Top Flight Build-up alongside FA Cup Second Round Latest News and More
Introduction
Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your all-in-one matchday live hub, focusing on the day's key soccer action. England's top division presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action and FA Cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to send us your views and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines even though he did not play in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing critique on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's poor beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the standings.
Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host West Ham in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two provided lots of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.
Other notable outcomes featured:
- Swindon Town hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday'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 a trio of separate battlegroups forming in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a consistent form to challenge the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today's schedule include:
Women's Super League (WSL): (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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship matches were called off yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.
There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.