⚽ FOOTBALL LIVE: Dowman Shines for Arsenal, Spurs Under Pressure, JJ Gabriel Wants Out of Man United & Webb Addresses VAR Controversy
talkSPORT is bringing you the latest football developments as the Premier League approaches Matchweek 5.
With only one Premier League round remaining before the season’s first international break, attention has also turned to the Carabao Cup and the opening fixtures of the Europa League campaign.
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES
Carabao Cup
– Fleetwood vs Sheffield United
– Everton vs Wolves
– Manchester United vs Brighton
– Coventry vs Aston Villa
Europa League
– Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar
Ange Postecoglou hits back at reporter
Ange Postecoglou found himself in a heated exchange with a Saudi journalist following Al Nassr’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The reporter questioned whether Al Nassr had prepared properly during their pre-season camp in Portugal.
Postecoglou challenged the criticism, pointing out that the journalist had actually attended the camp and therefore had first-hand knowledge of the preparations.
The Australian then defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the reporter suggested that the Portuguese star’s presence was not helping the team during matches.
Postecoglou insisted that criticism should be directed at him rather than the players and warned the journalist to be careful when making claims about someone who has built such a distinguished career.
Danny Murphy criticises Tottenham after Liverpool defeat
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Tottenham should be disappointed with their 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Anfield.
Roberto De Zerbi made several changes to his side but still fielded a strong team, while Liverpool rotated heavily.
Murphy felt Spurs failed to take advantage of the situation, particularly after missing important chances in the first half.
He also suggested that De Zerbi could face increased pressure if Tottenham suffer another defeat against Aston Villa before the international break.
Leeds appeal Bogle goal
Leeds have reportedly appealed to the Premier League over the goal awarded to Jayden Bogle during their 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to get the decisive touch from a header, but the goal was officially credited to Bogle.
A panel will now review the incident and decide whether the goal should instead be awarded to Calvert-Lewin.
Bogle admitted after the match that he was unaware he had touched the ball and revealed that Calvert-Lewin was unhappy with the decision.
Tottenham receive another £120m investment
Tottenham have reportedly received a further £120 million investment from the Lewis Family.
The latest injection follows another £100m invested earlier in the summer.
According to reports, the additional funding takes the family’s investment in the club over the past 12 months to around £320m.
The spending comes after Spurs invested close to £400m during the summer transfer window, including potential add-ons and future obligations.
Despite the major financial backing, Tottenham have endured a difficult start, failing to win any of their opening four Premier League matches before being eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Liverpool.
Premier League panel backs Gabriel decision
The Premier League’s Key Match Incident panel has ruled that Arsenal defender Gabriel should not have been sent off during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Gabriel accidentally made contact with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s head during a scramble inside the penalty area.
Although Martinez required treatment and VAR did not intervene, the KMI panel unanimously agreed that the referee made the correct decision.
The panel concluded that the incident did not amount to violent conduct or serious foul play.
Adrian Durham says Tottenham are in crisis
talkSPORT broadcaster Adrian Durham has described Tottenham’s current situation as a crisis following their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.
Spurs have yet to score in their first four Premier League matches, recording two defeats and two draws.
Durham also compared Tottenham’s scoring struggles with Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, who scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Ipswich.
He argued that Tottenham are going through another difficult period and believes De Zerbi has a major rebuilding job ahead of him.
Merino praises Max Dowman
Mikel Merino has praised Arsenal youngster Max Dowman after his impressive brace against Ipswich.
The teenager scored twice during Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory, with Merino also finding the net.
Merino described Dowman as an exceptional talent but stressed that the youngster still has plenty to learn, particularly from a tactical and defensive perspective.
He also praised Dowman’s attitude and willingness to learn, saying Arsenal’s senior players will continue supporting his development.
Ally McCoist backs English clubs in Europe
Ally McCoist believes English clubs have a strong chance of winning the Europa League and Conference League this season.
Tottenham and Aston Villa have won the Europa League in the previous two campaigns, while English clubs have also dominated the Conference League recently.
Sunderland begin their European campaign against AZ Alkmaar, while Bournemouth and Crystal Palace will also compete in the Europa League.
Brighton will enter the Conference League after the international break.
JJ Gabriel reportedly wants Manchester United exit
Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel is reportedly seeking a move away from Old Trafford, with several major European clubs said to be monitoring his situation.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with the highly-rated 15-year-old.
Former Manchester United and Ipswich player Alan Brazil suggested that financial factors could be playing a major role, although he also stressed that the youngster needs guidance when deciding his future.
Brazil pointed out that Gabriel is already at one of football’s biggest clubs and urged people around him to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of leaving.
Adrian Clarke hails Dowman as a special talent
Former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke has gone even further in his praise of Max Dowman.
Following the youngster’s two goals against Ipswich, Clarke claimed he had never seen a 16-year-old quite like him come through Arsenal’s academy.
He compared Dowman with previous Hale End graduates such as Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere, who also made their Arsenal debuts at a young age.
Clarke highlighted Dowman’s balance, composure and finishing ability as evidence of his remarkable potential.
Jamie O’Hara launches furious Tottenham rant
Jamie O’Hara expressed his frustration with Tottenham following their latest defeat to Liverpool.
The former Spurs midfielder said the club’s struggles have become repetitive and claimed supporters have endured too many disappointing results.
O’Hara went as far as saying Tottenham should have been relegated last season, arguing that their survival was partly down to Aston Villa and Everton dropping points late in the campaign.
He also questioned what direction the club is heading in despite the significant amount of money spent during the summer.
Carabao Cup results
Several third-round matches have now been completed.
Peterborough United defeated Barnsley on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Fulham edged West Ham 3-2.
Brentford also secured a 2-1 away victory over Reading.
Arsenal defeated Ipswich 4-2, with Max Dowman scoring twice, while Liverpool eliminated Tottenham 3-1 at Anfield.
The teams currently through to the fourth round include:
Arsenal, Bournemouth, Bradford City, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Peterborough United and Sunderland.
Liverpool and Tottenham team news
Liverpool made major changes for their Carabao Cup meeting with Tottenham, with Andoni Iraola making 10 alterations to his starting XI.
Ronald Araujo was the only player retained from the previous lineup, while Joe Gomez made his first appearance of the season.
Tottenham also made changes, with Martin Dubravka starting in goal and Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo entering the defence.
Sandro Tonali was absent from the squad, while Andy Robertson was named among Liverpool’s substitutes on his return to Anfield.
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araujo, Gomez, Kerkez, Mac Allister, McConnell, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Koumas, Gakpo.
Tottenham XI: Dubravka, Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie, Bentancur, Gallagher, Bergvall, Kudus, Tel, Marmoush.
