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Raw preview, September 30, 2024

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Raw preview, September 30, 2024

Braun Strowman and “Big” Bronson Reed collide in Last Monster Standing Match

 

Braun Strowman and “Big” Bronson Reed begin Raw with destruction: Raw highlights, Sept. 23, 2024

 

Raw Preview: Quick Hits

Raw Preview: Full Details

 

Image credit: WWE

 

“Big” Bronson Reed in a Last Monster Standing Match with Braun Strowman

 

 

Broken barricades, busted walls, destroyed cars and an avalanche of Tsunamis have left Raw General Manager Adam Pearce no choice but to let Braun Strowman and “Big” Bronson Reed settle the score in a Last Monster Standing Match.

 

With the entire arena at their disposal and nothing off the table, how will Strowman and Reed seek to prove that they are the baddest monster on Raw?

 

Don’t miss this epic clash tonight on RAW!

 

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre to both speak before Hell in a Cell

 

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre are just days away from competing inside Hell in a Cell and both Superstars are set to appear on Raw to discuss it.

 

What will happen when these two bitter enemies hit the ring with a mic? Find out on Monday at 8/7 C on RAW.

 

New Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso to appear

 

YEET!

 

New Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso will be on Monday Night Raw just one week after dethroning the dangerous Bron Breakker.

 

Don’t miss Uso live on Monday Night Raw at 8/7 C on USA.

 

The Judgment Day battles The LWO in a Six-Man Tag Team Match

 

 

Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO will take on the villainous Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh and Carlito of The Judgment Day.

 

Lee defeated Carlito on the Sept. 30 episode of Raw, thanks to a huge assist from WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.

 

Now, Lee will be joined by Wilde and Del Toro to take on Dirty Dom, McDonagh and Carlito, all while the Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan keeps watch at ringside.

 

Don’t miss this incredible Six-Man Tag Team Match live on Monday Night Raw at 8/7 C on USA.

 

 

Kofi Kingston takes on Chad Gable

 

The New Day are in a rut and can’t seem to get on the same page.

 

With tensions brewing between Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, Kingston will look to right the ship as he takes on American Made’s Chad Gable.

 

The New Day fell to American Made last week, a fact that Gable wasted no time rubbing in the faces of Kingston and Woods.

 

Can Kingston put an end to the smugness of Gable?

 

Find out next week at 8/7 C on USA!

 

 

Rey Mysterio battles Xavier Woods in first-time matchup

 

Next week, Rey Mysterio will take on Xavier Woods for the first time ever.

 

Woods and Kofi Kingston have not been on the same page, as Woods has grown increasingly irate at his tag team partner as well as The LWO.

 

Woods blamed Mysterio’s faction for The New Day’s loss in a title match against World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh two weeks ago and will now take on the leader of The LWO.

 

Can Woods overcome Mysterio while dealing with his anger issues?

 

Don’t miss this first-time matchup next week at 8/7 C on USA!

 

 

Lyra Valkyria goes one-on-one with Zoey Stark

 

The Pure Fusion Collective is back to its winning ways after Zoey Stark defeated Natalya on the Sept. 16 episode of Raw, forcing Lyra Valkyria to step up and take on Stark.

 

Valkyria is coming off of a successful return to NXT and most recently on Raw she paired with Natalya and Zelina Vega to defeat The Pure Fusion Collective.

 

Which rising Superstar will come out on top in this amazing matchup? Find out on Monday Night Raw at 8/7 C.

 

Credit: WWE

 

 

Global reaction to Dikembe Mutombo passing

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Global reaction to Dikembe Mutombo passing

Many remember The Basketball Hall of Famer For His Invaluable Contributions

 

FILE – Former NBA basketball player Dikembe Mutombo laughs during a news conference announcing him as one of the 12 finalists of this year’s hall of fame class during an event ahead of the NBA All Star basketball game, on Feb. 14, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

 

Reaction to the death of Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, who died Monday from brain cancer. He was 58 the Associated Press reports via The Washington Time.

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“I am deeply saddened to hear about Dikembe’s passing. He was a defensive force on the court who changed the way the game of basketball is played. But more importantly, Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa. I will especially miss hearing his booming laugh. My condolences to his wife, Rose, his children and his family.” – Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

 

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“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation. Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly.” – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

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“Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.” – Basketball Hall of Famer Pau Gasol.

 

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“Honestly, I know him more for his commercials. It’s just how I grew up. I never got to watch him play. It just shows the impact he’s made not only on the court. I know he’s done a lot of work worldwide and made an impact on everybody’s lives in a different way.” – Cleveland center Jarrett Allen, who revealed Monday that he wanted to bring back Mutombo’s finger-wag celebration before being told that the Hall of Famer had died earlier in the day.

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“Like many across the globe, my heart is heavy with the loss of Atlanta Hawks legend and humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with him and his wife Rose at their home last month and express the gratitude and pride Atlantans and millions worldwide held for such a truly good man. He is not just a Hall of Famer – he is irreplaceable. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.” – Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

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“It’s really hard to believe and it’s hard for us to be without that guy.” – Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.

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“He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real. Dikembe Mutombo was salt and light, and today, on the 30th of September, 2024, he has been called to rest. I love you, Dad. Rest easy.” – Ryan Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo’s son.

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“A legend of the game, on and off the court. You will be missed, Dikembe.” – statement from the Brooklyn Nets.

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“Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league.” – Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

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“I knew him as a true humanitarian. … I will love and miss him terribly.” – Cindy McCain, the widow of late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

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“He was one of the nicest guys on earth and had such a huge heart. He genuinely wanted to help as many people in the world that he possibly could. Just had a beautiful spirit about him.” – former NBA player Etan Thomas.

 

 

Milan, Inter probed for Mafioso link

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Milan, Inter probed for Mafioso link

Could face charges for criminal association, with the use of “mafia methods,” extortion, assault and other serious offenses

 

 

Italian police arrested 19 people accused of criminal ties with the powerful ‘Ndrangheta mafia group in a move that decimated the fan clubs backing Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan Associated Press reports via ABC News.

 

Prosecutors said at a news conference on Monday that possible charges include criminal association, with the use of “mafia methods,” extortion, assault and other serious offenses.

 

According to the wide investigation, the criminal ring was linked to ‘Ndrangheta — the Italian mafia organization that has emerged in recent years as one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the world, rivaling the better-known Sicilian mob.

 

Prosecutors allege that the suspects have attempted to take control of all the lucrative business activities around Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza stadium — also known as San Siro — including parking, food, tickets and souvenir sales. Investigators said that some of the suspects might also have been involved in drug trafficking.

 

Police searched the houses of over 50 people, including Giancarlo Lombardi, a once top AC Milan fan known as “The Baron,” as well as that of Antonio Bellocco, a former local ‘ Ndrangheta boss who was killed a few weeks ago.

 

Among those arrested were Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, leaders of the AC Milan and Inter Milan “ultras” fan groups respectively. Lucci had been previously convicted for drug-related charges.

 

Christian Rosiello, described by local media as the bodyguard of popular Italian rapper Fedez, was also among the detained.

 

“This investigation shows the risks of infiltration creeping into professional and non-professional soccer by organized crime,” Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo said. “We need to stop pretending not to see these risks.”

 

Milan prosecutor Marcello Viola clarified that Milan’s two football clubs are “offended parties” in the investigation, having put in place rules to prevent wrongdoing.

 

“But they will also have to prove that they have severed any relationship with deviant supporters,” Viola added.

 

 

Dikembe Mutombo passes away at 58

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Dikembe Mutombo passes away at 58

Hall of Famer, former Georgetown star, advocate dies from brain cancer

 

FILE – Retired Denver Nuggets center Dikembe Mutombo waves to the crowd as his jersey number was retired by the team during halftime of the Nuggets’ NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

 

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced, Tim Reynolds reports for Associated Press via The Washington. He was 58.

 

His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

 

Mutombo was distinctive in so many ways — the playful finger wag at opponents after blocking their shots, his height, his deep and gravelly voice, his massive smile. Players of this generation were always drawn to him and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, looked to Mutombo as an inspiration.

 

“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said Monday. “Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”

Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets. The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and went into the Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for his career.

 

He also was part of one of the league’s most iconic playoff moments, helping eighth-seeded Denver oust top-seeded Seattle in the first round of the 1994 Western Conference playoffs. That best-of-five series marked the first time a No. 8 beat a No. 1 in NBA history.

 

“It’s really hard to believe,” Toronto President Masai Ujiri said Monday, pausing several times because he was overcome with emotion shortly after hearing the news of Mutombo’s death. “It’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. … That guy, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

 

Mutombo last played during the 2008-09 season, devoting his time after retirement to charitable and humanitarian causes. He spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, concentrating on improving health, education and quality of life for the people in the Congo.

 

Ryan Mutombo, the Hall of Famer’s son, said in a tribute posted on social media that his father “loved others with every ounce of his being.”

“My dad is my hero because he simply cared,” Ryan Mutombo wrote. “He remains the purest heart I have ever known.”

 

Mutombo served on the boards of many organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

 

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.”

 

Mutombo is one of three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. The others: reigning DPOY winner Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.

“He was always there to talk to me and advise me on how to approach the season and take care of my body and icing after games and stretching and trying different things like yoga,” Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “He will be always remembered and may his soul rest in peace.”

 

Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey — who was with Mutombo for many seasons in Houston — was informed of his friend’s death during the team’s media day on Monday. Tears welled in Morey’s eyes as he processed the news.

 

“There aren’t many guys like him,” Morey said. “Just a great human being. When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first chance in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time. … His accomplishments on the court, we don’t need to talk about too much. Just an amazing human being, what he did off the court for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”

 

 

New Media and TV Rights for CAF

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New Media and TV Rights for CAF

Body Announces  Agreements for 2024/25 CAF Inter-club season

 

CAF Inter-club Image credit: CAFonline

 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced new media rights and TV agreements for the 2024/25 CAF Inter-club Competitions following a successful bidding process for the pay TV (English) and Free to Air (all languages) in Sub-Saharan African territory.

 

The rights include African football’s premium Club competitions: TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/25, TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25, CAF Women’s Champions League 2024 and TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup 2025.

 

CAF reached agreements with SuperSport International for the Pay TV rights (in English) and South African Broadcasting Corporation (“SABC”) and Azam Media for the Free to Air (“FTA”) rights.

 

The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “The exponential growth and global competitiveness of football in Africa has resulted in substantial interest from major African and international broadcasters in African Football.

 

“SuperSport, SABC and Azam Media have been participating competitively in the CAF Media Rights bids. CAF welcomes them all as partners, joining a number of CAF’s Media Rights holders. We are committed to ensuring that CAF’s Competitions including its Broadcast products are world class.”

 

The TV Audiences during the 2023/24 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League grew by over 25% in North Africa while East Africa and Southern Africa saw growth of over 40% in both TV Audiences and digital engagement.

 

 

Antoine Griezmann quits international football

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Antoine Griezmann quits international football

Star midfielder calls time on 10-year international career with France

 

France fans wave national flags and hold up a cutout of midfielder Antoine Griezmann during the Paris Olympics 2024 gold medal match. Griezmann was not part of the French squad [File: Jack Gruber/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters]

France midfielder Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football, ending his 10-year career with the national team, Aljazeera reports.

 

Griezmann, who played a crucial role in France’s triumphant run at the FIFA World Cup 2018, called time on his journey with the Les Blues in an emotional social media post on Monday.

 

“Today, it is with deep emotion that I’m announcing my retirement as a player of the France team,” he wrote.

 

“After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.

 

“Wearing this jersey was an honor and a privilege.”

 

Griezmann was one of France’s most important players over the past decade and scored a goal in the team’s 2018 World Cup final win over Croatia in Moscow.

 

The 33-year-old, who struggled at this year’s Euro championship, was one of the key elements in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup campaigns as France took the title in Russia and finished runners-up in Qatar.

 

Nicknamed Grizou, he was a favourite among his teammates and fans and was the top scorer at Euro 2016 when France reached the final, only to be beaten by Portugal after extra time at the Stade de France.

 

Griezmann won 137 caps for France and imposed himself as a versatile player in Didier Deschamps’ midfield.

 

“We’ve had a long discussion about [his retirement] recently. Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness,” Deschamps said in a statement.

 

“Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest player in its history.

 

“It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”

 

Antoine Griezmann holds aloft the FIFA World Cup trophy that he helped France win in 2018 in Russia [File: Christian Hartmann/Reuters]

Even when the captain’s armband went to Kylian Mbappe after Hugo Lloris’ international retirement, he was always a voice everyone listened to.

 

He played a record 84 consecutive matches with Les Bleus, a number that underlines his status as the national team’s most valuable player in the last 10 years.

 

The Atletico Madrid forward made his France debut in March 2014 and his 137 appearances are beaten only by his former teammate Hugo Lloris (145) and 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram (142).

 

Griezmann is also fourth in France’s list of all-time leading goal-scorers with 44, behind only record marksmen Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and Mbappe.

 

Griezmann’s last appearance for France came in a UEFA Nations League win at home against Belgium earlier this month.

 

The striker’s decision to quit is further confirmation that an era has come to an end for the French side.

 

Lloris and centre-back Raphael Varane retired from international duty in the wake of the 2022 World Cup, with the latter quitting football entirely last week at the age of just 31.

 

Giroud stopped playing for his country in the wake of this year’s Euros in Germany.

 

Deschamps will name his next France squad this Thursday ahead of Nations League matches against Israel in Budapest on October 10 and Belgium in Brussels four days later.

 

 

CAF launches ‘’Protect The Dream’’ campaign

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CAF launches ‘’Protect The Dream’’ campaign

Takes decisive step in fight against player trafficking and exploitation

 

“Protect The Dream” Image credit: CAFonline

 

Football ignites passion in millions of individuals in Africa. Everyone, especially the youngest participants, deserves to experience football in a secure and nurturing atmosphere.

 

With the scourging rise in the exploitation of young African talent, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has ramped up its preventative measures with the launch of its safeguarding initiative for the well-being and integrity of African football players, #ProtectTheDream.

 

This ongoing educational drive aims to raise awareness of the risks of player trafficking and exploitation. It also provides tools to build the confidence of young football players through communication training, promotes the health and well-being of both male and female players, and works towards creating a safe and supportive environment for all players.

 

Gradually introduced at the recent CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals in Zanzibar, the #ProtectTheDream campaign will be anchored by African football legends, Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Amanda Dlamini (South Africa) and Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria), amongst others who will all play an active role alongside CAF in driving awareness on its fight against player trafficking.

 

#ProtectTheDream forms part of a number of collaborative programmes spearheaded by CAF that are aimed at creating a safe and nurturing environment for young African football talent to thrive.

 

Earlier this year, CAF partnered with Mission 89 – an internationally recognized research, education, and advocacy organization that fights the exploitation of young athletes. The partnership saw CAF conducting Safeguarding and Anti-Player Trafficking workshops with all its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

 

“This is an exemplary step taken by CAF in its fight against Player Trafficking. Football has proven to be a tool to change lives, including mine, and fake agents have used this knowledge to prey on Africa’s talent. It is therefore important that CAF, using the power of football, takes such a stand with the launch of Protect the Dream to safeguard the future of African football,” said Adebayor.

 

Young and senior football players, parents, guardians and academies across the continent are urged to engage with the educational campaign, which will be packaged in various consumable formats, including conferences, workshops, videos, podcasts, and other engaging online content that will be easily accessible across CAF platforms.

 

CAF will soon announce its collaboration partners who will join the campaign in safeguarding the well-being and integrity of the players.

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur run United ragged

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Tottenham Hotspur run United ragged

As Manchester United’s captain Bruno sees red

 

Image credit: The Telegraph Online India via Reuters News reports

Tottenham went ahead in the third minute when defender Micky van de Ven picked up the ball and carried it over half the length of the pitch before playing a precise low centre across the six-yard box for the wide open Johnson to tap in, Reuters News reports via The Telegraph Online India

 

Tottenham Hotspur’s Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke got on the scoresheet in a 3-0 victory over 10-man Manchester United in the English Premier League on Sunday as the visitors ran roughshod over the bedraggled home side.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs climbed to eighth in the table on 10 points after six games, while beleaguered United, who saw captain Bruno Fernandes sent off in the 42nd minute for a high challenge on James Maddison, are 12th with seven points.

 

Tottenham went ahead in the third minute when defender Micky van de Ven picked up the ball and carried it over half the length of the pitch before playing a precise low centre across the six-yard box for the wide open Johnson to tap in.

Spurs continued to run circles around United, doubling their lead in the 47th when Lisandro Martinez slipped on the halfway line. Johnson sprinted away and his deflected cross fell to Kulusevski, who acrobatically clipped the ball past Andre Onana.

 

Solanke had scores of angry United fans heading for the exits when he stuck his leg out to poke the ball home from close range in the 77th minute after Pape Matar Sarr headed on a corner kick from fellow substitute Lucas Bergvall.

Fourth draw

Ipswich Town played out a fourth straight league draw after they held Aston Villa 2-2 at Portman Road where Liam Delap opened the scoring for the home side before grabbing the equaliser in the second half.

Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins scored for Villa in the first half before Delap grabbed his second but neither side could find a winner as promoted Ipswich continue to wait for a first win on their return to the Premier League.

Villa missed the chance to go level on points with leaders Liverpool as Unai Emery’s side are in fifth place on 13 points — behind Chelsea on goal difference — while Ipswich are 15th with four points.

“It was really good and we showed what we are about from minute one and we created so many chances. It was a really good result for us and we probably deserved the win after the second-half performance,” Delap told Sky Sports.

“I think it’s the fourth time we’ve got something from a game so we are happy.”

In an end-to-end first half, Ipswich took an early lead when Villa failed to clear the ball and Jack Clarke cut the ball back for Delap, whose first-time shot slipped through goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s glove even though he had the near post covered.

But Villa responded seven minutes later when Jacob Greaves gave the ball away in a poor clearance, with Rogers picking it up and playing a one-two with Watkins before firing home the equaliser.

Portman Road was quickly silenced when Leon Bailey whipped in a cross that took out both Ipswich centre backs and Watkins made it 2-1 with a header for his fourth goal of the season.

Ipswich had two glorious opportunities to level but Martinez came to Villa’s rescue when he palmed away a rocket of a shot from Kalvin Phillips before sticking a leg out to deny Delap when he was clean through on goal.

The game calmed down in the second half but Ipswich equalised after 72 minutes.

 

 

Napoli goes top of Serie A

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Napoli goes top of Serie A

Antonio Conte has Napoli back on Serie A summit with sweat equity

Conte tears down Napoli Scudetto ambition: ‘Reality is we’re far off’Conte tears down Napoli Scudetto ambition: ‘Reality is we’re far off’ Image credit: Football Italia via Yahoo

Napoli must continue to work hard to progress, coach Antonio Conte said after a 2-0 home win over Monza on Sunday put them top of Serie A for the first time since they won the title two seasons ago, Reuters reports via ESPN.

 

Napoli performed far below expectations last term when they finished 10th and missed out on European competition.

 

However, they seem to be slowly getting their spirits back under Conte and lead the table with 13 points after six games.

 

“There is an advantage and a disadvantage [of not playing in Europe] — the advantage is that you can train the team all week, the disadvantage is that the squad is not as competitive as those that do play in Europe,” Conte told DAZN.

 

“Having said that, we continue to work, we do it to make people’s dreams come true but the reality is that we are too far away to make flights of fancy.

 

“We need to sweat every game, like we did today, and grow.”

 

Napoli endured a turbulent 2023-24 campaign, going through three managers after coach Luciano Spalletti left and then took the Italy job.

 

Conte has been handed the responsibility of reviving Napoli and taking the club back to the top after that dismal season.

 

“Not even three months have passed, the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] is the first to have spoken of a total reconstruction. [Victor] Osimhen and [Piotr] Zielinski left while I hear people talking about certain things,” Conte added.

 

“I know that there are high expectations for me because I have done important things. Let’s let the fans dream, but I have to keep my feet on the ground.

 

“I hear people talking who know nothing about Scudettos. We have to speed up to get Napoli where they deserve to be, which is not in 10th place.”

 

 

Erik ten Hag faces intense pressure

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Erik ten Hag faces intense pressure

 Ruud Van Nistelrooy interim, January clear out – Erik ten Hag Man United sack verdict

 

Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Manchester United (Image: Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 

According to Manchester Evening News’ Amie Wilson, Stephen Killen, Keifer MacDonald, and Kieran King, Erik ten Hag is facing questions over his future following Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur

 

The pressure is mounting on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following their dismal 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.

 

United, who saw Bruno Fernandes just before half-time, were comprehensively beaten at home courtesy of goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke. The Old Trafford club started on the back foot and went behind within three minutes, as Johnson tapped home at the back post after Micky van de Ven’s fine solo run and cross. As United were preparing to go into the half-time break just one behind, Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on James Maddison.

That made the task even harder for Ten Hag’s side, who went 2-0 down moments after the interval, with Kulusevski expertly tapping home from close-range. Although United started to grow into the game, they were hit with a suckerpunch in the 77th minute as Solanke fired the ball beyond Andre Onana.

 

Fernandes was sent off for a cynical foulFernandes was sent off for a cynical foul Image credit: Manchester Evening News

 

It ended 3-0, and there were boos from the United faithful after the full-time whistle. The defeat moves United down to 12th and behind Brentford on goal difference, having picked up just seven points from their opening six Premier League matches. They have also lost their last two top-flight home matches, having suffered defeat to Liverpool by the same scoreline four weeks ago.

Some have called for Ten Hag to be sacked after United’s latest humiliating defeat, while others believe he deserves more time to turn it around. With this in mind, our Manchester Evening News writers deliver their verdict on his future and whether he should be dismissed…

 

Kieran King

 

For me, the time for Ten Hag to leave United has come. In comparison to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham – like this fixture last season – United didn’t look like they had a plan and a structure from the start. United appeared disjointed, disorganized and dysfunctional. Considering Ten Hag has been in charge for almost two-and-a-half years, that is worrying and it remains to be seen when – or whether – he will be able to change that.

I am in the belief that he won’t be able to put a successful style of football in place to challenge at the top of the Premier League – something United want to do – on a regular basis and therefore he should be sacked. The United board should do this before the crucial league trip to Aston Villa next weekend.

 

Who should replace him? In order to give United more time to get a replacement over the line, I would put Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined United in the summer as Ten Hag’s assistant, at the helm on an interim basis. As well as this, I would try and persuade Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna back to United.

 

Stephen Killen

 

With Manchester United chasing the third goal, finding themselves in the ascendancy, it looked like there was enough fight left to salvage a draw. On the face of it, by that point for 77 minutes, United had been second best, and far too many times in recent years has the Theater of Dreams been more of a happy hunting ground for the visitors.

 

The players looked lost, and there was rarely an attacking threat. There’s an argument that Erik ten Hag was lucky to remain in one of the most sought-after positions in football after last season’s performance in the Premier League. But the case for Ineos to move on is increasing.

 

With October and the international break around the corner, it poses the perfect opportunity to line up a replacement and allow for almost four weeks of preparation on the training pitch, with one Premier League game in there. By that argument, United should make a decision on Ten Hag, but their next step is to find a manager who can drill a structure into this team.

 

Millions upon millions have been spent to bolster the squad, and the struggles are clear to see. Would promoting Ruud van Nistelrooy, a United icon with just two domestic cup wins at PSV during his time as manager, work? Not in my eyes. United need a tactician who has experienced big personalities in the dressing room with a mix of success too, and the best option out there at this time is Thomas Tuchel.

 

Keifer MacDonald

 

While Tottenham will head back to North London, thrilled by a deserved 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford, it’s fair to say that a victory at this historic stadium does not signify what it once did.

 

For United, goals from Johnson, Kulusevski and Solanke resigned them to a second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League and ensured that until they are in action in midweek, speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future will be rife.

 

For United, the most worrying aspect of the afternoon wasn’t the fact they were beaten by a misfiring Tottenham side but the ease at which Ange Postecoglou’s side were able to record this resounding triumph.

 

And the sight of Micky van den Ven cutting through United’s midfield and defence just minutes after the referee’s whistle had signaled the start of play at Old Trafford did little to dispute the theory that Ten Hag has little buy-in from United’s current crop.

 

Of course, this defeat alone won’t be enough for the Dutchman to be given the boot by United chiefs, but with games coming thick and fast – including against FC Porto and Aston Villa – perhaps his time in Old Trafford is running out.

 

Amie Wilson

 

Things have to change at United with the performance against Tottenham, just as against Liverpool at the start of the month, highlighting the difference between where United want to be and where they actually are.

 

There are however some problems with sacking Ten Hag at this moment in time. The first is the impression that it would give, after handing the manager a new contract in the summer and then backing him with a budget of over £100 million in the summer, giving him just six Premier League games in quite a dramatic U-turn.

 

The second is the problem that United encountered in the summer: just who comes in as his replacement? There’s no real standout candidate; Mauricio Pochettino has now taken up international management with the USA. Graham Potter is still out of work but struggled with one big job at Chelsea, meaning he would be a massive risk.

 

Giving the job to Ruud van Nistelrooy on an interim basis could be an option, but I’m not convinced he has the experience necessary to take on a job where so much needs doing. His only managerial experience came as one year in charge of PSV.

 

Therefore, while it’s not an ideal scenario, I think that Ten Hag should be given a bit longer to try and turn it around, with maybe a clear out of the squad in January needed. A change with no real plan in place can sometimes do more damage than good.

 

 

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