IN-FORM MATETA SCORES AS PALACE OVERCOME BRENTFORD IN LONDON DERBY
Crystal Palace returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta's header and a Nathan Collins own goal sealed the three points for the Eagles.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header set Crystal Palace on their way to three points - COURTESY/PHOTO
Crystal Palace defeated Brentford 2-0 at Selhurst Park thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's eighth goal of the season, which put them back on track to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Eagles backed up their triumph at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with their first win in four league games, with Mateta's halftime goal and an own goal from Bees captain Nathan Collins early in the second half.
Brentford's once successful week came to a halt when they hardly made a threat in response.
When Ismaila Sarr of Palace escaped Kristoffer Ajer down the right, it appeared as though he had created an opportunity for himself. However, he decided to square the ball instead of shooting, and Brentford's Sepp van den Berg intercepted.
Mateta's deflected header from a Yeremy Pino cross fell sweetly into the arms of Bees goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, creating a rare opening in what was otherwise a cagey start.
After half an hour, however, the home team took the lead when Jefferson Lerma nodded a deep free-kick from Daichi Kamada over for Mateta to head a beautiful header that looped into the top corner, leaving Kelleher standing.
Five minutes later, Daniel Munoz's ball into the box was cleared as far as Sarr, whose low effort was just missed, giving the Eagles a chance for a second goal.
Mikkel Damsgaard's free-kick right before halftime gave Brentford their best chance to score, but they failed to score as an attacking force in the first half.
Additionally, they set themselves up for failure when Lerma's throw in the 52nd minute went off Collins' head and into his own net, giving Palace a second goal.
A minute later, Collins gifted Sarr the ball within his own half, and the Senegal international raced clear before shooting against the post, giving him another moment to forget.
In an attempt to address the visitors' continued inability to pose much of a threat up front, manager Keith Andrews substituted Mathias Jensen, Keane Lewis-Potter, and Vitaly Janelt in a triple substitution.
After 74 minutes, Jensen's low cross into the box found Janelt, who missed his shot with a wide angle, giving Brentford their greatest opportunity thanks to two of those.
Reiss Nelson, another Bees substitute, then put Dean Henderson to the test from outside the box after the Palace goalkeeper had to push away his curling attempt.
But the Eagles easily won the rest of the game, so that was the only time he was called upon.
WINLESS WOLVES SACK VITOR PEREIRA IN EARLY-SEASON PREMIER LEAGUE SHOCK
Wolves have sacked manager Vitor Pereira after a winless start to the Premier League season, leaving them bottom of the table. The decision follows a 3-0 defeat to Fulham.
Wolves sack manager Vitor Pereira - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are now at the bottom of the Premier League standings, fired manager Vitor Pereira. Only a few weeks have passed since the 57-year-old Pereira was given a new three-year contract.
With no victories from their first ten games, Wolves' crushing 3-0 loss to Fulham on the road on Saturday was the last straw. They failed to inspire a victory at Craven Cottage despite Pereira making nine changes to his starting lineup from the team that lost to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
After Emmanuel Agbadou was sent off in the 36th minute, Wolves played more than half the game with 10 men, but they were already behind 1-0. After Ryan Sessegnon's early strike was doubled by Harry Wilson, Yerson Mosquera's own goal capped the thumping victory and ended Pereira's 11-month reign.
The Portuguese, who was brought in to replace Gary O'Neill in December 2024, assisted in leading Wolves to victory the previous season. But the loss of outstanding footballer Matheus Cunha after Manchester United triggered his £62.5million release clause was a devastating blow.
Wolves' only wins this season were in the Carabao Cup, both on home soil. In the second round, they defeated West Ham 3-2, and then they defeated Everton 2-0.
Wolves lost to Fulham on Saturday, falling eight points short of safety. Even the two 1-1 draws Pereira was able to secure were heartbreaking, as he gave up late equalisers at home against Brighton and away to Tottenham on consecutive weekends.
Periera faced irate Molineux fans following last Sunday's 3-2 setback at home to recently promoted Burnley, in which the visitors scored the game-winning goal in the 95th minute. The Wolves management gave the former Porto, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce manager two more games, but they have now taken the axe and started looking for a replacement.
ASTON VILLA STAR EMI MARTíNEZ RESPONDS STRONGLY TO LIVERPOOL CRITICISM
Aston Villa's Emi Martinez responds on Instagram after his costly error gifted Mohamed Salah a goal in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. The goalkeeper's sloppy pass led to the opener at Anfield.
Emi Martínez Breaks Silence After Error - Photo Credit: Getty Images
After making a mistake during Aston Villa's 2-0 loss to Liverpool, Emi Martinez responded.
Mo Salah was served Liverpool's first goal on a plate by Villa's World Cup-winning number one goalie.
He made an effort to throw the ball to Pau Torres, but it was a careless pass that ended up in Salah's hands, who rolled it into the net.
Then, when Unai Emery's team fell at Anfield in the Premier League, Ryan Gravenberch extended Liverpool's lead.
In his news conference following the game, Emery talked about the event.
He said, "We need to take solid positioning and try to play with personality through our structure and roles."
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"Pau lost the ball in that situation after gaining his position to play with this pass and then through those passes to feel wonderful." Naturally, to strengthen our organisation and avoid giving up the opportunities we did give up.
For Salah, it was simple. Although it was a major error, I was responsible for one aspect of our procedure. I accept that, and we use the style we wish to maintain in the club and in the upcoming games to develop a team here.
"We need to steer clear of major errors like the first goal we let up today. However, it is a component of our procedure, and we will examine it to see how we can improve in these situations for the upcoming games.
Naturally, though, it gives us a sense of strength and comfort. Our position and our idea are bringing the players up to speed.
"I never lose," Martinez wrote in a subsequent Instagram post. I either learn or I succeed.