BRUNO’S DECISIVE STRIKE GIVES NEWCASTLE HARD-EARNED VICTORY OVER FULHAM
A 90th-minute Bruno Guimarães winner broke Fulham's hearts at St James' Park, sealing a 2-1 win for Newcastle. The hosts hit the woodwork twice early on before Saša Lukić's equaliser, but Guimarães struck late to snatch all three points.
Bruno Guimaraes Delivers Winner as Newcastle Beat Fulham - Photo Credit, Getty Images
At St James' Park on Saturday afternoon, Fulham was denied what would have been a well-earned point by a goal from Bruno Guimarães in the 90th minute.
Following a mistake at the back that led to Jacob Murphy's goal, the Whites fought in the second half and equalised through Saša Lukić's season-opening goal.
Following Bernd Leno's denial of William Osula, Newcastle had more chances in the closing moments and duly took advantage of the first reaction from Guimarães. Both teams then fought for the victory.
Several of the six changes Marco Silva made to his team were enforced. Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Tom Cairney, Harry Wilson, and Josh King were replaced by Kenny Tete, Issa Diop, Calvin Bassey, Lukić, Adama Traoré, and Emile Smith Rowe.
With Nick Woltemade and Murphy's efforts against the woodwork sandwiching a dangerous Guimarães shot that went a yard wide, the hosts got off to a strong start and struck both posts within the first six minutes.
Ryan Sessegnon's brilliant cross to Raúl Jiménez was the Fulham response, but the striker was crowded out as he attempted to get his shot off, and it deflected wide.
When Newcastle grabbed the lead, it was a gut hit because the boys were having a good run. Murphy took out last man Bassey and put a crisp shot across Leno and in via the far post.
In the 27th minute, we had two excellent opportunities. First, Adama picked up the loose ball and drilled wide after Sander Berge made a wonderful scrambling save with a twisting shot from the box's edge.
After that, Raúl got two quick chances but missed both of them. He first failed to find the target with his header from Lukić's corner, and then he missed a shot after Lukić found him again.
Leno made a brilliant save to keep Murphy from scoring after he sprung the offside trap to go in one-on-one, allowing Newcastle to double their lead.
After we had gained possession high up the field, Pope was the next goalie called into action, bending down to stop Smith Rowe's placed effort.
After a clever reverse pass from Raúl, Kevin was substituted for Smith Rowe at halftime and would have been upset not to find a green shirt with his cross ten minutes into the second half.
Lukić showed excellent anticipation and a willingness to nudge the ball over the line, but the Brazilian's next throw was far better, picking up Raúl at the far post, who was unfortunate to see his first-time effort explode off the bar.
Guimarães received a free header from Anthony Gordon's cross that should have given his team the lead again right away, but his effort went over the goal line.
Raúl's overhead kick at the other end resulted in a straightforward save from Pope.
Both teams were sniffing victory, and the game was getting longer and longer. Next to try his luck was Guimarães, who was not far away when he fired from 20 yards out, narrowly missing the target.
The tide started to shift in the home team's favour as Sandro Tonali put Leno to the test with a hard strike, and Anthony Elanga had a risky attempt valiantly stopped by Sessegnon.
With six minutes remaining, Joelinton nodded into the side netting after meeting Kieran Trippier's looping cross, giving United supporters the impression that he had put them back ahead.
A minute later, Tonali nearly scored a beautiful goal with a brilliant volley from a close angle, but Leno made an equally impressive stop to keep the Italy international out of the game.
However, in the ninetieth minute, our number one was defeated once more. A point slipped painfully through our fingers, and even though Leno had denied Osula, he was powerless to stop Guimarães from hammering the rebound home.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.