Premier League unpredictability, Dortmund’s meltdown and Mbappe happy again – Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results

One other weekend of headlines, golazos, and unpredictable finishes throughout Europe’s largest leagues. From Borussia Dortmund’s meltdown to Leeds’ dominating efficiency over Chelsea, there was no scarcity of drama.

ESPN correspondents Rob Dawson, Alex Kirkland, Julien Laurens, Sam Marsden, James Tyler and James Olley all break down the large stuff you might want to know concerning the weekend.

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Leap to: Speaking factors | Finest objectives | Groups in bother | MVP of the Weekend

Speaking factors

Metropolis bracing for a wild title defence?

Might this Premier League season proceed to be so unpredictable and finish with a shock? It’s miles too early to inform but it surely’s enjoyable to consider whereas we will. Manchester United and Liverpool face one another on Monday with each in search of a primary win whereas on Sunday, Chelsea have been humbled at Leeds United and Manchester Metropolis needed to struggle again from a two-goal decifit to attract 3-3 at Newcastle United.

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Man Metropolis will nonetheless be favourites regardless of dropping factors at St James’ Park however the end result, on the very least, exhibits Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions may be made to look susceptible. Arsenal, in the meantime, have began a season with three straight wins for the primary time since 2004 and Tottenham Hotspur have taken seven factors from a doable 9.

This season goes to be a wierd one with a break in November and December for the World Cup and possibly it may throw up a shock winner. Who is aware of after such a rollercoaster begin? – Dawson

– Premier League’s finest and worst kits of the previous 30 years

Gabriel Jesus has Arsenal followers truly pondering (hoping) of a title run? Alex Davidson/Getty Pictures

A well-known nightmare for Dortmund

A lot for a resurgence this season, eh? A lot had been made from Borussia Dortmund’s good summer season acquisitions after the drawn-out farewell to Erling Haaland, particularly the strikes made to repair the chaotic protection that had held them again from a correct title problem lately. Nico Schlotterbeck was a shrewd signing and Niklas Sule could not be dangerous after profitable so many trophies at Bayern Munich, may he?

Because it seems, closing out video games is the actual mark of a champion and Saturday’s collapse in opposition to Werder Bremen exhibits simply how far they must go.

It took Dortmund practically 75 minutes to painstakingly construct a 2-0 lead at house to a aspect that simply acquired again into the Bundesliga this season after a yr within the second division. Julian Brandt’s lengthy vary effort snuck in on the cusp of halftime earlier than one other low proportion shot, this time a worldie from Raphael Guerreiro, doubled the lead.

From there, carnage, as Emre Can, Sule and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel seemingly forgot the way to mark, press or shut down taking pictures angles because the guests notched three lamentably straightforward objectives after the 89th minute to take the factors.

– Watch once more: Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Werder Bremen, ESPN+

Bremen sub Oliver Burke was on the coronary heart of a lot of it, however whereas credit score’s because of the struggle again, Dortmund followers should be terrified for one more lengthy season of self-inflicted errors to doom any probability of success. This must be a get up name for Erin Terzic and Co. if this season — which started with two tidy, skilled wins over Bayern Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin — is to finish otherwise from so many earlier than it. — Tyler

play0:37Dortmund interview interrupted 3 occasions by Werder Bremen celebrations

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ interview is interrupted by loud Werder Bremen celebrations after their comeback win over Borussia Dortmund.

Mbappe all smiles (for now) after ‘Penaltygate’

Final week, we noticed a grumpy and discontent Kylian Mbappe in the course of an argument that was deemed “Penaltygate” as a result of his angle in opposition to Montpellier. On Sunday, we noticed him beam as soon as extra after scoring 9 seconds into Paris Saint-Germain’s massive win over Lille, one of many quickest objectives in French soccer historical past. And it isn’t simply getting on the scoresheet so shortly which was essentially the most spectacular (nor the ultimate rating of 7-1) — it was distinctive was the purpose itself, lifted from what you see on the coaching floor!

Neymar to Marco Verratti, again to Neymar who laid the ball for Lionel Messi within the centre-circle to ship an ideal by means of ball excessive for Mbappe, whose good run was matched by an ideal contact to lob Lille goalkeeper Leo Jardim.

The response from the PSG gamers was telling. They virtually over-celebrated as a result of they labored on that play in coaching and have been delighted to breed it in an precise match. It put an finish to all of the tensions from the earlier weekend and put a smile again on Mbappe’s face, who completed with a hat-trick. If you happen to add Neymar’s monster efficiency (two objectives, three assists) and Messi’s brilliance (one purpose, two assists), it was an ideal night time for PSG. — Laurens

All issues are nice at PSG, not less than for this week. Xavier Laine/Getty Pictures

‘Yellow Submarine’ cruising

Villarreal laid down a marker for the season with a powerful 2-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday to make it six factors from six in LaLiga. Yeremy Pino opened the scoring in a decent encounter within the 73rd minute and Gerard Moreno sealed the factors in stoppage time after summer season signing Nahuel Molina was despatched off on his house debut for Atletico.

The win will gas perception that Unai Emery’s aspect can return to the Champions League. After reaching the semifinals of Europe’s elite competitors final season, shedding to Liverpool, they’ll solely compete within the Europa Convention League this time spherical after ending seventh in LaLiga.

Nonetheless, the highest 4 needs to be inside their attain this yr. Pino’s an thrilling winger who now has the advantage of his debut marketing campaign behind him, whereas Jose Luis Morales provides depth to their assault. Emery’s groups are normally properly coaches and laborious to interrupt down, too. The important thing, although, can be maintaining purpose scorer Moreno match.

It is early days, however this win over Atletico, coupled with Sevilla’s sluggish begin, has Villarreal in a great place. – Marsden

Targets

Saliba sends Gunners hovering

After scoring an personal purpose in opposition to Leicester Metropolis final week, William Saliba netted on the proper finish for the primary time in his Arsenal profession on Saturday. And what a purpose it was. The 21-year-old determined to take Granit Xhaka’s lay-off first time, executing an excellent left-foot floated end over Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers to seal a 3-0 win for the Gunners.

The elevated follow-through proves this was no fluke: the flight was deliberate, pin-point and worthy of a centre-forward. Oleksandr Zinchenko, stood behind Saliba, sank to his knees, arms on head, knocked over by the majesty of all of it.

Do do do do do do do…?

William Saliba says hey to the highest proper nook ⚽️

?: @NBCSportsSoccer #BOUARSpic.twitter.com/g6bGMjHv1f

— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) August 20, 2022

And Saliba, serenaded all through the sport by jubilant Arsenal followers on the south coast, was so overwhelmed by the second he ran off to the improper nook of the bottom to have fun, sliding on his knees in entrance of the house supporters. No trouble — these Gunners followers will solely love him extra now. — Olley

Modric magic units up Vinicius magnificence

Luka Modric’s first-half purpose might need been essentially the most eye-catching second in Actual Madrid’s 4-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday, but it surely was Modric’s position in Madrid’s third which each outlined the match and summed up Carlo Ancelotti’s scarily environment friendly counter-attacking machine.

There may not be a extra harmful workforce on the break anyplace proper now. Celta hadn’t carried out badly at Balaidos, however they have been ruthlessly torn aside as the sport opened up within the second half. The transfer that led to Vinicius Junior coolly rounding keeper Agustin Marchesin and ending from an angle started with Aurelien Tchouameni’s block contained in the Madrid penalty space.

When Modric obtained the ball moments later, deep in his personal half, the hazard was evident: Celta had gamers dedicated upfield, and Vinicius was poised to run in behind. Modric’s cross nonetheless needed to be expertly timed and completely weighted, and so it was, bisecting defenders Hugo Mallo and Unai Nunez on the midway line and placing Vinicius in on purpose.

play1:00Vini Jr. beats the one-on-one to attain

Vinicius Junior goes across the keeper to attain for Actual Madrid within the 56th minute.

At 3-1, it appeared like recreation over; a conclusion confirmed by one other breakaway, completed off by Federico Valverde, ten minutes later. — Alex Kirkland

Pefok on the mark once more for Union Berlin

The U.S. males’s nationwide workforce are nonetheless ready for an in-form striker to emerge forward of the World Cup, with a number of having tried and failed over the previous 12 months to stake their declare to begin up entrance in Qatar. May Jordan Pefok be the person in any case?

The striker has wasted little time settling into life at Union Berlin since leaving Swiss aspect Younger Boys this summer season, scoring his third purpose in 4 video games as his aspect shocked RB Leipzig 2-1 on Saturday. He was on the tip of a slick counter-attack to calmly convert after Jannik Haberer and Sheraldo Becker mixed to place the striker by means of on purpose, with Pefok sweeping it past a helpless Janis Blaswich for the opener.

play2:25Jordan Pefok shines in Union Berlin’s win over RB Leipzig

American Jordan Pefok scores his third purpose in 4 video games as Union Berlin beats RB Leipzig 2-1.

Becker added one other earlier than half-time and despite the fact that Willi Orban scored for Leipzig with just below half an hour remaining, the Bundesliga underdogs held on for a powerful win. The league desk is wanting enjoyable and funky after three matches, with Union second with 5 factors largely because of Pefok. Is the World Cup subsequent in his sights? On this kind, it is laborious to disclaim him.

Groups in bother

Sevilla already struggling

Sevilla gained simply three of their remaining 12 matches final season to go from being Actual Madrid’s closest challengers for the title to hanging on to complete within the fourth and remaining Champions League place. That type has adopted them into the brand new marketing campaign after a tough summer season which noticed them compelled to promote each their centre-backs, with Diego Carlos becoming a member of Aston Villa and Jules Kounde transferring to Barcelona.

After opening the season with defeat at Osasuna, they have been fortunate to get a draw at house to Actual Valladolid this weekend. Anuar Tuhami had given Valladolid a shock lead with 10 minutes to play just for an enormous gaffe from goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo to permit Karim Rekik in to attain a late equaliser. Rekik’s purpose saved a degree however Sevilla, who misplaced winger Jesus “Tecatito” Corona final week to a leg harm, might want to enhance considerably with coach Julen Lopetegui already beneath stress. – Marsden

West Ham look weak

Three league video games, three defeats, zero purpose scored, 5 conceded: West Ham United are backside of the Premier League and it’s neither an accident or a shock. It’s worrying although that they already in a number of bother. In opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion at house on Sunday (0-2), they have been crushed, once more, like in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and at Nottingham Forest the place they possibly did not deserve it.

David Moyes can argue that he has some accidents and that the membership has discovered recruiting the gamers they wished this summer season actually tough. But, all his stars from final season are nonetheless there and the momentum from final season was actually sturdy. Issues may get even worse with a visit to fellow strugglers Aston Villa subsequent earlier than taking part in Chelsea and Tottenham. – Laurens

Weekend MVP

Marsch has Leeds flying excessive

There was loads of scepticism when Leeds United appointed Jesse Marsch to launch a relegation rescue mission however he is doing a great job of silencing the doubters. There have been nervous moments on the finish of final season however Leeds did simply sufficient to remain within the Premier League and now they’re benefiting from their lifeline.

Marsch, who has needed to take care of the switch of key gamers Kalvin Phillips (Manchester Metropolis) and Raphinha (Barcelona), has guided his workforce to an unbeaten begin to the brand new marketing campaign. In opposition to Chelsea the American confirmed he generally is a match for top-of-the-line managers on the planet in Thomas Tuchel.

Leeds have been dominant in opposition to Tuchel’s workforce, profitable 3-0 because of objectives from Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison. If something, the end result flattered Chelsea after Marsch’s tactical plan labored like clockwork. Whether or not it is highlight of being an American supervisor or the tough spell at RB Leipzig that has intensified the scrutiny on Marsch, the previous MLS midfielder appears to be revelling in it – Dawson

Supply: espn.co.uk