Trent Alexander-Arnold’s late goal for Liverpool, ended Manchester City’s home-winning run after Erling Haaland scored his 50th EPL goal. Nathan Ake initiated the first goal, setting up Erling Haaland to score. The 23-year-old striker broke the deadlock for the champions, 27 minutes into the Saturday lunchtime fixture. But Trent Alexander-Arnold channeled his inner-Steven Gerrard to snatch a point for the Reds at the 80th minutes. Erling Haaland scored his 50th goal for City during the Liverpool clash – Getty image Alexander-Arnold’s masterclass in the game also earned him the man of the match award, after he dealt with the threat of Jeremy Doku throughout the game. But who made history in the match was Haaland. The Norwegian obliterated another Premier League record as he reached 50 goals quicker than any other player in the history of the English Premier League. He made the mark in just 48 games, defeating the initial record set by Manchester United legend Andy Cole, who bagged his first 50 goals in 65 appearances. With the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Manchetser City still maintain the top spot with 29 points, followed by their visitors Liverpool with 28. However, the table could turn if Arsenal who brag with 27 points defeat Brentford later Saturday evening.
Manchester City clinch last 16 spot with 250th Champions League goal
Manchester City became the fastest team ever to reach 250 goals in the Champions League, while securing last 16 spot with 3-0 win against Young Boys. Erling Haaland ensured a City milestone with stunning second-half goal from the edge of the box. Haaland, who joined the Etihad in the last two campaigns, has quickly become an integral part of the team. He scored two goals in the match against Young Boys, and he could have completed a hat-trick if not for his substitution with almost half an hour to go. Erling Haaland scored double in the match – Getty image Pep Guardiola’s squad has now qualified for the knockout rounds for the 11th consecutive season, with ease even, this time around. Their unbeaten run in the Champions League extends to 16 matches, dating back to May 2022, and they have won all 23 games at the Etihad stadium this year.
Controversial Gordon goal hand Newcastle victory over Arsenal
Newcastle secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park, with a close-range controversial goal from Anthony Gordon. The highly intense match was marked by a controversial VAR decisions that left Arsenal fans and players frustrated. Newcastle goal came in the second half when Gordon found the back of the net. However, the goal’s validity was subject to three separate VAR checks. But at the end of the day, the decision stood, despite claims that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. Gordon celebrates goal – Getty image On the other hand, Arsenal had their own moments of controversy, as Kai Havertz narrowly avoided a red card in the first half after a reckless challenge on Newcastle’s Miguel Almirón. The incident saw three of Newcastle players pick a yellow card for over reacting.
Messi scores fastest goal of his career as Argentina defeats Australia
Lionel Messi scored the fastest goal of his career during a friendly match between Argentina and Australia on Thursday, June 15, which ended 2-0 in favour of the South American side. Messi scored the fastest goal of his career, 79 seconds into the game at the vibrant Workers’ Stadium in China.
Messi scores the fastest goal of his career. Source: Getty Argentina swiftly seized possession in Australia’s half, with Enzo Fernandez expertly setting up Messi. The Argentine icon showcased his mesmerizing skills, evading two defenders before unleashing a sublime curling shot from outside the box that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The goal did not only help Argentina win the friendly, but also extended Messi’s remarkable goal-scoring streak for the national team. With his latest strike, he has now found the back of the net in an impressive seven consecutive games. As Messi approaches his 36th birthday next week, his unwavering prowess and determination continue to shine brightly. Good luck to @MLS goalies and defenders. Messi scores 1 minute in to @Argentina’s friendly vs. Australia.
pic.twitter.com/DoBYQI70Sz — Stefano Fusaro (@S_Fusaro) June 15, 2023 The 68,000-capacity crowd, predominantly adorned in Argentina jerseys, created a breathtaking spectacle that fueled the players’ spirits throughout the match. Australia coach Graham Arnold couldn’t help but marvel at the overwhelming support for Argentina, humorously remarking that he can’t see any yellow shirts around. Argentina further solidified their dominance in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul smashed another goal for the world cup winners. German Pezzella, who came on as a substitute, found the perfect pocket of space between two defenders and headed the ball home with precision, doubling Argentina’s lead and sealing their victory.
Messi celebrates fastest goal of his career. Source: Shutterstock Thursday’s match was a re-run of the last-16 clash between Argentina and Australia at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar. On that occasion, Messi scored a goal and tormented the Socceroos’ defence as the Albiceleste won 2-1. Argentina went on to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. The South Americans will round off their Asian tour on Monday when they play another friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta.
Sunderland coach Tony Mowbray suffers freak injury while celebrating crucial 95th minute goal
Sunderland coach Tony Mowbray suffered a hamstring injury while celebrating his side’s dramatic late equaliser against Watford. The Black Cats kept their top-six hopes alive with a spirited late comeback in the 2-2 draw with Watford, with Patrick Roberts scoring a stunning leveller in the 95th minute.
Watford were two goals ahead at a sold-out Stadium of Light thanks to headers from Christian Kabasele in the first half and Ryan Porteous in the 69th minute. But 60 seconds after that second goal, Luke O’Nien gave Sunderland a lifeline before Roberts’ moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time. The scenes of joy soon turned to pain for Black Cats boss Mowbray, who pulled his hamstring celebrating in the dugout. Ah so this is what “The Tony Mowbray” must be😂 pic.twitter.com/pHbNcrLRrT — Michael Lough (@mickylough95) April 29, 2023 The draw leaves Sunderland in seventh, two points shy of sixth-placed Millwall ahead of their final-day trip to Deepdale. Despite an 18-year professional playing career, the former defender revealed it was the first time he suffered the injury. Mowbray said; “I think it’s a hamstring injury. I never had a hamstring injury in 18 years as a professional because I was never fast enough but when that goal went in, I obviously moved a bit too quick.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine, a bit of treatment. We have a full treatment room but if I can grab a physio I’ll be fine. “It gives us real clarity that we have to go and win at Preston next week. If we do, everyone around us has tough games on paper. “Let’s go and win. It’s real clarity now, we know we need to go and get the three points and see what happens. “I’m pretty relaxed about it. We’ve given ourselves a real opportunity, we’ll take 6,000 fans there, let’s hope it’s a big party.”
Wout Werghost scores his first goal at Old Trafford
It was quite an emotional moment for Dutch footballer and Manchester United star, Wout Weghorst after he scored his first goal at Old Trafford on Thursday, March 9. Wout Weghorst struggled to hold back the tears as he ended his Manchester United goal drought against Real Betis in a Europa match on Thursday. The Dutchman’s 82nd-minute effort made it 4-1 on the night to cap off an impressive comeback from Erik ten Hag’s side who suffered a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
It’s only Weghorst’s second goal for United and it came after his pre-match decision to touch the “This is Anfield” sign angered many Red Devils’ supporters. Weghorst had claimed he was just attempting to “wind up” international team-mate Virgil van Dijk by stopping the Liverpool defender from getting his fingers on the famous sign.
Osimhen sets new record at Napoli with his 100th career goal
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen scored his 100th career goal on Friday night during Napoli’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo, making him one of the fastest players to achieve the feat. The Nigerian footballer grabbed his 100th career goal in his 197th professional game, faster than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It came in an incredible style too as he struck the ball past the keeper from an impossible angle next to the by-line. For comparison, Messi scored his 100th goal after 210 games, while Ronaldo, the world’s greatest goalscorer, bagged his after 301 games. Following the goal last night, Osimhen became the first Napoli player to score in seven matches in a row in the Serie A. The Nigerian football star has scored 18 goals and recorded three assists in 19 league appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side this season.
Two big names stand in front of him, one is World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe, who achieved his century after 180 games. And the other, who leads the tally, is none other than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. He achieved the feat after 146 matches. With 18 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan in the provisional Serie A standings, Osimhen and his Napoli teammates could wrap up the Scudettto earlier than ever with their ruthless displays week in and week out.
Harry Kane becomes Tottenham’s all-time top goal scorer
Harry Kane became Tottenham’s all-time top goal scorer with his 267th goal for the club in a home game against Manchester City on Sunday, February 5. The 29-year-old England striker reached the landmark with a low finish against Manchester City in his 304th Premier League game for Spurs. With the goal, Kane struck off Jimmy Greaves’s long-standing record to become Tottenham’s all-time top goal scorer. The England captain drew level with Greaves on 266 goals for the north London club when he fired in the opening goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage on January 23. Greaves, who started his career at Chelsea, scored 266 goals in 379 games for Spurs between 1961 and 1970. Kane, who made his Spurs debut in 2011, overtook Greaves’ record after 415 appearances for the club.
The England captain is the third top scorer since the Premier League was created in 1992; after Alan Shearer, with 260, and Wayne Rooney, with 208. He has reached his double century of goals in the competition in fewer games than both of those two, with Shearer taking 306 games and Rooney needing 462 to reach the tally. He has scored 17 league goals this season and 19 in total for Spurs, 11 more than the next highest scorer for the club, Son Heung-min. Kane is also just one goal away from becoming the leading all-time goalscorer for England. He is currently tied at 53 with Rooney.
Why Bruno Fernandes goal was given by VAR despite Rashford being offside
Source : Goal Bruno Fernandes‘ equaliser in the Manchester derby was given by VAR despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position. WHAT HAPPENED? The Portugal international brought Manchester United back into the game in the 78th minute after finding the back of the net from Casemiro’s assist. The Brazilian played a through ball for Rashford who started the run in an offside position. The English forward did not touch the ball and instead left it for Fernandes, who found the back of the net with a curling shot from the edge of the box. WHY WAS IT GIVEN? Despite the linesman ruling the strike out initially for offside, after consulting VAR referee Stuart Atwell awarded the goal as Rashford didn’t touch the ball nor did he interfere with any of the Manchester City defenders. The visitors were left furious after the midfielder’s goal stood. THE BIGGER PICTURE: Just three minutes after Bruno’s equaliser, Rashford scored the winner for the Red Devils from Alejandro Garnacho’s assist which confirmed a crucial three points for his side. They now have 38 points from 18 matches, one point less than Pep Guardiola’s side. WHAT’S NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED: Erik ten Hag’s side next take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday before facing league leaders Arsenal on January 22. Source: Goal.Com
World Cup final referee responds to criticism that trailed Lionel Messi’s extra-time goal
Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee who officiated the 2022 World Cup final has responded to claims that Lionel Messi’s extra-time goal should have been disallowed.
Recall that Messi’s goal gave Argentina a 3-2 lead during extra time before Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty for France. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout which Argentina won 4-2.
Days after the conclusion of the tournament, the French media stated that Argentina’s third goal should have been disallowed due to the encroachment of substitutes on the pitch.
Responding to the claim during a press conference yesterday, December 23, Marciniak held up a photo that showed that French players were also guilty of the same when Mbappe converted a penalty they were awarded.
He said;
“The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappe scores a goal.”
Szymon Marciniak, the referee for the World Cup Final, has responded to @lequipe’s criticism that Lionel Messi’s second goal shouldn’t have counted:
“The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappé scores a goal.” pic.twitter.com/MW6y73iiLN
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) December 23, 2022