Another week has ended, and we are bringing you updates from the top stories that rocked the sport’s world. Dig in!
Man Utd vs Everton:
We shouldn’t be considered title-chasers – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks Manchester United “shouldn’t be considered title-chasers” after their 3-3 draw with Everton.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 95th-minute equalizer sealed a sensational comeback for Everton as United missed a chance to go level on points at the top of the Premier League with Manchester City, who have two games in hand and play Liverpool live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
“We’re not talking about winning titles. We’ve come a long way this team. We shouldn’t even be considered as title-chasers. That’s one for you [the media] – we’ve got to be better as a team and let’s see where we end up. Going forward, we need to stop conceding easy goals. Solskjaer said:
However, Sky Sport’s pundit Jamie Redknapp disagreed with Solskjaer’s assessment of United’s credentials as title challengers, insisting the state of the Premier League season represented too good an opportunity not to believe they could win the league.
“Manchester United should be [talking about the title]. This is a unique year; you’re never going to get a better chance,” Redknapp said.
“Liverpool has lost important players and is not at the same level they were last year. Manchester City is, of course, an incredible side, but they may still have a blip, they may get their doubts.
Tottenham vs. Chelsea:
Thomas Tuchel bags first Premier League away win.
Jorginho’s first-half penalty saw Chelsea deservedly beat Tottenham 1-0 as Thomas Tuchel won his first game on the road in charge of the Blues.
The Italy playmaker converted from the spot after 24 minutes following a foul by Eric Dier, who needlessly brought down Timo Werner in the decisive moment of the match.
Jose Mourinho’s side barely threatened thereafter in what was a lacklustre display from the hosts, who have now lost their last three games in a row, including their previous two at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time at their new ground.
STATS: Thomas Tuchel is the first Chelsea manager to keep a clean sheet in his first 3 PL games in charge since Jose Mourinho in August 2004
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal:
Ollie Watkins condemns Mikel Arteta’s side to back-to-back defeats
Ollie Watkins’ second-minute goal proved the winner as Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory condemned Arsenal to a second league defeat in five days.
Watkins made the most of some lax defending between Cedric Soares and Gabriel, which allowed Bertrand Traore to steal in before teeing up his team-mate for a close-range finish with only 74 seconds on the clock.
Debutant Mat Ryan had by far the busier afternoon of the two goalkeepers, denying Traore before half-time and keeping out strong Watkins, John McGinn and Jack Grealish efforts after the break.
Formula 1
New Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says he will urge the Grand Prix drivers to “lead by example” as role models for the sport.
The 55-year-old said he had written to all the drivers to point out their importance as “positive ambassadors for F1”.
“They have big responsibility because they are the face of our sport,” said Domenicali, who became F1 president in January.
“We have a huge potential to reach new fans who will engage with their faces and behaviour and how they act as a man.”
Domenicali singled out Lewis Hamilton, who has promoted anti-racism, diversity and sustainability in recent years, as “a massive ambassador for F1”.
“He is very important for F1 as he is embracing other values into the discussion and giving his face to a lot of points that are outside normal sport.”
In his first news conference since taking his new role, the former Ferrari team boss covered a wide range of topics.
These included:
- His confidence that F1 can run a full calendar this season despite the pandemic
- Prospects for new races
- A revision to plans for sprint races on Saturday afternoons
- His hopes for Hamilton’s contract talks with Mercedes to come to a conclusion
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