Premier League Buildup and Football Association Cup Round Two Developments plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday live center, focusing on today's key soccer action. England's top division presents fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. As always send us your views telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah stole the headlines even though he did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other major Premier League development was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the top of the table.
Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT start. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of manager Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.
Other standout results included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears a trio of separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, today's fixtures feature:
Women's Top Flight: (All 12pm GMT unless stated)
- Leicester City v Manchester City
- London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Manchester United v West Ham United
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. There are two clear camps to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?
Fan opinion seems divided:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship fixtures were called off yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unsuitable.
There is no confirmation on when either game will be replayed.