Top Flight Build-up and Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage hub, highlighting the day's key soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following the action. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight despite not featuring in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. Salah delivered an remarkable critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other significant top-flight development was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a very tight race at the summit of the standings.
Away from English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered lots of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time ever.
Other standout results featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears three separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, today's schedule include:
Women's Top Flight: (All 12pm GMT unless stated)
- Leicester City v Manchester City
- London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Manchester United v West Ham United
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?
Views from supporters appears split:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.
