#headers jadon sancho

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

It wasn't an easy game, or a comfortable result, but it was one where United showed desire and determination, and were it not for some extremely suspect refereeing it might have been a much clearer gulf between the two sides...

The game started with a dramatic injury to Harry Maguire, whose missed header saw him faceplant a player's shoulder. A swollen eye socket for his troubles, but thankfully it wasn't serious enough to warrant substitution and Maguire managed to put in another very solid performance.

A nasty foul on captain Bruno Fernandes in the 8th minute led to a free kick; swung left side to Garnacho who played a beautiful ball back across to McTominay at the back post. The jubilation was short-lived however, with appeals for offside leading to a VAR check. In a highly unusual turn, the referee also took a look from the sideline - something PGMOL argue was because of the technical rules of the incident rather than the normal "clear and obvious error" from the on-field referee. In this case, Harry Maguire was adjudged offside. This despite not touching the ball or interfering with a defender who could stop Garnacho, but instead because he showed intent to attack the ball and thus was guilty. An interesting inconsistency compared to some other decisions made this season.

Fulham's reaction to the goal being disallowed was one of increased tempo and determination. In many ways it felt like they had taken a 1-0 lead and had that confidence boost, the wind in their sails, that allowed them to play more expressive football.

The first half drew to an end slightly in United's favour but the second was a far more open affair. Brazilian winger Antony was notably awful on the right side, which saw him substituted fairly quickly for Facundo Pellistri, and it was a remarkable change of intensity, desire, and competence down that right side for United. The scrappy little Uruguayan with his low centre of gravity and a tenacious approach to duels caused Fulham trouble - trouble which opened up opportunities.

An 84th minute chance nearly led to a sensational goal from substitute Anthony Martial, but it was the Captain who became the man of the hour in the 90th minute. Good pressure from Martial, McTominay and Pellistri allowed Fernandes a chance on the edge of the box. A feint left, cut back right, and ping bottom corner past Leno. 1-0 United, and a deserved 3 points for the Red Devils after it felt like perhaps fate had intervened and stolen away a much needed win.

After heavy criticism of Fernandes and Ten Hag in the past few days, both men will be relieved to have claimed the win away at Craven Cottage. The hope now is that a run of form can begin.

Ten Hag spoke to TNT Sports post-match and was questioned by Rio Ferdinand on the lack of team identity or play style this season. Ten Hag's response was that injuries had curtailed any sense of a predictable XI and that had hindered synergy or familiarity, but it is something the Dutchman needs to address quickly. November is upon us - there have been enough games and training sessions now for players to gel.

There are concerns to be had about many players; Bruno Fernandes being too stroppy, Rashford's lack of goals, players not finding enough passes to Højlund up front, but most pressing is the Antony situation. He has been the Manager's Favourite for a while, to the ire of Jadon Sancho. Poor club operations led to United paying double the asking price for him, but even if United had paid £40m, Antony hasn't even lived up to that. He's pacey and holds the ball up well, but he's unfathomably one-footed and fails take-ons almost every time. United's fatal flaw on the attack for years had been a lack of midfielders, and then it switched to being heavily LW-orientated.

If Ten Hag wants to keep the good times rolling he needs to work on Antony - whether that's tactical changes to encourage better match habits from him or benching him for the eager Pellistri. Something has to change if United want to retain a top 4 spot this season, and games against København, Luton and Everton are the perfect time to act.

[gvilla1-blog]

MUN 2-2 LEE: A Vertical Slice of Life Under ten Hag

…Low to De Gea's near post and it flies straight through his hands and intothe bottom corner. 1-0 Brentford.

A pout, an exasperated crossing of the arms. A wincing usually characteristic of a poor, beaten canine who beared witness to a raised fist.

It was at this point, a mere 100 or so minutes into the 2022-23 Premier League Season, that I was ready for the towel to be thrown. I‘d take my ball and go home, numb after the frustrations a ten year epoch of darkness following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson had brought on. I had heard this bothersome tune before under Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, and finally Ole. As sterile City and Lilliputian Liverpool claimed trophies like Larry King claimed spouses, we languished in mediocrity. Last season felt like the the last bout of a once-mighty fighter‘s career; the fight that’d driven them to flee the arena they once dominated out of sheer embarrassment, not to mention a touch of brain damage.

What followed felt like football’s answer to the Shinkansen: in what felt like moments, the scenery changed at blinding pace. In the blink of an eye, we were so far from where we had boarded. And the bullet train conductor was none other than the Vibing Dutchman, Erik ten Hag.

MUN 2-1 LIV. Casemiro. MNU 3-1 ARS. Casemiro. MUN 2-0 TOT. Casemiro’s header to equalize at Stamford Bridge. Garnacho accelerating past Fulham’s defense to deliver the killing blow at Craven Cottage. Rashford unlocking the Ultra Instinct. Casemiro. Ripping out the mean blue hearts of our noisy neighbors, 2-1. Casemiro. Old Trafford a fortress once more. Casemiro. CASEMIRO. CASEMIRO!

The highs remind us of what the sun felt like on our pale, downtrodden faces. They reminded us that football is about passion, bringing out the best in oneself, and most essentially: it’s fun.

But could it be possible that, instead of watching this hero‘s journey through until its natural end, when the ring is thrown into the fires of Mount Doom, when the young Jedi resists the dark side and defeats the evil emperor, we might have wanted the protagonist to become the Legend before it was earned? Was winning the league ever really supposed to happen this year?

Ten Hag has done so much in so little time because he’s instilled a very tangible sense of standards among this squad. They press cohesively, like a white blood cell surrounding and obliterating a harmful foreign substance. The center-halves, Licha and Varane, have the same rabid intensity and methodical coolness (respectively) that we saw during the halcyon days of Vidic and Ferdinand and sadly took for granted. The midfield takes bold steps toward the penalty box and creates chances instead of a constant rotation of metronomic sideways passes. And our attackers finish those chances! Imagine that.

But Wednesday night versus Leeds showed us that there is much left in the hourglass of our hero’s journey. We lack quality and depth in midfield, our attackers aside from Rashford are inconsistent, and our goalkeeper, once the lone bright spot of a floundering club, has reached obsolescence in the modern game.

The shortcomings ring a louder bell, but there are positives to be found. Our spirit was bruised and battered at 2-0, but we showed grit and determination as we scored two in quick succession to equal their total. And that second goal, the one that sent the Stretford End into an animalistic fury, was from our star boy, Jadon Sancho, returning from a long hiatus masterminded by ten Hag. Of the many pieces of evidence to be used in the Court of Man Management, such as the handling of the Ronaldo Debacle, Garnacho’s habitual tardiness, and Luke Shaw’s wavering motivation on the pitch and in the kitchen, there is perhaps no greater show of ten Hag’s skill in dealing with these volatile personalities than his rehabilitation of Sancho. He seems a man made new, with a confidence that can highlight the natural flair and calm lethality in his game that we hope can continue for many years.

Wednesday night was a microcosm of the season so far. Many shortcomings that hopefully only take a summer to resolve. But many positives that ought to have Reds from all four corners of the world delighted for the daylight shining through the thick canopy of Liverpool and City success.

We are impressive. Most impressive. But we are not Jedi yet.

[itscarshub]

Heidenheim 0-2 Chelsea: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Blues continue perfect Conference League campaign

Chelsea continue flawless Conference League campaign with hard-fought 2-0 win over Heidenheim, thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk. Chelsea continued their flawless start to the Conference League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Heidenheim on Thursday evening, with goals from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk giving Enzo Maresca's side the win. Kevin Muller and Filip Jorgensen were the stars of the show in the action-packed opening 25 minutes, both repeatedly tested as the two teams sliced through each other's defences, while Marc Guiu was notably wasteful in the final moment, failing to convert five great opportunities from inside the box. Chelsea maintained control of the possession for the rest of the half, holding 69% of the ball after 45 minutes, but Heidenheim stood strong and remained dangerous on the counter, though neither team were ultimately able to find the breakthrough, leaving the scores level at half time. After failing to find their clinical edge in the first half, the Blues needed just minutes in the second to break the deadlock, as Jadon Sancho's cross was brilliantly controlled by Nkunku, who fired into the far corner to give Chelsea the lead and net his seventh goal in Europe this season. Heidenheim pushed for an equaliser as the game progressed, and the hosts briefly thought they had found it when Maximilian Breunig found the net with a stunning diving header, but their celebrations were swiftly cut short as the offside flag was raised, leaving the score at 1-0 as the clock ticked towards the final whistle. Chelsea doubled their lead just minutes later when Mudryk was found inside the box from Sancho's pull-back, and the Ukrainian fired a stunning first-time shot, curling it into the top right corner. Heidenheim continued to search for a way back into the game, and deja vu struck just moments after Chelsea's second when Breunig thought he had scored, only for the offside flag to be raised immediately, dashing the hosts' hopes once again as the game finished 2-0 to the visitors. The evening was slightly marred for Chelsea in the final moments when Cesare Casadei was shown a second yellow card, a harsh dismissal for the midfielder, but Maresca will ultimately be satisfied with the result as his side stay top of the Conference League table.

HEIDENHEIM VS. CHELSEA HIGHLIGHTS

Christopher Nkunku goal vs. Heidenheim (51st min, Heidenheim 0-1 Chelsea) Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku combine to give Chelsea an early lead in the second half 🤝 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/N9Vk8ejEZq — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024 Nkunku again for Chelsea, he just can not stop scoring in Europe! Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall picks up the ball and plays it out wide to Sancho, who faces up his defender and chips a pass towards the penalty spot, where Nkunku is lurking. The forward takes a superb first touch to bring the ball into his control, letting it bounce before side-footing his strike into the far corner, giving Chelsea the lead. Mykhaylo Mudryk goal vs. Heidenheim (86th min, Heidenheim 0-2 Chelsea) What a finish that is from Mykhailo Mudryk 😮‍💨 Chelsea look set to continue their fine form in Europe 🔥 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/glsbdVCaUY — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024 Wow, what a finish from Mudryk to surely give Chelsea the win! Sancho and Dewsbury-Hall combine again on the right, with the winger receiving the ball back just inside the penalty area and taking a moment to pick out a teammate in the box. His cross is pulled back once more, this time into the path of Mudryk, who curls a sublime first-time strike into the top right corner, surely securing the victory for Chelsea. 96th min: Cesare Casadei (Chelsea) Red Card The night is slightly soured for Chelsea as Casadei receives his marching orders, the midfielder shown a second yellow card. The Italian pulls down Leo Scienza as Heidenheim look to advance up the pitch, and the referee shows him his second yellow card of the evening, meaning the midfielder will miss Chelsea's next match against FC Astana.

MAN OF THE MATCH - CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU

© Imago Nkunku scored the crucial opening goal for Chelsea, capitalising on a well-taken opportunity shortly after the break, slotting the ball into the far corner to give his team the lead. The forward's performance deserves far more recognition than just his goal, with Nkunku a constant threat throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch, registering four shots and also creating a chance for his team. Both goalkeepers also deserve mention for their stellar performances, each making a series of brilliant saves to keep their teams in the contest and ensure the game remained tight throughout the full 90 minutes.

HEIDENHEIM VS. CHELSEA MATCH STATS

Possession: Heidenheim 33%-67% Chelsea Shots: Heidenheim 16-17 Chelsea Shots on target: Heidenheim 11-8 Chelsea Corners: Heidenheim 3-6 Chelsea Fouls: Heidenheim 14-10 Chelsea

BEST STATS

4 - Christopher Nkunku is the first Chelsea player to score in each of his first four major European appearances for the club, and first to score in four in a row overall since Olivier Giroud in 2018-19. Notable. pic.twitter.com/8wl3SFyjH1 — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2024 Jadon Sancho has 5 assists in just 6 starts for Chelsea this season 😳 pic.twitter.com/2krCikg8Rv — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024  

WHAT NEXT?

The defeat for Heidenheim is their first of the league phase, but it does become their third successive loss across all competitions, and they now face two difficult encounters with Eintracht Frankfurt (home) and Bayern Munich (away) in the Bundesliga. Victory for Chelsea means they maintain their perfect record in the Conference League with four wins, while they remain unbeaten in their last five outings across all competitions, and they will look to extend that run when they face struggling Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. Source link Read the full article

[sportsgr8]

Dortmund See Off Eindhoven To Advance Into UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal

UEFA Champions League: Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus helped Borrusia Dortmund advance into the quarterfinals after securing a 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) victory over PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Dortmund made an immediate impact, with Jadon Sancho finding the net from 18 meters to give his team an early lead. Despite gaining momentum, Dortmund missed further opportunities to extend their lead, with Niclas Fullkrug and Donyell Malen being denied by Eindhoven's goalkeeper Walter Benitez, reported Xinhua. Eindhoven had a hard time gaining a foothold into the clash and created the only noteworthy opportunity through Johan Bakayoko, who tested Benitez from the edge of the box at the half-hour mark. After the restart, Eindhoven increased the pressure, as Hirving Lozano's long-range effort rattled the woodwork in the 53rd minute before Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel defused Jordan Teze's attempt three minutes later. The Dutch visitors gained the upper hand but lacked precision in the final third as Lozano and Bakayoko wasted promising chances. The hosts thought they had doubled the lead out of the blue in the 78th minute when Fullkrug's header following a free kick was ruled offside by the video assistant referee. Eindhoven remained on the front foot but neither Teze nor Luuk de Jong was able to finish off promising opportunities in the closing stages. The decisive moment came when Marco Reus, coming off the bench, secured Dortmund's victory and progression by tapping in Fullkrug's assist. "It was our aim to advance into the next round. If we look at both games, we deservedly advanced into the next round. We took the early lead but missed to add more goals to our lead," said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. Read the full article

[hardynwa]

Manchester United beat Arsenal in New Jersey friendly

Manchester United gained bragging rights over rivals Arsenal as first-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho sealed a 2-0 friendly win at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match was played in front of a stadium soccer record crowd of 82,262. Fernandes celebrated being appointed United's new captain by beating Aaron Ramsdale from 20 yards, although the Arsenal keeper could have done better. And Sancho doubled the advantage with a powerful shot into the top corner. The winger, playing as a false nine in an outfield line-up manager Erik ten Hag changed completely at half-time, finished after speeding on to a mistake from Gabriel. However it was not all good news for United, who lost forward Amad Diallo to injury minutes after his introduction at the interval. Arsenal created a number of chances but failed to find the net, including Gabriel's late header which was deflected wide. Towards the end of the game some fans started throwing punches at each other in the stand behind the United goal, although the altercation was quickly resolved. After the final whistle, the two teams took part in a penalty shoot-out - with both managers having decided their players needed to practise in front of a crowd. United won that too, 5-3, after Arsenal's Fabio Vieira skied his effort over the bar. Read the full article

[chrleclerc]

icons jadon sancho

[esblaugrana]

Headers Jadon Sancho

[bluexmendes]

Borussia Dortmund

[bbychilly]

england nt headers 🥰 (pt 3) like if you take please x

part 1 part 2

[dortmundstuff]

like if you save

[unitedbydevils]

FA Cup Review: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

Losing cup finals is never fun, but especially so when losing to one of your arch rivals. Still, at least it wasn't Leeds.

The underdogs of United managed a scoreline that wasn't a humiliation which, comparing the world class talent abundant in the Manchester City squad versus a United team with just Wout Weghorst available as a natural CF... it was at best a hit and run for the Red Devils to win at Wembley so defeat stings but wasn't a shock.

To concede a goal in 13 seconds, the record fastest goal in the FA Cup let alone an FA Cup final, is disappointing. Moreso when you consider the hesitation from an in-form Victor Lindelof to head the ball clear - a header that Lissandro Martinez would have smashed.

It wasn't just Lindelof though. United were ran ragged in parts of the game by the combination of guile and athleticism and tactical nous from City. United have their stratagems and Erik Ten Hag is demonstrably a smart manager, but flaws like the ageing Christian Eriksen, rash tackles from Casemiro, and a hesitation to contest 50/50 duels from Jadon Sancho add up to a big deficit.

City were very assured in possession and, even though they will be disappointed with how few real chances they generated, they can be pleased with the quality of their play. Jack Grealish in particular has flourished this year, having been quiet last, and his comfort on the ball and his mobility kept United nervous.

For the neutrals it wasn't a bad show; three good goals (the first very good), but all in all a deserved victory for Manchester City, and a deserved Player of the Match award for Ilkay Gundogan.

[gioreyna32]

BvB headers

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[oceansedit]

like if you save

[leahwilliamson]

Manchester United Men and Women’s players as each other, a weirdly accurate and also completely wrong thread:

Mary Earps & David de Gea

Obviously. Our wonderful number 1s. Have saved us countless times and also fucked us over countless times too. Masters at celebrating in the same way too!

Millie Turner & Harry Maguire

Our “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” centre halves. Never miss a game ever but when they do you realise your defence is complete and utter shite. Should easily get 10 goals a season from headers from a corner alone but they are both incapable. I should mention the only difference is that millie isn’t a lifeless robotic twat.

Ona Batlle and Alex Telles

Our sexy Spanish speaking loved by the whole fanbase attacking fullbacks. Need I say more?

Katie Zelem and Scott McTominay

The epitome of Yanited DNA. Pashun and Desiyah. Place in starting eleven solidified every week purely because they tahlk laek thes. That was such an unnecessary tackle to make. That was such a shit pass. Takes about 50 shots from the edge of the box in a season and scores one. I love you so much I hate you so much.

Lucy Staniforth and Fred

The other half of the terror twins/McFred. 0% pass accuracy and constant anxiety that they’re gonna get themselves sent off. Why the FUCK are you standing over this set piece. Weirdly cute and I’m weirdly endeared???? Why do skinner and solskjaer like you so much

Vilde Boe Risa and Donny van de Beek

Ah yes, VBR and VDB. I couldn’t even find a decent picture of vilde playing football for us. Done so dirty by our managers and never given a fair chance. I would give them a chance based on the fact they have sweet faces alone. Victims of the terror twins/McFred domination.

Jackie Groenen and Paul Pogba

The best vibes ever❤️may this stupid club never stop you smiling😭. Absolute beasts at international level then you come back to Manchester and the club can’t even play you in your best position. Please sign new contracts I love you

Ella Toone and Bruno Fernandes

The most obvious one yet. Our stupid feisty attacking midfielders/borderline centre forwards. They’re like little chihuahuas. I hate chihuahuas but for you two I make an exception. I’m so sorry you have to carry this club on your backs, I’ll try and get a chiropractor sorted for you. PROPER yanited, Ella is one of our own and Bruno loves the club so much it makes me ill.

Alessia Russo and Mason Greenwood

Have you ever seen either of them smile during a game? Our wonderful young english also proper yanited superstars. Just get on with their business and don’t make a fuss. Going straight to the top. Strikers turned wingers. Pls never leave me

Honerable mentions that I did consider:

Aoife Mannion and Eric Bailly - always injured and utter clowns. Class on their day and are just likeable people

Leah Galton and Jadon Sancho - where has your spark gone this season my loves :,( you deserve to be dominating those wings for club and country I hope you both find top form soon

[masonsutd]

Dunno why I bothered going on tiktok. Whenever we lose or draw it’s always this player fault or that players fault.

Let’s not talk about the fact ronaldo was purposely offside for his header. Bruno was the only one to get even close to scoring with hitting the woodwork and his freekick in extra time being saved. Phil Jones and DDG was the only ones in the squad I saw that wanted it.

Greenwood’s off the ball attitude fucking stinks but people don’t call it out because he can score. Too many time yesterday I saw someone play the ball to him and he wasn’t paying attention so wolves ended up with it.

I don’t even want to know what the fucks up with rashford. The guy plays amazingly whilst injured but he has surgery and suddenly can’t play ball to save his life.

Jadon didn’t flop yesterday because the wolves defender made a fucking fantastic interception to stop his shot.

We clearly need a proper DM Scott is alright but if you want him to be the consistent you need a consistent next to him, Fred had good games then plays shit for months. Matic can’t even play more than 2 games he looked FUCKED last night.

When ole said he left the club in better shape he thought the players would actually start doing their job. Apparently training until dark and actually pressing is impacting them, well here the solution fuck everyone off that doesn’t want to play - pogba I’m looking at you - anyone that cannot keep the stamina to press needs to not play but spend every second in the gym working on it and maybe just maybe we shouldn’t be relying on two people over 30 to be our strikers ffs. Greenwood is not a winger as shown by the fact he doesn’t get back and help his rb. We brought sancho to be our rw and where do we play him…. LW!

I’m seriously fucking sick of idiots who clearly no nothing commenting - Goldburg I’m looking at you - on the team and the fact they all called for Ole to be sacked. Maybe now your twats can see it wasn’t Ole. The players have no fucking passion and they simply just don’t care

[esblaugrana]

Header Sancho e Kimmich