Erik ten Hag must fix Man United’s confidence quickly, Barcelona’s self-made crisis, Erling Haaland scores – Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results

We’re again! The European soccer season is again! Three of the massive 5 leagues — England’s Premier League, France’s Ligue 1 and the German Bundesliga — kicked off this previous weekend, and whereas we watch for Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s LaLiga subsequent weekend, we have loads to overview from an action-packed Matchday 1. Man United’s new supervisor misplaced in acquainted trend. Elsewhere, Erling Haaland opened his Premier League account up entrance for Man Metropolis, Liverpool stumbled to a draw at Fulham and Bayern Munich had little hassle successful within the first large sport of the post-Robert Lewandowski period. In the meantime, Barcelona’s creaking funds proceed to carry them again.

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It is Monday, and Gab Marcotti reacts to the largest moments on this planet of soccer.

Soar to: Ten Hag loses | Barca’s decisions | Haaland dazzles | Neymar, Messi impress | Spurs win large | Bayern preserve flying | Liverpool stumble | Dortmund stand tall | Chelsea are incomplete | And at last…

Ten Hag period begins with defeat in opposition to Brighton

We knew the duty of rebuilding Manchester United was going to be monumental (and particularly lengthy) and that bumps within the highway have been going to be inevitable. And possibly it should not come as a complete shock that Brighton, the identical staff that beat United 4-0 away simply three months in the past, ought to beat them once more at house, 2-1.

However as so typically occurs with United, it is the way of the defeat, coupled with the inevitable amplification of every part that happens at Previous Trafford, that makes this membership a lot extra fragile. No matter confidence Erik ten Hag might have inbuilt preseason is fading once more and must be rebuilt in double-quick time.

play0:53New season, similar issues for ’embarrassing’ Manchester United

Janusz Michallik feels Manchester United have misplaced their worry issue after they slumped to a 2-1 house defeat to Brighton.

In some methods, it mirrored the sport. Had Bruno Fernandes buried his likelihood after seven minutes the best way you’d count on him to, maybe United would have gone from power to power. However he did not, momentum shifted to Brighton, and by half-time, United have been two targets down, the guests cleverly exploiting some terrible defensive actions from the again 4 and the partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, specifically. (The truth that Maguire, who was very fortunate to not concede a penalty within the second half, arguably performed higher than Martinez speaks volumes.)

– Dawson: Ten Hag rebuild off to a tough begin
– Speedy response: Man United present acquainted flaws vs. Brighton
– Sources: Man United contact Juve about midfielder Rabiot

You possibly can stay with particular person errors on the pitch. They occur. Not all people is equally competent. And you must settle for that unfavorable momentum builds and has knock-on results, although in United’s case it is surprising how shortly that occurred. However what leaves you scratching your head is a few of the decisions Ten Hag made.

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Welbeck penalty, McTominay’s non-red card defined in The VAR Review3hDale JohnsonMan United open Erik ten Hag period with house defeat to Brighton and acquainted flaws on display1dRob DawsonLiverpool rescue some extent at Fulham, however might be left taking part in catch-up2dJames Olley

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Take the choice to play Christian Eriksen at center-forward in Anthony Martial’s absence. OK, it is possibly a false 9 and all that or possibly a 4-2-2-2, with Eriksen alongside Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford reducing in, however placing him in that function when you have not tried that system in any respect throughout preseason appeared needlessly reckless.

Or take Martinez. He performed as a left-sided central defender the final two years at Ajax, however was a central midfielder previous to that. When he arrived, I assumed he is perhaps utilized in midfield, the function he performed in his first marketing campaign for Ajax, since United have already got a left-sided central defender who additionally occurs to be the membership captain and is subsequently unlikely to be dropped.

Nope: Maguire moved to the best to accommodate Martinez.

What makes this equally weird is that United even have Raphael Varane who, on paper not less than, is meant to be their finest central defender by some margin. Is he the one who’ll miss out to a Maguire-Martinez partnership regardless of being the one one of many three who has performed most of his profession as a right-sided centre-back?

After a optimistic preseason, Man United seemed lackluster and wanting concepts of their opening day defeat to Brighton. Michael Regan/Getty Pictures

Equally befuddling was the triple substitution Ten Hag made within the 89th minute, whereas trailing 2-1. It is simply not one thing you see fairly often in these conditions. Contemporary legs? Positive, however why not earlier? Doing it at that time of the sport solely serves to eat up valuable time on the clock.

Ten Hag’s different large choice — beginning the sport with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench — is extra comprehensible, between the Rayo Vallecano incident (although, as Ten Hag informed us, he wasn’t the one one who left early) and, extra importantly, the shortage of time coaching with the squad. However — and that is traditional damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don’t kind stuff and never Ten Hag’s fault — weirdly if Ronaldo had turned the sport round when he got here on early within the second half, it would not essentially have helped. As an alternative, it might have strengthened the notion that this staff cannot do with out him, and that Ten Hag obtained it fallacious by leaving him out.

The positives? Marcus Rashford did get on the tip of a few probabilities — although he missed them badly, getting these probabilities is vital and never simple — and he has loads of incentive to enhance upon final season. Eriksen, deployed deeper, can hit a move. And the membership are lastly realising they can not pin their attacking hopes on a Ronaldo who may not be there in a number of weeks, nor on an Anthony Martial who has scored 5 league targets up to now two years. Marko Arnautovic (linked to a United transfer this weekend) will not get folks excited, however not less than he is a short-term placeholder who’s completely different from the opposite strikers. Clearly, if Ronaldo does go, they’re going to have the funds to wade again into the switch market.

I could have been clutching at straws within the above paragraph, and for that, I apologize, however it’s onerous to imagine issues might be that grim this early.

Barcelona didn’t have to do that: They selected this …Laporta has been attempting all summer season to quicken the tempo of Barcelona’s rebuild, however have they got the cash in hand to drag this off? Jose Breton/Pics Motion/NurPhoto through Getty Pictures

Little doubt you’ve got heard all about Joan Laporta and the financial “levers” — the sale of chunks of future home TV income, the sale of part of Barca Studios, the doable sale of Barcelona Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) — he’s pulling to satisfy LaLiga’s wage restrictions in time to register the membership’s new gamers (Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, possibly Marcos Alonso), in addition to those that signed new contracts (Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto), for the 2022-23 season.

I wrote again in June about why I believed it was a big gamble, and my view hasn’t modified. What I wish to tackle right here is the parable that this summer season’s heavy spending was in some way essential to create a virtuous cycle and keep away from the membership going the best way of Arsenal and Milan, who went from European juggernauts to durations of relative obscurity. It is a line peddled not directly by Laporta and not directly by his acolytes and, frankly, it is nonsense.

From a industrial income perspective, Barcelona have been comfortably high 4 on this planet earlier than the pandemic — in contrast to Arsenal and Milan within the mid-2000s — and there is not any purpose to suppose that each one goes away as a result of they have been knocked out of the Champions League within the group stage final season. The dimensions and following of the membership is such that it might take a very long time for that income to fall considerably: have a look at Manchester United, nonetheless going sturdy commercially regardless of a complete decade of underachievement.

There are two key variations with Milan. One is that Serie A was in decline, the opposite is that they’d horrendous possession starting from the disinterested (the ultimate years of Silvio Berlusconi) to the bancrupt (Yonghong Li). That will not occur at Barca.

play1:44Could Barcelona begin the season with out their new signings?

Julien Laurens asks Gab Marcotti if Barcelona could also be compelled to start out the brand new season with out having registered their new gamers.

As for Arsenal, they discover themselves competing annually with 5 different golf equipment, 4 of whom are higher resourced, which is a part of the rationale they have not certified for the Champions League since 2016. Barcelona merely do not face that sort of competitors in LaLiga, as evidenced by the truth that even final season, with six months of Ronald Koeman, they completed second. Champions League soccer (and income) is about as assured as it could possibly realistically get for them, in contrast to Arsenal.

So these arguments, frankly, are bunk. So too is the one whereby it is smart to take a position closely as a result of successful the Champions League brings tons of further income. By way of prize cash, until you attain the ultimate, there’s really little distinction between, say, the quarterfinals and the semis: some €20 million.

– One yr after Messi left Barcelona: The influence on the membership and the participant
– Lowe: How are Barcelona capable of signal gamers?
– Hunter: Kounde signing a coup for Barcelona

Make no mistake about it: There are two separate points right here. Whether or not it was sensible to drag the financial levers thereby curbing future income and, as soon as the levers have been pulled and the funds got here in, whether or not it was sensible to take a position additional within the squad reasonably than paying down a few of the debt.

Each have been big decisions Laporta made. They usually have been very a lot that: decisions.

Haaland shines as Man Metropolis down West Ham, however how concerning the fullbacks?

Final week I wrote that there was no must panic over Erling Haaland’s efficiency within the Neighborhood Protect, and I am grateful that he proved me proper on Sunday in Man Metropolis’s 2-0 win in opposition to West Ham. He scored each targets, confirmed off his scary velocity and, fact be informed, he may have had one other two (Haaland himself admits his heading can enhance).

– Speedy response: Haaland opens his objective account in large win

He’ll get the headlines, however Metropolis as a bunch seemed strong, and the choice of pushing the fullbacks into midfield labored like a attraction for them. We all know Joao Cancelo can create centrally in addition to vast, however the best way Kyle Walker stepped in there was additionally spectacular. It is an possibility Pep Guardiola can and can use in sure conditions, and it offers Metropolis an additional dimension — nearly as a lot as the massive, sturdy, quick man up entrance.

play1:24Rating Erling Haaland’s electrical Premier League debut

Janusz Michallik discusses Erling Haaland’s efficiency after he scored twice on his Premier League debut for Man Metropolis vs. West Ham.

It is solely Clermont, however Neymar and Messi present rumors of their demise are enormously exaggerated

Final season was decidedly underwhelming for Lionel Messi and Neymar, two-thirds of the dear trio that have been imagined to ship the Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain. Positive, they mixed for 19 targets and 20 assists and PSG gained the title, however by their requirements (and paychecks) this was an off-campaign.

However Europe be warned. Between final weekend’s trouncing of Nantes within the French Tremendous Cup and the opening-day 5-0 away obliteration of Clermont, the pair have placed on a veritable clinic: targets, assists and the form of highlight-reel stuff that will get TikTok excited. Neymar scored and dished out three assists whereas Messi had two targets, certainly one of them a reasonably particular overhead kick. And all this with out Kylian Mbappe, the man who — on paper — terrifies opponents essentially the most, leaving room for the opposite two to function.

Positive, it is solely Clermont, who narrowly averted relegation final yr, and a few will level out — accurately — that there’s such a factor as peaking too quickly. What you do in August merely issues lower than what you do come the Champions League knockout rounds (or, for that matter, the World Cup). However let it’s a reminder that when these guys are on, they’re close to unstoppable.

Final season’s Spurs win convincingly … with out Son and Kane scoringKulusevski was very good as Tottenham thumped Southampton to open the season. Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC through Getty Pictures

One among his former employers as soon as informed me that Antonio Conte prides himself on two issues: getting the membership to spend cash and making the gamers he inherits higher. We frequently deal with the previous and understandably so — it is the rationale he left Juventus, Chelsea and Inter — however that is probably not as spectacular a ability because the latter.

In Saturday’s 4-1 win over Southampton, his beginning XI did not include a single newcomer (although Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic did come off the bench). Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane each failed to attain (final season they gained 22 league video games, however solely 4 with out one or the opposite getting on the scoresheet). And arguably two of their finest performers (along with Dejan Kulusevski) have been the wing-backs: Emerson Royal (who had a rocky marketing campaign) on the best, and Ryan Sessegnon (who many had as third selection this yr) on the left.

Bettering gamers and getting them to suit his patterns of play: that is the place Conte might want to make the distinction if Spurs are to go to the subsequent stage subsequent season. (Which, given how far forward Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool are, will seemingly imply ending third and happening a run in Europe.)

No Lewandowski, no downside for high-flying Bayern Munich to this point …

It might take a while for Julian Nagelsmann to seek out the best formation for his Bayern aspect, however the excellent news is that there’s a lot expertise right here that he can in all probability tinker on the fly with out lacking a beat. Away to Eintracht Frankfurt (who, lest we overlook, are the reigning Europa League champions), he despatched out a 4-2-2-2 formation with Serge Gnabry and Sadio Mane main the road they usually have been 5-0 up at halftime, en path to a 6-1 victory.

Robert Lewandowski can be missed, little doubt, however I do not suppose targets would be the concern this yr. What’s going to seemingly decide Bayern’s success — “success” as in what they do within the Champions League, as a result of they’re streets forward domestically — is how effectively he kinds out the defensive finish. On that entrance, we’ll want to attend a bit longer to see what he plans to do, as neither Mathijs de Ligt nor Noussair Mazraoui have been in his beginning XI this weekend.

Liverpool ‘get their punishment’ for ‘actually dangerous’ efficiency at FulhamThe Reds have been caught off-guard by Fulham of their season opener, however it’s hardly a deadly blow to their title hopes with 37 video games remaining. Julian Finney/Getty Pictures

They weren’t my phrases, however Jurgen Klopp’s after the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage. And observe: He mentioned he was referring to the best way they performed, which, you think about, means his response would have been no completely different if Luis Diaz or Jordan Henderson had hit the again of the web as a substitute of the woodwork.

– Speedy response: Liverpool already taking part in catch-up after draw

I feel he is being considerably harsh. Liverpool weren’t nice, however a part of it’s that Marco Silva set his staff up completely and Fulham performed very effectively. And yeah, Aleksandar Mitrovic obtained the leap on Trent Alexander-Arnold for the hosts’ first objective. However Darwin Nunez dazzled in his substitute look and even Liverpool at half-throttle had their probabilities.

It has been mentioned many instances, however this season greater than most, the “marathon, not a dash” applies: The World Cup means the fixture listing is as congested as ever, and you’ll run into opponents, even newly promoted ones, who can knock you off your stride.

Dortmund present the form of character we have not seen shortly …

Possibly it is the Edin Terzic impact. With Erling Haaland gone, Sebastian Haller sidelined by a testicular tumor and Karim Adeyemi bowing out after 23 minutes, it was left to the outdated warrior, Marco Reus, to open the scoring within the difficult conflict with Bayer Leverkusen. From there, you form of anticipated to see the acquainted collapse. Besides it by no means got here.

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck seemed extra strong on his debut than lots of those that got here earlier than him, Gregor Kobel made some large saves and Leverkusen have been stored out, with out Dortmund wanting notably spectacular. Sure, efficiency issues as a lot as outcomes and also you definitely count on them to play higher. With center-forward Anthony Modeste on his manner — Youssoufa Moukoko would not appear prepared in that function — issues ought to quiet down and Terzic can get to work, realizing that three factors in opposition to a direct Prime 4 rival add up by the tip of the marketing campaign.

Tuchel is true: Chelsea are incomplete

The three factors Chelsea obtained in opposition to Everton — courtesy of the penalty awarded when Abdoulaye Doucoure put each arms on Ben Chilwell, and transformed by Jorginho — will guarantee no person is freaking out simply but, however make no mistake about it, Thomas Tuchel is not the place he desires to be. In opposition to an under-strength Everton aspect, Chelsea created lower than you’ll have hoped, penalty apart.

It is not simply signings, both. Marc Cucurella’s arrival means they’ve a full complement on the again, and up entrance, successfully changing Timo Werner with Raheem Sterling is an improve. And whereas they could think about transferring Armando Broja and bringing in a center-forward to again up Kai Havertz, if he does stick round, it is not a nasty factor in any respect.

Chelsea’s foremost points proper now are the sort you clear up on the coaching floor, and that can take time. Ordinarily it would not, on condition that Tuchel has been there for 18 months now, however the state of affairs with the compelled sale and the entrance workplace departing en masse has severely set them again.

And at last … #BasDostWatch

Bas Dost got here on at half-time for FC Utrecht of their match away to Waalwijk and scored twice of their 2-2 draw. They have been down 2-0 when he got here on. He now has two targets in a single look for Utrecht and is on tempo to attain 68 targets within the Eredivisie.

This concludes the newest instalment of #BasDostWatch.

Supply: espn.co.uk