Top Flight Buildup alongside FA Cup Round Two Developments and More
Introduction
Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your all-in-one football coverage center, centering on the day's key football action. The Premier League offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. As always send us your views telling us your plans for watching the action. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah grabbed the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” after being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's poor start to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight development saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, has left a very tight race at the top of the standings.
Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of improvement since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout results featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's FA Cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears three separate mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, today's schedule include:
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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Views from supporters seems split:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.
