Zirkzee And Mount Secure 2-1 Comeback Win For Manchester United At Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored second-half goals to guide Manchester United to a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, helping the team bounce back after Monday’s disappointing loss to 10-man Everton. Palace took the lead in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty after his initial attempt struck the ball twice. The goal threatened to extend Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim following their first defeat in six matches. United responded after the break, with Zirkzee opening his account for the season and netting his first league goal since December with a precise low strike in the 54th minute. Mount then curled in a goal nine minutes later to complete the turnaround. Despite a brief Palace response, United held on to secure their fourth win in seven games, moving into the Premier League’s top half and just four points behind rivals Manchester City. Amorim made tactical adjustments following the Everton defeat, swapping his full-backs in the 3-4-2-1 formation at Selhurst Park. United started brightly against a Palace side set up in the same formation, with Casemiro forcing a close-range save from Dean Henderson within the first minute. Mateta continued to trouble United’s defence, with a shot narrowly missing after Matthijs de Ligt’s clearance struck teammate Leny Yoro. The visitors’ resilience ultimately paid off as Zirkzee and Mount turned the game in their favour.

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Liverpool Humiliated 4-1 at Home by PSV Eindhoven, Slot Faces Growing Pressure

Liverpool’s struggles in Europe deepened with a shocking 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, marking their third consecutive loss while conceding three or more goals in each match. The night began poorly for the Reds when Virgil van Dijk handled a corner early in the game, allowing Ivan Perisic to calmly convert from the penalty spot and give PSV a surprising lead. Liverpool responded quickly. Cody Gakpo’s initial shot was saved by Matej Kovar, but the rebound fell to Dominik Szoboszlai, who tapped in from close range to level the score. PSV thought they had regained the lead through Yarek Gasiorowski shortly after, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Despite dominating much of the first half and forcing Kovar into several key saves—including a one-handed stop from Hugo Ekitike—Liverpool could not take the lead before the break. Van Dijk even saw a header rebound off the crossbar. The second half quickly turned against the Reds. Mauro Júnior’s precise pass found Guus Til, who slotted home PSV’s second goal past Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s woes were compounded when Ekitike was injured, forcing an unplanned substitution for Alexander Isak. PSV extended their advantage just over 15 minutes from time after an Ibrahima Konate error. Ricardo Pepi’s initial strike hit the post, but Couhaib Driouech was on hand to finish into an empty net. Slot made a final substitution, bringing on Chiesa for Konate, but it proved too little, too late. In stoppage time, Driouech completed the 4-1 rout, sending Anfield fans streaming for the exits. The defeat adds to mounting pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose position is now under intense scrutiny. PSV celebrated one of their most memorable nights in European competition, leaving Liverpool to confront yet another humiliating setback.

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Arsenal Dominate Second Half to Edge Bayern Munich 3-1, Handing Germans First Defeat in 18 Matches

The second half of the Champions League showdown between Arsenal and Bayern Munich belonged entirely to the Gunners. Unlike the first half, Arsenal returned from the break with increased intensity and a clear attacking intent. Mikel Arteta made decisive moves in the closing stages, introducing Riccardo Calafiori, who immediately provided a brilliant assist for fellow substitute Madueke to score. Shortly after, Gabriel Martinelli was also brought on, and he made an instant impact, scoring to make it 3-1. Following a Bayern corner, Arsenal launched a swift counterattack. Manuel Neuer misjudged a long ball played to Martinelli well outside his goal, leaving the Brazilian with a simple finish into an open net. Bayern now appear set to suffer their first defeat in 18 competitive matches this season.

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Mikel Obi Seeks NFF Role, Vows to Reject Corruption

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed his interest in taking a leadership position within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but made it clear that he would only step in if the system is free from corruption. Speaking after Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old ex-international said the problems in Nigerian football run deeper than poor results on the pitch. Mikel, who has long been vocal about his commitment to the national team, said he is willing to offer his expertise again, provided the federation operates transparently and with accountability. He said: “I have always fought for my country from my early days. I don’t know how many players have done that the way I have, from the U17 and U20 teams to the senior national team. I have sacrificed years and never once said no to my country.” He continued: “When I know I can contribute meaningfully, I will always be ready. But I will never have corruption tied to me. That is a line I will not cross. “If progress is the goal, the right people must be in place—people who share the same vision. That way, when players return home to play, they will find an environment where they can perform and thrive.”

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Bayer Leverkusen Shock Manchester City With 2-0 Victory At Etihad

Pep Guardiola’s 100th UEFA Champions League match as Manchester City manager ended in disappointment as Bayer Leverkusen delivered a near-perfect away performance to secure a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, marking just their second UCL victory on English soil (D1, L8). Guardiola made 10 changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Premier League, fielding a heavily rotated side. City started positively, with Nathan Ake forcing a smart save from Mark Flekken at the near post, but Leverkusen quickly regained control. The German side took the lead midway through the first half. Christian Kofane cushioned a cross for Alejandro Grimaldo, who drilled a low shot past James Trafford. City threatened late in the half, but Tijjani Reijnders’ strike was saved by Flekken. At halftime, Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O’Reilly to spark City’s performance. However, within 10 minutes of the restart, Patrik Schick glanced a header past Ake and Trafford from Ibrahim Maza’s inswinging cross, doubling Leverkusen’s lead. Erling Haaland was introduced to ignite a comeback but saw a close-range effort saved. Flekken also denied Rayan Cherki’s late free-kick, sealing Leverkusen’s second group-stage win. The result leaves Leverkusen 13th in the group and within two points of sixth-placed City, who suffered their first defeat of the Champions League season.

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Chelsea Cruise Past 10-Man Barcelona With Convincing 3-0 Win

Chelsea put on a commanding display to beat 10-man Barcelona 3-0 in their Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The Blues dominated from the start. Two early goals were disallowed, but Chelsea finally went ahead in the 27th minute when Jules Kounde turned a backheel from Pedro Neto into his own net. Barcelona’s night worsened before halftime as Ronald Araujo was shown a second yellow, leaving the visitors with ten men. Chelsea’s control continued in the second half. Estevao, making his third Champions League start, scored a brilliant goal after weaving past two defenders before finishing into the near post. Substitute Liam Delap added another, converting a pass from Enzo Fernandez to seal a comfortable victory. Chelsea’s dominance was evident throughout. Marcus Rashford came on at halftime, while Andrey Santos nearly scored immediately, only to be denied by an offside call. Cucurella impressed again, controlling Chelsea’s right side and nullifying Barcelona’s threat from Lamine Yamal. The win boosts Enzo Maresca’s side’s confidence ahead of a London derby against Arsenal this weekend and moves Chelsea up to fourth in their Champions League group.

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Everton Claim 1-0 Win Over Manchester United At Old Trafford Despite Playing With 10 Men

Everton secured their first Premier League victory at Manchester United in 12 years, despite spending almost the entire match a man down after midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking his teammate Michael Keane on Monday. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s brilliant first-half strike proved decisive, earning the visitors a 1-0 triumph after the 13th-minute altercation that saw a furious Gueye shown a straight red. Manchester United, aiming to climb to fifth with a win, dominated possession—particularly in the second half—but struggled to break down Everton’s resolute defence. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was outstanding, making several crucial stops, including a stunning save to deny Joshua Zirkzee in the final 10 minutes. The victory, Everton’s second on the road this season, lifted them above city rivals and reigning champions Liverpool into 11th place, level on 18 points with United, who sit above them on goal difference.

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Eberechi Eze Scores Historic Hat-Trick As Arsenal Crush Tottenham 4-1

Eberechi Eze announced himself in spectacular fashion in his first North London Derby, scoring a sensational hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, stretching their Premier League lead to six points. Fourteen years after being released by Arsenal as a youngster, Eze’s performance was a full-circle moment, dominating a game that had fans buzzing from start to finish. Tottenham manager Thomas Frank opted for a back five, aiming to frustrate Arsenal with a defensive setup. While the strategy initially slowed the hosts, two clinical goals before halftime changed the complexion of the match. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a beautifully weighted finish, followed five minutes later by Eze’s first goal. Eze struck again within the first minute of the second half, curling a left-footed finish into the net to make it 3-0. Tottenham briefly fought back when Richarlison scored a stunning long-range strike, but it was always Eze’s day. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, leaving defenders flat-footed and capping a historic performance. The 27-year-old became the first player to net a North London Derby hat-trick since Alan Sunderland in 1978, showcasing the talent and flair that once had him describing Kevin De Bruyne as his toughest opponent. On this afternoon, Eze proved he can produce magic on the biggest stage.

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