Key events
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Everton have a two-on-one to seal the deal … but Harrison Armstrong takes the shot on himself, missing the target. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, all alone, fumes theatrically.
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal. Mikel Arteta sends Max Dowman on … while plenty of the Arsenal fans slope off. The champions have been utterly outplayed on the south coast.
Newcastle United 2-1 Hull City. Newcastle would have been three goals to the good had Yoane Wissa buried his penalty. But now the hosts are hanging on a bit. Mohamed Belloumi shoots; Lukas Hornicek saves. St James’ Park pensive as one.
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal. Kai Havertz is sent clean through … only to send a weak shot straight at Bart Verbruggen. It’s simply not Arsenal’s day. “If Arsenal hadn’t concentrated so much on manoeuvring players out of the way at that corner, there’d have been more of a challenge on Chema Andrés,” argues Andy (not that one) Flintoff. “Just sayin’.”
GOAL! Newcastle United 2-1 Hull City (Cho 67)
Mohamed-Ali Cho comes on for Sorba Thomas, and moments later he’s curling home to slash Newcastle’s lead in half. The Toon’s proud half-time record – see 4.10pm – isn’t safe yet!
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal. The Seagulls flying, and after more. Charalampos Kostoulas goes over in the environs of Ezri Konsa but isn’t getting a penalty; Pascal Struijk, on his full debut for Brighton, sends a header inches wide. “That Brighton strip does indeed cut a Bella figura, as they say in Italy,” agrees Justin Kavanagh. “And Giovanni Cafagna’s comparison (3.35pm) got me thinking that there are now a lot of 12-year-olds in the world who have never seen an Italian team in a World Cup finals. That’s awful sad! I actually got a beautiful Italian shirt in Sorrento earlier this year, and when I asked the guy how much, he laughed and said ‘It’s Italy 2026… we pay YOU to take it away!’”
As for our offer of a nip of the 1926 Macallan to Simon McMahon … “Perfect. Make it a Cherry Pepsi though please. Dundee United’s Cameron and Tait running the show in midfield like a prime Eamonn Bannon and Billy Kirkwood. Haven’t felt this good since we beat Morton 4-0 in 1983.”
RED CARD: Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Abdul Fatawu is sent off. Two yellows, the second for a dive. He doesn’t argue the toss, and simply slinks off in disgrace.
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal. No response so far from the Gunners. On this subject, here’s Rick Harris: “Manchester United got pelters for losing to the Seagulls on Wednesday but they are showing that they are actually a serious top-four contender and making Arsenal look as poor as Carrick’s team did at Old Trafford.”
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Thierno Barry heads home from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner. The goal’s initially given, but VAR calls the ref over to the screen. Brennan Johnson is adjudged to have been standing in an offside position and interfering with goalkeeper Christian Walton. There will be debates, online and on-air, but after the brouhaha over Manchester City’s winner in the derby, the officials were never going to allow that one through in the current climate. Rightly or wrongly.
GOAL! Brighton 3-0 Arsenal (Chema Andrés 57)
Arsenal are hoist by their own petard, as Chema Andrés crashes one home from a corner. Brighton en fête x 3 + 125.
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Jordan Pickford is staking his claim for player of the match award. He’s already made a couple of big saves, and here’s another, from Abdoul Ouattara’s long-range rake. Everton are still holding onto their lead, but they’re making hard work of it.
Not a great deal happening in the Premier League at the start of the second half. James Ward-Prowse meanwhile has levelled up for Southampton at Wrexham on 50 minutes.
Here’s a statistic for you, courtesy of the British Broadcasting Corporation: Newcastle have never lost a Premier League game at home having been two or more goals ahead at the break (W68 D4). So Hull are in a spot of bother here. But then look what happened to Manchester United during the week: until Brighton rocked up to Old Trafford on Wednesday night, United hadn’t lost at home after leading at half-time since Ipswich pulled it off in 1984 … and they’d not shipped a two-goal lead at home since doing so against Spurs in 1976. Both records gone in a puff of smoke. Over to you, Hull.
Brighton 2-0 Arsenal. Up until now, Arsenal had only conceded three goals in their first seven games in all competitions: one when they were caught cold very early doors against Chelsea, the other two when their second string were already four to the good in the League Cup at Ipswich. So this is kind of new ground for them this season, though they did ship a couple of big chances on the counter against Napoli, and Brighton seem to have done a similar number on them today. Seven straight wins to date; number eight is tantalisingly out of reach right now. “Yes, granted that the Brighton kit is absolutely gorgeous,” admits Gunners fan Charles Antaki. “Maybe its purity and splendour is mesmerising the Arsenal players? Certainly they’re giving every indication of being in some sort of daze. Full marks to them for aesthetic appreciation, but nil for actual football-playing. Arteta’s team talk will be something along those lines.”
Ooh la la la, he’s Simon McMahon, and he’s got stories from the north. “Dundee United 3-0 up at St Mirren at half time. Those two early goals were followed by a St Mirren penalty and a United red card both overturned on review by VAR, then a third for United on the stroke of half time. What a tonic for returning United manager Jimmy Goodwin, and indeed Arabs everywhere. Mine’s a Macallan. Aberdeen and Dundee lead Hibs and Motherwell respectively.”
Premier League half-times
… and so as things stand, here’s how the Premier League table looks midway through phase three of six of matchday five. (This isn’t going to catch on, is it?)
Newcastle United 2-0 Hull City. Sorba Thomas tap-tackles Jacob Murphy on the ankle … and it’s a penalty for the Toon! But Yoane Wissa’s effort is weak, allowing Konstantinos Tzolakis to become the hero. Hull not quite out of it yet!
GOAL! Brighton 2-0 Arsenal (Kostoulas 45)
Another long-range belter, this time by Charalampos Kostoulas, and Arsenal’s perfect start to the season is in serious jeopardy now.
Our man Dominic Booth is at Turf Moor, and here’s his dispatch with the home side 1-0 up against Derby.
Burnley are in front of Turf Moor – and deservedly so, albeit this game has clearly shown two teams short of confidence. Zeki Amdouni’s header from a Lucas Pires corner has secured the lead for Nicky Hayen’s side. If they can hold onto this lead, it would represent Burnley’s first home win (in 90 minutes) since October last year – and their first league victory of any description since February. It would also lift them off the bottom of the Championship, where they would be replaced by their opponents, Derby. It’s been a grim old time for the Clarets lately, and off-field issues still plague the club, but perhaps there will be some respite today.
Wrexham have taken the lead at home against Southampton. Kieffer Moore from a corner on 35 minutes. While Brighton are celebrating their 125th anniversary, Wrexham are marking one of their own … but it’s a much more solemn, poignant affair. Today is the 92nd anniversary of a disaster at nearby Gresford Colliery that claimed 266 lives. Every one is named in today’s matchday programme, and there was a minute of silent remembrance before kick-off.
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Emersonn heads a Jack Clarke cross wide of the target. On the touchline, David Moyes wears the exasperated look of a man who wishes he could be anywhere else. Sunderland, Old Trafford, Real Sociedad, perhaps? The San Sebastian film festival is on, so there’s that.
Brighton 1-0 Arsenal. Brighton’s 125th-anniversary kit is lovely, isn’t it? “I’ve just turned the telly on to watch Brighton v Arsenal and for a moment I thought it’s the Azzurri wearing the 1970s World Cup kit,” writes Giovanni Cafagna. “Have I just said Italy playing at the World Cup? Surely not.”
GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Arsenal (Gross 31)
So much for Arsenal getting back into the game at the Amex! Pascal Gross whips a curler off the post and in, and Brighton’s 125th anniversary celebrations are going along swimmingly. Party time at Sussex by the sea.
It’s not shaping up to be a banner day for Queens Park Rangers. Preston’s Johnny Kenny has scored two goals – the first after just 20 seconds – while QPR’s Dennis Cirkin has been given a straight red for a high lunge on Leo Leroy. Just the 26 minutes gone at Loftus Road.
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Another chance for Ipswich, the lively Abdul Fatawu snaffling a loose Jarrad Branthwaite pass and attempting to embarrass Jordan Pickford from long distance. Pickford scampers back and puts a stop to that nonsense, tipping wide. Everton threatening to undo all of their good early work.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal. A penalty shout from the Arsenal support … but Bukayo Saka stumbled over his own feet, and doesn’t make any claim himself. The in-form champs beginning to work their way into the game after a sluggish start.
As for St Mirren versus Dundee United … well, let Simon McMahon take the floor. “A dream start for United, goals inside the opening 12 minutes from Randall and Cameron putting the Tangerines two up. United fans en fête already.”
Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town. Another big save from Jordan Pickford. Abdul Fatawu meets a corner with a drive through a crowded box, but Pickford parries to deny Ipswich their equaliser.
Oxford have taken the lead against Cambridge in the University / Boat Race derby. Siriki Dembélé with the goal on 15 minutes. Some welcome good news for the Yellows after a fairly awkward week, it has to be said.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal. Brighton are enjoying their 125th birthday party so far. They’re in the high-octane frame of mind that did for Manchester United’s long half-time Old Trafford record during the week, and now they’re pressing the champions of England back. No breakthrough, though.
GOAL! Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town (Barry 11)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall turns provider again, but this time for his own team. Thierno Barry forces home his fifth goal of the season.
Everton 0-0 Ipswich. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ships possession clumsily to Emersonn, who is through … but is denied by Jordan Pickford. It should be 1-1 at the Hill Dickinson.
GOAL! Newcastle United 2-0 Hull City (Hall 7)
Harvey Barnes tees another up, this time for Lewis Hall, who lashes home. Hull are unbeaten in the Premier League so far, but they’ve now got a job on if they’re to keep hold of that unlikely record.
Everton 0-0 Ipswich Town. Everton start quickly, and Brennan Johnson makes himself some space with a cute spin before bundling his shot wide.
GOAL! Newcastle United 1-0 Hull City (Willock 3)
Harvey Barnes tees up Joe Willock, who laces Newcastle into an early lead at St James’ Park. Exactly what the Toon needed after their undressing at Elland Road.
Early-game postbag. “After missing three matches due to illness, Dundee United manager ‘Super’ Jim Goodwin is back in the dugout for this afternoon’s trip to Paisley to face St Mirren. United fell to 11th in the table after midweek wins for Falkirk, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, but only five points behind their hosts who are fourth. United could conceivably finish the day bottom of the table, or in the top six. The other three o’clock kick offs are Dundee v Motherwell, St. Johnstone v Falkirk, and managerless Hibs v Aberdeen. Crisis club Celtic face crisis club Rangers tomorrow” – Simon McMahon
“I’m an Evertonian, so I’d be backing the Toffees in any case, but a win today would bring extra joy because it just might give Ed Sheeran the terrible, no good, very bad Saturday he so richly and cravenly deserves” – Michael Weller
It’s kick-off time! Play it, Mr Alpert.
The Premier League table. As it stands, going into phase three (of six) of matchday five. I think that’s correct.
It’s Brighton & Hove Albion’s 125th birthday today! Well, sort of. The club were formed as Brighton & Hove United on 24 June 1901, in the Seven Stars pub, but quickly changed their name, and played their first game on 21 September that year. Which explains why their 125th anniversary celebrations are being held today, the closest home game to that date. So we’re two days or three months off, depending on which way you look at it, and if you’re so pedantically disposed. But that’s not really the point. The club and its fans have been celebrating the fact all year, and here’s Ed Aarons on a new play that charts the ups and downs and ups of being a Seagull. Enjoy the party, everyone.
FULL TIME: Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Aston Villa. Villa restart, then the whistle goes for the end of the game. The smattering of Spurs fans still in the ground boo, Roberto De Zerbi disappears down the tunnel quicksmart, and the stadium equally quickly falls into bemused silence. The Villa fans making some noise, but a lot of home fans stunned at the latest of Tottenham’s many humiliations on their own turf. This season was supposed to be a new beginning. Right now, it’s the same old, same old. Daniel Gallen has all the reaction.
GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Aston Villa (van Hecke 90+8). Andy Robertson swings a free kick in from the left. Jan Paul van Hecke plants a header across Zion Suzuki and into the bottom left. But it’s too late, because …
The other two games in the Championship have finished. The full-time scores of the three early kick-offs, then …
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Cardiff City 3-1 Charlton Athletic
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Millwall 2-2 West Ham United
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Stoke City 2-1 Sheffield United
FULL TIME: Millwall 2-2 West Ham United. The game that neither side wanted to lose ends with that box ticked, if nothing else. Millwall would probably have taken this at the start of play; West Ham would certainly have settled for it when two down at the break. More will surely be written, not least about Millwall keeper Filip Marschall accusing Hammers striker Taty Castellanos of spitting at/on him. Anon.
GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Aston Villa (Gallagher 86). Another 86th-minute goal for a Gallagher … Conor this time. Which means Spurs have finally scored a Premier League goal after nearly five-matches-worth of asking! Although it might be an own goal, Matty Cash having touched the ball last. Not 100 percent anyone involved with Spurs will care too much either way right now.
GOAL! Stoke City 2-1 Sheffield United (Gallagher 86). Stoke have turned it around late, Sam Gallagher doing the business with full-time looming.
RED CARD: Millwall 2-2 West Ham United. On the halfway line, Mohamadou Kanté dallies over a simple pass upfield. He’s the last man, so allowing himself to be charged down by Kyrell Lisbie is a disaster. The Millwall striker tears clear. Kanté has no option but to take one for the team, hauling Lisbie down and earning himself a red card. There will be five additional minutes at the very least.
Meanwhile in N17, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía has just planted a pearler into the top-left corner of the Tottenham Hotspur net. It follows earlier goals from Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson, and Roberto De Zerbi’s post-match interview is going to be appointment viewing. His coat on a shoogly peg. Daniel Gallan has the latest.
Newcastle v Hull team news
Newcastle United: Hornicek, Murphy, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Steur, Lewis Miley, Barnes, Willock, Fernandez-Pardo, Wissa.
Subs: Pope, Schar, Bamba, Toure, Thompson, Pivas, Salia, Mason Miley, Mills.
Hull City: Tzolakis, Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Herrington, Giles, Belloumi, Crooks, Slater, Thomas, McBurnie.
Subs: Phillips, Gelhardt, Hjerto-Dahl, McNair, Stroud, Gourna-Douath, Iroegbunam, Vaz, Cho.
Newcastle make two changes after being routed 4-1 at Leeds on Monday. Sean Steur and Joe Willock replace Amar Dedic and Nico Gonzalez. Hull also swap out two players, following their 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Lucas Herrington and forward Sorba Thomas make their full Premier League debuts with Elliot Stroud stepping down and Nobel Mendy out due to concussion protocol.
GOAL! Stoke City 1-1 Sheffield United (McGlynn 78). Another leveller in the Championship, thanks to Jack McGlynn at the bet365.
GOAL! Millwall 2-2 West Ham United (Mavropanos 80). … and now West Ham are level! They get to take a corner this time. They take it short. Manor Solomon drops a shoulder to make space on the right, crosses long, and Konstantinos Mavropanos plants a header into the top left!
GOAL! Millwall 2-1 West Ham United (Kante 74). Mohamadou Kante drills a low shot into the bottom left from 25 yards, and it’s game on at the New Den. It’s not all good news for West Ham, though: Millwall keeper Filip Marschall has reportedly accused Hammers striker Taty Castellanos of spitting on him during a rules brouhaha. Marschall had held onto the ball for 11 seconds, so while everyone was arguing upfield, West Ham, referencing the new rules, took a corner and Pablo walked it into the empty net. But the referee didn’t penalise Marschall, so no corner, no goal … and now this.
Everton v Ipswich team news
Everton: Pickford, Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Armstrong, Garner, Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, Barry.
Subs: Travers, King, Keane, O’Brien, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Hackney, Graham.
Ipswich Town: Walton, Ouattara, Diop, O’Shea, Davis, Lukic, Palacios, Fatawu, Enciso, Clarke, Emersonn.
Subs: Scherpen, Furlong, Flemming, Philogene-Bidace, Florentino, Greaves, Akpom, Nunez, Maeda.
Everton make one change following the goalless draw at Tottenham. Jack Grealish replaces Tyrique George, who drops to the bench. Ipswich make two changes after their smash-and-grab win at Crystal Palace: Christian Walton and Abdoul Ouattara come in for Kjell Scherpen and Jacob Greaves.
GOAL! Cardiff City 3-1 Charlton Athletic (Moylan 61). Jack Moylan re-establishes Cardiff’s two-goal cushion in the Welsh capital.
Brighton v Arsenal team news
Brighton and Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Kadioglu, Vuskovic, Struijk, Boscagli, Gross, Ayari, Gomez, Andres, De Cuyper, Kostoulas.
Subs: Steele, Hadjam, Rutter, David, Osman, Costinha, Svoboda, O’Riley, Yalcouye.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Guimaraes, Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis, Havertz.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.
Brighton make two changes to the side sent out to thrash Coventry 5-0 last weekend. Chema Andrés and Pascal Struijk come in for Malick Yalcouyé, who drops to the bench, and Lewis Dunk, who misses out altogether. Arsenal also make two changes following their last Premier League match, the 2-0 win at Sunderland: Gabriel Magalhães and Jurriën Timber are in; Myles Lewis-Skelly drops to the bench, while Ben White is out injured.
… and of course in the Premier League, there’s yet another debacle threatening to unfold at the Lane. Villa lead 1-0 going into the second half, and Daniel Gallen has all the details.
Elsewhere in the Championship, it’s currently …
Charlton went two up after just 26 minutes thanks to Jack Moylan and Yousef Salech, only for Tyreece Campbell to pull one back soon after. Sheffield United meanwhile have just gone into the lead thanks to Kalvin Phillips on 51 minutes.
There’s a fairly big game going on in the Championship …
… and it’s HALF TIME: Millwall 2-0 West Ham United. Goals from Caleb Taylor on 16 minutes and Camiel Neghli on the strike of half-time, both coming as a result of West Ham’s failure to deal with long throws from Lyndon Dykes. West Ham haven’t won at Millwall since 1988, to be fair.
Preamble
Live from Brighton, Merseyside and Newcastle, it’s Saturday afternoon! Lorne Michaels would surely demand a root-and-branch edit, but he’s not the boss of us so here are the big Premier League 3pms:
Other games are available, and we’ll be covering those in what I’m confident you’ll consider a charming scattergun style. Anyway, let’s not hang about. It’s on!
