spell of pressure, but Arsenal's defense held firm.Saka's goal was the icing on the cake, a fitting reward for his impressive performance. The winger has emerged as a key figure for Arsenal, and his contribution on Saturday underlined his importance to the team.Arsenal's victory was a statement of intent, sending a clear message to their rivals that they are determined to challenge for the title. Mikel Arteta's side has shown no signs of complacency after their near-miss last season, and their performance against Wolves suggests they are ready to take the next step.

Liverpool's new era under Arne Slot got off to a winning start as they secured a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their Premier League opener.Despite a spirited performance from Ipswich, who were cheered on by minority shareholder and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, Liverpool's class shone through in the second half. Diogo Jota broke the deadlock on the hour mark, tapping in a pinpoint cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Five minutes later, Mohamed Salah sealed the victory with a fine finish after being played in by Dominik Szoboszlai.Slot's side had struggled to create chances in the first half, but they came out with renewed vigor after the break. Jota's goal was a testament to their improved attacking play, while Salah's strike showcased his clinical finishing ability.The victory was a welcome boost for Liverpool, who have endured a quiet pre-season without any major signings. However, Slot's tactical acumen and the quality of his players proved to be too much for Ipswich.Salah, who made his 350th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions, was particularly impressive. The Egyptian forward now has more goals in the opening rounds of Premier League seasons than anyone else, and he looks set to play a major role in another Liverpool title tilt this term.Ipswich, despite their spirited performance, were ultimately outclassed by a superior Liverpool side. The Tractor Boys will need to improve their attacking output if they are to avoid a relegation battle this season.

Manchester United's Premier League campaign got off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday. Despite a lackluster first-half performance, the Red Devils secured the three points thanks to a late goal from substitute Joshua Zirkzee.The home crowd was in high spirits before kickoff, with four new signings being unveiled on the pitch and new faces in the United boardroom. However, United struggled to break down a resolute Fulham defense in the opening 45 minutes. Captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring, but his efforts were denied by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.Frustrations grew after the break as United continued to misfire in attack. However, Dutch substitute Zirkzee arrived right on cue three minutes from time to earn United victory. The 21-year-old striker, who joined from Bayern Munich this summer, pounced on a loose ball in the Fulham area and fired home from close range."To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," Zirkzee told Sky Sports. "I've been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Man United. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling."The victory was a much-needed boost for United, who have not won a Premier League title since 2013. Manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the result, but he will know that his team still has much to improve on."We defended and pressed very well," Ten Hag said. "We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier. That is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box."Fulham manager Marco Silva was disappointed to take nothing from the match. "It is really tough for us to lose this game the way we lost," he said. "We started really well, but after 20 minutes United reacted well. We adjusted at halftime and the second half was much better."

The Premier League 2024-25 season kicks off this weekend, bringing with it a significant change to the traditional matchday routine. Clubs will now have an additional 15 minutes to release their team sheets, moving the deadline to 75 minutes before kick-off.This rule adjustment aligns with UEFA regulations and aims to enhance the competitiveness of matches. By providing managers with less time for last-minute changes, the new rule encourages more strategic planning and reduces the potential for tactical surprises.The Premier League handbook now stipulates that team sheets must be submitted "at least 75 minutes before the time fixed for the kick-off of a league match." Clubs are required to provide the shirt numbers and names of participating players, including substitutes, as well as the color of their uniforms and the names of up to seven officials occupying the trainer's bench.The change also affects the pre-match briefing between managers and the referee, which must now take place at least 60 minutes before kick-off. This briefing provides an opportunity for managers to discuss any potential issues or concerns with the referee.The Premier League's decision to adopt this new rule is a testament to its commitment to improving the quality and fairness of its matches. By giving managers less time to make changes, the league hopes to create a more level playing field and increase the excitement for fans.

The 2024-25 Premier League season promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with a host of intriguing storylines and captivating matchups. Here are five key talking points to watch out for:1. Arsenal's Title Ambitions:After narrowly missing out on the title last season, Arsenal will be determined to mount a stronger challenge this time around. Mikel Arteta's side has shown glimpses of brilliance, but they need to maintain consistency and avoid costly slip-ups.2. Aston Villa's Champions League Adventure:Aston Villa's remarkable fourth-place finish last season earned them a spot in the prestigious Champions League. Unai Emery's team will face a daunting task as they navigate the rigors of European competition while also competing in domestic cups.3. Erling Haaland's Goal-Scoring Prowess:Manchester City's Erling Haaland is poised to continue his prolific goal-scoring form. The Norwegian striker has already established himself as one of the most lethal finishers in the league, and he will be eager to add to his tally this season.4. Leicester City's Return and Jamie Vardy's Farewell:Leicester City's immediate return to the Premier League after relegation is a testament to their resilience. All eyes will be on Jamie Vardy, who is entering the twilight of his career. Can the veteran striker lead the Foxes to another surprise title challenge?5. Arne Slot's Liverpool Era Begins:Jurgen Klopp's departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era. Arne Slot has taken over the reins, and he will be tasked with maintaining the club's high standards and challenging for major trophies.

The conclusion of the Olympics marks the commencement of the highly anticipated football league season. La Liga kicked off on Thursday, followed by the Premier League and Ligue 1 on Friday, Serie A on Saturday, and Bundesliga the following weekend. These five leagues represent the pinnacle of global football, boasting the most competitive and widely watched matches.The Premier League has consistently dominated international competitions, with 136 players representing the league in the last World Cup, 96 in Euro 2024, and 41 in the Copa America. Opta Power Rankings places the Premier League at the top of its list of the world's best 30 leagues.Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League has raised concerns about the league's competitiveness. However, the club's narrow victories in recent seasons suggest that the title race remains unpredictable. City's manager, Pep Guardiola, remains confident in his team's ability to break records and maintain their winning streak.Arsenal, who finished second last season, has strengthened its defense and hopes to end its 21-year title drought. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, faces the challenge of replacing Jürgen Klopp's legacy. The club has retained its core players and hopes to regain its former glory.Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, aims to challenge for the championship once again. The club has invested heavily in its squad but may need to sell players to balance its books. Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, has signed several players from the manager's former club, Ajax. Despite a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, the club remains optimistic about its prospects.Aston Villa serves as an inspiration for Manchester United, having risen from 17th place in 2019-20 to a top-10 finish last season. Manager Unai Emery has signed key players and hopes to lead the club back to European competition.