Top Flight Preview and Football Association Cup Round Two Updates and Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone to another Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage hub, highlighting today's major football action. England's top division presents intriguing matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. Feel free to share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an remarkable critique on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor beginning to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another significant Premier League development was Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.
Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls host the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of head coach Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.
Additional standout results included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues forming in this season's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight 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 top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today's fixtures 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)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview continues. 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 Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Fan opinion seems divided:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.